Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

anti-sleep · May 17, 2003, 10:19 AM

What is the easiest, good sounding way to play music on my iPod through the car stereo? I would like to have it actually wired in if possible, as the FM transmitter sound is pretty bad in comparison. Would it be best to just buy a new head unit with an aux in (if so, which one?), or is there a way to just wire it in along side my existing stereo? Thanks for any help you can give.

kovacs · 10:38 AM

Most modern radios already have a aux in, what kind of car stereo do you have ? A lot of radios don't use standard RCA connectors so you will need special cables, ask your dealer for information. If you really want the best possible sound this is the way to go, but if just you want a simple and cheap solution a casette adapter is probably the best solution for you:

Sony Casette adapter ( Apple store )

MilkmanDan · May 18, 2003, 10:10 PM

iTrip, from Griffin Technology. FM Transmitter, works on any frequency, up to 10 feet, gets its power form the iPod, only $35. No wires. Works with any FM radio. I love mine. Best $35. Only downside is that there is no model for the new iPods yet. Should be out soon.

BrettOZ · May 18, 2003, 11:59 PM

If you already have an Aux In on your current system - go with that. Just make sure it is a Stereo In and not Mono

This can be the case if it was designed for some hands Free kits etc...

My opinion on the FM option is - Don't! the added background noise is shocking!

Gee4orce · May 19, 2003, 02:13 AM

I wired up an AUX input for a Mini - it was just a matter of connecting the correct 3 pins on the back of the head unit to an audio jack. Simple - when you know how, and which 3 pins to connect ;-)

anti-sleep · May 19, 2003, 07:07 AM

Did you have to buy any adapter cables to do that?

stellardude · May 19, 2003, 11:31 PM

Get the iPod Monster Cable @ at the Apple Store or CompUSA, its like 30 bucks. the cable is made really well, and no background noise noticed. If you are familiar with Monster Cable products, this one rules.
My current setup is a the cable running to the aux in on my Kenwood Car Deck and then the other end of it is in my glovebox.

G4ME · May 19, 2003, 11:40 PM

i got a realativly cheap JVC deck because it had a line in for my ipod, i tired the tape deck route and it just didn't do it for me, it didn't work some of the time, or it sounded crapy, i have to say i love the line in on my JVC, i just wish i had it more hiden, so it looks a little better.

pixeljunky · May 20, 2003, 12:10 AM

my car's cd player has a aux in that i use, the only problem is the volume seem to be set at like 5 (25 is the highest) and i can't seem to get it any laouder, all i can do it turn up and down the volume on the ipod, and thats not really laoud.

i'm thinking about getting the itrip i live in MN so there aren't that many stations here and i hope it works as good as people say it does.

Gee4orce · May 20, 2003, 03:06 AM

Originally posted by anti-sleep:
Did you have to buy any adapter cables to do that?

No - I used a CD-ROM -> Soundcard lead, an old audio jack, and a connector block, with the instructions found at www.mini2.com (in the Interior/ICE forum). Total cost ~ �5UKP.

In fact, it cost me more to buy the correct screwdriver I needed to remove the facia to get to the head unit !