What's the cheapest way to get audio from shuffle to play in vehicle?

[wurm]

I have a 2006 Forester with stock 6-CD changer AM//FM/WX radio (no cassette), and I have an iPod Shuffle which I would like to use in said vehicle. I don't plan on changing the stock radio and it doesn't have an aux in, so it looks like I'm faced with the prospect of one of those FM radio transmitter things. I'll be using the shuffle mostly for audiobooks, so highest fidelity isn't a huge concern (especially since I'm limited to the stock speakers, anyway), although I will occasionally listen to music so it should sound like total crap.

So what's the cheapest way I can do this, using something that will last more than a month or so. It may make a good gift for my daughter to give me, as she's looking for ideas and I can't think of anything else.

[Carm]

I was going to recommend the NewerTech FM Tuner, but I cant seem to find it on OWC.
FWIW, it is the best FM transmitter I have used.

[wurm]

Wow, after reading some reviews on the units available, I'm wondering how difficult it would be to just add (or more realistically have someone add) an aux in cable to the radio.

[blusubaru]

I want to see someone mod a USB port merge with a head unit. I'm not talking on the head unit itself where most manufacturers have placed them because those aren't iPod supporting, merely for flash drive use. I want to see a USB port on the top of the dash by the driver. Then you just plug your Shuffle right into the top of the dash and there's your controls. I don't care if the head unit doesn't show what the iPod is playing, but it should be able to charge the Shuffle. /end rant/

[Baby Tats]

AFAIK there is a modification- but you have to kludge it together yourself and to use it you have to play a silent CD.

Best: would be installation of a new head unit (double DIN or single DIN with an adapter that would have a pocket) see Crutchfield or Circuit City. My wife has been happy with the lowest end Sony that has a front AUX.

Cheapest would be an inline FM modulator. Don't even bother with an over the air modulator. They are very hit and miss, but mostly just miss.

[M A V I C]

Cheapest would be burning the tracks to discs.

My preferred way is to get a deck that plays MP3s. You can fit tons of tracks on one disc, organize them in folders (make sure the deck you get supports that) and if the disc gets damaged, you're not out much.

[wurm]

[quote M A V I C]Cheapest would be burning the tracks to discs.

My preferred way is to get a deck that plays MP3s. You can fit tons of tracks on one disc, organize them in folders (make sure the deck you get supports that) and if the disc gets damaged, you're not out much.
Yes, burning to discs would be the cheapest, and probably sound the best. Unfortunately for me, it would require a new MP3 compatible head unit in the vehicle, which cancels out the "low cost" aspect. Burning an 8 hr audiobook to 8 CDs is of course an option, but I may just try the FM modulator alternative.

Baby Tats, both the inline modulator and silent CD kluge require at least partially removing the head unit to access the back of it. I've had the vehicle for only 6 months. I'll wait a little longer before I risk fscking up the works behind the dash.

Finally, there's something non-appealing to a thief about a factory unit, so that's another reason I'm hestitant about an aftermarket head unit.

[RAMd®d]

Look in iLounge.com for reviews of transmitters, and see what they say.

Monster has one on sale, via dealmac. I don't know much about their electronic stuff, but the fit and finish is always first rate.

Not being familiar with any products for any Shuffle, I'd tend to recommend a unit that plugs into the lighter or AUX electrical socket. These tend to have a stronger signal.

I had an older OWC unit that had a strong signal, but the sound had no dynamic range and poor mid to high end frequency response. They may have improved.

[JoeM]

Don't forget the low tech approach - iPod capable boom box or portable speakers

[goosegunner]

DO NOT BUY, I REPEAT, DO NOT BUY THE NewerTech FM Tuner. It is total garbage. I bought one from OWC a while back.

It never did work right. Sound was just awful. I tried it in 4 different vehicles and with 2 ipods and a Rio. Sounded the same with all.

gg