Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with audio and carstereo

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.

Geez, is the example title really "How to get an iPod to work in my car?"

Overzealous — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 20:43:45 -0800

Looking for some audio whiz that can confirm that this particular iPod adapter and car stereo will work. Dazzle me with your knowledge and experience! I'm looking to figure out a way to hook my first gen iPod Touch directly into my factory installed car stereo. It is a 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with an RBQ radio (six disc changer, no cassette deck, and looks like this:) The end result doesn't need to look flashy, charge my iPod, or use the head unit to control the tracks. A simple aux jack tucked away somewhere would suit me fine. I am not interested in hearing about FM transmitters or modulators -- I've tried them with no real success, but thank you.

The PIE CHRY02-AUX Auxiliary input adapter for select 2002-06 Chrysler radios which seemed most promising boldly says "NOT COMPATIBLE with Chrysler's 6-disc in dash radio (i.e “RBQ”)." The one that is a Mopar product really only talks about model years 2006 and newer.

Is there a solution that will work for me? Does the Mopar OEM iPod Interface Kit work with a 2003 Chrysler RBQ 6-disc changer radio?

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.

New car stereo solution?

ObscureReferenceMan — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:37:40 -0800

Car stereo solution for someone non-technical. I have a 1990 Acura Legend with original stereo & speakers, but the 10-disc changer my brother installed is having issues (discs aren't always recognized, and the remote is broken). And the rear speakers are buzzing. So I'm in the market for something new. I don't want to spend more than $500 (for stereo and speakers). My requirements:
- Input for iPod (will be purchasing that soon also)
- Should play at least one CD (in case on a road trip, someone brings tunes)
- Some kind of equalizer (not just treble/bass control)

My question is not so much "which unit" (but I welcome input/feedback), but "where to go?". My gut tells me BestBuy. I've browsed, and they seem to have a decent selection, and installation is minimal. Or do I go to a car stereo place? There are plenty on Long Island (suggestions for/against would also be appreciated). Would $500 get me something good?

One qualification: I do NOT want to buy individual components and install them myself (I know it's cheaper). I am NOT handy. I CANNOT do electrical installation. This is non-negotiable. Sorry.

Any other suggestions (units to be aware of +/-, forums, review sites, etc.) are welcome. Thanks!!

Honest car audio shops in or around Philadelphia?

hcastro — Tue, 20 May 2008 08:51:58 -0800

Anyone know of honest car audio shops in or around Philadelphia?

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.

Lights come on, Audio goes out

unceman — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 12:05:34 -0800

Car Audio Filter: I have a 2003 Ford F-150 with audio that drops out completely. The receiver still works when the audio goes out, just no audio from any of the speakers. The audio does return (so I don't think its a faulty speaker). I get no sound from my speakers in some very strange circumstances. During daytime driving, I rarely have problems. I get audio from the speakers from both the radio and CD. However, when the sun goes down and the headlights are on (either manually or automatic) the audio output could stop at any time. Another situation where the audio stops is when it rains, although that may be a symptom of the sensors for the automatic lights. The strangest part of this is that if I take the truck out of gear, putting it in neutral, the audio returns to normal. I have even had instances where going over a rough bump may knock the audio out (or even bring it back if it was already out)

I've had the dealer look at this several times. They just tighten all the connections and say that electrical issues like this are close to impossible to troubleshoot. Where should I go to get this fixed? Is this even fixable?

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.

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.

Prudent repair or giddy consumerism?

Vervain — Fri, 16 Dec 2005 12:01:53 -0800

Repair or replace the car stereo? I've had a Clarion source unit and 6-disc changer since...probably '97 or '98, and they have been mostly trouble-free up until recently. Back in April or May the faceplate started to have problems powering up (though wiggling it would usually fix that) and eventually quit doing that entirely. The changer unit's fine, though one of the magazine's disc slots broke, so it's effectively a 5-disc player.

