Fire Away Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 Are FM modulators that run into the head unit via the antenna input worth anything? They are 30-40 bucks via Amazon. My recently acquired 98' legacy has an aftermarket head unit, Blaupunkt Indianapolis CD34, that doesn't have any auxiliary inputs on the front or rear. I want to upgrade the HU eventually but I want to wait for something that can integrate with the iPhone 5. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
famaya26 Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 I went to Ross and found a $15 Belkin FM Transmitter. Works well but the static noise can be annoying. But mines for iPhone 4s/4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fire Away Posted March 21, 2013 Author Share Posted March 21, 2013 My first thought was one of the transmitters due to ease of use. However, the static and interference would bother me. Besides, some of the FM modulators I have seen are on par price wise with the FM transmitters and should, in theory, give better sound quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AkumaMax Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 IMO better of to get a cheap headunit like a sony xplod. Ok quality and has AUX input. since you have a 98. Should only cost about $150 installed if not less. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drift Motion Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 if you live in an area with lots of radio station...be prepared to get annoyed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fire Away Posted March 21, 2013 Author Share Posted March 21, 2013 IMO better of to get a cheap headunit like a sony xplod. Ok quality and has AUX input. since you have a 98. Should only cost about $150 installed if not less. That thought crossed my mind but I'd almost rather save up for something a little more expensive later in the year or next year when head units are available that do everything I want and sound a lot better. if you live in an area with lots of radio station...be prepared to get annoyed It shouldn't with the modulator. I had one years ago with XM Radio and it did really well at blocking out all of the signal on the station it was sent to. The sound quality left something to be desired but that was ten years ago. I'd hope they have improved since. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gire Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 Check out iSimple for the best hard wired fm mod solutions. They cut off the antenna when they activate so no outside interference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fire Away Posted March 21, 2013 Author Share Posted March 21, 2013 Those are actually the ones I was eyeing up on Amazon. Looks like they have a few low cost models available. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DryBear Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 I was looking at a bluetooth one on amazon as well: [ame=http://www.amazon.com/iSimple-ISFM21-Universal-Bluetooth-Transmitter/dp/B005XUEMK6/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1363848090&sr=1-1&keywords=fm+modulator+bluetooth+isimple]Amazon.com: iSimple ISFM21 TranzIt Universal Bluetooth Enabled FM Transmitter Car Kit for Android Devices, Blue: Automotive[/ame] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fire Away Posted March 21, 2013 Author Share Posted March 21, 2013 I've read that the sound quality from most of the bluetooth devices is questionable. The compression used to transmit data doesn't yield the same quality as if you were running through an aux in port. More of the phone to the device not the device to the head unit. Apparently there is a newer type of bluetooth compression that compression better for streaming music but, of course, apple doesn't use it yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTDogg MA Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 IMHO, given the ease of switching head units in your car, I'd get something like this: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_105KDAHD65/JVC-Arsenal-KD-AHD65.html#accessories-tab http://www2.crutchfield.com.edgesuite.net/pix.crutchfield.com/ImageHandler/fixedscale/900/900/products/2011/49/105/x105KDAHD65-o_front.jpeg Two aux inputs, USB, HD Radio built in, Bluetooth compatible with JVC adapter. (catches breath) 20x4 REAL watts RMS CEA-2006, shipped with all harnesses required to your door for $100??? Can't be beat IMHO. Don't mess with the iSimple or other adapters, just replace the ancient Blaupunkt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DryBear Posted March 21, 2013 Share Posted March 21, 2013 Doh, didn't pay close attention to the original post - I had a JCV KX-X50BT radio in my previous car, and it worked very well. I'm not an audiophile, but I thought the sound was very good over bluetooth. It didn't have a cd player, but I got it at under $80. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neltech Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 Installer here. I've installed very many fm modulators and they work wonders over the transmitters. You loose a little bit of fidelity just because of how FM works. In all my years I have never, not once, sold someone an fm transmitter because they get super annoying. You can walk into a best buy and get a deck with an AUX in for probably 70-80 dollars and re-use the install parts that are already in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitetiger Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 Check out iSimple for the best hard wired fm mod solutions. They cut off the antenna when they activate so no outside interference. this is the best way for a FM modulator. My XM sat radio unit in my Outback has one and its fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enraged Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 I installed the iSimple Tranzit BLU, works nicely. They say it's for android, but when I paired it to my iphone, it linked to the app store so I could get the app. Took 15 minutes to install, paid about $58 from amazon, plus $35 for the antenna adapters locally. I drilled a hole in my center console behind the ebrake and mounted the switch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Neutron619 Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 If you are able to pull out the radio. It may have a rear aux input. I know Panasonic have them then all you need is an RCA cable to 3.5mm aux for few bucks. If not RCA then check model number and get one through manufacturer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FJuan Posted March 22, 2013 Share Posted March 22, 2013 Check out my FM Modulator install thread, it's a little out dated, but you'll get the gist. http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/ipod-mp3-modulator-install-w-pics-103066.html?t=103066&highlight=modulator My wife's balls are delicious. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigTDogg MA Posted March 23, 2013 Share Posted March 23, 2013 If you are able to pull out the radio. It may have a rear aux input. I know Panasonic have them then all you need is an RCA cable to 3.5mm aux for few bucks. If not RCA then check model number and get one through manufacturer. http://www.crutchfield.com/S-MNPZGM85Oof/p_023INDY/Blaupunkt-Indianapolis-CD34.html No Aux in at all, no MP3 capability. Spending $80 on a FM modulator is a waste of money when you could get a new, much better HU for $20 more. Just sayin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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