cassette adapter user experiences

[arthur[_3_]]

Have a Bose Miata FM/CD and Cassette unit and do not wish to undertake
a total replacement but do want to play a portable MP3 non iPod
through the car's sound system. My best solution seems to be the
Cassette adapter route. My problem is selecting the best and avoiding
the worse. So many brands and so few reviews so I hope some of you
will take a moment to identify their love and or hate list. Some
brands are:

Monster Cable, Sony, Belkin, Coby, Maxell, Scosche, Memorex, Philips,
Griffin, CTA Digital, Macally, AVB, Jensen, RCA, Lenmar, Panasonic,
Pioneer, IConcepts, ...

tia
arthur

[MOSFET]

They all usually work equally well. The more relevant factor is the
quality of the cassette player (frequency response, S/N, dynamaic range,
ect).

Cassettes, as we all know, are traditionally hissy. To compensate for this
over the years many noise reduction techniques have been employed, the most
popular being the Dolby noise reduction system which attempts to boost high
frequencies in the recording process so that they cna be reduced when played
back (the idea being that the music should sound as it did originally, but
the hiss will be dramatically reduced). We have had variations on this
including DBX and others that basically operate around the same principle.

The problem with playing an iPod (or any MP3 player) through a cassette deck
is that, for better or for worse, high frequencies will most likely be muted
to some degree in order to deal with the inevitable hiss the manufacturer
THOUGHT would be present. Also, cassettes typically have terrible dynamics
(difference between loud and quite parts of the music), this is partly due
to the format and partly due to the urge to control, yet again, hiss on the
part of cassette player manufactuers.

Unfortunately, all of this will lead to less than stellar MP3 performance
(though better than cassette to be sure!), but again it is not so much the
converter that will determine sound quality, but your cassette deck you are
using.

My advice if you REALLY care about good sound. Ditch the Bose and get a
good aftermarket MP3 equiped head unit.

My $.02,

MOSFET


"arthur" > wrote in message
...
> Have a Bose Miata FM/CD and Cassette unit and do not wish to undertake
> a total replacement but do want to play a portable MP3 non iPod
> through the car's sound system. My best solution seems to be the
> Cassette adapter route. My problem is selecting the best and avoiding
> the worse. So many brands and so few reviews so I hope some of you
> will take a moment to identify their love and or hate list. Some
> brands are:
>
> Monster Cable, Sony, Belkin, Coby, Maxell, Scosche, Memorex, Philips,
> Griffin, CTA Digital, Macally, AVB, Jensen, RCA, Lenmar, Panasonic,
> Pioneer, IConcepts, ...
>
> tia
> arthur
>

[arthur[_3_]]

Hey transistor, thanks for the reply.

I did consider ditching the Bose system which consists of 2 DIN units:
FM/AM/CD + Cassette unit + 100 watt amps + 0.50 ohm door speakers + 2
inch door tweeters. The units were built by Panasonic. Matter of
fact I did make an attempt with the Blaupunkt SD27 before I did enough
research to realize a total lobotomy was necessary and the was not
worth the time and effort to us. Long story not related to my needs.

Thus either the FM in-line antenna modulator or cassette adapter
solution. Btw, HiFi and a Mazda Miata is an oxymoron. The FM
solution as you know is also limited by the 19khz pilot and 38khz
stereo subcarrier and the FM emphasis deemphasis. Some the cassette
adaptors publish some specs one of which is usually a 90db signal to
noise which is 10 x 100,000,000 signal to noise ratio. Iow, damn
good. The tape deck has selectable adobe. So I need / want a adaptor
that will output an adobe signal.

I have read the few reviews and note some problems reported: false
cassette ejection, false reversing of motor, clicking noises.

We are not daily drivers, being 100% retired, but we live in a S.Calif
area with only 2 FM stations designed for our music tastes.

So, given my idiotic desire to use the less complex cassette adaptor
rather than a messy FM modulator install, do you have some advice?

Btw, my MP3 is a square 2g byte Transcend.

arthur


On Sun, 12 Aug 2007 21:30:18 -0700, "MOSFET" >
wrote:
>
>My advice if you REALLY care about good sound. Ditch the Bose and get a
>good aftermarket MP3 equiped head unit.
>My $.02,
>MOSFET

[MOSFET]

"> Hey transistor, thanks for the reply.
>
That's Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor to you, buddy! ;) Not "transister".

