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Listening to iPhone in car

jjk454ss

jjk454ss

macrumors 601
Original poster
Jul 10, 2008
4,503
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i have a car with a stock stereo, no Aux or BT. I'd like to be able to listen to podcasts from my iPhone. I was going to install an aftermarket stereo, but it appears to be a pain to install and keep the factory steering wheel controls which kind of hate to lose. Is there another solution to add Aux or BT?

Otherwise does anyone use a BT Speakerphone, like a clip on the visor type? Or some other speaker? I'm tempted to just get a portable speaker and I can leave it in the glove box when I'm not using it.
 
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idanny34 said:
I've been using this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00KIMX4EY/ref=s9_al_bw_g422_i1/186-7643307-3234044) for the last 6 months. It was The Wirecutter's previous recommendation for bluetooth FM transmitter.

Their current recommendation is this (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003PPGOC0?tag=thewire06-20&linkCode=as2) and it seems like it's better than their previous recommendation.
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Thanks. I've always thought fm transmitters didn't work well. But I don't know why I've always thought that. It works good for you? I have a power outlet in my center console, I assume it would work fine inside the consol? Or would I have to have it out in the open?
 
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I think FM transmitters work really well if you can find the best frequency for your area. I drove around for a few days while testing the different frequencies in my area and finally found one that works. It's usually the ones that aren't being used by any of the radio stations. I have an outlet in my center console so I leave it there and haven't had any issues.
 
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Thanks. Seems like a good solution then. I think I'll give it a shot.
 
You can also check if your smartphone supports Transmitting option and then you will be able to install application and use your phone as transmitter.
I think that would work the best. But not every device could be FM transmitter.
 
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What year make and model car do you have? Most cars have some sort of direct connection option available which will sound a lot better and be a lot more convenient than a transmitter.
 
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roniphon said:
You can also check if your smartphone supports Transmitting option and then you will be able to install application and use your phone as transmitter.
I think that would work the best. But not every device could be FM transmitter.
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It's an iPhone.
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zhenya said:
What year make and model car do you have? Most cars have some sort of direct connection option available which will sound a lot better and be a lot more convenient than a transmitter.
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I saw some, I was thinking I'd check them out a little more. It's a 2005 Toyota Camry
 
idanny34 said:
I think FM transmitters work really well if you can find the best frequency for your area. I drove around for a few days while testing the different frequencies in my area and finally found one that works. It's usually the ones that aren't being used by any of the radio stations. I have an outlet in my center console so I leave it there and haven't had any issues.
Click to expand...
The problem is when you leave the area that you drive most in and find you need to change the Freq because of interference. These devices can be very frustrating with the need to constantly change channels.
 
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nebo1ss said:
The problem is when you leave the area that you drive most in and find you need to change the Freq because of interference. These devices can be very frustrating with the need to constantly change channels.
Click to expand...

That's what I always kind of figured, but I don't really do that much driving, it's mostly in the same area. If like the Aux connection, maybe I will still look at an aftermarket stereo with steering a wheel control adapter. I looked at one and it looked really complicated to wire up. It was telling me to splice into this pin if you have this color on your adapter, if not you jumper this with this resistor, etc. and all the directions were based of a harness with 20 pins, I only had a couple harnesses and none had 20 pins. It was ridicululous, you'd think they could make an easier solution. Crutchfield did actually say that had and easier one, I might just have to try that. Or just get a stereo and forget the steering wheel controls altogether.
 
jjk454ss said:
I wonder if it's worth the price though. I junk I'd rather just do a stereo. Thanks for the info
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Depends on how integrated your stereo is into your car, how much you value that integration, or keeping the stock look. In my experience, outside of some very high-end navigation units, most inexpensive car stereos you would install these days are extremely difficult to operate compared to what comes stock. This allows everything to remain as it is, with the addition of a good lightning and/or Bluetooth connection for your phone.
 
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zhenya said:
Depends on how integrated your stereo is into your car, how much you value that integration, or keeping the stock look. In my experience, outside of some very high-end navigation units, most inexpensive car stereos you would install these days are extremely difficult to operate compared to what comes stock. This allows everything to remain as it is, with the addition of a good lightning and/or Bluetooth connection for your phone.
Click to expand...

Good point, I always hate the controls on the aftermarket. I may try the FM modulator because it's so cheap. But otherwise I'll look into in of the adapter.

Thanks again
 
Decided on a dual purpose fix, I can use it outside the car too:)

Thanks for all the help and ideas.

 
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I've been using this Braven speaker and I just realized that with the windows down its not going to be loud enough. Anyone know of something small/smaller that's also loud?
 
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