Hero headphone replacement - Hero, G2 Touch Accessories

Hi, I have searched on this forum for a better HTC hero headphone replacement thread but I've had no luck, also Google hasnt been helpful too which is why I am creating a new thread.
I have misplaced my Hero headphone and I would like to know which headphone will be a better replacement for the phone. I purchased iPhone 3GS headphone today but it can only Play/Pause (I am returing back tomorrow) Any suggestion will be highly appreciated and useful
Thanks

Might be useful if you give us a price bracket, there are lots of headphones out there. Also, do you want to be able to fully control the music playback from the headphones?
Florida.

You could always buy the HTC Hero headphones from the HTC Shop?
http://www.htcaccessorystore.com
They also sell a convertor which would let you use any standard headphones whilst still having control and Mic.

Bump!
I would like some higher quality, noise isolation earphones. However, I would also like to be able to control music from the headphones like you can with the stock HTC set. Is that a standard thing? Will any headphones with music controls work?

So why not go for this -
http://www.htcaccessorystore.com/uk/p_htc_item.aspx?i=184420
and then add whatever headphones you like.
You still haven't given us any idea of how much you're looking to spend, also, what style are you looking for? I've owned many sets of headphones, all of them in ear types. If that's what you're after, I can give you some advice, but, and not to labour the point, budget information is needed.
Florida

For me, price is not really the problem. I dunno - $50 to $150 U.S. That HTC accessory is cool and might just be the thing I'm looking for. Thanks for pointing it out.
Wait a sec, according to the specs this is going to plug into the USB port on the hero? I want it to plug into the 3.5mm jack just like the included headphones.
* Power: Uses power from device via 11-pin ExtUSB™ interface
* Dimensions (with clip): 49 (L) mm x 18 (W) mm x 14.0 (T) mm
* Interface: 11-pin ExtUSB™ male connector
* Standard 3.5mm audio jack
* Built-in Microphone
* 3.5mm Stereo earphones included

Why does it matter that it plugs into the USB port? Its got a 3.5mm jack on it so you can plug your headphones into it. I don't actually use one myself, I plug my headphones directly into the 3.5mm jack on the Hero and don't use any remote.
As to headphones in your price range, I'd look at ones by Etymotics, Shure and Ultimate Ears. If you can add another $50, I'd recommend the Ultimate Ears Super.fi 5 Pros (the pro version have a twin driver). I had a set up until about 6 - 12 months ago and they were really good. If you can't afford to go for those, then any by the 3 I mentioned in the upper end of your price bracket should give you a pretty good sound.
Be aware though, the headphones will be limited by both the quality of the music you've ripped (I wont touch anything below 320Kbps, but prefer FLAC (not really possible on the Hero though)) and also by the Hero itself. Although, from my occasional use, I don't find the Hero all that bad a music player. I stress I only use it occasionally though, normally I have my dedicated MP3 player with me.
Florida

Yeah, I'm not too worried about the sound quality. That is, I care - but I'm not an audiophile. I'm more after the noise isolation as I ride a lot of public transportation and walk through cities.
I didn't want it to plug into the usb port because then I can't charge and listen at the same time. Some how, the included headphones are able to control the music/phone through the 3.5mm jack. I'm surprised there are no "aftermarket" buds that can do that?

In which case you might be able to add one of these - http://www.htcaccessorystore.com/uk/p_htc_item.aspx?i=184417 to achieve the play and charge result.
Alternatively, if you fancy building something yourself, you could get one of these - http://www.htcaccessorystore.com/uk/p_htc_item.aspx?i=187492
cut the headphones off, expose the wires and add something like this to it - http://www.mcmelectronics.com/product/DISTRIBUTED-BY-MCM-AV14955-/AR70498 and you SHOULD have exactly what you need. I've not made one myself.
As to headphones, take a look at the Shure SE110, I'm a big fan of Shure and had their entry level headphones about 4 years ago, really liked them then and have steadily upgraded since.
Florida

I tried iPhone 3GS headphone also, but it can only Play/Pause, but the mic doesn't work!!!!
I have another expensive one, Beats by Dr. Dre-Tours In-Ear headphones, it's the same as iphone headphone, mic doesn't work also.
I thought it problably because there's problem with my hero, but then, I tried the hero headphone....without any problem.....but I just don't like it!!!!

