With the overwhelming success of the portable MP3 player, more and more people are using these devices for their unique capability of storing so much information in such a convenient package. Trying to integrate the sound from these devices through your car stereo, has lead many of our consumer’s to try inexpensive solutions such as FM modulators, the problem is that we are all used to quality digital sound, which isn’t typically achieved through FM-Modulation. At Audio Obsessions, we have researched many different products on the market that will integrate an iPod or other MP3 player with your existing factory or aftermarket stereo. We stock a variety of solutions, along with custom mounting hardware, that car be used to create an attractive and great sounding solution in most cars.

One of the most trusted companies we have dealt with is USA-Spec. They offer auxiliary input adapters for most factory stereo’s that have the ability to control either a factory CD-changer, or satellite radio. These adapters can be used to get a direct signal into the amplifier section of a factory stereo without going through the noisy FM tuner or cassette player. These interfaces can be used with any source unit, whose output can be converted to line level (RCA’s). This includes most MP3 players, DVD players, satellite radios, etc. Another adapter that USA-Spec sells allows for the connection of both an iPod and an additional device. These adapters can be identified by the PA11 characters in their model numbers. Not only does the PA11 series connect an iPod to the a factory stereo, but it also charges the iPod. It extracts the sound through the digital port on the bottom of the iPod instead of relying on the headphone amplifier driven mini-phone output and can even control the iPod as a CD-changer thus allowing for a completely stealth and safe installation. Check with us for the most up to date information on these products as new models are being released monthly.

For aftermarket radios, we stock a variety of solutions to control an iPod or other MP3 player. Many of our units offer auxiliary inputs which can be used with any low level device or inexpensive direct iPod cables that charge and allow for the transfer of audio from your iPod to your radio. In addition, most manufacturers offer a direct iPod box that controls an iPod similarly to the way that the USA-Spec device works. Newer models available from JVC allow for the most seamless integration with an iPod by mimicking the actual iPod browser. Users can access their music collection in the same manner that they are used to with using the iPod itself. We have other radios that are integrating a USB port. These ports can be used with any MP3 player, including an iPod, and allow for the user to use the same cable that came with their MP3 player.