Probably, without exception, all car owners have encountered a situation when, when buying a car, an old radio tape recorder is installed in it (only CDs are read), which does not know about mp3 and other formats. It would seem that it seems like a good radio tape recorder and sounds good, but for full-fledged operation, you need to constantly record and carry discs in the car, which after a while quickly get bored. 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 at all. 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 that is required to play the files that are on a flash drive using a receiver installed in the car.
Car FM transmitters were widely used 20 years ago, when head units were 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 the function of connecting a smartphone. Thus, a car with a regular old radio that cannot read digital files will significantly expand its capabilities in terms of sound reproduction at no special cost.
Device and principle of operation
Typically, 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. To make it easier for the driver to adjust the controls of the device, the unit is often fixed on movable hinges. Most models are equipped with a remote control.
As a storage medium, these devices use traditional USB drives or SD cards, depending on the model. Modern new transmitters are equipped with the function of communication with a smartphone.
The digital transmitter reads files on a flash drive or phone - the device easily "digests" modern and outdated audio file formats. The digital signal is then converted into analog audio, which is fed to an FM frequency modulator. This frequency does not coincide with the signals of radio stations - this is done on purpose so that there is no superposition 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 needs and cost. There are budget options, products from the middle price category and devices of the "above average" level. Let's look at the main types of these devices.
Simple Devices
Often, these devices are characterized by 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 the 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 impossibility of reading playlists completely. To facilitate the work of the device, it is desirable 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 extended set of functions, the ability to read data with a complex hierarchy, there is support for large 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?
When choosing a good car FM transmitter, you should consider the needs and modes in which you plan 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 purchase the right device, let's look at various transmitters from different price categories.
Ritmix FMT-A730
This is the most primitive device. It is easy to operate, has the same simple but pleasant design. 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 your 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 bit more expensive. The cost is about The set of functionalities is quite modest, but the management is much more convenient than the previous one. The kit includes a remote control. It is very simple to use - you need to insert a USB flash drive and find the necessary wave on the receiver. The sound is suitable for an ordinary, far from music, car enthusiast.
Seiwa P-128
This is the development of Japanese specialists who are trendsetters among digital devices. The device is capable of playing 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 your smartphone or other devices to the transmitter, including tablets and laptops. This is a decent car FM transmitter. Which is better? 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 features compared to other models in its class. The estimated price of the device is only 1600 rubles. When choosing which car FM transmitter is best for a smartphone, you can pay attention to this device.
The device supports any digital media, including large enough ones. Of the features - a 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 operation and functions.
If you choose which car FM transmitter has the best sound, then this is definitely the device. It offers the best value for money.
Xiaomi Roidmi 2S
If you need an inexpensive, but multifunctional device, you can also pay attention to this model. The price is relatively low, but the quality is excellent. The device is based on bluetooth technology. Handsfree function supported. The frequencies can be adjusted in the middle range, and the process of playing music is facilitated to a minimum.
The transmitter can be synchronized with smartphones through special software. There is a USB port that you can use to charge your smartphone on the go. The case of the device is made of polycarbonate, as well as aluminum. Inside, the manufacturer has installed protective mechanisms - there is protection against overheating, against short circuits.
What is the best car FM transmitter? It is quite possible to stop 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 package - there is a remote control. When thinking about the question of which is the best car FM transmitter, reviews of this device will be the main factor in choosing. They are mostly positive.
