I currently have a JVC El Kameleon (LX1) that I really like. I eventually want to hook up my MP3 player to my stereo (I refuse to use the FM transmitters, as they don't work that well). Does anyone know of a CD deck that has an auxilary in, & is similar to the El Kameleon series? Or, any CD deck that has an aux input, but looks semi-stock in an FD. I don't want some silver stereo that sticks out like a sore thumb in my car.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

stock head unit plus cassette deck + car kit = stock looking + mp3 player

 

Once again... the quality of a auxilary input by tape adapter(whatever they're called) sucks.

 

go to crutchfield.com search head units and on the side it has general features, click aux input

 

I was just browsing throught the Crutchfield catalog. Is there anyway to keep my El Kameleon series stereo, yet have a way to get an aux input? Is there a way to wire it through the amp? (I don't know much about stereos...) I really like the Kameleon because it is understated... not a lot of buttons & *****... it just gets the job done.

 

You can get an FM transmitter similar to what CD changers use... it utilizes an antenna wire as opposed to actually sending airwaves. Basically it goes like this Antenna wire, fm transmitter, cd deck. Sounds good. You can get em at most stereo shops or radio shacks

 

So it is basically an over-the-air FM transmitter... except it is hardwired?

 

dp

 

not really it simulates the frequency you tune your radio to.... and sends a direct signal to the head unit using that frequency directly through the cable... so it doesn't technically hit the air... Where as other actually broadcast on that frequency

 

Right, what you're describing would be hard-wired, yet I would have to tune to an unused station to listen to the MP3 player? How is the sound quality on that?

 

Ever been in someone's car that had a CD changer that wasn't either factory or the same brand as their head unit? If so generally those use these boxes. If you haven't yes normally sound is pretty good

 

& what were these called again?

 

generally they're called wired FM transmitter's like this one: http://www.tweeter.com/sm-harmon-kar...i-2172966.html

 

Have you actually heard one. If you are thinking about fm transmitters than you really don't know. Fm transmistters is in the bottom of the pit for quality.

 

the wired fm transmitter is much better than the wireless ones. I have one in my Excursion to listen to my Dvd player and playstation. i flip a switch on the bottom of the dash and set the station. While it is not the greatest it is still a hundred times cheaper then swapping out to a new headunit.

 

Those work pretty good until you get some signal interefernce. Intereference can come in the form of a weak/distant radio station that is transmitting at the same frequency or even somebody else around your car that has a satellite radio system that uses the same technology and is set at the same frequency. I have XM satellite hooked up in my spare car and that is how it works. Sounds great until somebody drives up that has their transmitter set at the same frequency at which point I start hearing Nine Inch Nails (my song) mixed in with some Elton John (soccer mom in her Explorer next to me). Not cool.

 

that is an interesting experience. I have had mine in the Excursion since 2003 and never had that happen. I use the first station on the FM dial and don't know if using a less common station would make a difference. I don't imagine you would want to tune it to a station you normally listen to either.

 

Yeah that's why when I've gotten them for friends before I made sure they had a couple of stations you could choose from.
As with anything the more expensive ones are clearer and have less interference. A friend bought one that was around 80 dollars and that thing never had interference.

 

I have the jvc kdsh909, and that has an aux input... I think all jvc kd series has those..