(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best mp3 player fm transmitters

Looking for a solution to a unique problem
(also posted in /budgetaudiophile)


I'm not sure if this is the right sub for this, so let me know if it's not.

I need an affordable (under $500, preferably less) solution for teaching group classes in a noisy environment. Most people I have seen do this purchase a mic and use a single output speaker at the front of the class. Like musical buskers use.

What I would like to do is send that sound to individual speakers that sit on the guests tables. That way the sound doesn't have to be broadcast as loud and the back tables can hear just as well as the front tables. Like a drive in theater.

From my (limited) understanding, bluetooth won't work for this because of latency. I've seen silent discos use VHF, so that might be the right thing, but I'm not finding good speakers for VHF.

I'm looking at input like this: https://smile.amazon.com/Wireless-Microphone-Microphone-Ideal-Presentations-K038/dp/B07CBYWDZX
and transmission like this: https://smile.amazon.com/HamiltonBuhl-Additional-Channeled-Wireless-Transmitter/dp/B0039KSI98/

The VHF speakers I'm finding seem to be designed for marine use and are hardwired. I need battery operated (ideally rechargeable). I'll start with 6 speakers. The perfect scenario would allow me to scale up from there easily to 10 speakers.

Am I thinking along the right lines? Does anyone know if a solution like this exists in kit form, or know of an appropriate speaker?

Thanks for any advice you can give!

I went through a ton of these, for a while buying up the crappiest ones and attempting to mod better antennae onto them. Which is really fun and works OK for a while if you can do it (not to mention you can hijack other cars' signals if you can discern who else is using a transmitter).

The only one that impressed me was this this one

As it happened, I ended up modding my car, but I still keep it as a backup. Despite no external antenna, great reception and sound quality, not to mention sd card and usb input. The amazon reviews say it breaks after some use, so maybe not BIFL material, I haven't had a need for one for a while so I don't know, but it's the only good one I found after a lot of searching.

Something like that indeed. The reception varies. You'll need to find a radio station as far from other stations as possible for the best reception. That can change depending on where you are, so for long car drives it's best to have a passenger fix it. When you've found a good station the sound quality is actually really good. I own this one for reference

I'm still looking for better ones but so far this is the best one I've came across and currently still using.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071DNCDFX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_wBBjzb6A8J0GS

What I like about it is that it doesn't have the battery so it turns on when you start your car and power off when you turn off the car's engine. With the one you current have I had to manually turn it off because of the battery so that convenient is nice. No need to worry about charge unless you plan it take it around and play music off other speakers.

The microphone is built into the control unit so ideally you want to place it as close to your mouth as possible but it can pick up the sound fairly well from a short distance.

It'll play music and phone audio through aux while plugged in.

My complaints so far is that the audio is a bit low so I had to turn up the volume dial but when I switch to Radio it blasted my ears off. It could be just my car.

For some reasons my phone keep playing from the built in speaker instead of my car's audio even when Bluetooth said it's connected. It could be just the Google Play Music app that I'm using.

Not sure about the button part. I have the same model. I haven't found a way to pair my phone other than one of those radio tuners. I've had success with this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0098Y90PK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

You can talk hands free and it comes through your car speakers. Good luck!

Get the aukey Bluetooth Fm transmitter. Works great and it's pretty inexpensive.

Ballin on a budget is my specialty!

AUKEY Bluetooth FM Transmitter, Wireless Car Kit with Handsfree Calling and Flush Fit Dual Port 4.8A Car Charger for Mobile Audio Devices https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DVFU53C/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_UfcUAb87CMZA9

Hey! Hope this helps. . I have a 2006 STS and that’s the one I use, never had any issues with it. I’m not tech savvy by any means so not too sure if it’ll work with your caddy. Best of luck to ya man

Edit- fixed link

1- If your vehicle had any possibility of having an optional "cd changer", sat radio, etc... to be bought as option when new, you may have some type of input in the back of it.