FloridaK said:
So why not go for this -
http://www.htcaccessorystore.com/uk/p_htc_item.aspx?i=184420
and then add whatever headphones you like.
You still haven't given us any idea of how much you're looking to spend, also, what style are you looking for? I've owned many sets of headphones, all of them in ear types. If that's what you're after, I can give you some advice, but, and not to labour the point, budget information is needed.
Florida
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This one's a good choice. I'm satisfied with them

Related

MDA and Shure E3c earphones

I just ordered an MDA and want to use my excellent Shure E3c earbuds with it, but the connectors don't match. The MDA is 2.5mm and the earbuds 3mm. I tried a Radio Shack adapter with the earbuds and one of their phones, but it would produce only one channel when fully seated. Pull it out a bit and it worked okay, but this is not acceptable. The sales guy said he's seen this before.
Has anyone found a solution short of hacking the earbuds with a 2.5mm connector? I will do this as a last resort.
I'm looking for the same info.
I've read posts that Extensys carries them. I've heard a few complaints about the radio shack ones (poor quality and stick out too much). Perhaps some phone stores carry them as well.
However, I'm getting the GlobalSat BTH-820 Bluetooth Headset. This will allow me to use my E3c earbuds as headphones and a headset. The 820 has a mic. in it and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Seems like you are willing to have a wire to your MDA so you might be okay with a wire to the 820.
You will have to have A2DP flashed rom though to get stereo. True you will have a wire from the 820 to your ear but you get to use your favorite ear buds instead of larger bluetooth headphones. As another benefit, you can also just use one earbud while driving (some states forbid headphones) as a hands free phone. Battery life seems decent. I'm hoping the mic quality is not too horrible.
I have tried Radio Shack adapters, and they work, in stereo. You have to press it in all the way. Of course, you cannot use it as a phone with that type of adapter, no microphone.
There are adapters you can get that have a retractable cable with an inline microphone. With these, you can use normal 2.5 headphones in the same way as with the stereo headphones that come with the Wizard--for both music and phone. When there is a phone connection, the music is muted.
I have one for example, from Seidio.
IdeaDirect said:
I'm looking for the same info.
I've read posts that Extensys carries them. I've heard a few complaints about the radio shack ones (poor quality and stick out too much). Perhaps some phone stores carry them as well.
However, I'm getting the GlobalSat BTH-820 Bluetooth Headset. This will allow me to use my E3c earbuds as headphones and a headset. The 820 has a mic. in it and a standard 3.5mm headphone jack. Seems like you are willing to have a wire to your MDA so you might be okay with a wire to the 820.
You will have to have A2DP flashed rom though to get stereo. True you will have a wire from the 820 to your ear but you get to use your favorite ear buds instead of larger bluetooth headphones. As another benefit, you can also just use one earbud while driving (some states forbid headphones) as a hands free phone. Battery life seems decent. I'm hoping the mic quality is not too horrible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply. Someone on another thread mentioned that some adapters sold on Ebay worked, and Seidioonline carries one. I saw the same adapter elsewhere last night for $9 ($4 less), but I have yet to find the URL again.
The Globalstat system looks good, but I don't think I need to get that involved with it. I just need to plug into the MDA.
some 2.5 have 3 pins or 4, etc so if they don't line up, sound won't work out well on both ears
anyways, the treo adapter works if you are wondering
The expansys adapter lead works ok. it's specially wired as the sockets on these devices are wired so as to use the hands free kit, hence only 1 channel on a normal 3.5 to 2.5 adapter.
JwY said:
some 2.5 have 3 pins or 4, etc so if they don't line up, sound won't work out well on both ears
anyways, the treo adapter works if you are wondering
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just today I noticed the 2.5's have 4 pins, while the Radio Shack adapter has only three, which is obviously the problem. I suppose they consist of the two audio channels, one mic channel, and ground.
I should point out that the stereo earphones that come with the phone are also quite decent. Certainly not high-end like your Shures, but most people wouldn't notice the difference. And of course they can switch between music and phone use, without having to bother with an adapter. (To use them for the phone though, one has to turn off bt, at least if a bt headset is within range. Same with any wired headset.)
Being the normal earbud type, they (if used as they are) don't fit well in my ears, easily fall out, etc. I found a good soution for that--Griffin Ear Jams. You put these on normal type earbuds, and it transforms them to the in-the-ear earbuds (like the Shures and others), which stay in better, and sound better.
I got this 2.5mm 3.5mm adapter at my local Staples for $10 and it works with my HTC Tornado (Cingular 2125). Only thing is I think it swaps left and right! I think it's maybe the same adapter as the palm one but i do get stereo sound, and I didn't have to pay shipping.
sti3 said:
I got this 2.5mm 3.5mm adapter at my local Staples for $10....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This link points to a CompUSA set of earbuds with an adapter included, and I couldn't find such an adapter at Staples. However, I did find a number of adapaters on Ebay, including this one that apparently works like the standard headset with a mic: http://tinyurl.com/jllub
There are also some adapters available on Ebay without the mic.