You evidentially know a thing or two about this. I actually have a cassette adaptor for my iPod when I rent cars with cassette decks. I bought mine at Radio Shack and have NEVER had any problems with strange behavior like stopping unexpecedly, ect. And you are correct, if given the choice, I would go with a cassette adaptor rather than an in-line (hardwired between antenna) FM adaptor with a MP3 player. S/N and frequency response tends to be even MORE limitted with FM players than cassette players.

Plus, I have heard some real horror stories on this group about FM adaptors and strange audio artifacts and static, ect. Plus, frankly a cassette adaptor is so much easier to use.

YET AGAIN, despite this, if SQ is the ultimate goal a stock system (especially through a cassette OR an FM adaptor) IS NOT the way to go. I bought a Maxima several years ago that included the Bose double DIN. The first thing I did was rip that baby out. Same with the Forrester I own today that came with a little subwoofer and CD changer. OUT IT WENT!!! Even the "premium" systems cannot begin to hold a candle to a truly high-end HU, high-powered amps, and really good speakers from the likes of Morel, Dynaudio, or JL just to name three (I run four seperate amps in my system, every single speaker including the seperates up front have their own dedicated amplification channel).

And, of course, if you're like me, no "premium" system yet sold today has anywhere NEAR enough bass. I have two MTX MXS 12" subs I run in a ported enclosure. Sure, it's heavy and it takes up a lot of room which is why car makers don't do it, nor will they ever likely include large subs in their cars because MOST people (like my wife!) would rather have the cargo room over large subs and their large enclosures.

Take care,

Transist.....no wait a minute......
MOSFET

[MOSFET]

> Hey transistor, thanks for the reply.


That's Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor to you, buddy! ;)
Not "transister".

You evidentially know a thing or two about this. I actually have a cassette
adaptor for my iPod when I rent cars with cassette decks. I bought mine at
Radio Shack and have NEVER had any problems with strange behavior like
stopping unexpecedly, ect. And you are correct, if given the choice, I
would go with a cassette adaptor rather than an in-line (hardwired between
antenna) FM adaptor with a MP3 player. S/N and frequency response tends to
be even MORE limitted with FM players than cassette players.

Plus, I have heard some real horror stories on this group about FM adaptors
and strange audio artifacts and static, ect. Plus, frankly a cassette
adaptor is so much easier to use.

YET AGAIN, despite this, if SQ is the ultimate goal a stock system
(especially through a cassette OR an FM adaptor) IS NOT the way to go. I
bought a Maxima several years ago that included the Bose double DIN. The
first thing I did was rip that baby out. Same with the Forrester I own
today that came with a little subwoofer and CD changer. OUT IT WENT!!!
Even the "premium" systems cannot begin to hold a candle to a truly high-end
HU, high-powered amps, and really good speakers from the likes of Morel,
Dynaudio, or JL just to name three (I run four seperate amps in my system,
every single speaker including the seperates up front have their own
dedicated amplification channel).

And, of course, if you're like me, no "premium" system yet sold today has
anywhere NEAR enough bass. I have two MTX MXS 12" subs I run in a ported
enclosure. Sure, it's heavy and it takes up a lot of room which is why car
makers don't do it, nor will they ever likely include large subs in their
cars because MOST people (like my wife!) would rather have the cargo room
over large subs and their large enclosures.

Take care,

Transist.....no wait a minute......
MOSFET

[arthur[_3_]]

Moss Feet, much thanks for your time, advice, and opinions. Do I need
to mention that the bass output of violins and trumpets is a negative
63db ... hee hee. I have an intolerable aversion to electonic music.
The major component of the audio spectrum in a 1999 Miata is road
noise modulated by engine zoom zoom sounds. ;) I max attenuate the
Bass and max increment the Treble which helps compensate for my age
related high frequency cutoff.

I had not thought of Radio Shack! Their site currently shows an
Accurian @ 19.99, Griffen @ 14.99 and Belkin @ 24.99 so which one do
you have? The Accurian has a gigantic 90 day warrantee vs 1 year or
forever for the other two.

I bet your Maxima did not have 1/2 ohm Bose speakers and components
designed around that virtual zero voltage and infinite current load.
Bose has done different versions of "their branded" sound systems that
the sales clerk always brag about. Dumb jerks that they be.

