ipod question
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,130
Likes: 5
From: Seattle WA
Originally Posted by KISSfn
How much better is the sound quality using direct connection versus FM modulation? Is it worth the investment? Thanks in advance.
Direct connect will always be much better, however, FM modulation quality will vary depending on how used your airways are. Around the LA area, there is a lot of interference. Your mileage may vary.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 10,089
Likes: 13
Originally Posted by KISSfn
How much better is the sound quality using direct connection versus FM modulation? Is it worth the investment? Thanks in advance.
If you're willing to spend some money, you can get a pretty good quality FM modulator that'll sound nearly as good as a direct connect. But a direct connect is the cheapest way to good sound quality.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
Originally Posted by shopdog
Broadcast FM stations spend thousands of dollars for an FM OptiMod processor and thousands more for a very high quality FM modulator. Anything you buy for $29.95 isn't going to sound nearly as good.
If you're willing to spend some money, you can get a pretty good quality FM modulator that'll sound nearly as good as a direct connect. But a direct connect is the cheapest way to good sound quality.
If you're willing to spend some money, you can get a pretty good quality FM modulator that'll sound nearly as good as a direct connect. But a direct connect is the cheapest way to good sound quality.
If sound quality is important to you, direct connect will be important to you. FM is good enough for general background listening but if you have a high performance sound system, hardwiring is the ONLY way to go. Trust me, I'm a retired audio professional. For that matter, if you really want the highest performance possible, forget about mp3's and use the CD's. It's all relative.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Rowlett Texas
Originally Posted by S2K
I don't connect the iPod, but I have a similar situation with my XM Roady. In my previous sports car I started with the modulator and then switched to a direct connection. The direct connect was orders of magnitude better. I am quite upset that I cannot do the same in the C6, however, I am considering a wired FM modulator.
Direct connect will always be much better, however, FM modulation quality will vary depending on how used your airways are. Around the LA area, there is a lot of interference. Your mileage may vary.
Direct connect will always be much better, however, FM modulation quality will vary depending on how used your airways are. Around the LA area, there is a lot of interference. Your mileage may vary.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...p?p=1551172269
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...0&forum_id=101
Last edited by KISSfn; Sep 5, 2005 at 10:43 AM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Rowlett Texas
Originally Posted by shopdog
Broadcast FM stations spend thousands of dollars for an FM OptiMod processor and thousands more for a very high quality FM modulator. Anything you buy for $29.95 isn't going to sound nearly as good.
If you're willing to spend some money, you can get a pretty good quality FM modulator that'll sound nearly as good as a direct connect. But a direct connect is the cheapest way to good sound quality.
If you're willing to spend some money, you can get a pretty good quality FM modulator that'll sound nearly as good as a direct connect. But a direct connect is the cheapest way to good sound quality.
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Rowlett Texas
Originally Posted by robvuk
If sound quality is important to you, direct connect will be important to you. FM is good enough for general background listening but if you have a high performance sound system, hardwiring is the ONLY way to go. Trust me, I'm a retired audio professional. For that matter, if you really want the highest performance possible, forget about mp3's and use the CD's. It's all relative.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,707
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles
Originally Posted by KISSfn
I realize CDs sound better but it's very nice to have your entire CD collection with you in your ipod. I have the stock Nav system (far from high performance)
For me, the convenience of MP3's outweighs the superior sound quality of CD's. I love my iPod. For a car, the MP3's are fine but even then you WILL notice the improvement of hardwiring over FM. It's a matter of whether or not the noticeable difference will be worth the money, time and trouble. It's very subjective and only you can decide if it's important enough to you. Try to find someone who has it to compare.
Since you are familiar with the difference between CD's and MP3's, I'd say the difference between FM and hardwire will be even more noticeable.
Last edited by robvuk; Sep 5, 2005 at 08:40 PM.
