MP3 Auxiliary input

shanahan · 8th October 2004, 03:37 PM

I've seen on some newer car stereo head units that they have an input for an MP3 player. I was wondering if I could do that, and I've found one that would go through my stock stereo via the 5 cd changer socket but it's $60 and I've found FM modulators that connect directly to the line. How would the modulator sound, i'am a little skeptic, but since it's directly connected i don't know. THanks for any comments.

SupraGuy · 8th October 2004, 09:57 PM

FM modulators have the limitations of hte FM tuner. If you look at the frequency response and S/N ratio of your FM tuner, you'll find that it's relatively poor. This is the BEST performance that you can get from your MP3 player, then.

Input through the CD changer port works fine, and is generally recommended.

If you want to do it yourself, it will vary. You have a few problems to overcome.

1. You need a way to turn on the stereo, and select your aux port.

2. You need to be able to apply volume, balance and fader controls to your input.

3. Presumably you still want regular function of your stereo.

I've never found a way to have all three.

The closest that I've found is with my old OEM unit, I added a set of pre-ins (A search of this forum should result in details, BTW.)

What I did was to disconnect the AM stereo decoder chip. This is after the AM tuner function, so it does not suffer the degradation of the AM tuner. The radio would then be set to "AM" for the aux port to function. This means that there's no AM radio in the car, but I decided that for the time being, I could live with that.

It worked nicely. While I was at it, I wired pre-outs at the amplifier stage input.

Safe_Cracker · 22nd August 2005, 05:57 PM

SupraGuy, I know this is an old post but I am new here and in need of your help. I am doing the same and need instructions if you would Polo30@Ameritech.net . Also is it possible to use the CD function as same, with all my music on my Photo 60 there is no need for me to burn CDs anymore. Thanks in advance for any help... Polo.

auxbs · 22nd September 2005, 09:14 PM

There's some projects on the 'net for adapting CD changer interfaces.

GNUnilink for Sony Head Units

VWCDPIC for Volkswagens (even has iPod remote control!)

Anyone know of any other projects?

8th October 2004, 03:37 PM	#1
shanahan diyAudio Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Arizona	MP3 Auxiliary input I've seen on some newer car stereo head units that they have an input for an MP3 player. I was wondering if I could do that, and I've found one that would go through my stock stereo via the 5 cd changer socket but it's $60 and I've found FM modulators that connect directly to the line. How would the modulator sound, i'am a little skeptic, but since it's directly connected i don't know. THanks for any comments. __________________ Red pill or blue pill....hmmm red for the Redwings and blue for the Blues Brothers...take both and have purple for...for...hey Neo wait up you, which one did you take eh?

8th October 2004, 09:57 PM	#2
SupraGuy diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Great White North, eh?	FM modulators have the limitations of hte FM tuner. If you look at the frequency response and S/N ratio of your FM tuner, you'll find that it's relatively poor. This is the BEST performance that you can get from your MP3 player, then. Input through the CD changer port works fine, and is generally recommended. If you want to do it yourself, it will vary. You have a few problems to overcome. 1. You need a way to turn on the stereo, and select your aux port. 2. You need to be able to apply volume, balance and fader controls to your input. 3. Presumably you still want regular function of your stereo. I've never found a way to have all three. The closest that I've found is with my old OEM unit, I added a set of pre-ins (A search of this forum should result in details, BTW.) What I did was to disconnect the AM stereo decoder chip. This is after the AM tuner function, so it does not suffer the degradation of the AM tuner. The radio would then be set to "AM" for the aux port to function. This means that there's no AM radio in the car, but I decided that for the time being, I could live with that. It worked nicely. While I was at it, I wired pre-outs at the amplifier stage input. __________________ There are 10 types of people in the world. Those who understand binary, and those who don't.

22nd August 2005, 05:57 PM	#3
Safe_Cracker diyAudio Member Join Date: Aug 2005	I-Pod in help. SupraGuy, I know this is an old post but I am new here and in need of your help. I am doing the same and need instructions if you would Polo30@Ameritech.net . Also is it possible to use the CD function as same, with all my music on my Photo 60 there is no need for me to burn CDs anymore. Thanks in advance for any help... Polo. __________________ Safe_Cracker :O)~

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Auxiliary Audio Input	rbragan	Car Audio	3	10th July 2009 03:51 PM
simple se how to wire a auxiliary cap	pforeman	Tubes / Valves	2	3rd July 2009 04:08 AM
ucd400: Hypex HXR12 Regulators vs. Input buffer auxiliary supply	jdec	Class D	1	23rd December 2007 05:52 AM
aes ebu auxiliary data	ajs_uk2	Digital Source	3	29th October 2001 02:18 AM


	Please consider donating to help us continue to serve you. Ads on/off / Custom Title / More PMs / More album space / Advanced printing & mass image saving

22nd September 2005, 09:14 PM	#4
auxbs diyAudio Member Join Date: Sep 2005	There's some projects on the 'net for adapting CD changer interfaces. GNUnilink for Sony Head Units VWCDPIC for Volkswagens (even has iPod remote control!) Anyone know of any other projects?

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

New To Site?	Need Help?
Register to Participate Search Privacy Statement Contact Us	Frequently Asked Questions Did you forget your password? Mark Forums Read