Most modern cars, even of a relatively recent year, are equipped with regular tape recorders or their variants with CDs. However, this method of storing sound is already outdated, record libraries are stored in digital form on removable media. The best and budget way to play audio from them is car FM transmitters (modulators), compact devices powered by a cigarette lighter. It converts the files stored on memory cards or flash media into a radio signal, which the regular receiver of the car then plays. We will talk about the most popular and high-quality models of these devices, focusing on the experience of their use by consumers and their feedback.
Content:
FM-transmitter of which company to choose
Most of the electronics market is occupied by Chinese manufacturers, but for some reason, domestic transmitters or companies from other countries except China have received widespread use. Due to the relatively simple design, brands that are often unknown in other electronic equipment are often found.
When choosing, it is best to navigate to the device of the brand that has the greatest demand. Today, the following brands that produce automotive FM transmitters are the most popular and enjoy the best reviews from users:
Ritmix
This is a young Korean company, starting with the release of MP 3 players. The modulator has almost the same design as the player, but in addition it is mounted FM transmitter. Therefore, it is not strange that with such experience the brand has won a large sector of the transmitter market and consumer recognition. Brand principles are the availability of gadgets for everyone and wide user support.
Neoline
The company was founded in Russia in 2006, but the production lines are located in China, the assembly is carried out under the order of the brand and its conditions (OEM).
The company specializes in the production of consumer electronics and accessories for automotive equipment. The brand declares that its priorities are the availability of goods and their constant modification to the demands of users.
Rolsen
Korean company. It pays more attention to the development of new models based on the latest achievements of science. It strives to be as close as possible to its customers, therefore it has a developed network of service centers and distributors.
Defender
Represents itself as an international brand, but management and production is concentrated in Russia and the Baltic States. The company began with the production of protective screens for CRT monitors in the 90s of the last century.
Due to the fact that the products are actually domestic, for the price it easily competes with other brands. Particular attention is paid to the protection of devices from undesirable factors (dust, water, etc.), functionality and usability.
Mystery
Initially started as manufacturers of high-quality car audio and acoustics. Therefore, FM - transmitters since their appearance organically fit into the product line of the brand.
It is also a relatively young company founded a decade ago in the United States. The strategy of its development is based on the constant improvement of the quality and usability of electronics by consumers. Great attention is paid to the quality of sound reproduction.
Rating best car FM-transmitters
To compile this rating, we selected the following criteria:
- Device functionality;
- Availability of additional features;
- Universality;
- Design;
- Reliability and durability;
- Price category;
- Reviews of people who bought and using these models of transmitters.
The cheapest
One of the cheapest models is the Rolsen RFA-100. At the same time, the price reduction did not affect the functionality.
Advantages:
- availability of both a card reader and a USB connector;
- there is an equalizer;
- although it is an inexpensive model, but are equipped with a remote control;
- plays not only MP 3, but also WMA files;
- nice design;
- small price
Disadvantages:
- the range of the transmitter is only 3.5 meters;
- is critical to the voltage of the onboard network;
- body material is easily scratched.
If you need an inexpensive modulator for periodic use, then it is best to give preference to this model as advised by people who have already purchased it.
The most beautiful model
Neoline Splash FM has the best design
Advantages:
- powerful transmitter;
- pleasant to the touch and not easily soiled case material;
- large color display;
- convenient arrangement of control keys;
- software with additional features;
- the ability to work in cars with on-board network voltage of 24 V;
- availability of connectors for input and output of analog audio signal.
Disadvantages:
- Because of the large size, not every model of car can be installed in the cigarette lighter;
- high price.
If even small details in the interior of the car are not indifferent, then according to reviews this transmitter is best suited.
The most convenient transmitter
The most convenient is the Rolsen RFA-400.
Advantages:
- convenient key layout;
- the presence of a rotating arm for setting and navigation;
- two USB connectors allow you to simultaneously connect the storage medium and charge the phone;
- presence of remote control;
- convenient equalizer;
- fast synchronization with the radio.
Disadvantages:
- low display brightness, it is often difficult to view its information in sunlight;
- at a long distance, the remote control does not work well enough;
- price.
In the opinion of consumers, it is very easy to make friends with this modulator, and working with it is very comfortable.
Best quality playback
The most beautiful sound as motorists write in reviews is music lovers (of course, much depends on the radio and acoustics) of the Mystery MFM-25CU.
Dignity:
- playback quality;
- conveniently located controls;
- transmitter range of 10 m;
- large screen;
- easy navigation.
Disadvantages:
- big sizes;
- Marked case material;
- not a bright screen.
This transmitter is most suitable for lovers of good sound.
Most versatile
Fit into the configuration of the panels of any car Defender RT-Feet.
Advantages:
- the cigarette lighter connector and the electronic unit are connected on a flexible metal sleeve, even in cramped circumstances (the cigarette lighter is hidden by an ashtray cover) it is easy to install;
- On the cigarette lighter connector, another USB connector is mounted for charging the gadgets;
- supports external media up to 32 GB;
- there is a mini-jack 3.5 mm for signal input from any external sound reproducing device and for outputting the cable to the radio tape recorder (without a radio channel);
- the fuse protects against overvoltage of the on-board network;
- included audio cable;
- remote control;
- convenient control keys.
Disadvantages:
- the metal sleeve is not always rigid fixation of the main unit in a predetermined position, it is sometimes difficult to press the control button;
- price;
- low brightness display.
According to user feedback, if you need a FM –transmitter, which can be installed in absolutely any brand and model of car Defender RT-Feet is the best.
Most stylish
Not only, according to user reviews in online stores, but also on sites dedicated to design, the most stylish is Neoline Rave FM.
Advantages:
- there is no interesting design, there is no selected area of the display, information about the mode is visible on the scoreboard from a material not different from the transmitter case;
- availability of two USB connectors;
- display brightness (LEDs are used);
- reliability;
- small sizes.
Disadvantages:
- insufficient information content of the display;
- management functionality;
- lack of audio connectors;
- high price.
If you need a stylish and small modulator, this model is best suited.
The most common (popular) model
According to sales statistics and reviews of motorists, Ritmix FMT-A710 is bought and used the most today.
Advantages:
- great price;
- convenient and small control buttons;
- quality;
- great interface;
- durable case;
- not demanding on the supply voltage;
- powerful transmitter (up to 10 m).
Minuses:
- supports only micro SD cards and instead of the usual is equipped with a micro USB connector;
- small display;
- there is no support for other encodings other than MP 3 (although today other formats are practically not used).
Due to the combination of price / quality and the most important opinion of users, this is probably the best transmitter to date.
Which FM transmitter to buy
1. If you are not a music lover and you just need to just need musical accompaniment to set the mood, it is best to choose a transmitter brand Rolsen or Ritmix. The products of this company are notable for their low price, quality, reliability, and are most in demand among motorists.
2. If you are a music lover, a high-quality cassette recorder is mounted in your car and an excellent speaker system is worth buying either Mystery or Defender. The second brand also differs in the functionality of its gadgets.
3. In order for the transmitter not to spoil the interior of your car, take a look at Neoline products. This company works great designers. The brand also differs in excellent quality and reliability.
4. If it is difficult to install even the smallest transmitter in the cigarette lighter - we buy Defender RT-Feet, or similar devices. They can be installed in any car model.
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