The human ear is a marvellous thing -- it is extremely adaptable. In my student days, I had a stereo system that was ... well, affordable. I would occasionally notice guests wincing slightly when I played music through it, but it sounded fine to me. Yes, the ear can get used to almost anything. I have added "almost" because I simply could not put up with the sound delivered by the i-rocks Car DJ USB audio transmitter.
The i-rocks IR-1110 Car DJ is one of the many FM transmitter accessories that have hit the market in response to the growing number of MP3 players and, of course, the iPod. Quality always suffers when using FM transmitters, but they are definitely the convenient way to go in certain situations -- such as the car. So when I plugged the Car DJ into the cigarette lighter and hooked up my iPod, I certainly wasn't expecting to get mind-blowing results. And I certainly didn't get them.
Initially, I tested the unit in and around the CBD of Sydney, and thought my location might be the problem -- tall buildings might have been causing reflections and the enormous amount of interference. In fact, it was impossible to hear anything resembling music from the iPod. The Car DJ provides four "channels" for FM broadcasting (88.3, 88.5, 88.7 and 88.9MHz) -- none of them worked for me at all (indeed these frequencies were very crowded with other powerful stations). Some FM transmitters, such as the Belkin TuneFM for the iPod Nano have a wider range of frequencies to choose from -- a feature sorely needed in the Car DJ.
Out on the open road, things were not much better. On one of the four preset frequencies I was able to hear actual music from the iPod, but it sounded like a radio station whose broadcast footprint I was just about to leave. Hoping my ears would eventually adapt, I left it that way for close to 40 minutes at which point I managed to rip the lead from the iPod without driving off the road. I tried the other three presets hoping for a miracle but got nothing but hiss.
I would have liked to go on about some of the other features of the i-rocks Car DJ, such as the USB input that lets you plug a USB storage device directly into the unit (buttons on the Car DJ then let you cycle through music files on the device), but there's really not much point because performance from the USB key would be the same.
I've heard good reports about a few of the other FM transmitters such as the DLO Transpod, so there are solutions out there. Unfortuntely, when it comes to the i-rocks -- i-don't think so.
Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!
TheBludger
29/06/2008, 04:34 PM
rating
7/10
I have had mine for 2 years and use the USB port to play music at acceptably good quality. Yes it gets washed out if there is a strong local station at the same frequency. Use the extension antenna to get better sound.
Pros: Simply load up a USB with music and go.
Remembers last song.
Cons: A wider range of channels would be useful, but great in the country.
Report offensive comment
Libby
27/10/2007, 03:29 PM
rating
5/10
Similar experience to Michael. Worked really well for about 1 yr then died.
Report offensive comment
janeeee99
03/05/2007, 01:31 PM
rating
9/10
Out of the 3 I have tried, this is most definately the best. The sound quality is great, the volume transmitted is great. No scratchiness or fading in and out. If there is a better one out there that uses a key or cardreader and NO Ipod, let me know. As far as I'm concerned this one is the best one out there and I don't need to spend $300 on an Ipod first!
Pros: - Good sound transmission
- No batteries required
- No MP3 required
- Attractive looking in white
Cons: - Its a bit large when you are also using a key or a cardreader
Report offensive comment
Michael
24/10/2006, 04:01 PM
rating
8/10
Worked well for me for about a year
Never used the iPod transmitter myself so maybe it is a problem but CNet should have tried the USB option. It worked perfectly for me for 1 year then the transmitter failed. Distortion of the audio only ever occurred when the mp3 file has been recorded at too high a level, a good CD rip sounds at least as good as an FM station. In QLD the radio band is less crowded so maybe that made all the difference. Would be nice if it tolerated other files on the drive so work and play can be combined.
Pros: Easy to use
Remembers last track, even when unplugged from car
Any USB key can be used
Transmission quality good (in QLD at least)
Cons: Life span of product only 12 months, transmitter failed
Limited number of frequencies available
Occassionally didn't like some mp3 files on USB key
USB key files can only be in the root with no other file types otherwise will not play
Report offensive comment
Brett Russell
27/08/2006, 04:46 PM
rating
2/10
Poor transmitter and USB flash drive not reliable
Not a bad idea but typically USA approach to claims and performance. Strong recomendation not to buy.
Pros: Looks neat and simple to use
Remembers where it was and the frequency (unlike the Belkin that goes back to home when the power is switch off and is prone to switching itself off!)
Cons: Poor transmission quality
The four default frequencies are packed out by other transmitters
The USB drive works for the first ten or so songs and then latter songs drop out with distortion and the unit continues on to the next song and gets worst further in.
Report offensive comment