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  #1  
Old 08-05-2010, 02:44 PM
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Arrow DICE vs GROM. Need to decide and looosing my mind!

Hi Guys,

I'm posting this here because this decision is governed by the fact that I have few options because I'm driving a 2000 X5 with DSP. While it's also audio, it's more important that it's a 2000 X5.

I've spent about 5 days absolutely obsessing about whether to install the DICE Silverline Pro or the GROM AUX into my X5 with DSP.
I've been working with the amazing guys from BSW but I just can't make up my mind. Aside from the price (comes out almost the same w. adapters), here are the factors I need to consider:

- 90% of my driving is 10 mins. or less. 99% of that is ONE playlist ("Driving Music")
- I'm using a tape adapter and just want higher audio quality
- I'm used to/enjoy using the iPod to control music...having song names on the screen and controlling it with my steering wheel isn't as important to me.
- I've read a LOT of negative reviews of the Dice. I know you always hear the negative and rarely the positive on the forums, but the negative I have heard sounds like it would drive me crazy.
- I'm talking about problems like difficulty scrolling, static, clicking sounds, etc.
- The DICE sounds great when it works. The GROM sounds simple, fool proof and straight forward. No scrolling text, no steering wheel. LESS to go wrong or make problems.

- There's a good chance I'll be selling my X5 in a year as I might be moving.

I'm a college student who got the X5 with sheer good luck for a great price. $200 for either system + DSP adapter is a BIG investment for me.

Can you succinctly give me your opinion? Sway me?

Thank you for your help, I've spent at least 30 hours this past week researching this. It's a problem.

Thanks to BSW for bearing with me.

Last edited by Ruckdive; 08-05-2010 at 02:57 PM.
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  #2  
Old 08-05-2010, 03:16 PM
Tom G.'s Avatar
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruckdive View Post
Hi Guys,

I'm posting this here because this decision is governed by the fact that I have few options because I'm driving a 2000 X5 with DSP. While it's also audio, it's more important that it's a 2000 X5.

I've spent about 5 days absolutely obsessing about whether to install the DICE Silverline Pro or the GROM AUX into my X5 with DSP.
I've been working with the amazing guys from BSW but I just can't make up my mind. Aside from the price (comes out almost the same w. adapters), here are the factors I need to consider:

- 90% of my driving is 10 mins. or less. 99% of that is ONE playlist ("Driving Music")
- I'm using a tape adapter and just want higher audio quality
- I'm used to/enjoy using the iPod to control music...having song names on the screen and controlling it with my steering wheel isn't as important to me.
- I've read a LOT of negative reviews of the Dice. I know you always hear the negative and rarely the positive on the forums, but the negative I have heard sounds like it would drive me crazy.
- I'm talking about problems like difficulty scrolling, static, clicking sounds, etc.
- The DICE sounds great when it works. The GROM sounds simple, fool proof and straight forward. No scrolling text, no steering wheel. LESS to go wrong or make problems.

- There's a good chance I'll be selling my X5 in a year as I might be moving.

I'm a college student who got the X5 with sheer good luck for a great price. $200 for either system + DSP adapter is a BIG investment for me.

Can you succinctly give me your opinion? Sway me?

Thank you for your help, I've spent at least 30 hours this past week researching this. It's a problem.

Thanks to BSW for bearing with me.
There are many differences between AUX and a full integration kit like the DICE Silverline kit.

The DICE should work perfectly without a hitch, you spend a lot of time in your X5 - try to make the experience as pleasurable as possible.
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  #3  
Old 08-05-2010, 04:19 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom G. View Post
There are many differences between AUX and a full integration kit like the DICE Silverline kit.

The DICE should work perfectly without a hitch, you spend a lot of time in your X5 - try to make the experience as pleasurable as possible.
Been watching videos of all the scrolling text and it honestly just looks like the whole thing would be easier by picking up the iPod, finding my song and pressing play.

Could you please elaborate on these "many differences"?
Thanks Tom
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  #4  
Old 08-05-2010, 04:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruckdive View Post
Been watching videos of all the scrolling text and it honestly just looks like the whole thing would be easier by picking up the iPod, finding my song and pressing play.

Could you please elaborate on these "many differences"?
Thanks Tom
Features of DICE SILVERLINE PRO Pod Integration kit include:
- Direct integrated connection, without the need for FM transmitters or cassette adapters
- Full Text Display
- Full control of your iPod via the radio buttons while in play
- Browse by Individual Song
- Browse by Individual Playlist
- Browse by Individual Albums
- Source Selector w/ Integrated AUX input
- Album Selection
- Full charging mode for all iPods (including iPhone touch models) through included dock connector

Features of AUX include:
- AUX is merely a headphone jack. No charging, no steering wheel control or text display.

The 2 items are completely different products. You simply get what you pay for.
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  #5  
Old 08-05-2010, 04:40 PM
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Thanks, Tom. I have a charger that plugs into my cigarette lighter and after watching numerous videos of the DICE in action it looks quite cumbersome to actually get where I want to go, whereas the GROM will just let me pick up my iPod, find my playlist with a list of songs and choose it.

