{Aus} FM Modulators

**eminence** · 10-31-2003, 02:21 AM

After doing some reasearch I have found that there really is not a cheap option here. But here are the prices (AUD) and specifications:

Freeway Car Audio, Dandenong (Melbourne, Victoria):
No name () - $100
JVC (KS-IF200) - $89
Clarion (FM200) - $119

JB HiFi:
No name () - $109

Strathfield:
No name () - $99

Autobahn:
Nexus () - $119

Notes:
Some items of note: The Clarion unit has not had very many good comments made about it on these forums. The JVC unit has an option called auto on when it detects a signal. This is false it is in fact a remote wire that hooks up to the head unit. Strangely none of the no name brands had variable gain. Freeway Car Audio is an Alpine, Clarion, Focal, JVC and some more I can't remember dealer so any dealer like that should be able to get the above if you ask nicely and have the model number handy.

Oddities:
Jaycar and Dick Smith do not stock anything like this. JB HiFi could not order the JVC some unknown reason, probably too lazy.

What are you talking about?
If after all that you are wonder what I am carrying on about here is a basic model FM Modulator for your viewing pleasure:

Basically you hook them into your cars aerial wire and then you can hook audio in through RCA connectors (usually RCA). Tune into the frequency of the item through your radio and viola you have a Aux. input.

It is worth noting that because you are in fact using FM waves to transmit the sound that sound quality will not be the same as with a direct Aux. in or changer control adapter. For those technically minded here are the figures:
Human hearing range: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
FM Frequency range: 30Hz to 18,000Hz

For more information: LowLife's post on the topic Clarifications on Frequency Modulators

I have ordered a JVC unit and will report back here as to the quality of it once it arrives. I bought it because it was the cheapest and the only brand name besides Clarion I could find. And as I mentioned earlier the Clarion has not had rave reviews and its more expensive.

Simon

**bosstone74** · 10-31-2003, 10:10 AM

Originally Posted by eminence

After doing some reasearch I have found that there really is not a cheap option here. But here are the prices (AUD) and specifications:

Freeway Car Audio, Dandenong (Melbourne, Victoria):
No name () - $100
JVC (KS-IF200) - $89
Clarion (FM200) - $119

JB HiFi:
No name () - $109

Strathfield:
No name () - $99

Autobahn:
No name () - $105

Notes:
Some items of note: The Clarion unit has not had very many good comments made about it on these forums. The JVC unit has an option called auto on when it detects a signal. This is false it is in fact a remote wire that hooks up to the head unit. Strangely none of the no name brands had variable gain. Freeway Car Audio is an Alpine, Clarion, Focal, JVC and some more I can't remember dealer so any dealer like that should be able to get the above if you ask nicely and have the model number handy.

Oddities:
Jaycar and Dick Smith do not stock anything like this. JB HiFi could not order the JVC some unknown reason, probably too lazy.

What are you talking about?
If after all that you are wonder what I am carrying on about here is a basic model FM Modulator for your viewing pleasure:

Basically you hook them into your cars aerial wire and then you can hook audio in through RCA connectors (usually RCA). Tune into the frequency of the item through your radio and viola you have a Aux. input.

It is worth noting that because you are in fact using FM waves to transmit the sound that sound quality will not be the same as with a direct Aux. in or changer control adapter. For those technically minded here are the figures:
Human hearing range: 20Hz to 20,000Hz
FM Frequency range: 30Hz to 18,000Hz

For more information: LowLife's post on the topic Clarifications on Frequency Modulators

I have ordered a JVC unit and will report back here as to the quality of it once it arrives. I bought it because it was the cheapest and the only brand name besides Clarion I could find. And as I mentioned earlier the Clarion has not had rave reviews and its more expensive.

Simon

don't get any of them...save and be happy with a head unit you can plug directly into...seriously man, modulators take an mp3 (which is only about 1/5 of the information you get on a cd) and send it through radio waves...thus diminishing the quality even more....GET A BETTER HEAD UNIT!!!
I've tried 2 modulators...and the both really blew...and they were supossed to be really good. I even tried one of the USB modulator...in my house, work, school...I got a high pitch whine behind all the music....!! SAVE SAVE SAVE...do it right!

**eminence** · 10-31-2003, 03:22 PM

I already have a good head unit. I am not going to be upgrading the head unit just for MP3 unless I find that the FM Modulator is truly terrible. But its not the newest kid on the block so won't get much on resale. I don't have eough money to go around buying an HU every couple of years.

Simon

**C4M** · 10-31-2003, 07:32 PM

What sort of head unit do you have?

C!

**eminence** · 10-31-2003, 07:47 PM

An Alpine CD HU. I now wish I had bought the Eclipse!

Simon

**C4M** · 10-31-2003, 08:24 PM

Depending on the model, it is possible to introduce an AUX-in to Apline decks.

There are two different types of cable - one of them is the KCA-121B. The other is used if you have a changer.

A friend has the changer style cable lying around if that's the one that you need - I think he's looking to sell it...

C!

**eminence** · 10-31-2003, 10:10 PM

Yeah thats what I forgot to mention its a pre 2001 model so Versatile Link components will not work unfortunately.

Simon

**perkz** · 10-31-2003, 10:46 PM

hmm -that's pretty expensive...
Another way to wire everything up would be to get an Amplifier and wire both the PC and the HU up to it - a cheap second hand amp would probably cost about the same as those FM modulators... Only problem is you have to rewire you whole audio system.

**eminence** · 10-31-2003, 10:54 PM

Yeah I thought about putting another amp in but its just going to drain to much power from my car. I already have a 4 ch 400W RMS amp driving the sub woofers in the boot and 2 sets of components. Plus Italian wiring is notoriously dodgey so that into consideration I don't think I could power another amp with HU, LCD and accuremonts (how do you spell that word?).

Besides its more expensive than a FM Modulator and about the same price as if I were to change over to a new HU from Alpine or something else. Because I would want a semi-decent amp to keep the SQ if I were to go down that route.

I think I will just try the FM Modulator; see how it goes and then decide what to do. But thanks for all your suggestions, they have given me something to think about.

Thanks,
Simon