ipod and car connection options

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terry123terry123
Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
I need to connect my ipod to a car stereo. The cassette option required me to crank the volume way too high. A major problem when switching back to radio( I could also hear the tape mechanism spinning at low volume which bothered me). I considered the RCA to mini-plug idea but no RCA jacks on the stereo(almost destroyed dash trying this). I hear the FM transmitter method is only about as good as the cassette tape to miniplug idea(but am willing to try). I am considering splicing into a cd changer harness (which my stereo does have a jack for). Does anybody have any suggestions or comments that will help me enjoy the ipod in my car ( without using the ear buds)



Thanks so much,



(promise to never use parenthesis like this again)



Terry

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 3
    willoughbywilloughby Posts: 1,457member
    Well I just bought the Belkin FM transmitter and its pretty decent. I mean for 30 bucks its worth it.



    My VW Jetta has a connection for a 6 disc changer in the trunk. I could have bought an adapter to plug into that and then run the minijack wire all the way up to the front of the car. But the cd changer plug to minijack adapter is 70 bucks because only one company makes it. Plus the long stereo wire. I think that was too much to spend.



    So for 30 bucks I have this little wireless device that works pretty well.



    It sounds like a clear radio station. Obviously its not as good as plugging the iPod directly into a stereo and you CAN notice the difference. But its a cheap solution and it works.



    If you have any radio stations in your area that broadcast on 88.7, 88.5, 88.3 or 88.1 it won't sound as good.
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  • Reply 2 of 3
    lucaluca Posts: 3,833member
    EDIT: should have fully read the original post
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  • Reply 3 of 3
    gargoylegargoyle Posts: 660member
    a direct wire to your stereo is gonna be the best option. There are a few cables in sites such as ipodding and even on the applestore accessory page.



    I assume you also mean the old ipod. You might always have to crank the volume up a bit because the output is designed for headphones - it is NOT a line out. Similarly, the inputs on your car stereo will be calibrated for specific inputs.



    If you check the spec sheed from any good amp unit, you will see that the inputs will have different frequency and gain ranges. The most noticable is between the PHONO (record player) and CD/DVD/AUX/LINE-IN. You cannot plug a std record player into a line-in port - it just wont sound correct.



    Hopefully, someone will use the Line-Out on the new ipods to make a much better FM transmitter device and/or cabling kit.



    ** reading back through this, i am sure I have totally confused you - Jobs a goodun... ***
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