I've heard nothing bad about the Grom...Is there a difference in audio quality? I understand the benefits of the Dice (things the Grom doesn't offer) but are there DRAWBACKS to the Grom?

Cheers again for your kind help.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom G. View Post
Features of DICE SILVERLINE PRO Pod Integration kit include:
- Direct integrated connection, without the need for FM transmitters or cassette adapters
- Full Text Display
- Full control of your iPod via the radio buttons while in play
- Browse by Individual Song
- Browse by Individual Playlist
- Browse by Individual Albums
- Source Selector w/ Integrated AUX input
- Album Selection
- Full charging mode for all iPods (including iPhone touch models) through included dock connector

Features of AUX include:
- AUX is merely a headphone jack. No charging, no steering wheel control or text display.

The 2 items are completely different products. You simply get what you pay for.
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  #6  
Old 08-05-2010, 05:42 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruckdive View Post
Thanks, Tom. I have a charger that plugs into my cigarette lighter and after watching numerous videos of the DICE in action it looks quite cumbersome to actually get where I want to go, whereas the GROM will just let me pick up my iPod, find my playlist with a list of songs and choose it.

I've heard nothing bad about the Grom...Is there a difference in audio quality? I understand the benefits of the Dice (things the Grom doesn't offer) but are there DRAWBACKS to the Grom?

Cheers again for your kind help.
Answered your PM.

The two products aren't really comparable. Integration is worth it. I didn't find it hard to navigate my Icelink, I just set up playlists. Often I had it on random shuffle, and just used the skip song feature on the steering wheel controls.

I don't think it is at all safe for the driver to be looking at the song list on a iPod while driving, it is the same as texting while driving, but that is just me. We have an aux input on our X3, and use it with an iPod, but I don't use it in town, only on road trips when there is a passenger along to navigate the iPod.
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  #7  
Old 08-05-2010, 05:56 PM
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I had really bad feedback from my Dice HD (not Silverline) that I ended up bailing on that and installing the OEM Aux input. I also didn't like the fact that my iPod would lock up and I couldn't control it via the device itself. There is a reason the UI on Apple's interface is so good, and I wanted to use it.

Not sure if the Silverline addresses the latter but I tried Ground Loop isolators, moving the cable, etc in my 2002 and couldn't get rid of the annoying whining sound that occurred as RPMs fluctuated.

I ended up being very happy with Aux-In.
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  #8  
Old 08-05-2010, 05:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ruckdive View Post
Thanks, Tom. I have a charger that plugs into my cigarette lighter and after watching numerous videos of the DICE in action it looks quite cumbersome to actually get where I want to go, whereas the GROM will just let me pick up my iPod, find my playlist with a list of songs and choose it.

I've heard nothing bad about the Grom...Is there a difference in audio quality? I understand the benefits of the Dice (things the Grom doesn't offer) but are there DRAWBACKS to the Grom?

Cheers again for your kind help.
For simplicity - the AUX kit would work - as it's a 3.5mm jack.

The DICE commands emulate the BMW factory CD Changer as well as the iPod commands, so no training is necessary. Having immediate access to Artists/Playlists and Albums is nice - with text display scrolling.

Let me know what you decide upon.
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email: [email protected] web: www.europeanautosource.com
tel 866.669.0705 | ca: 714.369.8524 x22 | fax: 714.908.1796


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  #9  
Old 08-05-2010, 05:59 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bd3500 View Post
I had really bad feedback from my Dice HD (not Silverline) that I ended up bailing on that and installing the OEM Aux input. I also didn't like the fact that my iPod would lock up and I couldn't control it via the device itself. There is a reason the UI on Apple's interface is so good, and I wanted to use it.

Not sure if the Silverline addresses the latter but I tried Ground Loop isolators, moving the cable, etc in my 2002 and couldn't get rid of the annoying whining sound that occurred as RPMs fluctuated.

I ended up being very happy with Aux-In.
Yea, see, reports like this keep worrying me. I've heard that so often..the higher the RPMs go the more likely you are to get a sudden whine or clicking.

I know that the new Silverline Pro lets you select whether you want to control it over the HU/Steering wheel, over the iPod, or BOTH (use "hold" switch on iPod to toggle), so at least they're making positive changes.

Still torn about it, though. GROM seems to be a no brainer, but the DICE just...feels like it's premium, although I keep hearing problems.
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  #10  
Old 08-05-2010, 06:14 PM
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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.
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2007 X3 3.0si, 6 MT, Premium, White

Retired:
2008 535i, 6 MT, M Sport, Premium, Space Grey
2003 X5 3.0 Steptronic, Premium, Titanium Silver

2002 325xi 5 MT, Steel Grey
2004 Z4 3.0 Premium, Sport, SMG, Maldives Blue
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