zeitgeist57 Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 Looking for an FM Modulator so I can play my phone apps (Sirius/Howard Stern and Spotify) through my CTS-V without hardwiring in a serial cable. USB charger a plus. Let me know what's worked for any of you guys. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BBQdDude Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 You will loose clarity going this route. Why not hard wire? it will sound much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojoe Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 I could very well be wrong, but wouldn't that be completely different signals that don't link? Getting a data signal to communicate with with frequency seems like going from High speed to dial up. I have a USB kit installed in the STi, so I can stream. I did not do the install, but was walked through how he did it. I hate wires, and I understood it pretty well. I would think what you are looking for, if it is out there, would become frustrating after a short time. At which point, you probably would go with a USB kit. On another note, simply replacing the head unit with anything current today, would have a USB for streaming. A head unit like that can be as low as around $100, and again are fairly easy to install. At which point, it would probably have bluetooth, which would fix what you want to do as well. Not much help. Just my thought on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 Clay I've had no luck at all trying to use them with any amount of clarity or happiness. They all suck. Our 2007 minivan has a single CD and no input on the front similar to your situation. As Joe noted, a good solid aftermarket might be the way to go. I'm going to look at that route or the adaption of a hard-wire connection in some way as I think we're going to keep it for another couple years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Franchi Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 /\/\ What he said. I've tried a few different FM modulators over the years and they all pretty much sucked, even the supposedly better Belkin branded ones. Course, it's been 3 or 4 years since I tried using one so maybe there is something better on the market now but I doubt it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
90G60 Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 You can buy a cable that connects to the Sirius receiver. Unless you use Sirius, it's the cleanest method IMO. I ran it through the B pillar, under the carpet and drilled a small hole with a female 3.5mm connector into the center cubby. *Edit* Just saw you mentioned using the Sirius. If you can use the App and subscription from your phone it is worth it just to have the ability to play Spotify/Pandora. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted August 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 Thanks for the ideas, guys! The V came with an iPod wire that goes under the drivers' seat (to connect an iPod and be controlled by the factory head unit), but even with adapters I couldn't get an old iPhone4 or my iPhone5s to work with the head unit. I did end up buying a $17 Amazon special...will let you guys know how much it sucks. :fa: I do appreciate the feedback but Sirius just turned off in the V today and it was a looooooong f**king drive to Cleveland this morning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 Thanks for the ideas, guys! The V came with an iPod wire that goes under the drivers' seat (to connect an iPod and be controlled by the factory head unit), but even with adapters I couldn't get an old iPhone4 or my iPhone5s to work with the head unit. Is there a software/flash update available through GM? My car has a simliar setup in the glove box and even though it's a 2014, there was a free update from the dealer that they applied to insure it works with the latest gear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berto Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 /\/\ What he said. I've tried a few different FM modulators over the years and they all pretty much sucked, even the supposedly better Belkin branded ones. Course, it's been 3 or 4 years since I tried using one so maybe there is something better on the market now but I doubt it. I got the Belkin blue tooth adapter, (which was hardwired in via 3.5mm jack) and it was absolutely terrible. Returned them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojoe Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 I'd even look into replacing the cable through Cadillac. Those connections are known for having issues. There are tons of options with same equipment. http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=cadillac+cts+ipod+cable&id=0DD68469FBF230C921785013969602EBC7646338&FORM=IQFRBA 6 weeks and you will scrap this idea and just place everything or upgrade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted August 25, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 6 weeks and you will scrap this idea and just place everything or upgrade. Oh...I'm sure of it. I just need SOMETHING to get me my Howard Stern. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiji ST Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 I've got my wife a Jabra Bluetooth thing that clips over her visor. She can make calls on it and stream music from her phone through the FM transmitter. It works pretty well actually for being $25. Sometimes we have to reprogram it, but for her 6 mile commute, she doesn't have any problems. I also have an old Griffin RoadTrip dock that worked really well in my old Mazda. That thing would block out all but the strongest signals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chadz89GTA Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 Get one of the ones that plugs into the radio antenna and piggy backs on it. Been using one in my wife's car for years works perfect and sound is good too. Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004613FCE/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_2?pf_rd_p=1944687582&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B002U5XPBE&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=0ZA353PFS11SPM7KH817 Exact one I have works perfect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrMeanGreen Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 I bought a modulator recently at Autozone for $20. Works great, honestly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brent1976 Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 I put one of these in my truck. It's a bluetooth receiver that plugs into a 3.5mm jack. It works as good as my wifes new cars bluetooth, and sounds as good as cd. I think I found it for $30 on amazon. http://www.rockfordfosgate.com/products/details/rfbtrca Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unfunnyryan Posted August 25, 2015 Report Share Posted August 25, 2015 Just hardwire it! It's a GM, there has to be a cheap kit out there. FM is the worst way to go. Even the cassette adapters sound far better. Then once you hardwire it, you can tack on something like this so that anyone can quickly pair their phone with NFC and play music over bluetooth Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Brian Posted August 26, 2015 Report Share Posted August 26, 2015 FM modulators are shit. All of them. I've had two that died and started smoking. Even when they work, they suck on road trips where passing stations override your ipod and you keep having to change the broadcast frequency. Do it right the first time and hardwire it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted August 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 26, 2015 FM modulators are shit. All of them. I've had two that died and started smoking. Even when they work, they suck on road trips where passing stations override your ipod and you keep having to change the broadcast frequency. Do it right the first time and hardwire it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Not Brian Posted August 26, 2015 Report Share Posted August 26, 2015 I just.. I don't.. I mean.. ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrMeanGreen Posted August 26, 2015 Report Share Posted August 26, 2015 I'm rocking the 1998 Monsoon CD player in my Formula. It gets the FM modulator treatment. Because Race Car. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted August 30, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 30, 2015 http://www.amazon.com/Transmitter-JETech%C2%AE-Wireless-Charger-Samsung/dp/B00URUJWPW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1440939606&sr=8-4&keywords=fm+modulator Ended up picking it up...2 day-trips to Cleveland for work, 8+ hours of blasting Spotify in my car, and it's beyond expectations. :thumbup::thumbup: Showed it off at CC&C and the clarity is really great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zeitgeist57 Posted September 4, 2015 Author Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 My headunit is reduced to nothing more than a single-station FM tuner, that processes an audio signal to powered BOSE speakers. Spotify, Sirius, speakerphone/talk-to-text....it's all through my phone. I seriously wonder if in-car tech really is needed when a good "phone" is all you need... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted September 4, 2015 Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 http://www.amazon.com/Transmitter-JETech%C2%AE-Wireless-Charger-Samsung/dp/B00URUJWPW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1440939606&sr=8-4&keywords=fm+modulator Ended up picking it up...2 day-trips to Cleveland for work, 8+ hours of blasting Spotify in my car, and it's beyond expectations. Showed it off at CC&C and the clarity is really great. Thanks for pointing me to this! I bought it after seeing it at C&C and it is one of the only ones I've seen/heard that actually works. Wife is using it in her van and is quite happy. :thumbup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TTQ B4U Posted September 4, 2015 Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 I seriously wonder if in-car tech really is needed when a good "phone" is all you need... I don't know much about car-play, etc. but I think that's essentially what it's about. I love all the MMI crap in my car but really, most of it's duplication. I just want a nice size screen that is a mirror of my phone. Best of all worlds as costs to implement are minimal, no additional upgrades or programming needed, no separate / different system, etc. Why re-invent the wheel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramsey Posted September 4, 2015 Report Share Posted September 4, 2015 http://www.amazon.com/Transmitter-JETech%C2%AE-Wireless-Charger-Samsung/dp/B00URUJWPW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1440939606&sr=8-4&keywords=fm+modulator Ended up picking it up...2 day-trips to Cleveland for work, 8+ hours of blasting Spotify in my car, and it's beyond expectations. :thumbup::thumbup: Showed it off at CC&C and the clarity is really great. I will have to try this out. Cd player & sirus in the honda, but i want phone too. I just put a cd in yesterday for the first since i bought it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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