TyTN x Sony Crossover!. Solution to the lack of audio port!

Just a bit of whining here...
The TyTN seems fine after a month of use but the headset issue is blowing my mind. I want to listen to the music and talk on the phone with some quality headsets.
First the supplied headset is a non standard USB, you cannot use your own headphones or connect to speaker inputs. Bluetooth stereo headsets are available but I believe that they are still too bulky and the technology is not yet fully developed.
You can't charge the phone while using the headset. This is just dumb, Very dumb.
Needless to say the quality of the supplied headset is not good, it is not even recognized by the phone as headset when you connect it. If you connect it to your phone while the phone is non silent, the phone still rings and not just your headset.
I have no idea why HTC is doing this, the TyTN is a relatively large device and it doesnt make sense that there are no spaces for a 2.5mm plug where you can buy all kidns of aftermarket wired headsets for it. Even the high end headset makers SHURE make headsets with the 2.5mm...
Finally I've made a move. TyTN X Sony Crossover Custom Headphones.
I've used a solder to remove the original earbuds wire and soldered a pair of cut SONY MDR-EX71SL headphones on. They sound 100 times better than the stock ones. This will ease my frustrations for now. I was tempted to solder my MDR-EX90LP on but they are $100 a pair. Too much for now
Later on I will try to rework the stock mini USB headphone and make a 2.5mm connector for it so I can use all kinds of headphones(with mic) and connect to a speaker system as I want!
EDIT: It appears that the original mini USB headset has 6 wires, 4 should be for the headphones and the remaining 2 for the mic, I can simply cut up the wire right after the mini USB port and connect the 6 wires to a standard cell phone headset 2.5mm connector then I should be able to connect the TyTN to all kinds of headsets![/img]
Arent you essentially doin this? http://www.4winmobile.com/tutorial-replace-hermes-headset-connector-with-35mm-socket-vt3146.html as seen in another post, seems like the most universal way to solve the problem.
I do like the way you built a set without a plug, cleaner..less cord and weight, but I know myself, I go through a pair of headphones about every 2 months on my mp3 player, Id hate to have to redo the soldering everytime, I expect with the headphones being such an issue for most peple that the market will be flodded in a month or so with headphones for the tytn, or atleast adapters, shoot, the one guy in the above url even offered to do it for free, as long as you bought the plug.
is there still no adaptor available to buy?
i just do this way........
can swap any earpiece....
crash74 said:
i just do this way........
can swap any earpiece....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
@crash74
Looks very good, even more solid than the other solution, but how do you open the unit to reach the print, is their any trick?!
Can i also use the new connection as a line-out for little active stereo boxes, or is this to tricky for TyTn/boxes?
worked like a dream i have no more crapy hissing inbetween tracks and now i can play my song thu my hi-fi that 1 to the modders and 0 to htc
Adapter usb to 3.5 jack
Go to semsons.com, they have the adapter
qing84, I have the same headphones as u=) firstly I solve this problem like you, but I smash the small "black box"=) with mic and volume control, and i was need connect my mdr-ex71 directly to TyTN without "black box"=(
I was glad that i did it, because sound became much more louder, and more clean...
qing84 said:
Just a bit of whining here...
The TyTN seems fine after a month of use but the headset issue is blowing my mind. I want to listen to the music and talk on the phone with some quality headsets.
First the supplied headset is a non standard USB, you cannot use your own headphones or connect to speaker inputs. Bluetooth stereo headsets are available but I believe that they are still too bulky and the technology is not yet fully developed.
You can't charge the phone while using the headset. This is just dumb, Very dumb.
Needless to say the quality of the supplied headset is not good, it is not even recognized by the phone as headset when you connect it. If you connect it to your phone while the phone is non silent, the phone still rings and not just your headset.
I have no idea why HTC is doing this, the TyTN is a relatively large device and it doesnt make sense that there are no spaces for a 2.5mm plug where you can buy all kidns of aftermarket wired headsets for it. Even the high end headset makers SHURE make headsets with the 2.5mm...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
umm...you could have just bought this.... http://www.cellphoneshop.net/auadforci85.html
i think its a good idea to replace the head phone leaving the mic in workin condition.as there is no connector is still available at least in my town.i ll try it tomorrow.thanx dude

