[How to] Connect your iRiver to an external player (home stereo, car stereo)

There are a number of ways to attack this issue, some simple, some difficult and some maybe illegal if you live in certain parts of the planet.

Let’s look at the easy and best sounding way first and move on to the other possible methods.


PLAN A

For the best possible playback quality a direct connection to your car stereo is the best and first choice. Unfortunately most OEM (came with the car) stereo units were not intended to take remote inputs….that is too bad. If you have had an upgraded stereo installed in your car and it has a front panel LINE IN you are in luck. Some units have a LINE IN but it is located on the back of the stereo. This means you must lay on your back with your head under the dashboard with a flashlight and look to see if you have this input. You could of course just remove the stereo and look at the back of the unit or look at the owner’s manual….but that would be too easy.

If you have a LINE IN be it analog or optical simply plug your player into that connection and you are off and running….real easy. You should also read this thread and look for posts made by Spike (http://www.misticriver.net/boards/showthread.php?t=10002) as he has the answer that solves your problem if you want to add LINE IN function to a car that does not have one. Thanks Spike U'Da man!

If however you do not have a LINE IN on the front or back and do not follow Spikes suggestions we have to look at PLAN B.


PLAN B

Hope you have a cassette player. If you have a tape player then simply get a cassette adaptor that will plug into your LINE OUT of the player. This will give you good results but is not as good as PLAN A. Google to find manufactures of this device or visit iRiver’s website and check out what they sell. If you do not have a cassette player and you do not live in a country that prohibits the next course of action consider the next option.

PLAN C

Use a FM Transmitter. This is a small device that takes the audio output from the iRiver player and converts it to a small broadcast signal and sends it without wires (via the antenna in your car) to a blank channel on your FM car stereo. Works ok but may not give audio quality similar to PLAN A or B and may not be legal in your country. I would go on as to why I personally think banning such devices is stupid but I respect “bunker dwellers” too much to stir up this kettle of cat fur. If legal in your country visit your local electronic gizmo store or Google to find. If not look at the next option.

PLAN D

Caution: This is the last resort and should only be undertaken if you are both too cheap to buy a new aftermarket car stereo with a front mounted LINE IN and have some experience in electronics.


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