I want to hook up an crative zen (mp3 jutebox) to the bose sterio on the g35c. I encode my mp3s at 256k and want the best sound quality but without a line input I have to either use fm modulation (which looks better) or a cassette adapter.
Logic tells me that fm modulation will limit you to crappy sound quality of fm radio. I'm not sure about the sound quality of a cassette adapter...I would imagine that with no actual magnetic tape there is no hiss...for all I know the sound quality could be as good as a line input. If that's the case I don't care if it doesn't look as stealth.

Has anyone compared the two meathods?

 

I think the fm modulator will give you lesser quality than the tape adapter. I use a tape adapter with my ipod and the sound is very good, assuming the quality of the mp3 itself is good. So since you say you encode at 256k it should be fine. I dont experience any hissing almost at all.

 

I have compared both and the tape adapter is marginally better than the FM modulator (IRock). On certain bass sounds, the FM gets a little off, but I usually use te FM for my DVD because of the ease/storage.

 

I wish there was an adapter out that utilizes the sat radio input but still lets you switch to sat radio. It's too bad bose didn't just include a front panel aux input jack/button...what would it have cost, like an extra $1?
Utill then, "marginally better" sound it is!!!

 

Here's what you're doing. Usually a tape adapter will play the music around the same quality as 64kbps sometimes 96kbps. The Bose system as far as quality is not that good of a speaker (I love them it does the job for me). If you used a higher quality input the quality would only go so high. A tape may play at full quality because that's all the Bose system can do. If you were to upgrade with another head, amp speakers. For arguments sake let's just say you have...

1 Clarion DVD Head
Diamond M6 Component Door Speakers
2 Zapco Competition series 250watt amps for the doorspeakers.
2 JL w7 10" subs hooked up to a Zapco AG1000 AMP

With that you will notice a BIG difference between line in and a tape adapter. With the Bose system you can't hear the difference. I still stand by the Bose system, they are great stock speakers and I probably won't change mine. I will put a TV in my G sometime or another.

Thanks - Joey Avino

 

I'm glad someone likes that bose! My biggest issue with it is the lack of aux inputs and line outputs for a sub.
My old car had this great alpine HU with mp3, cd text, x-over, xm, and a special adapter that lets you plug in the xm and an aux input. I would put that in in a heartbeat but I've never seen an easy way to install an aftermarket system in the g...
ps-how do you know a tape adapter encodes music to 64 or 96k? I was under the impresion it's a totally analog device...

 

Sorry my fingers got ahead of me, I meant it played at around that matched quality. I fixed it.

Thanks - Joey Avino