Headphone adapters

For anyone who wants to order their 3.5mm solution now, take a look at this one from HTC: http://www.expansys-usa.com/p.aspx?i=159613
It’s the page for one listed as being for a Touch Cruise, but there’s a page with one for every HTC phone. I’ve been using it for a few months on my HTC Touch Cruise and it’s great. The plug itself is compact, no different in size than a 3.5mm headphone plug -- and stays put (it isn't shown in the photo). It has 2 parts, the cord with the plug at one end, and a microphone with a 3.5mm jack at the other. The other part is the throwaway earbud headphones that you can toss and use your own. No bulky dongle, and makes any favorite pair of headphones into your microphone/stereo headset. Personally, I forget HTC forgot the 3.5mm jack with this one, as it's just a cable, not an annoying adapter.
The pinout of the mini-usb jack on the G1 is the same as all other HTC phones, so at the very least the microphone and stereo audio will work. Some features of the answer-button that may or may not work on the G1: push once to answer; pushing while on a call places the call on hold; 2 quick presses redials the last number; 1 long press activates voice dial. Most likely, the button will mimick whatever functionality is present with the headset that ships with the device.
It's made by HTC, and is very durable. Beware the adapters from Seidio -- they last a couple weeks and then start to give out, audio stutters, fades in/out -- they're not constructed well and within a month or so the ends start to get loose from the wire; and you can't exactly run to Best Buy for replacements.
The budget-shipping rate from MobilePlanet.com should have them to you well before your G1 arrives
Question. How far will the microphone be from my mouth? How good is the microphone...the problem is my regular headphones are kinda long like the wire is probably a good 20 inches.
So by the time its plugged into the adapter the mic is gonna be 20 inches from my mouth..and I want to be able to pic up without using the phone? will it work?
Probably -- the mic is in the end that your headphones plug into, I don't know how long it is, but I do hold the mic up a bit when I use it as that. Primarily, I like it as it's not a dongle and in use is no different than having a 3.5mm headphone plugged in. The plug itself isn't big, it stays put, and if I need to speak on it I can. The mic quality is OK, though it picks up all background noise, and a slight breeze can sound like a windstorm. Talking on it is just a convenience for me, I really wanted a standard type stereo headphone cable that I could pick up a call on. My devices tend to be music players first, and phones 2nd.
FearlessM said:
Question. How far will the microphone be from my mouth? How good is the microphone...the problem is my regular headphones are kinda long like the wire is probably a good 20 inches.
So by the time its plugged into the adapter the mic is gonna be 20 inches from my mouth..and I want to be able to pic up without using the phone? will it work?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Earbuds w/out Mic/Converter?
Hey all,
I've been looking for some earbuds that don't require an adapter and just plug into the G1's current plug, or have an annoying mic; just to listen to music with.
Something that would eliminate the need for this: http://cgi.ebay.com/2-5mm-Headset-H...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318
Does anyone know where I can find some?
Thx
grim1234 said:
Hey all,
I've been looking for some earbuds that don't require an adapter and just plug into the G1's current plug, or have an annoying mic; just to listen to music with.
Something that would eliminate the need for this: http://cgi.ebay.com/2-5mm-Headset-H...14&_trkparms=72:1205|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318
Does anyone know where I can find some?
Thx
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I don't endorse this company, they seem to have quite a selection. http://onlyandroid.mobihand.com/homeAccessories.asp?hCategory=1022 Personally, I am inclinded to get http://onlyandroid.mobihand.com/productaccessories.asp?id=17085&n=HTC-3-in-1-USB-Adapter so I can charge the phone and use the headset of my choice. (This adapter looks like a beast though...)
