FM transmitters?

[riceaterslc]

i am looking to play my mp3's off my computer on my stereo, but dont want an ugly cable running from my office to living room. i've seen these transmitters around for ipods, etc and wondering what experience anyone has with them. what is the range? who has the best build quality? i know that in terms of sound quality i will only get FM stereo, but since this will only be used for mp3's, i am not too concerned with that. any recommendations are welcome.

 

[JaceTheAce]

i am looking to play my mp3's off my computer on my stereo, but dont want an ugly cable running from my office to living room. i've seen these transmitters around for ipods, etc and wondering what experience anyone has with them. what is the range? who has the best build quality? i know that in terms of sound quality i will only get FM stereo, but since this will only be used for mp3's, i am not too concerned with that. any recommendations are welcome.

Avoid them at all costs, unless you don't mind horrible sound quality. You may try a $50 stereo FM Transmitter kit that you put together yourself, but frequency range of FM is limited to 50hz to 15,000hz. The human ear can hear from 20Hz to 20,000Hz. You will miss out imensely on the treble frequencies in your music.

Edit: You are better off getting a Squeezebox - http://www.slimdevices.com

 

[markw]

Their FM10C looks pretty attractive if you don't mind a little work.

Of course, you can always pay a little more to get it assembled.

http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/hk/default.asp?page=amfm

Don't kid yourself. FM can sound pretty durn good with a good, clean source and a clear signal. I've heard some real good OTA FM stations (WBGO, WQXR,etc...) and I'm sure you have also. Not bad for 50 - 15k, is it?

 

[riceaterslc]

thanks for the replies guys. i think i will deal with the cable running across the floor before i drop 200+ on the links you posted

 

[markw]

$200??

I wus thinkin' more like $55 with the power supply. Ours gets all over the house and into the back yard for the boombox we drag out there.

It's great on Xmas and parties when all da radios in and around da house are playing our own personal blend...

 

[JaceTheAce]

thanks for the replies guys. i think i will deal with the cable running across the floor before i drop 200+ on the links you posted

Yes, that's the most cost-effective way to do it. Plus it'll provide the best sound.

 

[3x10^8]

Not sure if you have a wireless network set up in your home, but this is probably your best option if you do.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A0601344&cs=19&c=us&l=en

It maintains the "digitalness" of your music, while still being wireless. It's got digital outs, so you can plug it into your receiver in a digital format. I have the netgear device very similar to this and am recommending this one, as it's much more user friendly. My netgear had some firmware issues, etc. One other thing to consider, since it is wirless and operates on 802.11g (2.4 gighz), it is prone to interference from other devices. But overall, I love mine. And do get rid of those pesky wires. Here is another option, albeit a more expensive option. But I believe the d-link also let's you stream video and some other stuff.

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/ProductDetail.jsp?ProductCode=252023&affiliate=froogle