Car MP3
Players
Car MP3 Players and Other Add-Ons
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Other source units that are commonly added on to an audio system are small portable devices such as CD, cassette, MP3, MiniDisc, DAT, etc. These devices are usually added one of three ways. With a cassette head unit they are most often added by use of a cassette adapter. One end of the adapter looks like a cassette tape with a wire attached to it. This end goes into the cassette player and the other end plugs into the line out or headphone jack of the portable unit. |
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Common to both CD and tape units is a kind of direct connection through a preamp jack either on the front or back of the unit, usually in the form of a 3.5mm stereo jack (the jack used on portable unit headphone outputs). Though uncommon, they are a better way of connection for the same reason as those described for the CD changer direct connection. A 3.5mm to 3.5mm stereo extension wire ,that looks like a headphone wire with two male ends, is connected between the line out or headphone jack on the portable unit and the 3.5mm jack on the head unit. This allows the signal from the portable unit to go directly to the preamp section of the head unit, giving the best signal practical. |
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The third method is to buy a small battery powered FM transmitter for about $20. These work with both tape and CD players and are about the size of a deck of cards. The unit plugs into the line out or headphone jack of the portable unit and transmits a signal to the FM section of the radio at the frequency you choose (an unused section of the FM band). This unit is basically a small FM transmitter and its quality and effectiveness varies. It is often the only solution available when a non-tape head unit is used and a portable source hookup is desired. Keep in mind that these are battery operated and will need frequent battery changes if they are not switched off every time the radio is turned off. |
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While on the subject of portable units, please know that the mounting of a portable unit in an automobile can be tricky in some vehicles. One of the better methods is to buy a stalk mount for your unit. The stalk mount is a small platform that your portable unit sits on. It connects to a mounting plate through a semi-flexible stalk. The mounting plate is then screwed into the console, dash, floor or other solid part of the interior. Double sided tape is also an option over screws but I have not seen that work successfully for long. Depending on your vehicle, the stalk mount may interfere with other functions or passenger leg room so take this into consideration before purchasing. |
One MP3 player that deserves its own page is the iPod™ from Apple. If you are interested connecting an iPod™ to a car stereo system be sure and read this page.
The Car Audio Help DVD catalog includes five different videos covering many areas of car audio installation and custom fabrication. Topics range from basic system installation (head units, CD changers, amps, speakers, etc.) and mobile security (car alarms and remote start) to subwoofer box design and fiberglass fabrication. If you're interested in custom fabrication and car audio installation be sure to check out what we have to offer.
Click here to see the discount DVD packages
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