Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with audio and cars

iPhone 3gs car stereo recommendation?

katocolon — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:00:29 -0800

Anyone know of an aftermaket car stereo head unit that will play nicely with the iPhone 3gs? I looked at the previous question related to this, but didn't see any specific model recs...various google searches and Crutchfield have led me to believe that the 3rd gen iPhones are having charging issues with some (or all?) models of aftermarket stereos. I'd love to hear if anyone has any first hand experience lately with buying a new stereo for use with a newer iPhone. I probably would spend up to $400 for something cool. Thanks in advance.

How to retrieve CDs from a broken car stereo?

junipero — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:29:50 -0800

How can I retrieve my CDs from my broken car stereo? Better yet, how can I make it work? I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. About a year ago I was driving and listening to a CD in the 6-disc changer and out of nowhere the music stopped. I looked at the display screen and it said "MECH ERROR". In the car's manual, the description for "MECH ERROR" reads something like "There is a mechanical error. See dealer".

Obviously, I would rather not "see dealer". I don't know if this is under my warranty or not, and frankly I don't really care. I just don't want to drive out to the dealership, leave my car there for two days, and have to hitch rides.

Is there ANY possible way to get my CDs out of my CD player? I have tried pressing eject and it just tells me there is an error and cannot eject the discs...

Of course, my six favorite CDs are in the player, including a Kinks album that I cannot find anywhere else, so I would really like to have them back.

Bonus points if you can tell me how to fix this problem without having to "see dealer".

GPS Connection + Car Stereo

mccarty.tim — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:11:20 -0800

My PT Cruiser has a satellite radio receiver installed. I don't care for it. Can I make the antenna more useful? I bought a 2007 PT Cruiser Limited (Non-Turbo) used. It has a satellite radio receiver installed, which came with a year of free service when it was new. Of course, I bought the car after the year. So, my car has a radio receiver on the roof I can't afford service for.

I have a GPS, but I tend to park in a parking garage on a college campus. When my GPS (A Tom-Tom) loses signal, it takes a while to get it back. It usually comes back while driving, but it's a bit unnerving when I'm running late for something. Could I possibly take out the radio, get the cable for the satellite receiver, plug that into the external antenna port on my TomTom and put the radio back in without too much fuss? If the cable could be rerouted so it doesn't look too awkward, say through a vent for the windshield blower, that'd be a plus.

Also, while I have the stock radio out, could I install a new radio built for the odd shape in the PT Cruiser with a better iPod interface? I'm only asking because I'm curious. The AUX port is perfectly fine (Save for having a lose grip of the jack), I'd just like something to make it easier to change songs while driving with the bigger screen with an integrated charging option (I currently use a cigarette-lighter to USB adapter). If it's relevant, I use a 20 GB iPod 4G Clickwheel in the car, but I could also use a second generation 4GB Nano, and I'm planning on getting an iPod touch as soon as one of those two iPods dies. Failing that, is it possible to install an aftermarket radio in the car without it looking too funny? The two knobs that stick out from the side worry me.

Other specs I would like in the radio, aside from iPod docking, include AM/FM with at least 4 presets per band, MP3/WMA playback from a burned CD, and the ability to remember what station you were playing last when changing sources (A minor annoyance on mine, because when I switch from AUX to radio, it automatically gives me satellite, and I have to fiddle to get the FM stations again). Being able to see the song playing or selected on the iPod would be nice, too. If it's affordable, HD radio would be great but not essential. I have no need for satellite radio, because I like my local stations and my iPod tracks. If I could buy that for under or around $100, I'd be interested.

As for technical aptitude, I'm a pre-engineering education major. I'm comfortable with some minor electronics, and wouldn't mind crimping a cable or two if I don't need to buy too many tools to get the job done. I'd prefer to install these tweaks myself, but I could look into an honest person to install them. If it's not obvious yet, I know very little about cars.

Sorry if Travel/Transportation isn't appropriate. If you think I should re-categorize this, let me know. Thanks!

I'm looking for a cable that will both charge and play audio in my car for my iPhone 3G.

DrDreidel — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:23:38 -0800

I want to plug my iPhone 3G into my car stereo using the data port, not the headphone jack. I would also like it to charge the device. I have a cable installed right now that works for my standard iPod. This cable will play the music through my car stereo but will not charge the device. I have a Pioneer head unit (don't have the model number available right now).

Recommendations for high-end car stereo upgrade <$1800 (no boom/sizzle)

bmilner — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 00:04:07 -0800

Seeking recommendations for high-end component car stereo upgrade for 2003 Passat for <$1800 (w/ iPod & keep steering wheel controls?) I'm seeking recommendations for how to best upgrade my factory Passat stereo system. I'm a "high-end" sorta guy seeking smooth detailed sound over sizzle/boom

15 yrs ago I was up on the latest in high quality audio gear. It was simple, you bought A/d/S speakers, maybe a kicker solobaric sub and you ended up with a really decent high end system. Now... I'm out of touch.