Of course, I bought the damn thing at Good Guys, which apparently went under or was bought out. The nearest listed Clarion dealers/repair shops are all about 30 miles away. Given all of that plus the fact that I don't do much long-distance driving these days, I'm tempted to just replace it with a single-disc player and supplement with an Ipod.

Thoughts? Suggestions? I'm thinking ahead to the hours of driving to visit the extended family for Christmas, and a battery-powered boombox on the passenger seat just isn't cutting it anymore.

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.

Spectacularly terrible car stereo...

Ian A.T. — Fri, 18 Nov 2005 01:34:09 -0800

My car stereo is probably as bad as it can possibly be and still produce sound. But…I think you guys can help me. The stereo is a factory-issue AM/FM/cassette deck from a mid-90s Caprice. (It has a Bose logo on it, whatever that means.) The symptoms:
        -The sound is really low; not indecipherible, but low enough that I’m always trying to turn it up a bit.
        -The sound also only comes out of one speaker, despite the fact that all four of them work. I know this because once a month or so I’ll hit a bump and have the glorious luxury of four-speaker sound for about ten seconds or so.
        -On coldish mornings, the radio produces only a terrifying high-pitched squeal until it “warms up.” Sometimes this takes fifteen minutes; on particularly cold mornings, the sound never goes away.

Okay! So I assume that the problem isn’t the “head unit” but rather the amp gone spectacularly haywire. Accordingly, here’s my questions…before you read them, please appreciate that my knowledge of car audio is limited mostly to adjusting the volume on NPR:

Is it the amp? Do I even have an amp?
If it’s not the amp, is it the head unit? Will I ever stop giggling when I type “head unit”?

Can I bypass the amp, or is this something I have to replace?
Please keep in mind that I know nothing about this. If I have to replace it, what should I look for when I’m buying? Obviously, I don’t need anything too powerful: I’ll be using my stereo to listen to the news and my iPod (via the cassette) a few times a week…not pumping b-b-b-b-b-b-b-bass as I cruise past your bedroom in the early morning hours. What’s a reasonable price range?

If I need to bypass or replace the amp, is this something I could do myself?
Despite my ignorance at all things car audio, I’m reasonably handy when it comes to automobile stuff: I change my own oil, give myself tune-ups, rotate my tires, and replace my own brakes. I mean, I don’t drop the transmission or anything like that, but I’m not clueless.

Thanks in advance for your help!

(Interesting tangent: the reason I probably need to do this myself is that I live in New Orleans. “Oh, right,” you’re saying, “and most of your car audio places are underwater or looted or just plain closed.” But, in a weird and depressing twist: no. In fact, most of them are open, they’re just packed. Like, ten-day waiting lists before you can even drop your car off overnight to maybe get looked at. Apparently, there’s a certain kind of person who gets a FEMA check and the first thing that springs to mind is b-b-b-b-b-b-b-bass.)

Looking for a car stereo with a good UI.

Plutor — Mon, 17 Oct 2005 06:36:24 -0800

The factory-installed stereo in my car has stopped playing CDs, and my commute is fairly long, so this is essentially unacceptable. I've looked into getting it repaired, but the whole stereo'll have to be sent away for weeks, and it'll end up costing a bunch. But I've yet to find an add-on in-dash stereo for $200 or less that isn't terribly ugly. I have a 2003 Nissan Altima; the current stereo (and dash) looks like this, which I'm otherwise 100% happy with. I'm not really an audiophile, so pretty much any stereo will probably sound good enough for me. I've considered buying an MP3 player, but my stock stereo doesn't have an aux port, and it'd require a lot of CD-ripping time to convert all of my collection. I'm savvy enough that I have absolutely no problem mounting a stereo myself.

But I absolutely hate the trend of blinking lights and tiny lettering on tiny chrome buttons that seems pervasive in the car stereo market. My priority is a good UI. Is that too much to ask for?

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."