Cassette adapter or FM transmitter?
Hello everyone!
I am extremely new to this forum and the Mac/Ipod world. I'm glad i jumped on board and bought myself one of the new 15GB iPods! I've been searching for the best Mp3 portable player for about 3 years now. I always knew how fantastic harddrive based mp3 players were, but before the (new) iPod, everything was just TOO big. I was forced to buy CD/Mp3 based units...but 200 songs per disc wasn't enoegh. Now that the iPod has gotten to such a small size (and afordable price) i couldn't help but purchase one right away!
Anyway, now that i have it, i'm trying to find an easy way to use it EVERYWHERE, including my car. I've heard all the solutions (i think) so far. There is 1) the ol' trusty cassette adapter, 2) the FM transmitter, or 3) a hardwired connection in the car.
I don't have the money right now for a new car deck, or the time, expertise, or patience (and money) for a hardwired system for my VW Jetta. Right now i'm relying on my portable CD player's cassette adapter. So far i like the way it sounds, it's the closest thing i can get to CD quality without buying a new deck and hardwiring my iPod.
I've bought a CHEAP FM transmitter by Recton once from BestBuy. I returned it once i heard it in my car. There was too much background noise, it sounded more like AM broadcast, and the dynamics of the sound was horrible: no bass, too much mids, tin-like high frequencies. Since then, i've been hessitant to spend money on other FM transmitters like Belkin or iRock. But i'm hearing ALOT of discussion about the iTrip. It sounds like a good deal and it looks nice with the new iPods.
With discussion of convenience and other meathods of connection asside. With a direct comparison, what will give me better sound quality in my car?
Cassette adapter or iTrip FM transmitter?
And even if the Cassette adapter sounds better...do you think trading the adapter for the transmitter in terms of sound is worth the convenience? I'm sort of a sound freak, so your most critical observations are welcome.
:) ;)
[2176 byte] By [
ILoveMusic] at [2007-11-9 12:47:38]
# 1 Re: Cassette adapter or FM transmitter?
If you're most concerned about sound, go for the cassette adapter. The iTrip is better than most, but it's still an FM transmitter with all the disadvantages that go along with that. By the way, hard-wiring your car can be a lot cheaper than you think. Most cars' headunits accept an input for an external CD-Changer and companies like P.I.E. or BlitzSafe sell adapters that convert that into a auxiliary line input. They will cost you between $50 - $70 and are not all that hard to install yourself. I installed mine in about half an hour. Check out http://www.logjamelectronics.com/auxinpconv.html for Auxiliary Input Converters. And check out http://www.installdr.com for some help on how to install audio equipment into your car. Believe me, you won't regret the cost or effort compared to an FM transmitter or even cassette adapter.
# 3 Re: Cassette adapter or FM transmitter?
Originally posted by rt297
It seems that the downside to hardwiring it to the head unit is that it disables the CD player. I already bought the Blitzsafe adapter, but I think I will try the cassette for awhile to see if I can live without the CD player now. The kids use it alot, and I actually don't want them fooling around with my ipod. :)
If you're referring to the CD Interface Aux Input Converters, they should not disable the CD. The point of such adapters is that many headunits, whether they be single-CD or tape or just radio, accept an additional input from a CD Changer. You normally access the additional CD Changer with some kind of a mode button labelled (strangely enough) "CD Changer" or something similar. What the adapter does is allow you to plug a line input into that CD Changer Interface instead of a CD Changer. Adding such a CD Changer doesn't normally disable the headunit, so adding the adapter shouldn't either.
# 4 Re: Cassette adapter or FM transmitter?
Thank you for your responses everyone!
I think i'm going to give the iTrip a shot when it is released for the 3G (very soon...right?). Besides, $35 dollars isn't too expensive considering how much the iPod is worth and what it can do.
Will the iTrip be something sold through Apple, so that i can buy it at a local Apple store or through their dealers? I'd hate to have to try to return something on the internet. (but i'm sure someone would buy it from me here if i didn't like it.)
Anyway, i think tonicboy is right about the CD interface input. I haven't worked with mobile audio before, but it can't be too much different that home audio. I think the CD changer/head unit work like this:
The basic function of the CD changer is to play (multiple) CDs. Just like any CD player, there is an audio output (line-out) through RCA cables (or some other connection). And since there are no controls on the changer, the is an input/ouput connection for the controls for the headunit.
Basically when you hardwire your iPod or any AUX device, all you are going to do is tap into the audio connections which interface with the head unit and the CD changer. Also, most of these connections are combines into one harness, so it is necessary for us to buy these aftermarket converters.
If you have to tap into the only existing interface for the CD changer, then yes rt297, i would assume that you would lose the ability to use your CD changer, however, if you have a standalone CD headunit, i don't see why it would cut off the main CD. But, there are some CD Interface converters which allow you to switch between the iPod and CD changer by a touch of a button. (for my car anyway...)
HECK...i might be totally wrong about that crap i just wrote...i'm going to sleep now. Did i mention that i sleep with my iPod? ;)