G/L,
--M
PS that website has the adapter you are looking at on ebay for less... just fyi.
mini usb to rca adapter
is there a mini usb to rca adapter that can work with the g1?
Well, it's got 2 reviews, and a rating of 1 star on the company's site... There are tons of them on eBay, wonder if those are terrible... I suspect so.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280277868575
I ordered a few of those. I will let you guys know how long it takes to get to the US and how I like the adapter itself. I also need one for the car that lets me charge and then convert to 3.5 to go into my aux input in my car.
haitiankid4lyf said:
is there a mini usb to rca adapter that can work with the g1?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Might be easiest to go USB -> 3.5mm -> RCA. Not elegant but parts are available.
--M
yeah i was thinking about that, but two different adapters but i guess thats the only way for now
thanks
http://www.google.com/products?q=mini+usb+to+rca&btnG=Search+Products&hl=en&show=dd
found some but dont know if they will work
Here is a good 3.5 adapter that lets you charge at the same time.
http://www.expansys-usa.com/p.aspx?i=171920
benjimen said:
Probably -- the mic is in the end that your headphones plug into, I don't know how long it is, but I do hold the mic up a bit when I use it as that. Primarily, I like it as it's not a dongle and in use is no different than having a 3.5mm headphone plugged in. The plug itself isn't big, it stays put, and if I need to speak on it I can. The mic quality is OK, though it picks up all background noise, and a slight breeze can sound like a windstorm. Talking on it is just a convenience for me, I really wanted a standard type stereo headphone cable that I could pick up a call on. My devices tend to be music players first, and phones 2nd.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
how do you find the audio quality through headphones? little worried as i hear through its own speakers it can be a litte on the quiet side :/
bobby digital said:
how do you find the audio quality through headphones? little worried as i hear through its own speakers it can be a litte on the quiet side :/
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same volume as the headset that ships with it. Try it and see.
sorry i wasnt clear, i didnt mean does an adaptor effect the sound, purely what is mp3 quality and sound like through headphones generally on g1 (standard headphones or not) compared to say i-phone,nokia,sony erricson etc
Sounds good to me.
i have one of those adapters, i got it for my wing way back, i think they were like 99 cents or something so i bought a bunch, they wear out pretty fast though, there nice to play music from my g1 in my car, i just wish there was a way to keep the microphone on the phone so i could talk on the phone and have the audio come through my cars speakers.
Headphone adapter
The newer G1s are shipping with a really nice official headphone adapter in the box, but I can't find it for sale anywhere. Are early adopters just left out in the cold with no headphone support? HTC has these ExtUSB ports on every one of their phones but they don't seem to sell any official adapters so I'm going to be stuck buying sub-par chinese adapters off of Ebay.
anyone have any pictures of what the headphone adapters look like?
wth, i want one official one! maybe calling t-mobile, they will send us one?
It looks the same as the standard headphones the only difference is that at the head phones them selves aren't attached to the remote (one end of the remote is the usb cable and the other is a 3.5mm port) they are 3.5mm head phones. I called t-mobile about it because my brother got one and they said they new nothing they said it wasn't on the packing list so I called HTC and they said they new nothing and since there was no bulletin they could not send me anything. I went to my local t-mobile store asked them about it and they gave me a new one out of a returned phone. The reason that tmobile says that they are not shipping them with a 3.5mm adapter is because its just a modified head phone and not an adapter and head phones in the box. I would recommend going to your local t-mobile store and asking about it.
Sorry about the picture quality I took them with my super G1 camera.

