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Coming Next Issue
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Chip Foose |
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BMW 760Li |
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VW Phaeton W12 |
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Prepare for Winter |
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iPod FM Transmitter Comparison:
Music on the Go (continued) |
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Exonic EXF 2030 FM Transmitter
Suggested Retail Price: $49.95
We found the Exonic EXF 2030 FM transmitter while at a local mobile audio store, and the installers and salesmen swore by it. They told us it would "Beat the pants off any other transmitter in a similar price range." We assume they were referring to the sound quality, because the Exonic unit requires a significant amount of installation time, and isn't portable.
The unit itself is quite small, measuring in at just larger than the Belkin TuneCast II unit. The Exonic EXF 2030 requires a 12-volt power source, and has a pair of RCA-style inputs on it (for receiving audio signals). A row of dip-switches allows the user to select the frequency on which the unit will broadcast to.
It took us about an hour to install the Exonic EXF 2030, as it required an appropriate mounting location with access to both 12-volt power and ground (all of which were located behind the dashboard). And, like idiots, we didn't photograph it prior to installation... We then had to route a six-foot Monster Cable audio cable from the unit to our iPod. The cable carried a price tag of $19.95.
The Exonic has a limited set of FM frequencies (10) to which it can broadcast, and unfortunately, in Washington DC there aren't many open frequencies available. We chose 87.9 MHz as our frequency, as it seemed to have the least amount of FM content. Changing the broadcast frequency requires the user to set the dip-switches into a specific array... a task not easily accomplished while driving.
The good news is that the Exonic EXF 2030 sounds wonderful. The sound quality is far beyond that of the TuneCast II or the iTrip. High notes and cymbal crashes were crystal clear. Bass drums and low notes came through with a resounding thump. Signal strength was great, and we experienced minimal interference while using the unit, even in busy metropolitan areas like Washington DC. Our guess is that the Exonic is able to send a stronger signal that probably overpowers the competing radio station.
If portability isn't a priority, and you place a high premium on sound quality, the Exonic EXF 2030 FM Transmitter is for you. Expect to spend around $125 to have it professionally installed.
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