DICE vs GROM. Need to decide and looosing my mind!

[Ruckdive]

Originally Posted by JCL

You seem to have a case of Analysis Paralysis. First decision is, do you really want either?

If you are worried about feedback from wiring, that can happen with any device and has more to do with your vehicle than the accessory you are installing.

If you don't think the Grom has any issues, do a Google search. I found a half million pages by googling "Grom Ipod Problems", about the same number for "DICE Ipod Problems". Not scientific, but there you go. I have never used the Grom, so can't comment on the quality. My Icelink worked fine.

One thing you might want to consider is that Tom is a board sponsor, and answers DICE questions in the sub forum. That may be worth something to you, it is to me.

Very true. In fact, you are correct on all counts. I'm a college student on a budget and I'm new to any type of modifications to my car. Naturally this is part of "tuning' a car to your preference, I'm just encountering a bad case of not wanting to make the "wrong" decision, even when BOTH options will likely make me happy in the end.

One hour I'm convinced the simplicity of the GROM is the way to go. Then I read a forum post, a note by Tom or someone from BSW and I think "They're right, it IS only the unhappy people who post" and I think the DICE must surely be the best choice.

Either way...happy to hear more input and I'll definitely let the whole world know when I've decided.

[fullmetaljacket]

I'm currently a GROM user. Got it from ebay and installed it myself. I'm happy with it BUT I want more functions and capabilities! (Human Nature?) I decided to try the DICE as well - so I ordered it through ebay a few days ago. It will arrive Aug 17. I will be able to compare and probably make a comparative analysis for both modules a few days after the 17th.

[Ruckdive]

Originally Posted by fullmetaljacket

I'm currently a GROM user. Got it from ebay and installed it myself. I'm happy with it BUT I want more functions and capabilities! (Human Nature?) I decided to try the DICE as well - so I ordered it through ebay a few days ago. It will arrive Aug 17. I will be able to compare and probably make a comparative analysis for both modules a few days after the 17th.

Glad to hear from someone in the same situation! How did you like the GROM (fit, audio quality, etc.) Does it behave itself?

See, I'm actually not really in need of more functions and capabilities, I just want high-quality music from my iPod in my X5 and am concerned that the "extra capabilities" make the Dice less stable.

[fullmetaljacket]

Finally got my DICE here in Manila and I personally installed it earlier this morning. If the GROM unit was easy to install, the DICE was 5 times easier because it came with the whole rear connector for the Business CD Radio.

Point by Point Comparison DICE vs GROM:

AUDIO QUALITY - same for DICE and GROM (CD Quality)

ADDTL. AUX input - same (Present in both DICE and GROM)

AUX Input Audio Quality
-DICE is better. It comes with adjustable Bass, Mid and Treble. AUX unit can also be recalled through CD-5 button. I have my DVD Player Audio routed through here!
-GROM does not have this function. To toggle between the IPOD and the AUX unit, you have to disconnect one of them.

IPOD INTEGRATION
Audio Quality - same CD Quality Audio

Playlist Accessing
DICE is better, ALL Playlists are acdcessible / GROM is limited to 5 Playlists only

Accessing of other IPOD Content
-DICE is better, you can access by Playlist, by Album, By Artist, By Song. Song titles, Artists, Album titles all appear on my instrument cluster pixelized screen.

-GROM - Only 5 playlists can be accessible through the MID Radio controls. Although you can just plug on your IPOD through the AUX input of the GROM and access the songs through the IPOD controls directly.

PRICE:
GROM $70
DICE $160 (128% MORE THAN THE GROM)

Overall Comment / Verdict:
-DICE is for the Audiophiles and iPOD/Music Addicts who does not mind spending 128% more just to have the iPOD unit hidden and out of sight. Needs to see his X5 dashboard clean and neat!

-GROM is for the budget conscious music iPOD lovers who don't care if they access other iPOD content through the iPOD buttons itself.

I currently love the DICE! (until a better one comes along). Thanks guys! Hope this helps.

[gmx]

It sounds, from your usage, like you don't need the extra niceties of the Dice unit. If all you want to do is play the iPod through your stereo using a high-quality input, and you're on a budget, the least expensive way to go sounds like the best.

Unless you need it to recharge your iPod's batteries, another option is a BMW Auxiliary Input cable, which attaches to the back of your head unit. They're about $75.

[joeboch348]

i had the silverline pro. i have dsp in my 02 x5 but didnt need the adaptor. it worked great. i replaced it with the mediabridge for bluetooth and that works great. takes 10 mins to hook up. i know nothing of the other one. i bought a used ipod on ebay for $40. that way i didnt have to bother running the wires to the front of the car. scrolling is easy, but basically i left it on my top 25 songs and never touched a button. i'll let the silverline pro go cheap.

[Tom G.]

Originally Posted by fullmetaljacket

Finally got my DICE here in Manila and I personally installed it earlier this morning. If the GROM unit was easy to install, the DICE was 5 times easier because it came with the whole rear connector for the Business CD Radio.

Point by Point Comparison DICE vs GROM:

AUDIO QUALITY - same for DICE and GROM (CD Quality)

ADDTL. AUX input - same (Present in both DICE and GROM)

AUX Input Audio Quality
-DICE is better. It comes with adjustable Bass, Mid and Treble. AUX unit can also be recalled through CD-5 button. I have my DVD Player Audio routed through here!
-GROM does not have this function. To toggle between the IPOD and the AUX unit, you have to disconnect one of them.

IPOD INTEGRATION
Audio Quality - same CD Quality Audio

Playlist Accessing
DICE is better, ALL Playlists are acdcessible / GROM is limited to 5 Playlists only

Accessing of other IPOD Content
-DICE is better, you can access by Playlist, by Album, By Artist, By Song. Song titles, Artists, Album titles all appear on my instrument cluster pixelized screen.

-GROM - Only 5 playlists can be accessible through the MID Radio controls. Although you can just plug on your IPOD through the AUX input of the GROM and access the songs through the IPOD controls directly.

PRICE:
GROM $70
DICE $160 (128% MORE THAN THE GROM)

Overall Comment / Verdict:
-DICE is for the Audiophiles and iPOD/Music Addicts who does not mind spending 128% more just to have the iPOD unit hidden and out of sight. Needs to see his X5 dashboard clean and neat!

-GROM is for the budget conscious music iPOD lovers who don't care if they access other iPOD content through the iPOD buttons itself.

I currently love the DICE! (until a better one comes along). Thanks guys! Hope this helps.

Great review! Did you receive the DICE DUO or MediaBridge?