MP3 Players

[Razzman]

OK so this may be a dumb question to some of you audio knowlegable types, but how do you hook up a MP3 player to a HU that has an aux input? From the earphone jack of the MP3 player to the aux jack of the HU?

I've also been looking at iPod alternatives and saw the Sandisk e200 series among others, anyone use these? I saw they have a 12v outlet adapter that plays the music through an fm channel on the HU (no wires needed), i wonder if that's any good or would the sound quality degrade? http://www.sandisk.com/Products/Item(1213)-SDAMX-FCT-SanDisk_Sansa_FM_Car_Transmitter.aspx

[talltigeguy]

Most people are unhappy with sound quality of an FM modulator. If you have an AUX jack on the radio, use it. The cable will cost about 5 bucks at Radio Shack.

I have an Ipod, but as has been said on some other threads, some of the others are easier to use. My daughter bought some junky, no name mp3 player, I found the drag and drop ability to be much easier to use than itunes for the ipod. It seems you could save plenty of money with something else. I've even heard of some nightmare stories where people inadvertently deleted their entire library due to confusion over how to use the itunes.

Accessories to my Ipod are easy to find, however.

[Coach]

Razzman-
What type of HU do you have and what year? There are some cables you can by for very cheap like and RCA (Red and White to a headphone conection) or with some headunits you can get an I-pod controler that will charge your I-pod at the same time.

[Razzman]

Coach, I'm going to use the Pioneer DEH-P4800MP HU. It does have an ipod adapter, for another $50+. It also has an aux jack as well. I'm trying to do this stereo system as cheap as possible as i probably won't have this boat for more than two more seasons before upgrading.

So far I've got $470 worth of new sound gear for $164 (shipped) off of eBay. I can't see buying an iPod for $150 plus and the adapter as well if i can just use another MP3 player direct to the HU. If i can just use another cable to an MP3 player then that's probably what I'll do as i don't see the benefit of an iPod over the others, is there something special about an iPod i'm missing?

[Coach]

The Aux RCA cable is what you want. Buy a 12V charger for your MP3 player and you are set. I would stay away from the FM modulators as they don't sound very good.

[Razzman]

Cool then that's what I'll do. Any recommendations anyone on MP3 players? I don't want one that has multiple functions, just need it to play music!

[chpthril]

We plug up our Ipod to an extra set of pre-outs on the back of the HU (clarion) and set it in the cupholder by the glovebox.

[dogbert]

Most people are unhappy with sound quality of an FM modulator. If you have an AUX jack on the radio, use it. The cable will cost about 5 bucks at Radio Shack.

I have an Ipod, but as has been said on some other threads, some of the others are easier to use. My daughter bought some junky, no name mp3 player, I found the drag and drop ability to be much easier to use than itunes for the ipod. It seems you could save plenty of money with something else. I've even heard of some nightmare stories where people inadvertently deleted their entire library due to confusion over how to use the itunes.

Accessories to my Ipod are easy to find, however.

Having had both, I'd agree with Tall...go with the aux jack from the headphone jack.

[Razzman]

Thanks guys!

[kingsfan8888]

Any body else have problems with their I-Pod shutting off half/way through the day on the water? It happened to us 3 times last summer. Don't know if it is overheating or too much bouncing.

[dogbert]

It's from overheating. I usually keep mine in the mesh pouch next to the driver's seat...out of the sun.

[Tanner]

Any body else have problems with their I-Pod shutting off half/way through the day on the water? It happened to us 3 times last summer. Don't know if it is overheating or too much bouncing.

SOMETIMES it's from Overheating.... 9/10 times it means you've got a bad hard drive. You should perform the self diagnostic on the hard drive. There are sometimes ways to skip past these bad sectors on the hard drive. Good Luck.

[Domsz06]

i'm going to remember the overheating part. Mine is in it's otter box all day, so that might not help any. Otter box is the best thing ever!

[Razzman]

Ok i give, what's an otter box

[Domsz06]

it protects your ipod from water and what not. good to like 5 feet.