The typical FM transmitter either plugs directly into your MP3 player or acts as your player's stand while plugged into the car lighter jack. The former gives you freedom of movement, while the latter is a stationary option that often charges your MP3 player. Monster's innovative iCarPlay Wireless Plus is an AU$139.95 FM transmitter that attempts to offer the best of both worlds. It has an elongated cable-style design that has a lighter adapter on one end and a dock connection for an iPod on the other end of a 1m cord. About 30cm away from the iPod is the controller unit, which features a legible red LED frequency display and six buttons.
Using the plus and minus buttons, you can hone in on any clear frequency except 87.7 and 87.9 (in odd-numbered tenths) and easily set up to three presets. The serpentine design allows passengers to operate the iPod, and it acts as an effective transmission antenna when stretched out, but it's easy to lose track of the iPod and the controller unit when you're driving; make sure you dedicate a place for the iPod. We always seemed to be fishing around for the controller or the iPod while driving, and it was usually in the passenger seat or on the floor. The nondistinctive buttons also make blind control a challenge. And for backseat DJs, the cable is just too short to operate while sitting in the back. One observation: It's interesting that most users have the impression that the iPod is connected directly to the stereo, rather than transmitting wirelessly.
On the positive side, the transmission signal is robust, and sound quality is decent for an FM transmitter, with distinguishable highs and lows. However, for the best sound, you'll need to play with the position of the iPod/iCarPlay combo. Of course, you'll fare much better in nonmetro areas.
Overall, the pricey Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus is a decent performer, but it can be cumbersome while driving as it is basically a 1m cable. Though we love the fact that it recharges the iPod, we don't like that it's one-dimensional with no line input.
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sydneyraj
01/01/2008, 03:34 PM
rating
10/10
I had to return my Pelican(?) and add extra money to buy this one. I have driven all around Sydney where other product failed or hissed around...This Monster is a darling!!
The best!!
I have learned that I get what I pay for!
Pros: Simply strong signal overpowers electrical interference by overhead power cables and weak stations interference.
Cons: Will make sure to log in and let you guys know.
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sydneyraj
01/01/2008, 03:32 PM
rating
10/10
I had to return my Pelican(?) and add extra money to buy this one. I have driven all around Sydney where other product failed or hissed around...This Monster is a darling!!
The best!!
I have learned that I get what I pay for!
Pros: Simply strong signal overpowers electrical interference by overhead power cables and weak stations interference.
Cons: Will make sure to log in and let you guys know.
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05/08/2006, 01:52 PM
rating
9/10
Red light looks cool and very easy to set up. Great sound!
Pros: I just bought the Monster iCarPlay tonight. Had it up and
running in about 5 minutes. Sound quality is great...no
problems.
Cons: Would be nice to see a more permanent place to put the
iPod when driving.
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podlet
12/01/2006, 11:42 AM
Cannot get it to work in Sydney
I've been trying since christmas to use this in Sydney, but despite trying every FM channel without too much interference.
It worked perfectly outside of Sydney, so I know there isn't an issue with the actual unit I have, which makes it even more frustrating.
All I want to do is listen to my nano in the car!
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OG
01/09/2005, 07:00 PM
iTrip has nothin' on this...
Work's great, once you find a clear FM frequency. Can be annoying when driving a decent distance and you start getting interference - and you CAN NOT operate the device while driving.
The cable's long enough, who lets backseat passengers control the music?!
iPod sits nicely in my Xsara's coin compartment, with easy access to the click wheel.
On the whole it's the best FM transmitter for the iPod.
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