Getting MP3 player to play on car system

nice_guy80

Hi people

what is the best way to get an MP3 player to play on a cars sound system?

There is no USB port int he radio, and the radio is inbuilt.
Is there a device that can be installed? Any advice?

Cheers in advance

Delta Kilo

Cheapest solution is an FM transmitter. You can buy them at any music store for about €20. Sound quality can dip when the battery starts to go though.

cormie

FM Transmitter is probably the cheapest solution alright, but you should DEFINITELY spend a bit more and get a proper connection. FM transmitters and Tape Decks are terrible quality wise. What you want is an AUX in connection (the Aldi/Lidl headunits usually have them for about €80 all in), then you just need a 3.5 male to male jack and away you go

Gumbo

scan sounds in Phibsbourgh can connect it to your car radio for 58euro.
big sign in their window, as i pass them everyday.

i think they hook onto the method of connecting it to your radio through an aux in or something like that, eitherway not a bad price for a professional installation.

Delta Kilo

cormie wrote: »

FM Transmitter is probably the cheapest solution alright, but you should DEFINITELY spend a bit more and get a proper connection. FM transmitters and Tape Decks are terrible quality wise. What you want is an AUX in connection (the Aldi/Lidl headunits usually have them for about €80 all in), then you just need a 3.5 male to male jack and away you go

Ya but when you have an in-built radio it isn't as simple as going to Aldi and buying a new one. Fairly tough job taking out an in-built stereo. Then you have to try and source an after market face plate surround for the new stereo, that will fit the gap that the in-built radio came out of.

If it were me, i'd get the transmitter or look into kceire's idea.

crosstownk

A little more info on the unit you want to connect the MP3 player to might help.

nice_guy80

sorry. Audi A4 2006

phibsboro eh? whereabouts are they located?

voxpop

The tape adapters are fine, better (i find) than the fm transmitter. The speakers in the car are probably not the finest anyway. A tape adapter will cost about 10 quid.

R.O.R

nice_guy80 wrote: »

sorry. Audi A4 2006

MP3 player or I-Pod?

From talking to my phone installer about getting something sorted for my Samsung (cheap) MP3 player it's pretty damn complicated and involves hardwiring an FM transmitter to the FM input (Honda Radio with no AUX in).

If it's an I-POD in to a VAG car it's a 20 minute, plug & play job.

Wertz

voxpop wrote: »

The tape adapters are fine, better (i find) than the fm transmitter. The speakers in the car are probably not the finest anyway. A tape adapter will cost about 10 quid.

I too use a tape adapter after trying a few different FM transmitters. Car has a built in head unit and power amp that aren't easy to replace.
It's worth spending the extra on a decent quality tape adapter...Belkin do a good one that allows you to << and >> on ipods (only) using the tape deck controls which is handy if you have a stalk remote.

colm_mcm

A Dension Ice Link FM is the job for this, As well as a 3.5mm jack it also has an ipod okug as well, in case you change MP3 players. Halfords do them.

Eoin

Isn't there some VAG specific MP3 unit you can get for the boot? Also look at something like the Harman Kardon Drive & Play, though this might mean installing more gadgets then you might want. Tape adapters are fine too, but not too neat. I find them so much better than FM transmitters.

david

If you don't have bluetooth, a lot of the Parrot hands free kits can offer AUX/USB/iPod/SD etc inputs. Pricey but 2 birds with 1 stone. I have one in my GTC and it's great.

nice_guy80

no, doesn't have bluetooth. only the newer 2008 A4 models have bluetooth and USB port

I'll have to go into halfords so and see what they think.

it'd be nice to cover the hands free and MP3 player issues with one gadget

david

My parrot kit is pretty basic and was about €220 installed. I have a number for a guy that does these in the Carlow/Kildare region but is mobile if you want it.

I wouldn't get it in Halfords.

Gumbo

nice_guy80 wrote: »

sorry. Audi A4 2006

phibsboro eh? whereabouts are they located?

here, just where the red van is parked : Google Map

dobsdave

OP's car probably doesnt have a tape deck!
You can purchase a device from Audi specifically for ipods.

cormie

Delta Kilo wrote: »

Ya but when you have an in-built radio it isn't as simple as going to Aldi and buying a new one. Fairly tough job taking out an in-built stereo. Then you have to try and source an after market face plate surround for the new stereo, that will fit the gap that the in-built radio came out of.

If it were me, i'd get the transmitter or look into kceire's idea.

Suppose it depends on the stereo itself, my van has a ford headunit, I just took it out and put the aldi one in, left a gap which didn't bother me, but I ended up getting a faceplate thingy anyway.

Kceires idea sounds pretty good alright, Really all that's needed is a 3.5 jack connection to go into the headphone jack connected to the speakers somehow, probably basic enough job if you know what your doing and for 58 euro, could definitely be a good option. Quality wise you'll never get the same quality through tape deck or FM transmitter, a direct connection like an aux in is probably one of the best ways to get your music on the car stereo.

nice_guy80

know it...

isn't that Broadstone, rather than Phibsboro