One other cassette compaint I've read is noisy adapter at low volumes.
There are so few reviews thus I ask here and do really appreciate all.

arthur


On Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:18:12 -0700, "MOSFET" >
wrote:
>
>You evidentially know a thing or two about this. I actually have a cassette
>adaptor for my iPod when I rent cars with cassette decks. I bought mine at
>Radio Shack and have NEVER had any problems with strange behavior like
>stopping unexpecedly, ect. And you are correct, if given the choice, I

[MOSFET]

> Accurian @ 19.99, Griffen @ 14.99 and Belkin @ 24.99 so which one do
> you have? The Accurian has a gigantic 90 day warrantee vs 1 year or
> forever for the other two.

I'm looking at the adaptor as I write this and it has no brand name other
than Radio Shack. One side says "this side up and has a number on it:
12-1999. The other side has the instructions for use which are pretty
obvious bu there they are anyway. There's another number 05A04 and then at
the bottom it says " Custom Manufactured in China for RadioShack Corp., Fort
Worth, TX 76102.

The label on the front is dark on the bottom and it gets lighter on top
(shades of gray). Other wise. it's black.

If you want to Email me I can Email you a picture of it.

Anyway, it has given me many years of trouble free operation.

>
> I bet your Maxima did not have 1/2 ohm Bose speakers and components
> designed around that virtual zero voltage and infinite current load.

Wrong, it did. Which is partly why I ripped the whole thing out. I FIRST
considered keeping the double DIN CD/cassette player because it looked so
good and "stock" and all, and then replacing the speakers and adding amps
and a subwoofer. NO DICE. Not even after trying several aftermarket
adaptors that "promised" to interface a Bose HU with aftermarket gear.
There was NO WAY I could get rid of an annoying buzz that NEVER went away.
The ONLY success I had was in adding a subwoofer to the stock system.
Because the buzz was of a much higher frequency the X-over in my sub-amp
filtered it out and the amp also had a remote gain control so I had a way of
controling the subwoofer level from the passenger seat. It worked fine but
eventually I yanked everything out as I didn't care for the sound of the
Bose speakers. Anyway, that's the story of that. My advice to you is if
you ever buy I new car again with a "premium" sound system, if you see Bose,
run.

MOSFET

> Bose has done different versions of "their branded" sound systems that
> the sales clerk always brag about. Dumb jerks that they be.
>
> One other cassette compaint I've read is noisy adapter at low volumes.
> There are so few reviews thus I ask here and do really appreciate all.
>
> arthur
>
>
> On Mon, 13 Aug 2007 11:18:12 -0700, "MOSFET" >
> wrote:
> >
> >You evidentially know a thing or two about this. I actually have a
cassette
> >adaptor for my iPod when I rent cars with cassette decks. I bought mine
at
> >Radio Shack and have NEVER had any problems with strange behavior like
> >stopping unexpecedly, ect. And you are correct, if given the choice, I
>

[arthur[_3_]]

Not what they currently show on their site.
Thanks anyway.


On Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:02:27 -0700, "MOSFET" >
wrote:

>I'm looking at the adaptor as I write this and it has no brand name other
>than Radio Shack. One side says "this side up and has a number on it:
>12-1999. The other side has the instructions for use which are pretty
>obvious bu there they are anyway. There's another number 05A04 and then at
>the bottom it says " Custom Manufactured in China for RadioShack Corp., Fort
>Worth, TX 76102.

[Goldsmiths]

"arthur" > wrote in message
...
> Not what they currently show on their site.
> Thanks anyway.
>
>
> On Tue, 14 Aug 2007 00:02:27 -0700, "MOSFET" >
> wrote:
>
>>I'm looking at the adaptor as I write this and it has no brand name other
>>than Radio Shack. One side says "this side up and has a number on it:
>>12-1999. The other side has the instructions for use which are pretty
>>obvious bu there they are anyway. There's another number 05A04 and then
>>at
>>the bottom it says " Custom Manufactured in China for RadioShack Corp.,
>>Fort
>>Worth, TX 76102.
>

The problem I occasionally ran into using these in rental cars was that some
cassette decks (Ford Taurus, a rental-car staple, was particularly bad) had
motion-sensing mechanisms that would pop those adapters in a few seconds.
The Radio Shack model MOSFET descibes sounds like the one I had, and it was
specifically designed to solve the motion-sensing problem. Mine finally
died (the wire broke). I just bought a couple (very cheap!!) for my kids
from xmfanstore. They seem to work OK. If the Miata cassette deck has
motion sensing, you may have to find an adapter that mentions this
specifically.