USB headphones?

Hello,
From the searches I have done on here and other forums to include cell phone stores, I can't seem to find any information pertaining to USB headphones. Basically my question is: Are there any reasonably priced headphones that directly plug into the usb port (without any adapters or mini jacks as the plug)?
Thanks.
HTC headphones
http://store.wmexperts.com/htc-stereo-headset/11A29A1450.htm
For 15 bucks you get something from HTC that's workable until you find what you really want. Decent music quality. No adaptor needed.
It is funny you post this. I was just searching for some today and I purchased these.
If you search OEM Heaphones Fuze on eBay, you can find some for $10 shipped.
i have a sprint TP and DL the fuse FM radio app and it says that the phone uses the headphones as an antenna. mine does not work, you think with the fuse headphone it would??
USB Headphones - Not all work?
Are there different types of mini-USB headphones?
I just purchased a pair of Motorola "Stereo Headset with Enhanced Mini USB Connector" headphones that do not work when plugged into my fuze.
However, I went and found the old headphones from my Dash and plugged it in and it works.
Both have the phone/music switch.
Why would one work and other not? The shape of the of the jack on the old set just a little different that the Motorola's which look like a fat little "t" and is the same shape as all the connector wires and charging wires I am using. The shape of the jack on the old ones, however, does match the shape of the fuze jack.
Sorry if this is an obvious questions, but what am I missing? What do I need to look for when purchasing earphone/headset?
I have answered my own question. HTC is using a proprietary form of USB...extUSB. It combines audio and data, so you can use regular mini-USB for everything except audio. This bugs me. why do you take something that is supposed to be "universal" then make it proprietary. So now I gotta look for and buy special headphones.
bluetooth headset
I personally use the bt3030 bluetooth headset from jabra. Full stereo use any regular headphones you like. I use the stock ear buds works fine. These work for phone calls sprint nav as well as full stereo from mp3's basically any audio can be funnelled into these. cost around 80 bucks.
arsmithsr said:
I personally use the bt3030 bluetooth headset from jabra. Full stereo use any regular headphones you like. I use the stock ear buds works fine. These work for phone calls sprint nav as well as full stereo from mp3's basically any audio can be funnelled into these. cost around 80 bucks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can get the 3030's from newegg for 40 shipped in bulk packaging. Work great and no need to plug them into the phone since they are bluetooth. Give you the ability to answer phone, have remote, and listen to music. I love them. Got some skull candy headphones for 10 bucks from marshalls to replace the stock headphones they came with. Check them out
Headphones
Anyone found any USB headphones that have equal cord length on both sides? I really hate the uneven setup..always seems to pull one or the other out...... Thanks !!