2- if you know your way around a multimeter and soldering, do this: https://youtu.be/3jQEe7RlPbg

3- if you wanna go the FM route, use this:https://www.amazon.com/d/Car-Audio-Video-Accessories/iSimple-ISFM23-Universal-Bluetooh-Transmitter/B00DHQ6K7Q/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1549564748&sr=8-4&keywords=isimple+bluetooth or https://youtu.be/v6P143SMmbA

This one is better than other FM transmitters because it injects the signal directly into the antenna port instead of transmitting over the air. I have seen this type before, and sounded pretty good.

Just got this today and it works great. Pairs easily with my 7+ (will auto connect when both are on and in proximity) and I run the aux from this to my head unit and it's crystal clear for music and calls.

Nulaxy Wireless In-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter Radio Adapter Car Kit with 1.44 Inch... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFBIF99/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_bKYyybM2RXPR7

Here is the model I purchased (which is no longer available) and the upgraded model from Amazon. I don't have any use for mine now that I have upgraded to a car with built in Bluetooth, if you are interested please let me know. It worked great with my S10+ both for the fast charging and audio.

New Version:  https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Charging-Handsfree/dp/B07L3MV14V/ref=dp_ob_title_wld

My version: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BN9PCNM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I've installed a couple isimple pieces and they work pretty well. Plus they're pretty affordable so that's always a plus.

Yea, I saw that and hoped it would fit my car. Ended up getting this which actually sounds good.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L3MV14V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I just went into the jungle and it looks like this may be one to try. One thing I was looking for here is this phrase:

>ScreenBeam USB Transmitter 2 (SBT200DI) extends the value of legacy devices and enables wireless display from Windows devices that lack native Miracast support

Because lots of them look like they are just for the TV side. As you have probably seen. I think this will get on my wish list too. I would suggest a USB extension in case you have positioning problems.

You can get a radio transmitter that syncs to your phone with Bluetooth.

I can’t recommend Spotify enough. Since I never listen to the radio, I’ve been happy in my own music world for years. I barely recognize any of the names on the top 40 charts.

Get this. It has pretty good quality, IMO, and its worth the money.

We've got these and I think they sound great (aux port):

(Upgraded Version) Bluetooth FM Transmitter, Sumind Wireless Radio Adapter Hands-Free Car Kit with 1.7 Inch Display, QC3.0 and Smart 2.4A Dual USB Ports, AUX Input/Output, TF Card Mp3 Player https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0756WZ2V3/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_cSyDDbGSEMJTE

If Bluetooth is something you're wanting, one of these will play your music onto any radio station that plays static. $25 is way better than $20k

http://www.amazon.com/Excelvan-Transmitter-Charger-Adapter-BlackBerry/dp/B0098Y90PK/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1419757886&sr=8-10&keywords=fm+radio+transmitter

Get that one. 14 bucks. My brother and I own one ourselves. Lasted us about a year or so. Just don't bend the wires around like crazy and leave it in the heat and it should be fine. I mean the quality is even better than some radio stations. It's basically like CD quality if you find the right station in your area.

I use this Bluetooth FM transmitter and it's actually very good.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07533GYH2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Just find a silent/unused FM station and you're good to go. I just did a google search for my area and there were sites which stated unused stations.

bro, i’m gonna go down a different path here. Get a bluetooth to fm transmitter and let your passengers play dj if they want. this is the one i use. it works surprisingly well.

Nulaxy Bluetooth FM Transmitter... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MFBIF99?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

The best one I've ever purchased was a Scosche unit that I bought at Wal-Mart. They're in the automotive section and cost less than $20.

EDIT:Here's the amazon link to a more recent version than the one I bought.

FYI - you can get bluetooth receivers for a few quid on Amazon, simply plug into the lighter socket and tune in via the radio.

Something like thishttps://www.amazon.co.uk/FirstE-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Adapter-Handsfree-HK203update/dp/B07BF52BY7/ref=sr_1_5?crid=257T5AOMGZR16&keywords=car+bluetooth+receiver&qid=1568905124&sprefix=car+bluetooth+%2Caps%2C148&sr=8-5

I got a Bluetooth FM transmitter with the intent on replacing the stock AM/FM head unit later on.

