tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post4060620551832271997..comments2023-11-10T04:17:00.492-05:00Comments on View From The Porch: Audio bleg:Tamhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07285540310465422476noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-40828120397242779312009-07-01T21:39:51.425-04:002009-07-01T21:39:51.425-04:00The trick with the cassette adapters is to find a ...The trick with the cassette adapters is to find a good one. I had a great, cheap one from Panasonic that I accidentally broke a few months ago; the replacement I bought from Sony wasn't nearly as good. <br /><br />Some of it also depends on what you're listening to. If it's Palestrina, you're going to really notice a bad adapter. Cannibal & the Headhunters? Not so much.<br /><br />Every FM adapter I've ever used has been awful.Wolfwoodnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-81802164958488696462009-07-01T10:48:58.547-04:002009-07-01T10:48:58.547-04:00"Your later model likely is wired to accept a..."Your later model likely is wired to accept a changer. Get a Crutchfield rep on the phone, and ask 'em to help out. "<br /><br />A++. <br /><br />Or, despite it being a bit spendy, you could just get this:<br /><br />http://tinyurl.com/kozjbz<br /><br />Goes to ebay, a $99 BMW Z3 to iPod adapter that uses the factory buttons for controls. Looks like it just plugs in to the factory head unit (with a note: no DSP head units) and off ye go.<br /><br />And now, off to write more SQL/WQL statements, do a little NT batch and VBS work, and then enjoy the day before the last day of my last "full" week at CCA.<br /><br />I'm dropping to Mondays only next week, till business picks up for the holiday season.Dr. StrangeGunhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03349076338197668654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-13730475938497315972009-07-01T10:48:39.184-04:002009-07-01T10:48:39.184-04:00Couple of considerations if you're thinking ab...Couple of considerations if you're thinking about the cassette adapter: <br /><br />1) Compatibility problems with the player logic. As Borepatch noted above, a lot of players have auto-reverse or auto-eject functions that depend on sensing tape motion. Some adapters have no tape to move (so the player thinks you're at the end of the cassette and ejects it), others have some Rube Goldberg arrangement intended to "fool" the player (these tend to have a short useful life). <br /><br />2) Wear and tear on the cassette transport itself. Not really a big deal, but the motor and associated drive components <em>will</em> be running when you use the adapter. Less wear than playing real tapes, but more than when playing the radio.<br /><br />I'd say pick up a cheap cassette adapter and give it a try.Old Grouchhttp://oldgrouch.mee.nunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-27193034572510531812009-06-30T22:39:26.474-04:002009-06-30T22:39:26.474-04:00Cassette adapters are your best bet. I've had...Cassette adapters are your best bet. I've had 2 or 3 of the FM transmitter types that plug into cigarette lighters (and accept usb sticks or aux inputs), and have thrown them all in the trash.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-48008228339233774352009-06-30T20:33:47.676-04:002009-06-30T20:33:47.676-04:00The more expensive docking-station-type cigarette ...The more expensive docking-station-type cigarette lighter adapters are by far and away the most convenient: the don't move, you drop your iPod in it, and it charges and plays at the same time. There are even some of those with an 1/8" stereo (read: headset jack) output so you can adapt it with a cassette adapter if you want.<br /><br />On that note, if your casette deck is of decent quality (and most factory Bimmer decks are), then in my opinion that's your best bet. The fm transmitter versions are occasionally reliable and rarely consistent, which is important for the traveller (i.e., you).<br /><br />That is, of course, unless you are fortunate enough to have an "AUX" jack anywhere on that deck. A hard-wired connection beats all.<br /><br />I assume that buying a new head unit is out of the question, but if it weren't there are aftermarket versions out there that are fully compatible (i.e., will control and display date from) with iPods.<br /><br />Since I get paid for such services, I'm gonna need to know where to send this invoice...:)<br /><br /><br /><br />tweakerSpeakerTweakerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13520767686388236987noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-76170283171013896292009-06-30T20:28:05.797-04:002009-06-30T20:28:05.797-04:00The dummy cassettes are far better than FM transmi...The dummy cassettes are far better than FM transmitters. (The transmitters can vary from weak to weaker. So the quality isn't always that great...)