I have a 2003 Passat b5.5 wagon w/ Monsoon Cassette/CD system & headsup controls on the steering wheel. I'm looking to redo my system with the following requirements. I warmly welcome your input.

My desired system:
MUST HAVES:
* Utilize the kicker 10" solobaric sub in an enclosure - I already own this.
* BUDGET: Under $1800
* Direct connection of an iPod classic. FM modulator quality is probably fine. No need to display iD3 tag info. I can control the iPod myself manually.
* Highest sound quality possible! I want warm smooth highs, accurate mids. I loathe boom and sizzle and harsh systems. On my ADS system I padded the tweeters down 3dB and liked it better.
* I want rear fill. It's not ok, to just have fronts.
NICE TO HAVES:
* Control the stereo volume from the Heads up steering wheel controls. I love those. (I can control iPod myself)
* Minimal installation hassle (i.e. can I use the stock headunit w/ a better amp and speakers down the path?)
* I'd consider built in GPS... if it didn't compromise the other "must have's"!
* ability to manually tweak the bass crossover point. I always seem to want to touch that depending on the music.

So, what do you think?

Brand recommendations? Specific speaker models?
Speak up. Most of the local (Seattle) places here want to sell me the latest sizzle system that burns my eardrums off. I need real advice.

How to set a 70s car radio

yetanother — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 10:47:03 -0800

How do I set the memory on a 70's mechanical tuner car radio? Just got a 70's radio to match a recently acquired 70's vehicle, and it works great in glorious 70s AM/FM. It has one of the old mechanical tuners with 5 preset buttons that make the tuner jump. Someone as old as me should remember how to set the presets, but I cant work it out. I thought it had something to do with turning the tuner with a preset pushed in, but that doesnt seem to work.

It's a Blaupunkt Bavaria S if it makes a difference.

Help me install front door speakers on my Accord.

lou — Sat, 17 Mar 2007 19:13:12 -0800

How do I install these speakers on the front doors of my 1999 Honda Accord? Should I even try to do it myself? So here's the situation. I bought a '99 Honda Accord a few years ago, used, and the front door speakers have never worked. (I'm pretty sure there's something in there, though.) I finally decided to get new replacement speakers for the front door, and I got a pair of Sony XSV160HP's at a *really* good price -- it was the store's display model and the last one they had. Unfortunately, that meant it didn't come with instruction manuals, or whatever extra parts would normally be in the box (connectors, clips, wires, etc.). The store's installation fee would be about twice what I paid for the speakers, and since I actually installed a new receiver myself a year ago, I thought I might give it a go myself again. However, I'm stuck. I've got so many questions:

1) Is there a way to get a copy of the XSV160HP's manual? I couldn't find one in my online searches.
2) How do I get inside the car's front doors? There's no visible screws on the panel and grill over the speakers don't appear to come off easily.
3) On the entirely possible chance that this is just something I can't easily DIY, what are recommendations for some reliable and reasonably priced car audio installers around me? I'm the San Francisco Bay Area - preferably East Bay and North Bay (where I live and work, respectively).

And really, any other tips that I might have not even thought to ask about would be welcome too.

Help me find a clear frequency for my Ipod.

rongorongo — Tue, 20 Feb 2007 06:23:35 -0800

I hook my Ipod to my car stereo using an FM transmitter. Before setting out I'd like to choose a frequency that's not going to compete with local radio stations en-route. Is there a simple list of frequencies likely to be safe from interference? Alternatively has anybody done yet built some kind mash-up website that would give me a frequency for a given journey? I am in the UK but would be interested if this has been done anywhere. This existing thread is related but does not cover the issue of frequency choice.

How to get an iPod to work in my car?

dearest — Mon, 08 Jan 2007 17:30:00 -0800

I'd like to buy another iPod, but only if I could get it work with my '99 VW Beetle. Has anyone had any experience fitting the iPod into a car that has no auxillary stereo option? Please, don't recommend iTrip, it works horribly in my area. Thanks in advance.

Awesome ipod -> car connector cable?

joshuaconner — Thu, 21 Dec 2006 20:34:44 -0800

I'm looking for a cable that has the ipod connector on one end and both a cigarette lighter adapter and two male RCA's on the other end. Does such a thing exist?

Just like the tag examples... but with a twist.

