An FM transmitter for your iPod that actually works

by Wayne Cunningham

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(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET)

FM transmitters are the easiest solution for playing an MP3 player through an older car stereo, but most work terribly, especially in urban areas. But we've finally found one with a transmitter that cut through the air wave clutter of San Francisco. Better yet, the EzCube FM transmitter is tiny, easy to hide in a console or other storage compartment.

Read our review of the Eznex ENA7000 EzCube FM transmitter.

Topics:: In-car entertainment

Tags:: Eznex,; iPod,; FM transmitter

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Add a Comment (Log in or register) (7 Comments)

by big.mouth June 29, 2009 11:01 AM PDT

Most FM transmitters will work -- they just need a long enough wire. I'm not sure if it's because the wire acts as an antenna, or if it just allows greater separation between the ipod and the transmitter (thus cutting down on interference). But if you take one of those headphone extension cords, it should dramatically increase the effectiveness of your transmitter.

Reply to this comment


by viper396 June 29, 2009 9:43 PM PDT: The wire is the antenna. Increasing the length of the antenna does give any transmitter a marginal improvement in range. Separating the Ipod from the transmitter further has little to do with decreasing interference, in fact the opposite would be true since a longer attennna also increases your odds of picking up RF interference.


by morganted June 29, 2009 5:38 PM PDT: Any idea if this works well with Volvo V50 Pre-2006? The "revolutionary" fiber optic audio system makes it near impossible to wire an ipod/MP3 player into the system. This is further compromised by the antenna set-up near the rear of the auto. Great car, but could be even better if I could only get my music to play in it ARGH!

My hope is that someone will come along to make a decent transmitter. Is this the one?; Reply to this comment


by viper396 June 29, 2009 9:33 PM PDT: I'd like to know how this transmitter Eznex compares against "The Whole House FM transmitter" I've been using in my car? It runs off 3x AA's and, being true to it's name, is actually powerful enough to clearly transmitter across the house. It's expensive but worth it to me compared to all the worthless Car FM transmitters I've thrown out.

http://www.tss-radio.com/whole-house-transmitter-gold-edition-p-4505.html; Reply to this comment

by Donniebrasco June 30, 2009 9:11 AM PDT

Can you actually buy this thing anywhere? I googled the item and found nothing but links to this CNET review.

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by nflmarketing July 11, 2009 10:57 AM PDT: Yes, you can buy EzCube through Amazon.


by nflmarketing July 11, 2009 10:56 AM PDT: To All Potential Buyers of EzCube FM Transmitter.

The EzCube is now available for sale through Amazon :

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001ILWCI8

Enjoy EzCube - The smallest FM Transmitter.; Reply to this comment

(7 Comments)

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