What's the best way to listen to my iPod in the car?

DMoogle · #1 10-22-2007, 12:45 AM

I'm currently sharing a car with someone else, but I'd like to get some kind of an adapter to listen to my iPod while using it, and when I get my own car I'd like to not have to buy a new one. The car I'm currently using does not have a tape deck. I suppose FM Transmitters are an option, but isn't the sound quality supposed to be very low? Is there any other way? FWIW the car I'm currently using is a '98 Honda Civic.

Thanks.

a nonymous · #2 10-22-2007, 01:16 AM

I've actually had good experience using FM transmitters. I've found that it's important to choose a station that isn't actually a local station, or you'll risk interference. Try some different stations until you find one that's clean. It sounds good to me. FM transmitters are what everyone I know uses, and I know some people who are pretty picky about their music.

I don't know anything about other options. Hopefully someone else can help you with that. Obv would be ideal to have it wired in somehow, but I'm sure that's more expensive.

erbbysam · #3 10-22-2007, 01:18 AM

From my experience,the FM transmitters that you can plug into your car's cigarette lighter have been the way to go(and the quality isn't horrible)... the only other to go that I know of (besides the tape deck) is to wire it directly into your car, but I don't know too much about cars.
EDIT: lol, didn't see a nonymous's post before I posted

Freakin · #4 10-22-2007, 01:49 AM

Occasionally the decks will have an Aux input, which is designed for things like ipods and external disc changers.

If this is the case, it's usually a matter of running a cord from the back of the deck to a hole in teh dashboard or glovebox.

FM transmitters are definitely your only other option

Low Key · #5 10-22-2007, 03:58 AM

If the deck in the car you buy doesn't have an aux input, I'd buy one that did. Unless you buy a Saturn.. The addons for a simple deck install are outrageous!

SamIAm · #6 10-22-2007, 09:13 AM

If you do get an RF transmitter, make sure to get one with a digital dial. My parents gave me one with an analogue wheel to determine the output station, so it would broadcast on 87.85 or 89.24 or whatever. Not cool.

DMoogle · #7 10-22-2007, 05:25 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Occasionally the decks will have an Aux input, which is designed for things like ipods and external disc changers.

If this is the case, it's usually a matter of running a cord from the back of the deck to a hole in teh dashboard or glovebox.

FM transmitters are definitely your only other option

[/ QUOTE ]
OK I talked to a guy who knows cars, and he said that the deck I have doesn't have an auxiliary input, so I guess I'm going to go with an FM Transmitter.

Any recommendations? Thanks for the help so far guys.

SamIAm · #8 10-22-2007, 07:15 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Any recommendations?

[/ QUOTE ]
What kind of iPod do you have? Getting an iTrip off eBay is a pretty good way to go.

DMoogle · #9 10-22-2007, 07:26 PM

30GB 5th Generation (video iPod). I have a $59 Best Buy gift card that I haven't used, so I'm probably going to buy whatever there. Current car is a '98 Civic.

Actually I did some more research and finally found what looks like exactly what I'm looking for: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?...8#productdetail

Thoughts?