An auxiliary input on your car stereo allows you to play your iPod or other audio device through your car speakers. This is much better than some other adapters that play your device on a car radio station. An auxiliary input adapter will keep as much of the sound quality intact as possible. Unfortunately, not all car stereos have auxiliary inputs, but here's what to look for.
Types of Auxiliary Inputs
RCA connectors
Two basic types of auxiliary inputs are found on most car radios. The most common is the 3.5 mm jack, which this is the same plug you will see on your iPod, almost every MP3 player and many other audio devices. The other type is the RCA jack. The RCA-type connector is most common on aftermarket radios, and uses 2 separate cables, one for the left stereo channel (typically white) and another for the right stereo channel (usually red). The cable that is used to connect an iPod or MP3 player will have a headphone type plug on one end (which will connect to your iPod/MP3 player) and your vehicle's connection type on the other.
Sound Quality
Auxiliary input adapters are good ways to ensure your device sounds as good as it possibly can. The auxiliary input takes the low-level headphone output from your MP3 player, iPod or other device and uses the car stereo's built-in amplifier to boost the sound to a higher level.
Connect Your Device
Most auxiliary inputs are very easy to use. The most common method is to connect an iPod or other MP3 player to the car stereo. Locate the auxiliary input in your vehicle and purchase the cable suitable for your vehicle's connection (either an RCA-type or 3.5 mm cable) in a length that works best for your application. Plug one end into the iPod or MP3 player. Plug the other end into the auxiliary input. Press the "auxiliary" button on your car stereo and your device should play through your car speakers.
Tags: auxiliary input, auxiliary inputs, iPod other, iPod player, most common
