Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This unit lets me connect my iPod to my factory stereo that does not have an available AUX input. It comes with a cable to connect AND CHARGE your iPod as well as another cable to connect a standard 3.5mm plug. However, you can only connect one cable or the other to the single set of RCA connectors on the unit itself. Choosing one or the other will probably be fine for most people. But I wanted the option of using BOTH the iPod connector and the universal 3.5mm port. I overcame this by connecting two short RCA Y-cables (splitters) between the FM transmitter box and each of the cables that go to the iPod connector and the 3.5mm port. The Y-cables are inexpensive and easy to simply plug in. By doing this, I can take advantage of the capability of the iPod connector to charge my iPod (a huge plus for me) and also allow people with non-iPod devices (basically, anything with a heaphone jack) to connect to my factory stereo.
My only gripe is that since the sound is being transmitted via an FM modulator, even though it's hard-wired there is still a small amount of sound degradation even if you're connecting via the iPod connector. I quickly got used to it though. I liken it to listening to satellite radio versus a CD. The difference is about the same using this FM modulator.
I bought this at Best Buy for $90. I wish I had bought it from Amazon at the $55 price I see available now. If you're using this w/an iPod or any other device, please note that you control the music through the iPod itself or whatever other device you're connecting, not the stereo you're connecting it to. Personally I prefer controlling the music through the iPod itself since the controls are so intuitive and visual.
Installation of the wiring was pretty straight forward. I connected the power lead to the cigarette lighter.
Also, if you're installing this yourself, I recommend using it for a little while before you permanently mount the power switch and AUX port just in case you change your mind about the mounting location.
I would buy this again and also recommend it to other people. However, if your factory stereo has an unused AUX port on the back of it, I would recommend getting one of iSimple's other products that connect directly to the AUX port on the back of your stereo instead. (Mine is filled by the factory 6-CD changer.) You may lose the flexibility that I have since you'll have to choose between the iPod connector OR a 3.5mm port, but your audio signal shouldn't degrade since you're connecting through an unused AUX connector on the back of your stereo instead of going through an FM channel. I haven't actually compared the sound of the two, I'm just theorizing. You'll also get to control your iPod through the factory stereo which could be a plus for some people.
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