# Have iPod FM transmitters improved any?/Add AUX input to factory car stereo **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 24, 2011, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739 "2011-06-24T18:14:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [June 24, 2011, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/1 "2011-06-24T18:14:44Z")
I going to buy a used car that unfortunately falls in the model years (early to mid 2000s) before AUX stereo inputs were common but _after_ factory stereos included cassette players (CD only). This leaves me with the options of either getting an iPod FM transmitter, which IME have never worked very well, or… I don’t know. I’d really rather not spend the time, money, and trouble to replace the factory stereo. I haven’t kept up with car audio for a good 15 years. How hard would it be to simply add an AUX input to the existing stereo? Any recommendations? Car is a 2003 Lincoln LS, if that helps. ---
**Author:** ![Shamozzle](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shamozzle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shamozzle)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 3:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/2 "2011-06-25T03:27:04Z")
Don’t get the one made by Monster Cable for the iPhone 4. It sucks: really static-y, too quiet, and the user interface was design by Rube Goldberg. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 3:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/3 "2011-06-25T03:31:48Z")
If it has a changer input, then someone might make a box to use that input to give you an AUX in. ---
**Author:** ![ptr2void](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ptr2void/32/3406_2.png) [@ptr2void](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ptr2void)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 11:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/4 "2011-06-25T11:16:48Z")
I tried [this one from Belkin](http://www.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=390447) and it sucked. Lots of static, poor quality sound and no gain. I returned it pretty much straight away. ---
**Author:** ![mittu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/ecd19e/32.png) [@mittu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mittu)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 11:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/5 "2011-06-25T11:31:09Z")
I use [one of these](http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/FM-Transmitter-Hand-Free-Car-Kit-iPhone-iPod-MP4-/190487715584?pt=AU_MobilePhoneAccessories&hash=item2c59f3df00#ht_4909wt_905), cheap and cheerful but very good. I think a lot of it depends on finding a clear channel to broadcast on, fortunately for me I have a channel where there is no static at all so the audio quality is very good. ---
**Author:** ![Martin\_Hyde](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/47e85d/32.png) [@Martin\_Hyde](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martin_Hyde)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/6 "2011-06-25T13:02:19Z")
I tried this route for an older truck not long ago and the best reviewed FM transmitted from [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com) still sucked absolute ass. FWIW, if you go to a Best Buy, RadioShack or even a Wal-Mart you can get a car stereo for around $100, and with installation and taxes it will probably only set you back $150 (some stores run specials with free installation, too.) ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/7 "2011-06-25T13:28:31Z")
most OTA FM transmitters do suck, as noted, but there are some hard-wired FM modulators\* which don’t suck as much. it’s essentially a small interface box which you plug into the back of the radio, and then plug your antenna cable into the box. I’ll see if I can look one up and link it. - yes, that’s partially redundant. > [@](#): > > FWIW, if you go to a Best Buy, RadioShack or even a Wal-Mart you can get a car stereo for around $100, and with installation and taxes it will probably only set you back $150 (some stores run specials with free installation, too. the problem with this approach is that you lose the EQ designed for the car and it’ll sound worse. ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [June 25, 2011, 3:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/8 "2011-06-25T15:02:33Z")
This fm transmitter works fine for me. I got it based on user comments. Like any of these products finding an unused channel can be challenging. At least this product lets you save the setting in memory. I found one channel that works well in my city. Another channel is great on my 130 mile trip to my parents house. The alternative of no music at all makes me love ths product. The local stations here are terrible. [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BZENZQ](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001BZENZQ) ---
**Author:** ![Projammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/projammer/32/559_2.png) [@Projammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Projammer)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 4:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/9 "2011-06-26T04:38:37Z")
FM transmitters pretty much fail, especially if you do any kind of traveling where broadcast stations start stepping on whatever frequency you’re using. I installed an [Aux Adapter](http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140425947643) in my car and I love it. You still have to poke around behind the dash, but it’s cheaper and easier than having to deal with an aftermarket radio, dash adapter kit, and wiring harness adapter. ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 5:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/10 "2011-06-26T05:49:27Z")
When we drove cross-country and did not relish the idea of countless hours of being able to find nothing but staticky AM radio, I bought [this](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BWACX2) and it worked very well. The key is to get something that can be set to a non-US frequency such as 87.9, assuming your car’s stereo can be tuned to that. In this global market, most radios can handle it. We were able to go from coast to coast without ever having to hunt for a dead spot to use the thing with. ---
**Author:** ![jz78817](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jz78817/32/1028_2.png) [@jz78817](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jz78817)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 6:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/11 "2011-06-26T06:11:45Z")
> [@](#): > > The key is to get something that can be set to a non-US frequency such as 87.9, assuming your car’s stereo can be tuned to that. In this global market, most radios can handle it. can you point out an example? I’ve not encountered any. I know the tuners used can typically handle everything, but they’re programmed/configured for the FM bands for each market. ---
