Wired FM Modulator vs. Cassette Option

[m3avrck]

Ok guys, my big question is what is the difference between quality of a wired FM modulator verse the cassette tape? I understand that the FM wireless is the worst quality and aux input into the head unit is the best. But after some research is the FM wired much better than the cassette option?

I was doing some research and found these frequency responses:

30 - 15000 Hz (tape player)
20 - 20000 Hz (cd player)
?? - 15000 Hz (analog FM)

Seems to me that the wired FM and tape player are going to be pretty similar. Sure there is the s/n ratio to consider, for tapes this is 50-70dB and I believe FM is in the same area, based on reading specs of devices like this: http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicati...0&Sku=H129-1020 which has it at 50dB.

If this is the case, then for those looking for a quick, cheap install of the iPod, the cassette player option would be the best. For a cleaner install, go with the FM modulator, and for absolute best quality, go with a head unit that has an aux input.

Does this reasoning make sense? I'm just trying to get my iPod in my car but I know I will be buying a new head unit soon with aux input, so a $20 cassette option is more appealing than $50 modulator +time/effort, if the quality difference is very minimal.

And if this is the case, if using the cassette option, does it really matter if you plug it into the headphone port of the iPod or use the line out from the dock? Will it affect quality much more in this case?

[fourmoshers]

It seems to me that if you're going to be spending money on a new HU soon, then a minimal investment to tide you over is in order. i.e. cassette adapter. Besides the added expense of an FM Modulator, you'll be spending valuable time installing it on a radio that you're just getting rid of.

As to your original question, I can only speak from the experience of comparing an FM Modulator to a Cassette Adapter in my car. What I've picked up from this forum is that different cassette adapters perform differently in different cars. In my case, it was very, very clear. The cassette adapter was far superior than the FM Modulator. Definitely more frequency response - fuller, richer treble, and much more powerful bass. I also noticed that the difference was more easily recognized on songs that I had ripped at 192 kbs AAC than 128 kbs MP3.

For a quick, easy solution that will yield better results, I would go with the cassette adapter until you're new HU is in. Then of course go with a direct Aux input.

[m3avrck]

Excellent, thanks! Btw, what cassette adapter were you using? I am thinking of probably going with a name brand, Sony one, since it seems it is going to work better than the cheaper, RadioShack ones.

[m3avrck]

Ok just bought a Sony tape adapater at Best Buy for $20 and the sound quality is great! It is as good as when I was playing CDs through my changer. Looks like the stock head unit is the limiting factor. Ah well, happy now with the iPod in the car :)

[fourmoshers]

Glad it worked out well for you. So now are you going to live with the cassette adapter, or go for the full upgrade of HU and Aux Input Adapter.

For me the choice was easy as it would cost big, big bucks to change out the factory Bose system to get a HU that supports an Aux Input. Since I knew that I would be living with the cassette adapter for quite some time, I wanted it installed as cleanly as possible. I hate wires hanging all over my interior!

[m3avrck]

Well I definetly plan on getting a new head unit, eventually. Probably in the next 3-6 months I'll be picking one up. Till then, the cassette adapter works great! The wire coming out isn't too bad, for now that is.