I EAT TAPAS — Wed, 20 Dec 2006 22:44:32 -0800

Are there really no in-dash hard-drive based car MP3 players (er, under $2000) or single-DIN 6-disc changers on the market anymore? Help me with my broken changer. So, I have a 2000 Isuzu Trooper. It's been great. It came with a neat little single-DIN in-dash 6 disc changer that's connected to its in-dash cassette player. That too was great. It just broke. I can't imagine servicing a 6 year old in-dash CD changer's a good idea economically. Looks like there haven't been any cheap salvaged replacements on eBay in quite some time, and car-parts.com doesn't show anything that close. The Trooper's still in fine shape and probably has many years left, so it looks like I'm shopping for a replacement.

Problem is, I'm a bit picky. But really, all I want to do, is switch between a library of around 10GB of music relatively easily.

Right now, I'm doing it the "old-fashioned way" -- hit the number of the disc in the CD changer, or find the disc I want to listen to out of a pile in my center console and do a quick disc swap. I can do this quickly, at a traffic light. But not any more, obviously, because my in-dash changer's broke, and there don't appear to be replacements out there that aren't those big old changers from the 90's that went in people's trunks. I can't quite imagine climbing over my seats to get at it at a stop light or while I'm a passenger.

Now, what would be wonderful to have is a modern equivalent of the Empeg/Rio Car. By which I'm saying -- why isn't there a modern equivalent of the Empeg/Rio Car? Is there, and I'm missing it? Give me a nice display and a hard drive in the dash and I'll be fine. Put an amp in it so I don't need an external amp and I'll be elated. But I just don't think there's anything out there. No, I don't also want to buy an iPod that will get broken and/or stolen and look ridiculous hanging somewhere in my car that I can't use without looking at it and not at the road thanks. (I would consider an Empeg-like device where the iPod actually gets devoured by the head-unit.)

Yes, yes, I do know there are single-disc CD players that play MP3s. Boy, do they all look bad, with poor navigation of what's on a disc, and I can't quite imagine being able to swap things quite like I do now with a bunch of hand-scrawled 700MB MP3 discs. Perhaps you can convince me otherwise, but they all look like a pain unless you have just one or two MP3 CDs. Yep, I've looked through Crutchfield's selection.

So, knowing that I don't mind the in-dash 6 disc, that I'd love an Empeg if I could find one at a reasonable price, that I think a single disc would drive me crazy and I'd prefer not to have anything hanging out of anything else... got a suggestion?

Car Audio in Toronto?

jacquilynne — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 11:31:43 -0800

Where should I go in Toronto for car audio purchase/installation? I'm not looking for a high end place that will sell me a zillion dollars in new speakers for perfectly balanced audio. I'm so deaf from attending rock concerts that I can't hear the difference between a CD and an MP3 anyway. To this point, I've just had the stock stereo in my 2001 Honda Civic and I've been perfectly happy with that.

The only reason I want to change is that I've bought an iPod, and I'd like something with an audio in so I can plug my iPod in. I'd like it to be relatively cheap, and for the stereo to be installed for me, and for the salespeople not to try to oversell me, or rip me off. Can I just go to BestBuy or Canadian Tire? Or is there a better local choice?

Which car stereo + ipod adapter best integrates an ipod?

purplestarz — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 04:24:32 -0800

Which car stereo model + ipod adapter best integrates an ipod? Or should i just keep it simple and go for a car stereo w/a front aux input? So I finally purchased an ipod! I'd read and heard from friends that the fm transmitters on the market have poor sound quality. As my cd player no longer worked in my car, I decided to splurge and get a new one. I bought a Pioneer DEH_P3800MP(Car Stereo) + Pioneer CD_IB100II (Ipod Adapter). The front aux input car stereo choices were much more limited and as the stereo+adapter combo was only a little bit more I went for it. Plus i figured being able to control my ipod from stereo would simplify things. Wrong! My biggest complaint about the setup is the stereo's inability to quickly search through the artists for example. I have to hit a button everytime I want to get to the next artist. Every time! I can't seem to find a comparable wheel feature, as on my ipod, on the stereo. So basically its going to take me a decade to get from the a's to the z's. The intstruction manual for the stereo provides no direction on which stereo buttons correspond to which ipod buttons. Bascially, i was just sitting in front of it and punching buttons to figure out how to play the ipod. Folks which stereos have you found that best integrate your ipod? I'm looking to pay no more than $150 for the stereo. Or alternatively should I just go w/a car stereo that has the front aux input? I'm leaning towards this option. It seems to me using one electronic device to utilize another device feels like too many hoops to jump through. I still can't even figure out how to access the shuffle feature. Also fyi I have the ipod 60gb w/video capability and a 1997 mazda protege.

