I have a question about converting cds to mp3 usable in car instead of keeping changing the cds in the player?

Question

I have a question as not soo techy when it comes to audio and cars,
anyhow, i have over 300 cds. and only 6 cd changer in my car (yes thats very good i know and thankful) but my problem is i like to listen to many songs on those cds and i would like to have them at the tip of my hand instead of parking changing cds which is in glove box. too much work finding cds and all. so my question is, is there an mp3 player with a mini screen to install in my car where i can save many songs on it and just hook it up to my radio somehow? and use the screen to switch and make a playlist so i find my music easily while driving?

THanks for any info

Answer 1

You have a couple of options:

1) You can install a new head unit (the radio, cd/tape deck unit in the dash) ect. The newer systems support mp3 format burned on a CD. You can literally burn hundreds of songs onto one CD and there you go. You will just need to buy a wire harness adapter and in some cases a mounting kit. Its not very complicated, if you don't feel comfortable doing this yourself any Car Audio shop can do this.



2) Another option is getting a FM Modulator. This device connects into your radio antenna, and electrical system. It has a connector you plug your IPOD, MP3, Laptop, ect audio device, and your music plays out of a preset radio station. This device is pretty much the only option if you want to keep your stock radio that doesn't have a tape deck.



3) Last option is a tape deck adapter. These devices have been around for a very long time, you put this cassette tape device that has a wire connector attached to it and plug it into your audio device.





They all have their pros and cons:

1) Installing a new head unit will get you the best results as far as music quality and options. Just be careful about which one you select to make sure the it has the options you want, and research to see if it has a CD changer support (if you still want that option). They are the most expensive option of the three, ranging from $80 to $500 and one big drawback is that a nice new head unit makes your car more of a target to theft sometimes its hard for thieves to tell the cheap from expensive but they are all pretty easy to smash and grab.



2) Putting an FM modulator is a good option if you want to keep your audio system stock while adding the option to plug in outside devices. They are between $30 to $60. Just be advised, they are a little more complicated to install than a new head unit, and the sound quality isn't as good as the replacing the head unit but isn't bad either.



3) The Cassette Adapter is the easiest and cheapest option. About $10 to $14 you don't have to spend any extra time or money to make it work. The sound quality though varies, it won't be as good as a new head unit, but some claim to be as good as a FM Modulator, you do however need a cassette tape deck to use this option.

Answer 2

The easy way to do this and save room is the following. Get your self an after market head unit (cd/ receiver/ stereo what ever you want to call it) that can either accept USB and/or aux cable (like a head phone jack). Get a iPod or something that can play music. Rip (import) all your cd's to iTunes and move the to the iPod. This goes for any other type of player. Just make sure you have the right size needed. A aux port will allow you to play music from any device that has a head phone jack. USB port allows you to hook up the iPod with the USB instead of aux for better data transfer that allows for better sound quality. The USB port will also allow UBS flash drives. Some HU also allow SD cards.

Some also have Bluetooth and other features that would be more phone friendly if you use that. one would be you can answer the phone and it will tun off the music until you are done and the HU has a mic and uses the car speakers for sound.



There, you now have 300 cd's in something that fit in your pocket and can take it almost any place you go.



If you get a HU that has iPod support if you get a double din touch screen you can select the music from there or the iPod. You can do it will single din as well but its more basic and looking for music on the iPod would be more easy.

Answer 3

You can't beat a cd for sound Quality