I think im going to try and sell my head unit that ihave now and buy a more expensive one later on that has the AUX input.

 

A modulator and transmitter are 2 separate things. A transmitter wirelessly broadcasts the signal to a radio station, and a modulator plugs into the radio line on the hu and directly inputs the signal to that station.

The install is very easy if you have knowledge of wiring. They are still on eBay if that's what you want. They sell them at audio stores, but they are expensive.

FM Modulators are the same things used if you were to install a dvd player and didnt have an aux in. aux in is still definitely the best way to go. if you can afford that instead, go for it.

 

for headunits without an AUX-In, you can go with a FM Modulator as the imput. This mod allows you to play music through one of the unused FM stations like 89.5 or something like that. Most of the time, FM mods are used to hook up a changer to a factory head unit. but it works for mp3's too.

 

I just recently checked out a car audio and security shop. They told me that i could buy a new xm ready headunit, and coupled with an adapter i could used my mp3 player. I was told the quality would be better that of a simple modulator.

Cost: A new xm read headunit,adatper, intall.......$250+tax

sounds a little expensive just to be able to use my mp3 player but i am getting a new headunit, which isn't bad. I'm still leaning toward a modulator.

any thoughts....?

 

what is the "adapter" they're talking about? also, unless you have a great setup and want crisp, clean, perfect sound, a modulator is fine. i listen through it every day, and it doesnt bother me.

 

this was what i had in my car:
http://www.sounddomain.com/sku/PANCQC8300U


I had my laptop hooked up to it with 20gigs of MP3's. I could watch DVD's ( with a surround sound winamp plug-in), and run a navigation program. All for less than the price of a fully equiped DVD/Nav mobile system..not to mention my 15" laptop screen is a whole lot bigger than any 7.5" motorized monitor. Plus i could access my outlook when im on the road and surf the net whenever i stop by starbucks ( T Mobile wireless account rocks)
Just some ideas for you guys. I have since gotten rid of this headunit and is currently running an Eclipse CD8453 with E-Commander voice controls. I can control my windows and headlights through speech alone. Now that rocks.