Like title said, im gathering opinions of using this rather than going with a vehicle specfic adapter that plugs into the radio.

I know, obviously sound quality is greater with the real adapter. I just want to know how much greater?

For people wanting to know. My radio reception is decent, very few spots during my drives where i would pick up some static, which is normal i assume. My only concern is the volume sensitivity isnt that great compared to when i play CD's.

For instance, with my volume on 15 playing a CD is LOUD.

To get the same "loudness" when playing the radio, i would have to put it to like 22-25, and some lack of depth in sound anyway. Not as crisp and clear like playing a CD.

Im assuming my ipod music will be the same way if i went the radio route huh?

I just dont feel like spending clost to 150 bucks on the vehicle specific adapter because i might be trading in the car. The FM transmitter is only 16 bucks off ebay, even comes with the holder lol.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Hi, I have used both.
The transmitter way depends on the transmitter itself, as far as quality goes, but it's a bit buggy, at least FWICR (I don't have it any longer). I found it a bit clunky as an idea, so when I changed the RX7 stereo, I decided to go with an adapter. Now, on my new VW Jetta there is yet another way to connect (AUX jack).
I feel this last one is the best.

In my opinion, there is a problem with operating the iPod from the deck using the purpose-built adapter: unless you have plenty of screen real estate, navigating the iPod is a bit of a pain. Operating it from its own interface is a much better option.

Lastly, with the jack, you get quality sound in and you navigate the iPod from within, which I see as the best solution.

I hope this helps.

 

Operation is not a problem for me. I can operate all settings and functions through the ipod itself (ipod touch which is the easiest to operate IMO). Im just concerned about sound quality, cost and installation, and if its worth it.

If i was gonna keep the car, no doubt i would do the vehicle specific adapter. But i might be trading the car in 6 months or so and i dont want to spend, go through the work of taking the factory radio out to put this.

This is the transmitter i was going to buy.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=330294614648

 

I have a KCA-420i iPod adapter on my Alpine head unit and I have had a iTrip wireless iPod transmitter.

The KCA really outdoes the iTrip. Basically having a wired in adapter has much better sound quality and much more stable. With the iTrip it sometimes cuts out.

 

I've used both too. I got the Monster transmitter since it's also a DC charger, but mainly got it in case I have to borrow a car or something so I could still listen to it without using earbuds. It'll cut out or get static though, just like pretty much any other transmitter. If you know for sure you aren't keeping the car too much longer than just get a transmitter now and get a cable later. If the deck of your current car has just a regular red/white aux in on the back and not a specific type then I would say to get a cable for that. I have one and just plug it into the base I have from my old ipod then put the ipod on that. That way the sound isn't going out of the headphone jack and sounds a lot better. I also don't have to turn the volume up all the way on the ipod, which was really annoying when I used to plug it in the headphone jack in the car because I'd sometimes forget to turn it back down when putting the earbuds on.

 

Are you talking about component cables? Like the red/white ended cables?

Ill go that route but i am unsure if my factory radio has it. Im gonna have to research that.

I think ill try that before i go the FM transmitter way.

I really want to trade my car in end of summer the very latest so we'll see.

 

Hell i just have the little itrip which plugs in the bottom and sends the signal to the radio...no real "installation" unless you count pluggin it in to the bottom of your ipod installing. you can also lay it anywhere in the car

 

don't waste your $ on a fm transmitter. i've tried a few different types including the iTrip, and expensive belkin ones.... all have bad static.

 

Yeah, I doubt a factory deck has those though, I haven't seen one that does. It works way better than an FM transmitter and is cheaper.

 

My girlfriend has a FM transmitter in her accord. It sounds just like radio in stero sound. She's pretty happy with it.

 

if your looking for the best quality your better off running audio cables from the back of your deck, I hate FM Transmitters but I do use the cassette converter in my fc and it sounds decent

 

too lazy to read so if its a repost oh well...


my friend has one and uses it in her g35.... forgot the name but it was one of the more expensive ones and its OK at best. imo not worth the money. the aux connection is better then the fm garbage... i remember we had to fiddle with it in certain areas to get it clear enough to listen to....

 

I've used 2 FM transmitters: A griffin one on my old school 2nd gen 40 gb ipod and it sucked...but not as bad as the apple brand transmitter my girlfriend has for her ipod nano.

My Kenwood adapter however works excellent and the sound quality is clear.

 

The car is an 06 (not an rx7) btw. Maybe that should clear up some factory questions.

I tried looking up the car online but i was getting mixed answers. I guess im gonna have to pull the factory radio and see for myself.

But you guys are now convincing me to not go the FM route at all. Now its either the component jack cables, if my car has the ports, or the ipod adapter itself for 150 bucks.

 

stay away from fm transmitters i have had many of them and they all sucked and were very staticy. i would spend the 150 and get the real deal.

 

Thanks for the advice, i decided not to go FM transmitter route.

Im gonna get the car specific adapter.

 

I've dealt with both FM transmitters and direct Ipod connectivity to the deck. Deck connectivity has perfect clarity but you have to use the deck to scroll through all the band names sooooooo slooowwwwly. Its worth it to me though. The technology is getting better, alpines digital-only decks (no CD drive) are the quickest I've seen so far.