| mgmdx |
I have a Rio S50 MP3 player. It has only a headphone jack, and no auxiliary outputs. I currently listen to it in multiple cars using a cassette adapter. While this is not the optimum solution and does not sound as good as a BlitzSafe conversion would, it allows me the flexibility to easily transfer my music between cars.
I am looking for better sound quality, and would also like to add the flexibility to listen to my MP3s via my home stereo, directly from the MP3 player, without having to burn extra CDs or install any networking equipment.
While the BlitzSafe option is a great solution if only 1 car was involved, it is not the best choice in my case, given that I usually transfer my MP3 player between 3 cars. I would have to install 3 separate BlitzSafe units, and I still would not be able to listen to the MP3s loaded on my player via my home stereo.
The option that I am considering is the FM transmitter/modulator such as the Belkin TuneCast II, for example (see picture below).
- Does anyone have any experience with this type of device?
- Will this provide better sound quality in the car than the cassette adapter?
- What are some of the advantages/disadvantages for using this type of setup (both in the car and with a home stereo)?
- Is there another brand/model of this type of device that may be better than the Belkin unit?
- Are there any other options that are available to me, given the flexibility that I require? |
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| JR8 |
I am sure this has been covered in this forum elsewhere, but I am too lazy to try and search for it.
I use an MP3 player between my 2 cars, and home stereo so I think I can shed some light on this.
- The FM transmitter will not sound as good as the cassette adapter and will be a real pain since you live in the SF area (the more radio stations, the harder to get an empty frequency).
- I ended up putting a blitzsafe in one car and use the cassette adapter in the other. This may not be the answer you are looking for, but after using all 3 I am glad I installed the blitzsafe. It sounds MUCH better than the cassette adapter. I don't use the 2nd car as much(wife's car) so I just rough it out with the adapter.
- As for your stereo, just buy a cable that has a headphone plug on one end and RCA connectors on the other and plug it into an open set of inputs on your stereo. You should be able to pick this up at any Radio Shack. |
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| mgmdx |
Thanks, JR8.
I did go for the Y-adapter cable and used the inputs on my home stereo to connect the MP3 player. It sounds great.
Thanks for your advice on using the cassette adapter over the FM transmitter. I have actually been using the cassette adapter for the last couple months. It sounds OK, but the problem that I have with it is the "old-style" tape hiss when the volume is turned up. The hiss goes away when the Dolby noise reduction button is activated, but that makes the sound muffled and muddy. Any way that you know of to get around this (aside from installing the BlitzSafe)?
Thanks. |
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| JR8 |
I am not familiar with this issue. If it was me I would probably do the following:
1. clean the head(s) on the tape player
2. if that doesn't resolve the problem, buy a better tape adapter.
These are just guesses. |
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| trixie |
| I'd check the new Sony Network Walkman. Competition for IPod? |
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| Tanuki |
Check out Phatnoise.com.
I have one on my Audi and am waiting for the new version to come out before I get one for my new MDX. |
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