FM Modulator or AUX input ? Eclipse 4421

Lord_Athlon · 06-25-2009, 06:35 PM

I have a twelve year old Eclipse 4421 that im in love with, and refuse to part with, so dont bother.

My HU has a 6 disc changer and I found out that there is an adapter to interface two RCA's. The problem with that is that I lose my CD changer. I dont want to do that because all my HU has onboard is a cassette.

My other option is an Audiovox FM modulator, of which I have heard lots of positive reviews on. This will be 30 bucks more than the interface cable.

Weighing the pros and cons, what should I do?

DNAsEqUeNcE · 06-25-2009, 07:34 PM

Interface cable. Nothing beats hardwired.

badvlvo · 06-25-2009, 07:41 PM

Wire it.

i have had both, FM modulators are OK but don't sound as good.

bdimag · 06-25-2009, 07:49 PM

this is for 4 channel applications... but you get the picture.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_469MPSS...lector&tp=2796

in this case it has 2 remote wires (one for each input)... install switches and relays to your liking.

Lord_Athlon · 06-25-2009, 09:02 PM

I know nothing sounds better than hardwired, I just dont want to lose my cd changer.

MrBill · 06-25-2009, 09:04 PM

but you'll have all your CDs on your portable audio device.

Hardwired and don't look back brah.

plantationwalrus · 06-26-2009, 05:22 AM

Use a WIRED FM modulator instead. Sounds 10 times better than a regular FM mod. It will play on a set frequency and you'll never have to change the channel because instead of giving you the ****ty wireless quality, you get a direct plugin via your antenna. Not the "best" connection out there, but the best option given your circumstances. They're $50 at best buy, not sure how much they are elsewhere.

hockey930 · 06-26-2009, 09:23 AM

the best anything fm modulated can be is fine.... even if it is hard wired. The aux input is always the way to go.
some people don't have the setup or ear to tell the diffrence.
If you think xm radio sounds "great" then an fm modulator is for you.

plantationwalrus · 06-27-2009, 05:39 AM

I agree, but it sounds like he does not have the option for an AUX input. Which is why I said that it's the best option given his circumstances.

That being said, there may be a way you can tap into the left/right audio input on the cd changer harness. If there is a way you can do that while cutting the power to the changer (simple toggle switch) then you can splice in a set of RCA's. BTW on some older Eclipse HU's you have to manually enable AUX mode once you tap into the harness.

hockey930 · 06-27-2009, 11:40 AM

I think our conversation got a bit off track, the part he is looking for already exists he is just tyring to figure out if it's worth losing his cd changer over.
"My HU has a 6 disc changer and I found out that there is an adapter to interface two RCA's. The problem with that is that I lose my CD changer."

Lord_Athlon · 06-27-2009, 01:39 PM

I ordered the aux input cable and the ipod charging/rca cable. Worst case, ill buy the FM thing later if I really want it. Or I could try and make my Sirius one work for it.

fige · 06-27-2009, 01:45 PM

get your ass over here

mike alder · 06-28-2009, 11:07 AM

If you decide to go for the FM Modulator unit consider This One as it has an issolation transformer with it which will reduce any ground loop squeal that you might otherwise get.
Personally I only use Bluetooth A2DP these dyas for streaming music/ nav instructions around the car, much neater without the wires and the audio quality is stunning - not easy though withour changing the head unit (although it is possible using iO-Play if it will connect to your car) - Mike

hockey930 · 06-28-2009, 12:20 PM

you get it working yet?

volvorod85 · 06-28-2009, 12:58 PM

Aux input, most MP3's sound like ass anyway, so pumping through FW with its crazy 40db or bandwidth is even better for em! <--note the sarcasm

Mark

Lord_Athlon · 06-29-2009, 12:45 PM

I bit the bullet. Ordered an E-Lan adapter and an IPOD to rca cable. I hope they get here soon/I hope they work with my hu. Worst case, I return them.

DNAsEqUeNcE · 06-29-2009, 06:24 PM

tommorow is warped towwwaaa neega!

Lord_Athlon · 06-29-2009, 07:17 PM

Random, but yeah. Your trucka run? Can you meet us somewhere? I dont know if I want to drive to phoendale.

RedLine T5R · 06-30-2009, 05:54 PM

Your eclipse have the ol'skool florescent tube display? Or am I going too far back.

Lord_Athlon · 07-02-2009, 03:21 AM

it looks to be a VFD to me.

740Weapon · 07-02-2009, 12:00 PM

modulators and FM in general sound like crap.

Coupe' de Grace · 07-02-2009, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 740Weapon

modulators and FM in general sound like crap.

+1 and what MrBill said. once the pod got wired the cdchanger sat all lonely and quiet in the corner. Adios!

500dollar744ti · 07-02-2009, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plantationwalrus

Use a WIRED FM modulator instead. Sounds 10 times better than a regular FM mod.

and a hardwired 2-channel input is 10 times better than that.

Lord_Athlon · 07-07-2009, 12:43 AM

i said **** it and bought a CD-105 alpine.

fige · 07-07-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord_Athlon

i said **** it and bought a CD-105 alpine.

hahahahahaha.

