iPod your car
Last modified Mon, Jul 23, 2007

We'll take a look at the 4 ways to iPod your car. That way your 12 speaker, blow your doors off audio system - that the salesman said would add resale value to your ride - won't go to waste. So, we'll list them from worst solutions to best at least when it comes to audio fidelity. Ease of use is something else and can be problematic although what is more anachronistic than swapping one CD at a time (loading 6 CDs isn't much better either ). All this in light of the fact that you now have your musical world literally in the palm of your hand and the traffic report is easier to listen to - man, that's just plain wrong. - editors

12.21.2006 | Mazda Motors has announced that all six models in the Mazda MX-5 Roadster Coupe range will feature an equipment upgrade for 2007, with both iPod connectivity and an Apple iPod Nano as standard.

1. Cassette adapters. Ubiquitous since the 80's, plug this familiar gadget (looks like .. ah a cassette, with a plug attached) into your car's cassette slot, connect the buiol-in cable to your ear phone jack of your iPod and press play. It works adequately if you still have a car cassette player. I do and I am not sure it still works it has been so long since I owned a cassette. Cost is $15 to $40 and sound quality is OK. Find, iPod Cassette Adapters
   Pros: Works with every car with a cassette player built-in.
   Cons: No cassette player, hey, no cassette adapter either.
   
2. FM Transmitter These are nothing more than low-power radio transmitters that broadcast on the FM band. When you purchase you'll want to be careful that you get one that will allow you to select a specific FM frequency and also look for one that plugs into your cigarette lighter and recharges your iPod too. We compare 39 iPod FM transmitters find, FM for Nano, FM for VideoThere are two ways to use these transmitters.
   • The first is easiest, just plug a cable from the transmitter into your iPod's headphone jack. Sound quality can range from good to poor. This is often due to where you live. Live here in the Bay area as I do and the FM Band is jammed with stations - alas a lot of difficulites, at least until I drive a bit. Live where you can hear the crickets (just kidding, sort of) and you'll probably love it. Cost $30-$80 depending on extra goodies like recharging, frequency selection and holders.
     Pros: Works on every car with an FM radio (which is just about all) it is affordable and you don't need to install anything special.
     Cons: Highly dependent on where you live or drive. Some need batteries, some only work on fixed frequency and with almost all of them you'll need to figure out what to do with your iPod. Where to stash it, so to speak, and still be able to change you p-list.
     
   • The second method is more difficult, the FM transmitter "sits" between your car radio antenna and your radio.The car radio antenna plugs into the back of your FM Transmitter and the transmitter plugs into the back of the car radio, a direct connection, sort of. Sound quality is better, and less variable, than with other FM modulators, although you'll still need an uncluttered FM frequency to use. Cost is $30 to $75 and you may want an audio shop to install it.
     Pros: OK to very good sound quality. Will keep your iPod charged and no batteries required.
     Cons: Most of us will need to have a pro so the installation. Some cars may lack the standard antenna jack or it will be in the trunk where extra wiring and wire routing will be required. You also still face the issue of where to put the iPod and it is still not an eyes free operation. You need to be able to see the iPod to use it, and you thought cell phones were a danger.
3. Line-in connection. This is simple, just connect the headphone jack of your iPod to a line-in or audio-in jack on the front of your car radio, the glovebox, or maybe in the center console. You are probalby familiar with the audio-in plug (labled AUX) on your home stereo (go look, you'll see it). Can't find it, the one in your car I mean? That's because carmakers only got religion in the last year or so, and a few started adding line-in jacks where you could actually find it and use it. Cost is $2-$10 for a cable, the normal 1/8" stero plug.
   Pros: Connection is a breeze and sound quality is very good, .
   Cons: Few cars have line-in jacks yet and you still use the controls on your iPod to select new lists and change your music. There is also no charging option so, bring a car charger too.
   
4. Line-in connection via CD changer If your radio was slightly high-end, built in the past few years and had an option for a dealer installable CD changer then this is a possible solution for you. If your car lacks an easily accessible audio-in jack (option 3 above) and you want best sound quality at a relatively affordable price, then this is where you look for a connection. Cost varies from $25 to $150 plus an hour or two of installation time (not cheap). If you're into satellite radio then ask your installer about a custom A/B switchbox - iPod and satellite radio, livin' large or what? Check products from blitzsafe.com, pac-audio.com (Pacific Accessory Corp), and soundgate.com. Find iPod Auto Accessories here.
   Pros: Excellent sound quality. Possible to pass satellite radio station, song information to car radio.
   Cons: Not cheap. Usually requires a pro to install. Requires routing wires to trunk.
   
5. iPod smart connection to CD head unit. The best, most complicated and most expensive but did we say the best. Cables and/or black box modules specific to both Apple's iPod and your CD/Radio connect to the CD changer jack (usually in the trunk) or the back of the radio's CD changer (difficult to get to). They pass the signal to the radio and charge your iPod at the same time. Some modules pass artist, track, and title information to the car radio just like your iPod (very nice touch). Others (Harman/Kardon drive+play, Monster Cable iCruze) have their own small LCD panels that mount on the dash. This replaces your iPod display which can be safely stashed in the glovebox but then yo uneed to install the special display. Costs range from $100 to $400. Find iPod to car stereo direct connect solutions
   Pros: Great sound from those 12 speakers you spent two grand for. You also get your iPod battery recharged while in use, artist and song information passed to your car radio or dedicated LCD panel and last but not lease your stearing wheel or front of radio control will operate your iPod. Not that is Nirvana.
   Cons: Costly. Complex (for you, not the shop) installation. Disables iPod faceplate/controls(who cares). Some of the units currently limit you to a half-dozen playlists with specific names but will play any song on your iPod.

• Looking for all iPod Video FM Transmitters
• Looking for iPod Nano FM Transmitters
• Looking for iPod car docks, cradles, holders
• Compare iPod FM transmitters
• Find iPod Car Chargers

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