G1 to car audio

im trying to play my music on my g1 through the audio in my car. i have a 2006 corrolla, and it doesnt have any mp3 port or whatever. doesnt have anything actually its very basic, just has the radio and the cd player.
from what i know, theres only one way to do this, and thats to use those fm transmitter things to play it over the radio. but ive heard these things suck and the quality is bad and sometimes you cant even find a good frequency so it doesnt work. but i said eh ill try it myself, so...
i'd like some advice and opinions and what you guys think is the best, most reliable, and best quality fm transmitter.
more than anything i'd like it from people that actually have these things or have used them. thanks!
I got one from ebay and it works, but adding weight to the lower usb connection does tend to cause problems. First I had to take the rubber nub off to make it easier to take in and out. But even still the connection was loose enough to unplug while driving, over bumps etc. End of story, it works, but just enough (if you find a decent station).
Pull out the the player and look at the back. If you have a mode control or aux key on the front of the unit then you will usually have a way to connect it the real way. They will have a left and right channel (white and red plugs), then buy an adapter l/r -> 3.5mm, and use the stock adapter or buy the htc breakout box which is what I have to charge and play.
can you please provide me with some links or pictures of what you just explained? cause i had already done lots of research, but none of it made it look as simple as you just did lol
btw, do you have the same car?
oh yeah and pm me please cause i cant always be checking the forums i get too busy. thanks!!
i have the motorola t505 on mi car and it works fine its not perfect but close if u wanna give it a try
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16875982146
Go buy a bluetooth enabled car stereo, that's what I did.
I've been using an FM transmitter for a couple of years now as I have the same issue with my car (Stock headunit which I can't be bothered to replace). I'm using a Kensington FM transmitter (Looks like this one http://www.anttiussa.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/kensington.jpg) and it works very well, I just have the three buttons assigned to frequencies that are mostly unused, if my signal starts to drop I just switch to another frequency on it and the radio. It's not perfect, hence why it's necessary to switch frequency when travelling through areas with stations active.
To be honest, I find local driving fine using only one frequency. Cheaper than replacing a headunit . I've used about 3 in total, some have been utter crap (High pitch squeals when plugged into the car) but this ones done me well .
halfsight said:
Go buy a bluetooth enabled car stereo, that's what I did.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
please list your model along with any pros / cons you have for it
If you go with a FM transmitter and have problems finding a clear frequency, try removing your antenna if it is easy to do. On my car - a 2001 prius - the ant just screws in. I remove it if I want to listen to my mp3s and screw it back on for radio listening. Very strong or very close stations can still be a problem, tho - And don't play with the antenna while driving, of course *S*
Forget FM transmitters - the quality will suck, it will add bulk to the phone and you won't be able to charge your phone while you're driving (which you will need to do if you are listening to music for over an hour!).
Bluetooth car stereos are really quite cheap. I have a Mutant MT2200BT, and you can now get the MT2300BT for less than £80. Its well worth it - I use it with spotify on my way to work every day... I basically have access to unlimited music in my car - hassle free! Make sure the ROM you are using has BT working (i.e. Dwang).
Sherloq said:
Forget FM transmitters - the quality will suck, it will add bulk to the phone and you won't be able to charge your phone while you're driving (which you will need to do if you are listening to music for over an hour!).
Bluetooth car stereos are really quite cheap. I have a Mutant MT2200BT, and you can now get the MT2300BT for less than £80. Its well worth it - I use it with spotify on my way to work every day... I basically have access to unlimited music in my car - hassle free! Make sure the ROM you are using has BT working (i.e. Dwang).
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If you're concern is sound quality Bluetooth is going to stomp on your dynamic range as well. Wired is the only way to get the best sound quality your phone can produce.
benmyers2941 said:
If you're concern is sound quality Bluetooth is going to stomp on your dynamic range as well. Wired is the only way to get the best sound quality your phone can produce.
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I agree... but you will nonetheless be pleasantly surprised by the quality you can get through A2DP (BT Stereo). And it is really straightfroward to setup and use!
I'm thinking of the same thing. There are several ways.
1.Cheap : Buy a cheap car audio with usb port and use your phone as a USB Thumb drive - make sure the audio recognizes the device before you buy it.
60-70$
2. Cheaper - go to a local car audio repair shop and ask them to add AUZ input by 3,5 mm jack - it can be done, don't listem to them lazy bastards. Buy a HTC 3,5 mm connector and you are done. Costs about 40-50$
3. Normal - buy a motorola ot jabra Bluetooth - to - FM transmitter - search for stereo bluetooth fm transmitter on the web... they are about 100$
4. Expensive = 200$ - Buy a Sony A2DP car system. Make sure it supports A2DP and test it out in the store.
or you can go the route that i did with my silverado and ipod. iSimple makes a media gateway box. it plugs directly into your factory stero with a new harness and gives you 3 options. ipod input, rca input, or 3.5mm input. all can be controlled from the stock radio controls and it charges all "i" models. i use it with my hugeeeee old ipod video for trips here and there and then i use the 3.5mm or rca input with my g1 so i can use pandora.
you can pick it up at best buy and let them install it or you can do it. put it this way, if you can root a dream, you can plug in the new harness, seriously thats all it takes. from start to finish the job took me 35 minutes...

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