MY04 Lib GT - Cassette adaptor for ipod vs other options

[liberdee]

Hi all,

I recently bought an MY04 Lib GT wagon and it comes with the Kenwood HU, with the in-dash 6-disc changer and a cassette deck. Yup, I snickered at the cassette deck when I first saw it, but then like many on this forum - I started wondering how to connect my ipod to the stereo. I weighed up all the options:

- aux in with an aftermarket interface
- convert the speaker outs to line level and run an external amp
- change the fascia and install an aftermarket HU
- use a cassette adaptor
- use an FM modulator

Having played around with car stereo gear many years ago through my uni years, I'm no stranger to obsessing about this stuff. However, as a new dad, I'm starting to think much more "responsibly" (if there even is such a notion for adult males). So I figured - start with the cheapest option first and go up from there. This will never be a show car, it will never compete in car stereo comps. I'm over cranking the stereo and having massive bass. I just wanted to plug in my ipod with minimal hassle and get away from using CDs.

A cassette adaptor or FM modulator are certainly the cheapest options. FM modulators are a pain I reckon. I didn't want to go down that path because I wasn't convinced that I'd be happy with the results at all. Cassettee adaptors? This seemed a bit hit and miss as well - I've used them in the past and they can be subject to noise/hum.

I'd read good reviews on the Sony CPA-9C cassette adaptor, but again some people didn't have the best results with it. I figured for $20 shipped from Ebay US, it was worth a shot.

I'm happy to report that this adaptor works brilliantly with the cassette deck in my LGT. No hum, no noise. Audio from my ipod sounds clean and clear. Audio can distort if the output from the ipod is too hot, but that's a simple adjustment of the volume on the ipod.

If I was to compare mp3s played through the system this way versus a CD of the same songs, the CD does sound better. How much better? Well it's NOT night and day. It's an incremental improvement really, not something I'm likely to notice when on the road. I'd notice it if I was sitting there critically listening, with the engine off.

If anything, the rest of the system - speakers, door panel resonance, etc - these factors are far more limiting than the cassette adaptor is.

Bottom line - if you want a convenient and cheap GOOD SOUNDING connection between ipod and head unit and you have a cassette deck, I couldn't recommend this enough. Yes, it takes you back to 1990s technology, but retro is cool all over again innit?

[tangcla]

[SUM12C]

Nice work liberdee, I was about to start looking into connecting my phone up and this sounds like a good option. Now I can put the cassette deck to some good use (I don't think I've ever used it).

[Kevlar GT]

I bought a radio transmitter that plugs into the bottom of the iphone/itouch and you tune it to a fm frequency that isn't in use an there you have it. Not the best option for places like Sydney mind you. Cost about $8 delivered.

[rickerty]

Man, I wish I had a Tape Deck!
Good work