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-89521358320832682592009-06-30T17:07:42.333-04:002009-06-30T17:07:42.333-04:00We've had both a 30 buck FM unit to a 5.99 cas...We've had both a 30 buck FM unit to a 5.99 cassette tape that I used with my old discman when I thought my old truck could use CD music. The tape works the best, the FM unit was fairly temperamental.bullborenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-68844846265913570202009-06-30T15:43:35.624-04:002009-06-30T15:43:35.624-04:00Go for a replacement unit. I'm thinking your ...Go for a replacement unit. I'm thinking your junkyard might have some options, especially if it's a u-pick, and you can get the unit from the car yourself. Sure, it's a crap shoot (even if the car was wrecked, radios are solid state, and centrally located, i.e. furthest from impact and likely to have had the dash absorb a lot of the punch), but do you feel lucky today? I know someone who got a sweet radio for his van for $20 that way.mts1http://mts1.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-19461520264766520022009-06-30T13:54:44.693-04:002009-06-30T13:54:44.693-04:00Tear that junk out of your dash and go here for a ...Tear that junk out of your dash and go here for a suitable replacement.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.crutchfield.com/S-dRFEOKHMwoW/learn/learningcenter/car/ipod/car_adapters.html" rel="nofollow">Crutchfield Ipod Options</a><br /><br />JoeAssrothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14093506505019819353noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-16932010948753013552009-06-30T13:51:03.214-04:002009-06-30T13:51:03.214-04:00Cassette adapters will give the best sound quality...Cassette adapters will give the best sound quality. RF adapters are subject to interference and fine tuning difficulties.Dregannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-22927061760856257252009-06-30T13:21:50.422-04:002009-06-30T13:21:50.422-04:00I use a Monster brand FM wireless unit and have fo...I use a Monster brand FM wireless unit and have found that if I unscrew and remove my external antenna the outside interference goes away completely. Sort of a PITA but it does work better that way.Allanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10601500901004515207noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-28648548092855602282009-06-30T13:15:06.674-04:002009-06-30T13:15:06.674-04:00Not sure about there, but here it is illegal to dr...Not sure about there, but here it is illegal to drive with headphones. Just FYI for those suggesting it.<br /><br />My CD player broke the other day so I just went and got a cassette adapter ($10!) at WM. Works great, though I can hear it chugging along when I am stopped at a light. On the freeway though I can't tell.CastoCreationshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13634631986152757174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-77722376496665887842009-06-30T12:22:28.569-04:002009-06-30T12:22:28.569-04:00+1 on the cassette adapter.
http://www.amazon.com...+1 on the cassette adapter.<br /><br />http://www.amazon.com/Sony-Cassette-Adapter-MiniDisc-Discman/dp/B00005T39Y<br /><br />KevinKevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07500456309522426921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-14940283092848933022009-06-30T12:15:53.877-04:002009-06-30T12:15:53.877-04:00From best to worst:
1. Replace deck with one that ...From best to worst:<br />1. Replace deck with one that has iPod adapter. You'll be able to see song titles on the deck display and control the iPod via deck buttons. The most expensive option.<br />2. Replace deck with one that has Aux In. Quality - same as with #1, but have to control what you listen to via iPod.<br />3. Use cassette adapter. Cheapest option. Sound quality mostly good, you may hear the cheaper adapters squeak in the deck occasionally, just as regular cassettes do.<br />4. Use FM transmitter. Worst quality in general, and (in my experience) practically unusable in large urban areas, where most frequencies are taken by one station or the other.Starik Igolkinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-91702390394896503852009-06-30T11:27:55.361-04:002009-06-30T11:27:55.361-04:00My wife's '94 BMW cassette-player has an o...My wife's '94 BMW cassette-player has an output to a CD changer in the trunk. I'd (like to) go off that and splice-in an AUX jack.