Hard-wiring iPod to car?

cahlers — Wed, 24 May 2006 05:03:09 -0800

Best hard-wired solution to connect an iPod to my car? I'd like to connect my iPod to the CD changer port on my factory-installed, '98 Honda CRV radio. I know there are several, if not many options for this available. I have read similar threads on AskMeFi but have not found a comprehensive review of hard-wired options. I'm not interested in the iTrip for reasons detailed in the other threads.

What has been your experience with these units? Is there one which is better than another? I would like the option of controlling the iPod directly "direct mode", as well as from the radio (usually requires flipping a switch on the coinverter unit).

I am not talking about a charger or a mount, I realize these are separate pieces of hardware, although many of the units I'm talking about have charging capabilities.

Creative Zen on Car Stereo

kafziel — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 14:34:23 -0800

What's the best widget to buy to hook my Creative mp3 player up to my car's stereo? I have a Creative Nomad Jukebox Zen Xtra 30gig player, and want to just listen to that through my car speakers rather than screwing with a stack of CDs. My car, if it matters, is a '99 Mazda Miata Convertible, and has a cassette player, a CD player, and an AM/FM radio. Should I go with a cassette adapter or a radio transmitter? Is one type noticeably better than the other, in terms of audio quality? And whichever one is better, what particular radio or cassette adapter should I get, and from where?

Thanks.

Where can I find a good CD head unit for my new car?

raddevon — Thu, 16 Feb 2006 12:38:36 -0800

Where can I find a good CD head unit for my new car? I'm having trouble finding good reviews for current products online. I'm looking for sites with reviews or recommendations of actual head units. I've already checked epinions, ecoustics, and several other (lackluster) review sites. I'm looking for something in the $300-$500 range. I'm not interested in any kind of video. My needs are pretty basic, but I want a high-quality player. I need CD Text. I would like a pause feature. MP3 playback would be nice, but I think most players have this now.

How to get an iPod to work in my car?

sonnet — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 16:26:56 -0800

Help a girl listen to Jenny Lewis in her car. I have a 2004 Scion xb. I have heard that this means it might be easier to install a direct audio plug-in for my iPod. Anyone know if this is true? There's a little square in the passenger side dash that pops open and may or may not have anything to do with this.

If this does make it easier, I'm also wondering what installing something like that would cost.

Broken Jetta CD Player

brock — Mon, 03 Oct 2005 21:37:57 -0800

i innocently inserted a CD Laser-Lens Cleaner-type thing into the slot-loading CD player of my '99.5 VW Jetta. It was playing ~60% of CDs inserted into it, but now plays 0%. Is there a remedy, or is iPod my only hope?

Good iPod car stereo adapter?

aacheson — Wed, 24 Aug 2005 20:07:21 -0800

Why are the iPod adapters for broadcasting my iPod through a signal on the radio so crappy? Is it a law that the broadcasting signal can't be strong at all? And more importantly, does anyone have a recommendation for a good broadcaster for my iPod (For use in my car.) I've tried 3 and they all suck. They stick way off the iPod, turn on too easily by mistake while in storage (wears the battery down) or they are a PITA to use (too hard to configure or change the frequency while music is playing) and they ALL don't broadcast strong enough so there's always static, especially in the city or on a bridge. Help! Our new car only has a CD player so I can't use a tape adapter anymore.

How to get a car stereo fixed cheaply in SF?

ikkyu2 — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 15:02:13 -0800

I need to get my car stereo fixed in SF, looking for advice. So I bought this BMW 3-series 4 years ago, used, and the stereo was somewhat messed up when I bought it. Basically only two speakers work, one in front and one in the rear; the balance and F/R fader can actually be used to mute the entire system, annoyingly.

In addition, one of the speakers that doesn't work emits a lot of static. When the car goes over a bump, the static will be much louder than the music that's playing, to the point that if the music is at listenable volume the static hurts my ears. I can reproduce this by wiggling some cables that go into the trunk-mounted amplifier.

I want to return this to working order, preferably as close to factory-original as possible. I'd also like not to spend a lot of money. Options appear to be a) take it to the BMW dealer (expensive), b) take it to a local person, c) something else. What would you do? The more specific your recommendation, the better, like "My cousin Joe could fix this for $20 and a beer."

Looking for Car Stereo

stevyb — Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:49:43 -0800

Any recommendations for car stereos with an "audio in" 3.5mm mini jack for my iPod? .....The iTrip just sucks in the LA area and listen to podcasts during my commute...

Mercedes Audio

Carsey — Mon, 07 Mar 2005 10:42:08 -0800

Does anyone know how to program the Mercedes audio (COMMAND) system so that the radio volume does not automatically adjust itself according to (the car's perceived sense of) background noise. I expect it is a series of codes that can be input through the radio.