It's been a few months and I haven't replaced the head unit. The FM transmitter works for me. I really don't use it for much except playing podcasts while I drive, so I really don't need much more.

If I listened to more music while I drove I would definitely upgrade the head unit. But the FM transmitter works for my needs, so I'll stick with that. This is the one I got. Price is right and it works well.

Are the speakers hooked up to the TV or through a receiver? If through a receiver, how about hooking up the turntable to an FM transmitter to broadcast to the radio (pre-amp needed?)?

Somthing like this: http://www.amazon.com/0-5-Fail-Safe-Long-Range-Transmitter/dp/B003FO4UHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418314018&sr=8-1&keywords=Rca+Input+Fm+Transmitter

If the speakers go straight to the tv, I'd suggest a pre-amp and bluetooth transmitter on the turntable end and a bluetooth receiver on the TV end.

A Part 15 compliant transmitter isn't very expensive and will work perfectly.

Talking House AM Radio Transmitter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00XV97XZW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_kYWQCbBP1N7VY

I have an even cheaper one that never has any issues and sounds great.

www.amazon.com/dp/B01IT5QGLE/

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BF52BY7/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_MXxVDb9EMNS7B
These work great.

Was maybe thinking of just getting this instead of even messing with the radio, I would be fine with just the Aux I just hope the sound quality is decent https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Handsfree-Voltmeter/dp/B01IT5QGLE?ref_=ws_cp_683579111e120b744774_dp_1_t_p

Yep, there's no distortion, it sounds better than radio stations. Although, there might be some static noise when you're in a busy area, but very rarely.

​

Edit: This is the one I actually use, the item in my original comment has some sketchy reviews

http://www.amazon.com/0-5-Fail-Safe-Long-Range-Transmitter/dp/B003FO4UHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1453250978&sr=8-1&keywords=fail+safe+fm+transmitter

This is strong enough to get you in trouble with the FCC so mind your frequency and signal strength

I have this one: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IT5QGLE?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

I've noticed that it does get fuzzy sometimes but if I change the radio station and then change it back, it'll clear up for some reason. You can also find vacant channels in your area on radio-locator.com!

Definitely get a bluetooth adapter like that one, or i have the earlier version of the mpow version. They get their power over usb, so you can grab a high quality multiple usb charger ( i have a 9.4am = 4 x 2.4 amps) 4 port charger so you can still charge your phone, passenger phone, and w.e else you want like a gps tablet etc. Other ones will have a hard wired power connector and your forced to give up your power socket for it.

and if you ever go another route, you could bring this inside and use it on any usb wall adapter.

Lots do, but there's plenty that support bluetooth too: https://www.amazon.ca/Bluetooth-Transmitter-VicTsing%C2%AE-Wireless-Supports/dp/B0196A4U6O/

I don't have that one exactly, but similar. I ended up picking one up a while back when my headphone jack in my old phone crapped out.

Or you could use this which connects to your phone via bluetooth and transmitt the music via radio to the car and you can change what station you want. There are more and probably better ones than this, it was the first one i found. I searched up "bluetooth fm transmitter" http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B001DDE4VY?pc_redir=1407942512&robot_redir=1

Nulaxy Bluetooth Car FM... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07533GYH2
So I got this back in January and it works pretty well. Very convenient for music & podcasts, not great for phone calls though. Decent starting point for your search

There are battery powered fm transmitters

Couple that to a [bluetooth receiver: ](AmazonBasics Bluetooth 4.0 Audio Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I59VBH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_JdxCybSN9ZPDB)and you're in hog heaven.

You need one of these, my friend.

Here is a bare bones approach.

http://cie-wc.edu/freekitplans.aspx


Or you could buy a fancy setup pretty cheap: http://www.amazon.com/0-5-Fail-Safe-Long-Range-Transmitter/dp/B003FO4UHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336750605&sr=8-1


Check out the pirate radio web sites for schematics, kits and info.

