FM Modulator... which one?

I am in the process of building an MP3 connection to my current OEM HU. I have a 2002 Ford Explorer and I would like to hookup my MP3 player to it.

I have found the following FM Modulators:

- Farenheit/Power Acoustik EFM01 PLL (Phase Lock Loop) Tuner
- XO Vision RFM-60 Stereo Digital PLL
- Pyle / View PLMD2 PLL FM (on MP3car.com)
- Farenheit/Power Acoustik EFM02 PLL (Phase Lock Loop) Tuner
- Clarion FM200S (crutchfield)
- JVC KS-IF200 FM Modulator

I have read that I NEED to buy PLL tuner to get a good signal. Any other recommendations? What are others using? Please include Make/Model. I don't want to buy one blind.

Thanks,

Justin

Go with the Clarion or JVC, I have heard good things about these. I don't know what brand I have, I would have to take apart my dash to find out. But it sounds great.

Actually... the reality is that some FM modulators work with some cars/computers than others. Something that works great for me, may give you bad results and vice versa. In my vehicle, the Clarion modulator (the cheapest "brand name" one i found locally for $35CAN) was like crap. I did some inquring and a number of reputable Car audio installers mentioned having great sucess with believe it or not... AUDIOVOX. Most of then said they did not have good experience with the Clarion unit, a lot of distortion and electrical intereference in certain cars. The Audiovox's are very reasonably priced, and work GREAT (i have one of these). Dont go by brand or even price. You should buy and try them out, see which works well and return the rest.

:D

I have a stock Chrysler HU btw. Your BEST audio quality option is a new headunit with AUX in. If your not going for that, dont waste too much money on expensive FM mod related hardware, because they are all inferior to AUX-IN by far... save money and get a head unit later. The FM mod is a good transition method only.

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Dont go by brand or even price... sometimes the cheapest one turns out to be the best for your setup.

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I agree! Mine was only ~$30 on eBay. I have also heard good stuff about Audiovox's FM modulator. Try to get one that is from a place with a good return policy, that way you can try it out.

I have found that FM modulators can be a little more usefull than a head units aux in, as you can switch between devices easily unless you get a HU with aux in on both the front panel and in the rear. I don't always have my computer in the car (now it needs a new HD), and I use the modualtor for my portable CD player. You could also use it for a gaming sytem if you wanted to.

I have never heard of a PLL tuner, but if you have noise be sure to ground everything right, and if that still doesn't solve the noise problem, get a GLI (Ground loop isolator) from Radio Shack.

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Originally posted by vickumar
Your BEST audio quality option is a new headunit with AUX in. If your not going for that, dont waste too much money on expensive FM mod related hardware, because they are all inferior to AUX-IN by far... save money and get a head unit later. The FM mod is a good transition method only.

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I agree fully with this statement. When/if you get amps later for subs/high powered speakers, you can bypass the headunit alltogether....

I bought a modulator recently that I do not use anymore, if you want to work something out you can email me. If not then good luck and I agree with what everyone else says, the aux in is the way to go, but the modulators in general work and I have never seen a major difference between brands. cruzc_99@yahoo.com

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- XO Vision RFM-60 Stereo Digital PLL

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I bought this one off eBay and it completly killed my reception...don't know if it's faulty or what...

Just passing out info...

-Mike

Did you install a switch to turn it off? If left on it will make the reception of normal FM station sound bad.

The XO brand didn't have a switch...I had a sony cd changer once with an fm mod (don't know which) and it didn't do anything like this...

If you buy a standalone FM modulator you have to install a switch. Just hook a switch between the ground wire and yor set. I have my switch mounted inbetween the gear shift and ash tray. CD changer modulators come on and off with the changer itself.