What's Better: FM Modulator or iTrip?

[Gooseman]

I'm using an iTrip right now, and I'm not liking the quality at all. It seems to me that an FM Modulator is effectively the same thing as an iTrip. What's the difference (other than the fact that an FM Modulator doesn't fit neatly on top of the iPod)? Is the quality better? Does it involve hardwiring your iPod to the car audio system, or is there a wireless transmission? Yeah, I'm very new at all to this. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[kloh]

FM Modulator will be better than iTrip, but it's still hijacking a radio frequency for your audio. Most modulators (that I'm aware of) require hard-wiring something to your head unit.

If you're going to get in there anyways, you might as well look for a true line-in option for your car. That will be much better than the FM Modulator.

[Gooseman]

I see. I've read that I should only get an FM Modulator if I can't do a true line-in. Here: http://www.hobbytron.net/product581.html

[kloh]

That would be correct. Research what line-in options you have for your specific car or head-unit.

[Gooseman]

Oh sorry kloh, I misread your last post. Yeah, from what I've gathered, my head-unit does not have any line-in options.

Will an FM Modulator overtake local radio stations, unlike the iTrip? By that I mean, will I have to find a blank station with the FM Modulator like I do with the iTtrip?

[kloh]

The concept is the same -- it will overtake a radio frequency. Which frequency, however, is probably determined by the modulator itself... just like iTrip. I'm sorry, but I don't know the exact specifics of how to determine the frequency with a modulator.

My earlier point was, if you are going to go through the trouble of installing an FM Modulator, you should first check to make sure there isn't an aftermarket option that will give you line-in on your head-unit. Many OEM head-units don't offer line-in capabilities, but there are aftermarket parts that can allow you to add one (just like modulators).

What type of vehicle do you drive (year/model)? And is it a stock HU?

[Gooseman]

I drive a 1997 Nissan Pathfinder with a stock HU.

[kloh]

You just missed a product that I know of by 1 year. Here's one for 98-02 Nissans (not that it helps you any).

http://www.soundgate.com/products/cd/nissan-infiniti.htm

I would suggest you contact a local installer, who might have more insight into what options you have for a 97 Pathfinder. It may be that FM Modulation is all that's available... That's what I have to deal with right now in my Infiniti -- but products are on the way by Denison, PAC and Blitzsafe. None are just out yet.

[Gooseman]

Thanks for looking that up for me, kloh.

What sort of products are these that you're talking about?

[Suprabeach]

I assumed that, like any other FM modulator (like for a add-on CD changer), it is inserted in the antenna coax. If so, I would think that the modulator would be more bullet-proof than the over-the-air style. I agree with others that if you were inclined to rip-apart your car to do the modulator, why not just install one of the many adapters and RCA into your HU?

[Gooseman]

Yeah, I would rather hardwire the iPod with those adapters and RCA wires, but I think we've pretty much concluded that it isn't possible with my current HU. How much would a bottom of the line HU that allowed me to hardwire it in this fashion cost?

[tanakasan]

Gooseman,

I just installed a Dual 6210 HU. Aux in RCAs on rear panel (not a goofy plug in on the faceplate) wireless remote, detachable faceplate. Crutchfield, $81.39 delivered. They have a Mastercard link, gives you $20 off $100. HU was only $99.99 so I added some wire. Also, used a free ground shipping code. Came with two factory wiring (front/rear) interface harness w/connectors, a pocket to fill the double DIN opening and complete directions. No headache install.

The modulator (40-15khz) is not bad, but the direct line in (full 20-20khz) rivals a CD. I am extremely happy with the sound quality improvement, not to mention the price to do it!

My Clarion FM200 modulator is on eBay FWIW.

[Gooseman]

I've never done any car stereo work. If I got that Dual 6210 HU would that simply replace my current unit, and I'd be good to go? Or are there other things I would need to make it work?

[kloh]

Originally posted by Gooseman
What sort of products are these that you're talking about?
I haven't heard of anything specifically for Nissan Pathfinder, but here's what I know:

Blitzsafe (http://blitzsafe.com) says they are working on an AUX adapter for Infiniti. But they've been saying that for over 6 months.

Pacific Audio (http://pac-audio.com) has a product coming out at the end of this month (also specifically for Infiniti) that will allow G35 owners to use the SAT input on their OEM radio for 2 auxilliary inputs (Part No. AAI-NIS)

Denison has just released an ICE Link (http://densionusa.com/merchant/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=IA_Nissan) version for classic and 3G iPods. They are very expensive and backordered. They do specify that for Pathfinders, it's for 98-02 models.

I know those don't help you specifically, Gooseman, but perhaps it might help someone else. Sorry, but that's all I know about Nissan/Infiniti options for now. Perhaps someone else here has some more insight. A car audio installer should be able to point you to the right product, if there is one available.

Good luck.

[Gooseman]

All right, thank you so much for all the help. I've got another question. If I went on a long road trip with an FM Modulator, would I have to be constantly changing the station it transmits to given that I will be driving cross-country, through zones that may or may not have transmissions broadcast on a certain station?

[tanakasan]

Modulator inputs directly via the antenna cable. Unplug the antenna, plug in the modulator, reconnect the antenna to the modulator. Add power, choose a freq on the modulator, tune radio (set a preset!) and you're good to go. Does not fluctuate like a transmitter, as it is a direct feed.

Two types of modulators. Bypass (cleaner) and override. Bypass uses a manual/automatic switch to electronically "disconnect" the actual aerial signal. Override tries to overpower the aerial signal.

Modulator is basically Fm freq response. About 40-15khz. Aux in/direct to HU is usually 20-20khz, CD freq response. You can hear the difference, but the choice is made by factors other than just sound quality. Price, ease of install, availability of alternate direct input cables/adapters, limited by existing low end components, etc.

Re: Cruthfield, they have a great customer/service tech support system. Call them just to talk to a sales tech. It will give you a taste of the service and support quality. You do need the basic electrical and mechanical skills to do the install. Its not hard, but it does need to be done correctly. Their adapters, harness/connectors and printed instructions (all free) will help a lot. Go to www.crutchfield.com and use the vehicle specific online menus to see whats available and what comes with.