MP3 on the cheap, what are my options.

[PopeyeFAFL]

Most of the time, I always listen to the same radio station (Radio-Canada, Première chaîne in French), but I also download lot of interviews (in MP3) from the Internet on various subjects.I have a small CD-MP3 walkman with an AC adapter, I guess I can plug it in the 115 Volt dash outlet (there is an output jack for hearphone and external speaker).What will be my options to be able to listen to that in my Vibe (I have the normal factory install radio-CD player), on the cheap, I don't want to invest in fancy radio and-all, since my need is not that "important".1- Does a small external speaker exist for those ?2- Otherwise, can I simply add a jack to the radio ?3- Or change the radio-CD player ? (last solution).Thanks in advance.

[POLO]

''Salut''See this http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=22286 Que penses-tu?

[joatmon]

you could get an external speaker, but that would probably have to be amplified if you want to hear it over road noise, and would add a lot of clutter ot the car. Replacing the radio is probably the most expensive option, unless you get a good deal on something used.For just voice interviews, the sound quality of an FM modulator is plenty good. I agree with POLO, you should consider buying his FM modulator.

[vibrtor]

Go to this link: http://204.141.84.141/vr3_fmmod.php Roadmaster says the VRFM9 will be available at Walmart very shortly.

[4X4CHICHI]

That is exactly what I was going to get for mine. there is a lot of them on Ebay. It turns any USB micro drive into a MP3 player. great deal, also has a jack for MP3 player or cd player input. Your cheapest and best sound quality alternative in my opinion.

[vibrtor]

Just happened to be in Walmart last nite. They've got the VRFM9 - $50

[vibe-04]

I just went through this so here were my thoughts.Option 1: FM transmitter. Sound quality is not the best but good enough for talk radio. It will sound OK with stock speakers but start to grind on you if you have an upgraded system. Cost 50-100 or cheaper if on sale or eBay. Option 2: Create your own 1/8". Read the entire thread http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...age=1 and you can hard wire a connector to your deck. You will need some soldering skills and time. Cost less than 5 bucks for wire and connector. Time is about 2 hours or more. High pain in the A$$ if you have problems. I reralized I had a bad ground when I gave up and went to option 3.Option 3: Install a new head unit with aux line in. I just installed a Sony Head Unit from Future Shop (or Besy Buy) that has a aux line in. All totaled including deck (100 cdn) harness, antenna extender, and housing about $160 CDN. It took about an hour to install. Sound quality is fantastic. Next I'm getting an iPod Nano docking station with lineout. http://www.griffintechnology.c...x.phpI spend a lot of time communiting and sound quality and content are important to me. Andrew from Ottawa

[yardbird]

If you're not into replacing the whole head unit, it sounds like you want an FM modulator/transmitter.I've had very good luck with griffin technology's itrip for the ipod, though they don't seem to make a non-ipod variety.Belkin's Tunecast might work for your purposes, though I can't vouch for it, since I haven't used it myself. If replacing the stock stereo's an option for you, I've had luck with Sony aftermarket stuff - they've a 10 disc changer with mp3 playback support that's not excessively costly that works great in my other vehicle with a compatible sony head unit (it's even got XM controls).Good luck!-chuck

[jeffbacon]

I've got the Belkin generic FM transmitter (just has a standard 1/8 plug on it so plugs into and MP3/CD/etc. player). I find it ok but I don't particularily like FM quality from my MP3s so I'll eventually get a direct input for my head unit (or buy a new head unit).

[NascarXprt]

id go with this one it can go on batteries or off the cig outlet. this is the one i use with my MP3 player if im tired of the radio station or my cds. its from a company called irock! heres a link on where to get one and it also has the description on it.http://www.pcmall.com/pcmall/shop/detai ... pwbfroogle

[vibrtor]

Just picked up a VRFM8 (on Ebay), after returning VRFM9 to Walmart. Two problems with the latter: 1) the LCD readout is very small, almost useless; 2)it wouldn't pick up my flash drive. The VRFM8 is $20 cheaper and has an LED readout for the channel - easier to see. It does the same thing as the more expensive FM9, except for the ID3 display, which was of little importance to me. It also had no problem reading my flash drive. Roadmaster has discovered this same problem with the VRFM9 (different controller), that is not present in the VRFM8. Also, if you get any static from a channel, try a different one. I got a ton of static on 87.7, but had none on 88.3. Ideally, you want to find a channel that has no broadcast on it and on either side of it (according to Roadmaster). That is sometimes impossible, so you just have to find the channel that works best. Regardless, the sound is not of CD quality, but it may be due in part to the fact that it's an mp3 and not a wav file. I find it acceptable though. And it's a lot cheaper and easier than a new sound system.