It's interesting that when these adapters became Ipod accessories, the
prices about doubled. They used to be 8-9 dollars; now they run around 20.
Must be incredibly improved.

As for sound, all of this is a compromise, of course. Anyone talking about
adapters like this, or FM modulators, is obviously already compromising.
And given how you describe your hearing, and the Miata environment, I doubt
you'd be able to hear much difference between brands. The clicking that
happens is mechanical, and your tolerance for that is obviously a variable.

Another route is the outboard FM modulator. I have an iRiver that can
transmit on any frequency and it does ok, especially on cars with mast
antennas. As a frequent renter, I needed this, because cassette decks in
rental cars are getting quite rare and I carry various outboard sound
sources with me on longer trips. Something else for you to consider.

MG

[arthur[_3_]]

The "Bose" (not really) matching cassette player is a full 2 inch DIN
separate component built around 1998 and probably has all the bells
and whistles. It supports "Metal" and "Dolby B NR" etc. I assumed the
Cassette route would be better than any flavor of the FM modulator
route but perhaps you can tell from your experience which is better.
Certainly FM is a bigger PITA to install although the Miata does use
an external vertical antenna. I attempted to locate a Panasonic model
at their site to no avail after google pulled it up via CNet

I discovered buy.com today and like the large list of adapters shown
using "cassette FM adapter" as the search argument.

arthur

==


On Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:54:17 -0400, "Goldsmiths" > wrote:
>
>The problem I occasionally ran into using these in rental cars was that some
>cassette decks (Ford Taurus, a rental-car staple, was particularly bad) had
>motion-sensing mechanisms that would pop those adapters in a few seconds.
>The Radio Shack model MOSFET descibes sounds like the one I had, and it was
>specifically designed to solve the motion-sensing problem. Mine finally
>died (the wire broke). I just bought a couple (very cheap!!) for my kids
>from xmfanstore. They seem to work OK. If the Miata cassette deck has
>motion sensing, you may have to find an adapter that mentions this
>specifically.
>
>It's interesting that when these adapters became Ipod accessories, the
>prices about doubled. They used to be 8-9 dollars; now they run around 20.
>Must be incredibly improved.
>
>As for sound, all of this is a compromise, of course. Anyone talking about
>adapters like this, or FM modulators, is obviously already compromising.
>And given how you describe your hearing, and the Miata environment, I doubt
>you'd be able to hear much difference between brands. The clicking that
>happens is mechanical, and your tolerance for that is obviously a variable.
>
>Another route is the outboard FM modulator. I have an iRiver that can
>transmit on any frequency and it does ok, especially on cars with mast
>antennas. As a frequent renter, I needed this, because cassette decks in
>rental cars are getting quite rare and I carry various outboard sound
>sources with me on longer trips. Something else for you to consider.
>
>MG
>

[Goldsmiths]

In my experience, considering your variables, I'd try the cassette route
first. Sometimes the path of least resistance is best, after all.

mg

"arthur" > wrote in message
...
> The "Bose" (not really) matching cassette player is a full 2 inch DIN
> separate component built around 1998 and probably has all the bells
> and whistles. It supports "Metal" and "Dolby B NR" etc. I assumed the
> Cassette route would be better than any flavor of the FM modulator
> route but perhaps you can tell from your experience which is better.
> Certainly FM is a bigger PITA to install although the Miata does use
> an external vertical antenna. I attempted to locate a Panasonic model
> at their site to no avail after google pulled it up via CNet
>
> I discovered buy.com today and like the large list of adapters shown
> using "cassette FM adapter" as the search argument.
>
> arthur
>
> ==
>
>
> On Tue, 14 Aug 2007 10:54:17 -0400, "Goldsmiths" > wrote:
>>
>>The problem I occasionally ran into using these in rental cars was that
>>some
>>cassette decks (Ford Taurus, a rental-car staple, was particularly bad)
>>had
>>motion-sensing mechanisms that would pop those adapters in a few seconds.
>>The Radio Shack model MOSFET descibes sounds like the one I had, and it
>>was
>>specifically designed to solve the motion-sensing problem. Mine finally
>>died (the wire broke). I just bought a couple (very cheap!!) for my kids
>>from xmfanstore. They seem to work OK. If the Miata cassette deck has
>>motion sensing, you may have to find an adapter that mentions this
>>specifically.
>>
>>It's interesting that when these adapters became Ipod accessories, the
>>prices about doubled. They used to be 8-9 dollars; now they run around
>>20.
>>Must be incredibly improved.
>>
>>As for sound, all of this is a compromise, of course. Anyone talking
>>about
>>adapters like this, or FM modulators, is obviously already compromising.
>>And given how you describe your hearing, and the Miata environment, I
>>doubt
>>you'd be able to hear much difference between brands. The clicking that
>>happens is mechanical, and your tolerance for that is obviously a
>>variable.
>>
>>Another route is the outboard FM modulator. I have an iRiver that can
>>transmit on any frequency and it does ok, especially on cars with mast
>>antennas. As a frequent renter, I needed this, because cassette decks in
>>rental cars are getting quite rare and I carry various outboard sound
>>sources with me on longer trips. Something else for you to consider.
>>
>>MG
>>
>

