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Cassette vs. integrated FM vs. FM Modulator

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by captkras, May 5, 2006.

  1. captkras

    captkras New Member

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    I have a question about sound quality.

    I have had my XM SkyFi for almost a year now, and have been using the cassette. The biggest reason is that it just sounds SO MUCH better.

    I tested this in my prius, and yep, the cassette sounds 1000% better than the FM modulator that is integrated in it.

    I have seen some mention of a FM Modulator, that you put in line with the radio. How does this work? Is the sound quality on par with the cassette? What are your thoughts?

    I don't mind having the dangling wire to the cassette, if it means crystal clear sound.
     
    #1 captkras, May 5, 2006
  2. Betelgeuse

    Betelgeuse Active Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(captkras @ May 5 2006, 01:46 PM) [snapback]250332[/snapback]</div>
    I don't have extensive experience with this, so take my opinion with a grain of salt. From my limited experience (i.e. while I don't have one myself, I've been in a few cars with the integrated FM modulator), I have been very impressed by the integrated FM modulators. They clearly are much better than the "over the air" transmitters, and I would venture to say that they are comparable or better to the tape adapter. The best is still to plug directly into the stereo, but I've been very impressed with the "plugged in" FM modulators.
     
    #2 Betelgeuse, May 5, 2006
  3. captkras

    captkras New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Betelgeuse @ May 5 2006, 01:54 PM) [snapback]250335[/snapback]</div>

    Unfortunatly I can't "plug right in", as my prius is a 2002, with the stock radio. They didn't put in any AUX ports in on the radio at that time.

    I REALLY hate the modulator inside the XM. It sounds weak, and just plain aweful.
     
    #3 captkras, May 5, 2006
  4. aaf709

    aaf709 Ravenpaw of ThunderClan

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    I have the Pioneer Airware XM. It has a built-in FM transmitter and came with a cassette adapter. In the owner's manual it said that, from worst to best, it was the FM transmitter, then the integrated FM and finally the cassette adapter. I was surprised, I would've expected the integrated to be better.
     
    #4 aaf709, May 5, 2006
  5. BobR

    BobR Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(captkras @ May 5 2006, 01:57 PM) [snapback]250338[/snapback]</div>
    Your radio should be able to understand a CD and MD changer. You only need to get the correct cable to use a VAIS SLU or an Aux Box.

    This is the link for the cable:
    http://www.logjamelectronics.com/pietoyfmm.html

    Have you seen this:
    http://www.cesium.com/Prius/mdchanger/

    Bob
     
    #5 BobR, May 5, 2006
  6. captkras

    captkras New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(BobR @ May 5 2006, 02:32 PM) [snapback]250369[/snapback]</div>
    The cable, is only if you have stering wheel controls, which I don't. I got my Prius (certified) from a local deler, used.
     
    #6 captkras, May 5, 2006
  7. priusenvy

    priusenvy Senior Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(captkras @ May 5 2006, 10:57 AM) [snapback]250338[/snapback]</div>
    You have an antenna, don't you?

    The wired FM modulators plug into the antenna input (between the radio and antenna), rather than transmitting through the air. Better quality than an FM transmitter, on-par with the cassette adapter, but not as good as line-in.
     
    #7 priusenvy, May 5, 2006
  8. captkras

    captkras New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priusenvy @ May 5 2006, 03:26 PM) [snapback]250403[/snapback]</div>
    Ok, so the after market "FM Modulator" is on par with the cassete (which is what I am looking for). The FM transmitter just sux.

    I am asking all this, because I CAN take my prius into a audio store, and they will do the power inline (instead of tying up the cigarette adapter with a Y plug). And they said they would put in the FM Modulator.

    Now I just have to decide on the position for the SkyFi2. (going to start a new thread on that one).
     
    #8 captkras, May 5, 2006
  9. BobR

    BobR Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(captkras @ May 5 2006, 03:16 PM) [snapback]250393[/snapback]</div>
    It is my understanding in 2002 there was an option for a CD Changer and in Japan a MD Changer.
    You don't need to have steering wheel controls, simply press the disc button two time to get to the changer. A changer or device emulating a changer needs to be connected for this to show up.
    Once the changer is selected the line inputs of the SLU or AUX Box are active. This will give you true line-in sound quality.
    The cable is what is needed to connect to the changer port on your radio.
    With this cable, you could get an ice>Link, Vais SLI...
    In my 2005 I never use the steering wheel mode selection. I press AM to get to the SAT radio and Disc to get to the SLI.
     
    #9 BobR, May 6, 2006
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