Stock Looking Stereo Upgrade - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

brad_i2001 · 03-14-2009, 01:11 PM

Does anybody know of a "stock looking" stereo upgrade? I have an '06 Corolla and it does not have an AUX cable where I can hook my MP3 player. If there is another way to do this, that would be even better. I am currently using a fm transmitter, but the reception is terrible. I have changed channels and everything... Anyway, any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

JasonA · 03-14-2009, 02:55 PM

Try getting an FM modulator. This is a piece that installs on the back of the radio between the antenna plug and the radio. This is how my Sirius radio is hooked up to mine. Basically, when the auxiliary source is turned on and transmitting (such as a satellite radio, MP3 player, etc), the FM modulator switches its input signal from the car's antenna to the auxiliary source. You then tune your radio to that FM frequency as before (put it in a preset), but the difference is you have a hard-wired connection, rather than over the air, and even if you have it set to a radio frequency that's also locally used over the air, it won't matter because your FM modulator isn't using the car's antenna as an input anyway, while your MP3 player is on.

Works perfect...and usually costs about 40 bucks or so at any electronics store.

caddymac · 03-15-2009, 10:51 PM

I use a PAC Aux2Car adapter. It fools the factory radio into thinking there is a CD changer attached. Sounds decent, but it's hard to judge using Sirius (compressed audio) as a source.

Sensible · 03-16-2009, 07:23 AM

Check ebay for an ipod/mp3 interface for your Toyota. I bought one for $70. The only difference between the ipod or mp3 versions are the type of connecting cable. I will give you crystal clear audio signal no hissing, whining or other noise. Plus you can use your music players eqalizer features to enhance the stock audio contols. I do that and I am very happy with the results, especially if you arte looking for a low cost solution.

brad_i2001 · 03-18-2009, 09:25 PM

I appreciate you guys recommendations. I would like to do a full AUX connection, but I want to keep everything "Stock Looking." Do you guys know if the 2006 corolla s has an AUX port? I think that would be the easiest overall. I guess plan B would be getting the item Sensible has recommended.

Thanks!

JasonA · 03-19-2009, 06:44 AM

No, no AUX port available on any of the 2003-2008 Corolla radios.

Sensible · 03-19-2009, 04:33 PM

That interface I am speaking about is basically an aux. port in function. The brain is in the interface box instead of the radio. Using this will still allow you to keep 100% factory look. All you have to do is remove radio to install adapter into cd changer port and mount the box somewhere behind the radio or behind the dash area. i zip tied the box which is only 2.5" square to the cables used for the Heater/Ac controls. You can then run the ipod/mp3 cable to one of the center console register drawers. I drilled a small hole just big enough to run the cable through. This will let you keep your music player hidden and you wont see any wires either. This will not require any more effort than you would have to do as far as having to remove radio and plug into the aux input IF the factory had one. Since there isn't one this is the best method for keeping factory look and having a CLEAR signal.

JasonA · 03-20-2009, 03:17 PM

That's pretty much exactly what I did to use the FM modulator also. Since it's hard-wired into the radio, the signal is crystal clear.

Sensible · 03-20-2009, 04:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonA

That's pretty much exactly what I did to use the FM modulator also. Since it's hard-wired into the radio, the signal is crystal clear.

Thats good that the sound is clear. I would say the one advantage of trying the method I suggested is that your media played will stay charged. I don't believe hard wiring the FM signal gives you charging ability.

JasonA · 03-21-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sensible

Thats good that the sound is clear. I would say the one advantage of trying the method I suggested is that your media played will stay charged. I don't believe hard wiring the FM signal gives you charging ability.

No, that's a good point, I don't think it does. The Sirius receiver gets its own power from a separate power adapter. If the MP3 kit charges the player also, that sounds like a good deal.