06-25-2009, 07:49 PM	#4
bdimag abandon all hope Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Northern VA	this is for 4 channel applications... but you get the picture. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_469MPSS...lector&tp=2796 in this case it has 2 remote wires (one for each input)... install switches and relays to your liking. __________________ Brian 1991 244 2004 S60

06-26-2009, 05:22 AM	#7
plantationwalrus uʍop ǝpısdn Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Campbell/Los Gatos, CA	Use a WIRED FM modulator instead. Sounds 10 times better than a regular FM mod. It will play on a set frequency and you'll never have to change the channel because instead of giving you the ****ty wireless quality, you get a direct plugin via your antenna. Not the "best" connection out there, but the best option given your circumstances. They're $50 at best buy, not sure how much they are elsewhere. __________________ '94 944t -iPD sways, Billy HD's, TME springs, Cherry upper/lower, SS lines, YoshiFab phenolic spacers, Pegs, Fred's Chips, browntops, MBC @ 15psi -Polk MMC6500's front, Polk MMC690's rear, Polk 400.4 amp, Alpine MRP-M1000 amp, Fi SSD sub, Eclipse 8454 deck

06-26-2009, 09:23 AM	#8
hockey930 Spending Money On The 760 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC	the best anything fm modulated can be is fine.... even if it is hard wired. The aux input is always the way to go. some people don't have the setup or ear to tell the diffrence. If you think xm radio sounds "great" then an fm modulator is for you. __________________ 85 760t 16Valve, holset turbo, getrag 265, twin disc 06 V70R 6mt, springs, sways, full exhaust, flywheel

06-28-2009, 12:58 PM	#15
volvorod85 Board Member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Sunny Socal	Aux input, most MP3's sound like ass anyway, so pumping through FW with its crazy 40db or bandwidth is even better for em! <--note the sarcasm Mark __________________ 1995 855 Turbo Stock <--Daily Driver 1979 242dl B230FT AW 71 <--Wifey's ride 1959 Austin Healey Sprite <--something completely different 1974 Fiat X1/9 <--Moms little toy "Driving the old 2 valve 740 is a bit like driving an IKEA wall unit, so leisurely is its acceleration, so angular its lines." My former brick saved my life 6/25/03....Volvo for Life New pic comin eventually.......

07-02-2009, 12:00 PM	#21
740Weapon Traitor Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Salem MA	modulators and FM in general sound like crap. __________________ '92 944 Turbo:13.400@99.68. Sold. '90 744 16 Valve. 16.317@85.55. Sold '92 244 http://pbase.com/740weapon

06-25-2009, 07:41 PM	#3
badvlvo Bad for Babies Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: In my house.	Wire it. i have had both, FM modulators are OK but don't sound as good.

06-25-2009, 09:02 PM	#5
Lord_Athlon Ballsdeep in wire. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tucson.	I know nothing sounds better than hardwired, I just dont want to lose my cd changer.

06-27-2009, 05:39 AM	#9
plantationwalrus uʍop ǝpısdn Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Campbell/Los Gatos, CA	I agree, but it sounds like he does not have the option for an AUX input. Which is why I said that it's the best option given his circumstances. That being said, there may be a way you can tap into the left/right audio input on the cd changer harness. If there is a way you can do that while cutting the power to the changer (simple toggle switch) then you can splice in a set of RCA's. BTW on some older Eclipse HU's you have to manually enable AUX mode once you tap into the harness.

06-27-2009, 11:40 AM	#10
hockey930 Spending Money On The 760 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC	I think our conversation got a bit off track, the part he is looking for already exists he is just tyring to figure out if it's worth losing his cd changer over. "My HU has a 6 disc changer and I found out that there is an adapter to interface two RCA's. The problem with that is that I lose my CD changer."

06-27-2009, 01:39 PM	#11
Lord_Athlon Ballsdeep in wire. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tucson.	I ordered the aux input cable and the ipod charging/rca cable. Worst case, ill buy the FM thing later if I really want it. Or I could try and make my Sirius one work for it.

06-28-2009, 11:07 AM	#13
mike alder Board Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Blackpool UK	If you decide to go for the FM Modulator unit consider This One as it has an issolation transformer with it which will reduce any ground loop squeal that you might otherwise get. Personally I only use Bluetooth A2DP these dyas for streaming music/ nav instructions around the car, much neater without the wires and the audio quality is stunning - not easy though withour changing the head unit (although it is possible using iO-Play if it will connect to your car) - Mike

06-28-2009, 12:20 PM	#14
hockey930 Spending Money On The 760 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Charlotte, NC	you get it working yet?

06-29-2009, 12:45 PM	#16
Lord_Athlon Ballsdeep in wire. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tucson.	I bit the bullet. Ordered an E-Lan adapter and an IPOD to rca cable. I hope they get here soon/I hope they work with my hu. Worst case, I return them.

06-29-2009, 06:24 PM	#17
DNAsEqUeNcE †500DollarSparkMap Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: San' Tonio'	tommorow is warped towwwaaa neega!

06-29-2009, 07:17 PM	#18
Lord_Athlon Ballsdeep in wire. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tucson.	Random, but yeah. Your trucka run? Can you meet us somewhere? I dont know if I want to drive to phoendale.

07-02-2009, 03:21 AM	#20
Lord_Athlon Ballsdeep in wire. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tucson.	it looks to be a VFD to me.

07-07-2009, 12:43 AM	#24
Lord_Athlon Ballsdeep in wire. Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tucson.	i said **** it and bought a CD-105 alpine.

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