Playing iPods in the car

[ZWD40]

Could you guys help me in picking a good method for using my iPod as a source of music

1) FM Transmitters are definitely out. They're noisy. They hiss even if theres no music playing. It struggles in the metro where the FM frequencies are strong

2) FM Modulators - slightly more expensive, installation required, less noise than FM Transmitters(2a), power(2b)
2a) how much noise should I expect?
2b) I havent tried these, but I expect the volume will be just as low, same as:::

3) Cassette Adapters - cheapest solution, but theres still some noise(from the cassette adapter itself, not from outside interference). I've tried these, however the power/volume is a concern. My music being played is ridiculous low; if I pump up the volume, the hiss just becomes much more noticeable while the music volume is still just as low

4) Auxiliary Input Adapters/Line Out Connection - my car doesnt have aux in, so I would need to get an adapter for it
4a) would this negate the power/volume concern if I use the line out from ipod (instead of the headphone jack of the ipod using an LoD) straight to the Auxiliary In?

4b) what kind of socket/connectivity would my head unit need for me to add an Auxiliary Input Adapter?

5) Replacement Head Unit that has an auxiliary in, or is designed for playing ipods - Since this is the most expensive solution of all 5 choices, this would have to be my last resort

[renzo_d10]

I use Option number 4 -- since my headunit has aux-in but has no usb function.

iPods have a standard socket size of 3.5mm as well as headunits, so it will fit perfectly well. The cable I bought over a year ago at Ace Hardware for 80 pesos still does its job.

However, since you're going to change your headunit in the process might as well get a good headunit. At least the one that can accomodate USBs. At least you can play good music through your USB even though your iPod isn't around. But then, it costs more than of a standard headunit with aux-in like what I have.

BTW, no offense but cassette players are already old-school. My car used to have one, I tried using FM transmitters .. it sucks. I got fed up, and bought a new headunit instead. One that can accommodate CDs and as i've said, aux-in.

[testament11]

Go with option 5. Ang aux-in kasi, in my case, is ok naman, though you need to increase your volume level sa head unit. Kahit sagad na sa iPod, hindi pa rin ganun kalakas sa head unit. Besides, there are lot of head units na with USB's or supports iPod/iPhone that are not really expensive. Usually, prices of those head units start at around 5k, depending on the brand and features of the unit.

[renzo_d10]

Go with option 5. Ang aux-in kasi, in my case, is ok naman, though you need to increase your volume level sa head unit. Kahit sagad na sa iPod, hindi pa rin ganun kalakas sa head unit. Besides, there are lot of head units na with USB's or supports iPod/iPhone that are not really expensive. Usually, prices of those head units start at around 5k, depending on the brand and features of the unit.

Yup, yun nga lang test. When I play music via aux-in my volume is usually around 27-30

Kapag CD naman it hardly goes above 25. Mga 22 lang siya.

And yup, +/- 5k with USB function. Yung pioneer ko, though, na walang USB 3k lang bili ko. Haha.

[ZWD40]

since you guys are using the Aux In, have you tried using an LoD(Line Out) to 3.5mm to connect the ipod, instead of 3.5mm-3.5mm(which uses the ipod's headphone out, which has a weaker signal)?

LoD to 3.5m:



i think it will help with the loudness/volume issue

[testament11]

since you guys are using the Aux In, have you tried using an LoD(Line Out) to 3.5mm to connect the ipod, instead of 3.5mm-3.5mm(which uses the ipod's headphone out, which has a weaker signal)?

LoD to 3.5m:



i think it will help with the loudness/volume issue

Hmmmm, I think sa ganitong cable, mukhang magkakaroon ng quality loss. Mas maganda pa rin kasi ang via USB.