Probably, all without exception, car owners were faced with a situation when, when buying a car, an old radio tape recorder was installed in it (only CDs are read), not knowing about mp3 and other formats. It would seem like a good radio and sounds good, but for full operation you need to constantly record and carry discs in the car, which quickly get bored after a while. Naturally, this is far from a critical situation, but it requires certain investments. For those who do not like music so much, radio is enough, but for real music lovers this is not an option. Modern technologies make it possible to solve the problem of music in a car simply and inexpensively. It is enough to purchase a car FM transmitter. Which is better and how to choose them, consider.
What is an FM transmitter?
The device has another name - FM modulator. This is an additional device necessary for reproducing digital sound , which are located on a flash drive using a receiver installed in the car.
Car FM transmitters were widespread even 20 years ago, when the head unit was not yet equipped with modern diskless systems. After installing this device, the receiver received an indispensable option - it became possible to reproduce digital sound. This is much more convenient than using CDs.
Modern transmitters have a smartphone connection function. Thus, a car with a regular old radio that can not read digital files, without much cost, will significantly expand its capabilities in terms of sound reproduction.
The device and principle of operation
Usually car FM transmitters are made as a separate electronic device. It has a connector that allows you to plug the device into the cigarette lighter socket. So that the driver can more conveniently adjust the controls of the device, the unit is often fixed on movable hinges. Most models are equipped with remote control.
As devices of information storage, these devices use traditional USB-drives or SD-cards, depending on the model. Modern new transmitters are equipped with a function of communication with a smartphone.
The digital transmitter reads files on a USB flash drive or phone - the device easily “digests” modern and outdated audio file formats. Then the digital signal is converted into analog sound, which is fed to the FM frequency modulator. This frequency does not coincide with the signals of radio stations - this is done specifically so that there is no overlap of waves. The receiver, which is in any car, is tuned to the desired frequency, as a result of which music from the transmitter will be played.
Types of Transmitters
There are a wide variety of car FM transmitters. Which is better? It depends on the needs and cost. There are budget options, products from the average price category and devices of the level "above average". Let's look at the main types of these devices.
Simple devices
Often, these devices have a low cost, a minimum number of controls, as well as a minimum set of functions. They are needed to work in tandem with the same budget audio systems. As for sound quality, it is either average or below average.
These devices are capable of supporting small flash drives. The disadvantage of such transmitters is the inability to read playlists in full. To facilitate the operation of the device, it is advisable to copy the files to the root directory of the drive. Such solutions do not have their own memory.
Average price category
Here, the transmitter already has a color display that can display photos and other graphics that will be recorded on a flash drive. There is an expanded set of functions, the ability to read data having a complex hierarchy, there is support for large-capacity storage media.
There is a built-in memory, due to which the speed of the transmitter is higher. The device reads all modern digital audio formats.
How to choose the right one?
In the process of choosing a good car FM transmitter, you should take into account the needs and modes in which it is planned to operate the device.
If the radio is used only as a background sound, then the simplest and most affordable models will do. It is better to choose those devices where there is a remote control. So the driver will not be distracted from the traffic situation on the go. To help a potential buyer to purchase a suitable device, consider various transmitters from different price categories.
Ritmix FMT-A730
This is the most primitive device. It is easy to manage, there is the same simple but nice design. There are as many functions as necessary, no more, as the reviews say. If you do not make serious claims to the sound, then you can purchase and install this car FM transmitter in the car. Reviews about him are positive. The price is more than affordable. You can buy this device for 390 rubles.
PRIX FM VFM-29
This model is already a little more expensive. The cost is about 400-500 rubles. The set of functionality is rather modest, but the controls are an order of magnitude more convenient than the previous one. Included is a remote control. Using is very simple - you need to insert a USB flash drive and find the necessary wave on the receiver. The sound is suitable for the usual, far from music, car enthusiast.
Seiwa P-128
This is the development of Japanese experts who are trendsetters among digital devices. The device is able to play digital files of popular formats in the range of FM waves. The transmission quality is quite high, the sound is surprisingly good.
You can connect a smartphone or other devices to the transmitter, including tablets and laptops. This is a decent car FM transmitter. Which is better? It is this one, because at its price it has significantly more functions compared to other budget models.
Denpa FBT852
This is one of the best devices in the middle price category. It has a fairly wide range of functions in comparison with other models from its class. The estimated price of the device is only 1600 rubles. Choosing which car FM transmitter is best for a smartphone, you can pay attention to this device.
The device supports any digital media, including quite voluminous ones. Of the features - 3.5 connector, which makes it possible to play music. The signal is transmitted over a wide range. The transmitter is also equipped with Bluetooth and a color display. There is also a hands-free function. The complete remote control allows you to conveniently control the work and functions.
If you choose which car FM transmitter is better in sound, then this device is definitely. It maximizes the value for money.
Xiaomi Roidmi 2S
If you need an inexpensive, but multi-functional device, you can also pay attention to this model. The price is relatively small, but the quality is on top. The device is based on bluetooth technology. Speakerphone function supported. Frequencies can be tuned in the middle range, and the process of playing music is facilitated to a minimum.
The transmitter can synchronize with smartphones through special software. There is a USB connector through which you can charge your smartphone on the go. The body of the device is made of polycarbonate, as well as aluminum. Inside, the manufacturer installed protective mechanisms - there is protection against overheating, from short circuits.
Which car FM transmitter is better? It is quite possible to stay on this device. This device has a nice design and great features.
Neoline Bliss FM
This is another mid-range transmitter. Transmission is carried out in a wide range of FM frequencies. Users are provided with built-in 206 frequencies located in the device's memory. Unlike other devices, this one has a good complete set - there is a remote control. Thinking over the question of which is better car FM-transmitter, reviews about this device will be the main factor of choice. They are mostly positive.