**Author:** ![antonio107](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/7ea924/32.png) [@antonio107](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/antonio107)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 6:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/12 "2011-06-26T06:20:01Z")
I have a white Car port charger and broadcaster for my Ipod. I believe it’s called a “transpod.” It charges my ipod amazingly fast, and broadcasts anywhere from 88.1 to 107.9 pretty well. I usually toggle between the two extremes. 88.1 works well 99% of the time, but then on the odd occasion I will go somewhere where there will be a whole lot of static, and switching to 107.9 clears that up! ---
**Author:** ![Tangent](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tangent/32/3098_2.png) [@Tangent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tangent)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/13 "2011-06-26T12:07:40Z")
I got this one [http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OTF6G0](http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000OTF6G0) based on the good reviews and the price. It’s not an iPod-specific model, so it would plug into the headphone jack. It works great–I use channel 87.9 and I get a strong signal with no bleeding over even in metro areas. ETA: I live in the U.S. and drive a Nissan. (regarding the ability to tune a radio to 87.9) ---
**Author:** ![MysteryFellow63427](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a88e4f/32.png) [@MysteryFellow63427](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysteryFellow63427)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 1:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/14 "2011-06-26T13:11:34Z")
My experience in several major U.S. cities over the years (including one I purchased ~3 years ago) has been TERRIBLE. I would never, ever, ever, EVER buy one of these if I had an alternative and lived in a city. They seem to work OK in the countryside where you can find a truly “clean” FM signal. ---
**Author:** ![emacknight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/3ec8ea/32.png) [@emacknight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/emacknight)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/15 "2011-06-26T14:34:53Z")
> [@Martin\_Hyde](#): > > I tried this route for an older truck not long ago and the best reviewed FM transmitted from [Amazon.com](http://Amazon.com) still sucked absolute ass. > > FWIW, if you go to a Best Buy, RadioShack or even a Wal-Mart you can get a car stereo for around $100, and with installation and taxes it will probably only set you back $150 (some stores run specials with free installation, too.) I bought an older truck recently and almost went with this suggestion. I was amazed at how cheap new stereos can be, and by watching the ads for a couple weeks you’ll eventually find a place offering free installation or something similar. Seems like they are always on sale. Even the most low end models will have aux in and USB. The downside to this is that while the stereo is $100, and the installation is free, there is a 99% chance that for some reason YOUR car requires an additional $200 mounting bracket and $100 adapter… > [@Projammer](#): > > FM transmitters pretty much fail, especially if you do any kind of traveling where broadcast stations start stepping on whatever frequency you’re using. > > I installed an [Aux Adapter](http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140425947643) in my car and I love it. You still have to poke around behind the dash, but it’s cheaper and easier than having to deal with an aftermarket radio, dash adapter kit, and wiring harness adapter. This is why I ended up doing, but I went with iSIMPLE for $80 and got free installation, plus a $20 adapter. Technically it’s an FM transmitter but it’s powered and connects directly to your antenna input. I actually like this better than the new stereo option because you can put the input hole where ever you want, instead of having cables running up to your stereo. There are a bunch of variations, and includes iPhone adapters. ---
**Author:** ![Ravenman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ravenman/32/2929_2.png) [@Ravenman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ravenman)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 2:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/16 "2011-06-26T14:40:44Z")
I just posted this last week in another thread, but all the FM transmitters and aftermarket iPod adapters turned out to be junk for me. I bought a stereo at Crutchfield that came with all the needed mounting brackets and hardware - free - and it was easy to install in an hour. The Crutchfield website seems to tell you if you car has any unusual quirks beyond the needed installation brackets and such. Best Buy, on the other hand, would have charged around $100 more to install tha same stereo. I highly recommend just looking at a new stereo, and not wasting time trying different brands of adapters and such. ---
**Author:** ![2gigch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2gigch1/32/3313_2.png) [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/17 "2011-06-26T15:09:23Z")
> [@jz78817](#): > > most OTA FM transmitters do suck, as noted, but there are some hard-wired FM modulators\* which don’t suck as much. it’s essentially a small interface box which you plug into the back of the radio, and then plug your antenna cable into the box. I’ll see if I can look one up and link it. > > - yes, that’s partially redundant. This. I bought one for about $50 on Crutchfield. Wired it into my 2004 work Explorer. Throw the electric switch to turn it on, tune to a preset station, and off you go. Sounds wonderful! ---
**Author:** ![2gigch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2gigch1/32/3313_2.png) [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/18 "2011-06-26T15:15:40Z")
[Here](http://www.crutchfield.com/p_607FMDA25/FM-Direct-Adapter.html?search=fm+modulator) is one for $20.00. ---
**Author:** ![gaffa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e68b1a/32.png) [@gaffa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gaffa)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 3:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/19 "2011-06-26T15:16:40Z")
Maybe at some point, these will broadcast a digital FM signal, instead of the static filled analog one. ---
**Author:** ![PunditLisa](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/4af34b/32.png) [@PunditLisa](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PunditLisa)\ **Post date:** [June 26, 2011, 6:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739/20 "2011-06-26T18:00:33Z")
I bought one of the radio frequency transmitters and it is horrible, even in remote places. Now I use it solely as an in-car iPod charger and use the cassette transmitter. Quality isn’t great but it’s better than listening to static. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/have-ipod-fm-transmitters-improved-any-add-aux-input-to-factory-car-stereo/586739.md?page=2)