<br />Our experience driving around listening with an FM modulator is that you have to find a weak station to play-through. On our last trip the rental jeep had an automatically digital-tuned radio, so there were simply very few weak stations available, it tuned straight to one strong signal after another. Luckily it had an AUX input jack so I got a miniplug stereo cable, jacked-in, and that was it.<br />I have the same problem now with my Ford truck, only it has a CD player and so there goes the wired cassete adapter - and I don't know of anybody who makes a wired CD-adapter.<br />I think I'm going to have some ricer boom-box-boyz at the local deafening emporium drill a hole for a hard-wired AUX plug-in point.NotClauswitzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14358707844087117280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-13629410361154329382009-06-30T11:27:23.538-04:002009-06-30T11:27:23.538-04:00I bought one of these Pioneer head units from Crut...I bought one of <a href="http://www.crutchfield.com/p_1302100IB/Pioneer-DEH-2100IB.html?tp=5684" rel="nofollow">these Pioneer head units</a> from Crutchfield for my wife's minivan. It has a built-in iPod interface that will play and charge your iPod via the dock connector. The head unit can either control your iPod directly, or let you use the iPod's interface.<br /><br />According to Crutchfield's site, no installation kit is required, meaning the unit will bolt right in place of the factory radio. If you can match a few colored cables and crimp them together, you can install this, easy-peasy.<br /><br />The cassette and FM adapters will work, but don't sound very good IMHO, and I'm not even an audiophile. Direct connection is the way to go.Brandonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07010868377109696846noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-35534186694518626202009-06-30T11:17:13.928-04:002009-06-30T11:17:13.928-04:00The pantheon of audio input, in terms of DECREASIN...The pantheon of audio input, in terms of DECREASING audio quality, goes like this:<br /><br />1) Hard wired AUX input<br />2) Cassette adapter<br />3) Wired FM modulator<br />4) Wireless FM modulator<br /><br />The AUX input is a possibility if the head unit was intended to also control a CD changer. The problem is, these AUX adapters tend to be pricey; check out PIE and Peripheral Electronics, but a new head unit may not be much more expensive. These are mainly intended for those who are married to their stock head units for whatever reason; I use one in my Jeep because of the steering wheel control buttons.<br /><br />The cassette adapter is by far the cheapest, isn't limited to FM's audio quality, won't suffer interference, and won't require a power source. However, it's only workable if your cassette deck works.<br /><br />The wired FM mod goes in line between your antenna and head unit. They tend to be expensive to install; only recommended if there's no AUX input adapter and you want to keep your head unit.<br /><br />The wireless FM mod is the last resort. They're low power so they're prone to interference, you may not be able to find a clear channel to use, and as you drive cross country you may have to fiddle with it. They also require a power source. Sound quality is mediocre at best by comparison to the others. They're only worthwhile because they're relatively well priced (at about $30, as opposed to a new head unit for $100), easy to use, and don't require wiring anything.<br /><br />T'were I you, Tam, I'd get a cassette adapter for ten bucks (they're flimsy but they're simple) and forget about it. Stay away from the wireless FM mods- if you want to blow a Franklin, go to Crutchfield and get a new head unit with an AUX input or iPod control and be done with it.The Raving Prophethttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08830254881182697135noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-59063788651686646132009-06-30T10:01:19.316-04:002009-06-30T10:01:19.316-04:00Why not just use the earphones, and maximize the d...Why not just use the earphones, and maximize the dweeb factor?<br /><br />Oh, and also enjoy the added benefit of noise-blocking minor things like horns, sirens and the screams of terrified pedestrians.<br /><br />Seriously though, those suggestions to look for the aux CD-IN jacks on the back of the unit have it right. I've owned four BMWs, the first being a '77 model 320i, followed by an '88 735i, and a deuce of 90/91 735il sleds. <br /><br />I drive a Crown Vic now. Plenty of power, good ride, fair handling, and absolutely invisible. The Geezermobile also nets me 27mpg highway, and I'm about to prove that out this afternoon, leaving Galveston en-route to Orlando.<br /><br />That aside, all of the later Bimmers had CD-AUX input capability in the cable bundle. The BMW branded changer used (as I recall) Pioneer compatable 6 CD stack cartridges.<br /><br />Your later model likely is wired to accept a changer. Get a Crutchfield rep on the phone, and ask 'em to help out. <br /><br />Jim<br />Sunk New Dawn<br />Galveston, TX<br /><br />captcha = "undies" No comment!Jimhttp://smokeonthewater.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-39262772374710267732009-06-30T09:54:49.148-04:002009-06-30T09:54:49.148-04:00This is the one I used:
http://www.pcworld.com/sh...This is the one I used:<br /><br />http://www.pcworld.com/shopping/detail/prtprdid,18011049-sortby,retailer/pricing.htmlDivemedichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14583007051962299381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-52066422893550688772009-06-30T09:25:40.989-04:002009-06-30T09:25:40.989-04:00I use an FM Transmitter, but if I had a cassette d...I use an FM Transmitter, but if I had a cassette deck I would definitely go that way. The sound is a lot cleaner with the cassette deck and you don't have to tinker with with finding a station, plus when you wanna crank it you aren't gonna get that some hiss or noise in the background. <br /><br />My vote is for the cassette adapter.atlharphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02038518966004553345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-16566314220947487972009-06-30T09:23:41.437-04:002009-06-30T09:23:41.437-04:00Buy a head unit that accepts the USB input from an...Buy a head unit that accepts the USB input from an iPod, that way you can control and charge it while jammin away. I bought this unit and like it a lot. Crutchfield will supply whatever you need to connect it and instructions for doing so.<br />http://www.crutchfield.com/p_130P6000UB/Pioneer-DEH-P6000UB.html?tp=5684<br /><br />You're driving a Bimmer sportscar, do you really want some lame contraption that works like shit?Josephhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16207808793722026516noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-66674009431879862982009-06-30T09:00:43.436-04:002009-06-30T09:00:43.436-04:00Neither is the best option, both are compromises. ...Neither is the best option, both are compromises. Golden ear or not, neither will provide the best sound quality that your sound system can provide (I don't know if you're using the BMW business system or the Harmon Kardon.)<br /><br />If I had to choose, I'd go with the tape deck. I used both, the tape deck on my first car, and the broadcaster on an E46 3er. The broadcaster could never overpower even the lowest power stations around here (DFW). <br /><br />Your best option really is to get a new head unit. They aren't horribly expensive anymore, and you can get one with an Aux In.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-76620263022005196482009-06-30T08:59:56.031-04:002009-06-30T08:59:56.031-04:00Cassette adaptor. I tried a mid-range cassette ada...Cassette adaptor. I tried a mid-range cassette adaptor and a mid-range FM gizmo, and the cassette is a lot easier to work, and plays louder, and doesn't require changing freqs every thirty miles.<br /> LittleRed1<br /><br />WV: mutoster - what you find in your kitchen after the appliance apocalypse?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-43141144236206280532009-06-30T08:48:07.332-04:002009-06-30T08:48:07.332-04:00For 8.99 where can you go wrong with the cassette?...For 8.99 where can you go wrong with the cassette? Keep a spare in the glove compartment.<br /><br />The other thing to keep in mind is if you area has a lot of radio stations (major urban area), if so finding a piece of the airwaves that's actually free for long enough to listen to a song can be a trial as you drive around and stations fade in an out.<br /><br />It's a drag changing frequencies.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15907727.post-11506669030488648052009-06-30T08:41:38.176-04:002009-06-30T08:41:38.176-04:00If you have a cassette, just use a cassette adapte...If you have a cassette, just use a cassette adapter. The only thing wrong with it will probably be battery life. I only have CD, so I'm using a $30 Kensington radio unit.<br /><br />If you do go radio, buy a unit that lets you pick the broadcast frequency (instead of choosing from a few presets) and that uses the iPod connector for power and audio.Jeff the Baptisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13978930508610389584noreply@blogger.com