I put one of these in my car. Works great for streaming music. The stock stereo isn't particularly great in these cars, so you can't really detect any loss in audio quality versus the CD player. They also make ones that add a 3.5mm jack and a more expensive one that also does phone calls over bluetooth.

It's been a few years, but I think an antenna adapter is needed as well.

I had a good experience with this Soundfly BT. I used it for about 3 years in my old car.

That's what I'm doing as well, I bought this one on Amazon, and the audio quality sounds excellent to me. You can do AUX output via audio cable, or use the FM transmitter. I'm using the AUX cable.

The charging ports it has will charge your phone, but it doesn't fast charge.

The problem with an FM repeater is each transmitter would need to be on a different frequency.

Do you know if you might be able to use a lower frequency, like MF (AM) radio? You may be able to get more range. This would be ideal. I think these might be legal.

So, after a little looking around it seems like the hottest ones for your purposes-though they aren't really bleeding-edge bluetooth devices, are here:

One

and Two

Definitely try to convince him again that it's not a good idea, if not for his sake then for other road users which he puts in danger :/ like the other guy said use the phone speaker, and itf that's simply not good enough for him then £15 gets your a cheap and cheerful Bluetooth adapter that goes into the 12v socket in the dash:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07BF52BY7/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_19eXDbNERZ68B

I wonder if something like this would work for you:

http://www.amazon.com/Soundfly-Ultimate-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Charger/dp/B001DDE4VY

And if you don’t have AUX you can still use the wireless charger and a radio BT emitter thingy like this one

No contest winner is going to be the iSimple TranzitBlu. This is a hardwired FM modulator. Minimal installation and works on every head unit. Zero static, no FM bullshit. Autoconnects when you start the car. I've installed probably 100 of them.

https://www.amazon.com/iSimple-ISFM23-Universal-Bluetooh-Transmitter/dp/B00DHQ6K7Q/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=tranzit+blu&qid=1555077821&s=gateway&sr=8-2

If you want a version that does handsfree calling too, here ya go.

The ONLY issue/complaint I've had on them is switching between paired devices. It can be done, but folks don't understand the timing required (since there's no screen to guide them). But if you're just going to pair one phone to it and always use one phone, it's flawless.

I was skeptical too, but took a shot. Totally worth it. https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Handsfree-Voltmeter/dp/B07533GYH2/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1XI6862KX1SHU&keywords=nulaxy+wireless+in+car+bluetooth+fm+transmitter&qid=1570304277&sprefix=nulaxy%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFKUEZPWFdXNjFXV0YmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA0ODE3OTlSRDNKT01OOTlLOVImZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMTAzOTA4NjE0M0syS1JaWVc0VTAmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl

If your computer hardware/laptop does not support MiraCast, you would need a USB adapter, like this:

https://www.amazon.com/Actiontec-Screenbeam-Usb-Transmitter-Win/dp/B06XBLB261

https://windowsreport.com/setup-miracast-windows-10-pc/

Short of changing the head unit, look into a FM transmitter.

Here's one that has bluetooth, speaker and plays MP3 of of Micro SD cards
https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Sumind-Hands-Free/dp/B0756WZ2V3

I had a transmitter/phone charger. It plugged into the cigarette lighter port. It had a power cable and aux cable. You pick an FM frequency to play on and you can listen to it through the radio.

Can't find the one I used, but here's one with the aux/transmitter combo.

In my experience, consumer devices that "support" certain third-party services never do a good job, and the update cycle is dismal -- if it happens at all.

Sometimes the basics are the best. I bought an FM transmitter and I can distribute any line-level-out sound around the house to any FM radio.

I cannot control the music remotely, but if I wanted that, I'd just use my phone as a source and take it from room to room moving it from docking station to docking station.

I have a 2008 Cayman S with the same issue. I tried figuring out how to get an Aux line run into the car but because all of the audio equipment uses the CAN network to communicate rather than traditional audio wires, there was no way to hijack it to add an AUX input.

