Need MP3 Adapter Recommendations

Hello again everyone. I have a 2005 toy and, as you all know, it only has a stock CD player/radio. I know there are MP3 stereos out there, even MP3 CD players. However, for now, I'm looking for a simple MP3 player solution. The kind that plays through your stereo's radio station? I'm wondering if any of you have had experience with these and, if so, could recommend some. I already have my MP3 player, I just need the adapter/setup, and am looking for feedback on some good ones. Thanks, and take care!

 

There might be some good ones that work through your radio but the ones that i have tried dont work well. Im going to try and do the AUX mod myself.

 

GROM makes a solid product to adapt your ipod, there are a few different gadgets available from them. I have the ipod charger style hook up but wish i would have gotten the 3.5mm in addition so im not only charging my ipod 2% every time i go for a short drive.
It hooks up to your trucks 6-disc plug behind ur radio.
It was about $120 but well worth it IMO

 

Heh, so far I see "they suck" and "don't use that, use this". I'm getting the vibe that these adapters aren't well thought of

 

Cheap Mod: DIY AUX Input in a 2005-2008 Factory Head Unit

Give it a shot. I tried it,was skeptical, but it works and in my opinion, sounds great. I just had to purchase the 3.5 mm audio jack from radio shack. Cost less than $5

 

i did this it was easy and works good

 

Oh man how I've craved an aux input like all my friend's vehicles have. Everytime I ride with someone and they have that (with an MP3 player/iPod hooked into it) I say to them "man if I had that for MY stereo, I'd be set."

 

I opted for the GROM because it displays song names/artists on the head unit. It also allows me to switch tracks using the headunit. Sometimes i drive for 6+ hours so the charger hook up was another thing i wanted (what good is a dead ipod?)

IMO on my 2008 5lug SR5 it is a nice addition.

It did glitch a couple times after i first installed it. I unplugged and plugged it back in and it reset itself both times. It hasn't done it since then and that was 4 months ago.

The 3.5mm hack looks like a fun little project and i considered doing it, however the grom was fast, plug and play, and i really like having the song info and controls on the headunit. I dont think you can go wrong either way, it just depends on how much time you want to invest and exactly what plug/play options and features you want.

Just my 2cents

 

USA Spec makes a great Ipod adapter. It plugs into the back of the stereo and you can run the wires where ever you wish to keep the Ipod out of sight. I keep mine in the glove box and everything is controlled using the Tacoma's head unit. It also charges the Ipod while it's connected. I've had one in my 2007 since it was new and I've had 0 issues with it. It cost me about $120 almost 4 years ago.

 

I'm getting more interested in this mod. So, lemme get this straight: this is a mod that you hardwire into your existing stero, it's easy to install (plug n' play, as you say?), and will work with any MP3 player? The last part is critical because if it's a mod solely for iPods only, it might be useless to me. I have a regular ol' RCA 8Gb MP3 player and I HATE iPods. Would this still be the mod for me?

 

Yes the Grom is plug and play. I didn't have to cut any wires or solder anything. It is a simple plug that goes into the back of your head unit where the optional 6 disc changer would have plugged in. The one thing extra you may need is a couple zipties just to hold cables and the box in place. I found a nice spot above the gloverbox inside the dash to keep the grom.
The 3.5mm hook up will allow you to play your music yes, but it will not allow you to use your head unit controls or display as the 3.5mm connection conveys an audio signal only. If you only wish to use a 3.5mm plug and plan on never getting an ipod then you might want to just do the cd player hack if you have the time and save yourself 100 bucks. Sorry i didnt realize you don't do ipods.

 

Bizzam! This is exactly what I needed! Just ordered, and will post feedback soon as I install and get it running. Now I just need a guide on how to get into the console and to the stereo unit, but I'm sure there are plenty of how-to's for that on here. This board has everything

 

Awesome to hear! It's pretty easy to take the dash apart. first pull/pry the head unit surounding, it'll come off easilly. Then pull/pry the heater controls. Then you can see your 4 bolts holding the head unit in. Careful about the sharp bits on the back of the head unit that scratched up the interior of my truck ( just wrap a cloth or something around the back of it)

 

and in case people didn't notice. The link whippersnapper posted has the grom unit on clearance, only $45 instead of $65. I planned on doing this later this spring or summer after I get a new phone that plays pandora, but for that price I just bought one and I'll mess with it later! I just need to find a good flush mount 3.5mm jack to mount on the dash so I don't have cables hanging out from behind a panel, something like this.... http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=10338#tabsanchor

 

I've been really happy with my GROM unit. It charges the iPhone (3G), it allows you to change the song with the buttons on the head unit, and has great quality sound.

 

I have this part ordered and waiting on my kitchen table for when I get home from Puerto Rico. Can't wait to get it installed. Any fellow owners, if you have any "hey the install instructions don't say, but" tips, quirks, or advive, lemme know. Should be an easy install (plug n' play, from what I'm reading/being told) but, you know how things can go. Don't want any bad surprises, lol.

 

I have a parrot mki9200 and I love it. Also great quality mic for Bluetooth phones. Has a 3.5 a USB and iPhone connector. Might be a little out of the op's budget but I recommend for anybody who doesn't want to change to aftermarket head unit.

 

Got'cha Installation headache story?

 

I've got a couple of these I've used for years
Charge the iPod and transmit to selectable FM Stations
They're 4 of 5 Stars on Amazon, and still available
They're an old model that I bought 4-5 years ago
They've worked good for me, but obviously not CD quality, but they are digital
That's about the extent of my experience with 'em.
Good Luck
Links:
Amazon
Overstock
Google Search for "kensington 33199 digital fm transmitter"



CC

 

I have one from the iTrip folks. FM transmitters can be hard to use if your area has a cluttered radio spectrum.