FM Modulator for Car Stereo:::SOLVED

archonwarp

So my car doesn't have an aux. input in order to allow me to run a cable from my mp3 player to my stereo. It does, however, have two 'cigarette lighter' ports, allowing me to power both my Zune and an FM modulator. I already considered the official Microsoft one, but all of the reviews say that it's basically worthless. Does anyone know of any high quality modulators? I'm willing to shell out a decent amount of money for this, provided it gives me a fairly clear sound.

FM Modulator route for me. 70 Dollars in parts and adapters, and I'm good to go with CD-quality music via my mp3 player. Thanks everyone!

Mmmm... Cocks...

It doesn't have an aux. in but does it have a tape player?
They're cheaper and give a better sound quality.

archonwarp

Mmmm... Cocks... wrote: »

It doesn't have an aux. in but does it have a tape player?
They're cheaper and give a better sound quality.

No, just a CD player. What kind of company would make a 2007 model car without an aux input? You'd think mp3 players would be popular enough to warrant that.

Ohemeffgee

I have nothing but good things to say about http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JODKRM. A little steep on the price, but otherwise EXCELLENT.

Improvolone

For about $100 you can get a new headunit installed, might want to consider that.

mugginns

Do you want a modulator or you want a transmitter? A transmitter won't require any install time. An FM modulator will require some install but will sound better, require less fussing, and be cleaner looking (and probably cost less too).

xYUUBINKYOKUx

I got one of these irock! Beamit Wireless Music Adapter (400FM) about 3 years ago and it has worked out great. I think it was only around $30 and I remember I picked it up at radio shack. Sometimes on long trips I have to switch around the frequency to one with a weak or no radio station on it as I get in range of other citys.

Nrthstar

xYUUBINKYOKUx wrote: »

I got one of these irock! Beamit Wireless Music Adapter (400FM) about 3 years ago and it has worked out great. I think it was only around $30 and I remember I picked it up at radio shack. Sometimes on long trips I have to switch around the frequency to one with a weak or no radio station on it as I get in range of other citys.

I had one of these for awhile when I got my first MP3 player (go go Mini Disks). Eventually though I just went out and bought a new head unit with an aux in due to my need for clarity. It isn't a bad unit, it just will never do the same as a wired input.

archonwarp

Ohemeffgee wrote: »

I have nothing but good things to say about http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JODKRM. A little steep on the price, but otherwise EXCELLENT.

I'm leaning towards this, but I'm wondering if there will be bad interference if I'm using this + plugged in charger.

Would This thing be a good example of a modulator? I'm down for something like this that doesn't void my warranty, plus all the reviews say that it's awesome.


As for installing a new head unit, I don't really want to go down that road. I have a ridiculously good deal on my car, which I got by leasing. It's set up in a way that would prevent me from taking a big hit if I decide to buy out the car, though I don't think I'm going to. Since I'm probably not going to keep this for more than another two years, I don't really want to put in a new head unit. I do know that it has XM installed, which I don't plan on ever using-- is there a way to run a cable into the XM input? At the very least, that would be cheaper than a new head unit.

Deusfaux

even if there isnt an obvious auxillary port on the front of your deck, ask some guys who install that stuff and see if your model doesnt have auxillary in the back of it - and then you can get some of those kits places like best buy sell for a direct line solution.

and if you go the FM transmitter route (im not sure about modulator - apparently its better) you'll eventually just grow tired of the fuzz and want to get a direct connection - and $100 for a new deck with a 3.5mm jack on the front won't seem unreasonable.

i know that's the switch I'm making

archonwarp

Well, I asked this guy at Bestbuy car audio, and he was incredibly knowledgeable on the subject. He was even able to tell me what adapters I'd need to buy for my make of car, and that I needed to be careful when I wired it so that they don't accuse me of voiding my warranty . By tomorrow I should have my FM Modulator wired in. Thanks for all the help!