[arthur[_3_]]

I've ordered the Sony CPA-9C as it seemed to have mostly happy users.

arthur


On Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:34:04 -0700, arthur > wrote:

>Have a Bose Miata FM/CD and Cassette unit and do not wish to undertake
>a total replacement but do want to play a portable MP3 non iPod
>through the car's sound system. My best solution seems to be the
>Cassette adapter route. My problem is selecting the best and avoiding
>the worse. So many brands and so few reviews so I hope some of you
>will take a moment to identify their love and or hate list. Some
>brands are:
>
>Monster Cable, Sony, Belkin, Coby, Maxell, Scosche, Memorex, Philips,
>Griffin, CTA Digital, Macally, AVB, Jensen, RCA, Lenmar, Panasonic,
>Pioneer, IConcepts, ...
>
>tia
>arthur

[MOSFET]

Cool. Good luck!!

MOSFET

"arthur" > wrote in message
...
> I've ordered the Sony CPA-9C as it seemed to have mostly happy users.
>
> arthur
>
>
> On Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:34:04 -0700, arthur > wrote:
>
> >Have a Bose Miata FM/CD and Cassette unit and do not wish to undertake
> >a total replacement but do want to play a portable MP3 non iPod
> >through the car's sound system. My best solution seems to be the
> >Cassette adapter route. My problem is selecting the best and avoiding
> >the worse. So many brands and so few reviews so I hope some of you
> >will take a moment to identify their love and or hate list. Some
> >brands are:
> >
> >Monster Cable, Sony, Belkin, Coby, Maxell, Scosche, Memorex, Philips,
> >Griffin, CTA Digital, Macally, AVB, Jensen, RCA, Lenmar, Panasonic,
> >Pioneer, IConcepts, ...
> >
> >tia
> >arthur
>

[Goldsmiths]

Should work just fine.

mg

"MOSFET" > wrote in message
m...
>
> Cool. Good luck!!
>
> MOSFET
>
> "arthur" > wrote in message
> ...
>> I've ordered the Sony CPA-9C as it seemed to have mostly happy users.
>>
>> arthur
>>
>>
>> On Sun, 12 Aug 2007 18:34:04 -0700, arthur > wrote:
>>
>> >Have a Bose Miata FM/CD and Cassette unit and do not wish to undertake
>> >a total replacement but do want to play a portable MP3 non iPod
>> >through the car's sound system. My best solution seems to be the
>> >Cassette adapter route. My problem is selecting the best and avoiding
>> >the worse. So many brands and so few reviews so I hope some of you
>> >will take a moment to identify their love and or hate list. Some
>> >brands are:
>> >
>> >Monster Cable, Sony, Belkin, Coby, Maxell, Scosche, Memorex, Philips,
>> >Griffin, CTA Digital, Macally, AVB, Jensen, RCA, Lenmar, Panasonic,
>> >Pioneer, IConcepts, ...
>> >
>> >tia
>> >arthur
>>
>
>
>

[arthur[_3_]]

The Sony CPA-9C works great in our 99 Miata with the Bose System -
FM/CD + Cassette player. Cassette noise is bearly detectable with zero
volume and car parked in quiet location. Volume is more than loud
enough. Audio quality, playing an average MP3 classical piece, is
limited to the ability of the Bose System. I am sure a CD MP3 solution
would be no better given the same speakers and car.

Overall I am quite pleased with the Sony and recommend to anyone
wanting this route. Note that only Right hand side cassette players
are supported.

arthur


On Tue, 14 Aug 2007 22:42:47 -0700, arthur > wrote:

>I've ordered the Sony CPA-9C as it seemed to have mostly happy users.