[rockadanny]

Best to do this with a wired connection between iPhone and X-mitter, or can BlueTooth perform (audio quality-wise: min/max freqs; low distortion; etc.) just as well?

And, any recommendations for this gear?

[Scott F.]

GG Smart Mini Blue Tooth









http://www.amazon.com/GOgroove-FlexSMART-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Hands-Free/dp/B000FV8P24/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403556851&sr=8-1&keywords=gg+smart+mini


Mine works like a champ. Sound quality is pretty decent too.

[skunark]

If your car has cd-changer controls, you can look for something like "USA Spec iPod® Interface". for around $130.    It's the old connector but also works with Apple's adapter for the newer lighting connector.   It also charges your iPhone and you can use the steering wheel controls to change tracks.   There's also an analog RCA input, if you have other devices you wish to use.     This does sound much better than the transmitters for very little more.

If your car is new enough, you might check out the dealers to see if they offer anything, it will probably cost closer to $300-500 but would be better integrated.

Jim

[rockadanny]

ScottF - Thanks! Will check it out. 

Skunark - Thanks! Unfortunately both vehicles are from 2003, so not very new.
Nice to know about these devices though. I don't mind paying more for better quality (assuming hardwired is better than X-mitted). 

[skunark]

ScottF - Thanks! Will check it out. 

Skunark - Thanks! Unfortunately both vehicles are from 2003, so not very new.
Nice to know about these devices though. I don't mind paying more for better quality (assuming hardwired is better than X-mitted). 

If your cars have CD-changer controls, 2003 is new enough, I think they go as far back as the late 90s.  You can jump on crutchfield and punch in your car to find a recommended adapter.   Get the model number and then search around for the best price.       If they don't have cd-changer controls, but other models did, you might actually check around at junkyards to swap out the factory stereo (to me, it's that much better over the fm-transmitters).

It took two tape adapters and one fm transmitter before I found this but i've been using the same one since fall of '04.  If you do find it to work, you might order a second cable if possible.     They also have Bluetooth to cd-changer adapters as well, which I've been considering for another car where the connection point is in the trunk vs under the dash.  I do think the cable would reach if i went with the USA spec device, just quicker to install.

Jim

[rockadanny]

Thanks for the info skunark. 

[rockadanny]

Ugh! What am I doing? 

This hunt was kicked off by my 6-cd player dying in my truck. Thought it might be a good time to use my iPhone instead for music source. Looking into Crutchfield, I found a new, MODERN replacement player (though 1-cd only, fine with me) to fit my truck. AND IT HAS AN iPod/iPhone port!! All that for $100. 
Think I'll just order that. Looks very easy to pull out old one and plop in new one. Seems like best solution for me. 

[srb]

Direct USB connection to the stereo is a better solution.  FM transmitters can be a bit quirky and are not really suited for travel as you will be continually searching for a new unused FM frequency.  Combine that with the compressed Bluetooth A2DP protocol of the GOgroove units versus more modern uncompressed Bluetooth aptX, it's something that although very convenient, would probably not please an audio person.

Steve

[mcgsxr]

Agree wired is better.  My Fusion could do it over Bluetooth, but the wired connection is superior for reliability and a little bit of SQ.

[mav52]

In both of my cars, USB from car to iphone using the iphone supplied cable. I prefer that to the bluetooth connection.

[rockadanny]

It also has a headphone input jack to play other non-iPhone/iPad devices. Sweet!
Arrived, Hope to install it this weekend.