I picked up a few FM transmitters and this is the one I end up using most of the time:
http://www.amazon.com/Excelvan-Transmitter-Charger-Adapter-BlackBerry/dp/B0098Y90PK/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1394392621&sr=1-1&keywords=fm+transmitter

It's .... passable but not perfect. You have to find a station that is as far as possible from other frequencies being used and even then I have to turn up the radio volume from like 12 to 30 to hear it at a normal level. It's not too bad though.

It's going to change as you drive around the Lower Mainland. I'd recommend picking up an FM Transmitter that has "Auto Scan" functionality similar to this.

You need one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/Excelvan-Transmitter-Charger-Adapter-BlackBerry/dp/B0098Y90PK/ref=sr_1_2?s=mp3&ie=UTF8&qid=1398780044&sr=1-2

You'll need one of these

You need one of these

FM Bluetooth Transmitter Should work for you.

The one I use: http://www.amazon.com/0-5-Fail-Safe-Long-Range-Transmitter/dp/B003FO4UHW/

One of these: http://www.amazon.com/0-5-Fail-Safe-Long-Range-Transmitter/dp/B003FO4UHW/ (if they'll ship it your way...they shipped on to Canada)

What about these?
https://www.amazon.com/iClever-ICF40-Auto-Scan-Wireless-Transmitter/dp/B00NXE4N4Y/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1483493722&sr=8-7&keywords=fm+audio+transmitter+for+car

Power outlet.

This is what I have

https://www.amazon.ca/VicTsing-Transmitter-Bluetooth-Flexible-Gooseneck/dp/B0196A4U6O/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1502643541&sr=1-3&keywords=fm+transmitter

u mean a low/med wattage fm transmitter and a microphone? to be had for less than $100

http://www.amazon.com/0-5-Fail-Safe-Long-Range-Transmitter/dp/B003FO4UHW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336750605&sr=8-1

I personally have this and it works wonders.

https://www.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Handsfree-Voltmeter/dp/B07533GYH2/

The link with all the referral junk removed.

It's not the one I personally have, but I'd probably opt for the Aukey were I looking to buy one now.

Here you go
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07LF6KYPY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_FLy3Cb9GNE19Q

(Well I'll be damned, there ARE Bluetooth FM transmitters.)

http://www.amazon.com/Soundfly-Ultimate-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Motorola/dp/B001DDE4VY

That will allow you to stream your music to an FM frequency that you turn your radio to. There are wired versions, too, that go for quite a bit less.

I got the Satechi Soundfly Aux (http://amzn.com/B00479SVBU ) because you could use it with an SD card, USB flash drive, or aux cable plugged in to your music player. It worked really well, even in a big city. But it's the kind that plugs into the cigarette lighter, and it broke into pieces when pulling it out when I'd had it about 9 months.

So I looked for a battery powered model, and found a very basic one by Scosche, http://amzn.com/B004NEUK86. It worked surprisingly well. I had to change the batteries every 3 weeks or so (rechargeables are recommended). I paid $15 at a big box store. I don't know about longevity, because my car died a few months later, and the used car I bought has an aux jack.

They do make FM transmitters that you wire in-line to the antenna. When you flip a switch it takes over the antenna input so you don’t have problems with existing over the air stations overpowering it.

Here’s one on Amazon

> I was wondering if there was some trick to using the adapters?

Fire up Google Play, start a station, fiddle with the adapter, audio starts playing.

Kill Google Play, switch back to the other app you're trying to get audio out of, hope it works.

2018, folks.

(ps, I ended up buying this bluetooth fm transmitter for my older car and some expensive bluetooth headphones that I'm still unhappy with.)

On my last two cars, I replaced the crappy Honda/Toyota radio with a Bluetooth radio myself, for less than $100.

That's a bit of work though, so you could always get one of these (FM or Aux in from Bluetooth):

https://www.amazon.com/Upgraded-Bluetooth-Transmitter-Sumind-Hands-Free/dp/B0756WZ2V3?th=1