GTA Car Aux/USB Kit audio quality: better sound than cassette adapter?

I've been using a cassette 3.5mm aux adapter to listen to music on my 02 with stock head unit but the sound distorts at high volumes, unless I'm able to get the right volume combination between the phone and the speakers (upgraded to 4 Infinity Reference 8632cfx).

I found the wired GTA Car Kit through a forum search and I think it'll work with a 30-pin adapter to charge my phone and play music through the Lighting port, but I'm wondering if anyone uses can tell me about the sound quality?

If I'm spending $90+, it'd be great to get improvements in both convenience and fidelity.

Thanks!

 

In my opinion, just installing an aftermarket radio is much easier. You’ll Bluetooth, USB, and possibly CarPlay.

 

I think it's time to enter the 21st century:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113KMBT325/Kenwood-KMM-BT325U.html?tp=5684

 

My stock radio has (had) no bluetooth capability either. I have fixed the situation with a Nulaxy Bluetooth Car FM Transmitter Audio Adapter Receiver Wireless Hands Free Car Kit W 1.44 Inch Display - KM18 Black from Amazon. You tune this device to an unused channel on your radio, and then it connects wirelessly to your phones bluetooth, and the audio plays thru your radio.

This thing works great. I had a different one and it sucked.....I had to manuver it around to get a good quality signal....But not this one. It sends out a strong signal to the radio for strong reception. It is highly recommended by me. I have one and it is holding me over until I put in a better / more modern stereo in my truck. Give it a try.

Here is the link to it on Amazon. (it is actually "smile" amazon....if you don't know what that is, it makes a small donation to a charity of your choice for all purchases...and you don't pay any more for your purchase. My donation goes to St. Judes.....

$18 Nulaxy Wireless in-Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter Radio Adapter Car Kit W 1.44" Display Supports TF/SD Card and USB Car Charger for All Smartphones Audio Players-KM18

https://smile.amazon.com/Nulaxy-Wir...2RK7VTB92Q1&psc=1&refRID=A5W7QWS182RK7VTB92Q1

Rock ON!
Pete.

 

I'd like to keep the stock head unit in the car for security, because I have to park outside at night. Also can't get rid of my cassette collection

As far as Bluetooth, I personally don't feel the connection issues are worth getting rid of the wire, I'm satisfied with a reliable hard-wired connection.

 

Car stereo thefts have been on a decline for the last decae or so. They are so cheap nowadays that it's just not something people want to deal with anymore.

Other advantages of a new deck is power. New decks send much more power to the speakers than stock, so the sound quality increases. You can put $1000 speakers in your truck, and it will still sound like crap because the stock deck just doesn't have the power to push the speakers. You can get an external amplifier, but wiring those to a stock deck can be a PITA.

 

I have the nulaxy thing too. Works great. My wife bought one for her older car after seeing mine.

The only problem is i havent figured out how to turn it off. There is probably a way though.

 

Since we're on the subject of headunits, I've got a question for those that use an android-based stereo -

Are you able to use the Gaia GPS app on it and does it work well?

I'm an audiophile by heart, but instead of focusing on strong preamp outputs, time alignment, dsp processing and the sort, I want a strong android platform with support for 3rd party apps.

 

i used this thing for years - it's awesome. Definitely by far the best bang for your buck.
Not only does it bluetooth into your FM radio for music and phone convo, you can use it to talk on the phone as it has a built in microphone

Best part is no cables

Have since upgraded stereo and bluetooth system though.

 

I went with a grom unit to keep oe headunit but gain audio blue tooth and phone hands free calls. Been great as I listen to music, podcasts without plugging into anything and when a call comes in, no worries about the law.

Erks me/comes off as such low class when I see someone driving by in a luxury car/brand talking on their phone next to their face. Buying a car 100% as a social economic statement and too stupid to pair their phone.