Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus
Manufacturer: Monster Cable Part number: A IP FM-CH PS
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Monster iCarPlay's Wireless Plus is an effective FM transmitter with an elongated cable-style design that can be a pain in the butt for some users.
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CNET editors' review
Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus price range: $37.49 - $24,839.95
- Reviewed by: James Kim
- Edited by: Jasmine France
- Reviewed on: 08/26/2005
The good: Decent FM transmission signal strength; solid sound quality for an FM transmitter; elongated design allows passengers to control iPod; charges iPod; legible LED readout.
The bad: Elongated cable could be longer (for backseat passengers) or shorter (to reduce clutter); often difficult to find and operate the controller while driving; must find a place to store the iPod; works only with iPods that have a dock connector; expensive.
The bottom line: The Monster iCarPlay's Wireless Plus is an effective FM transmitter with an elongated cable-style design that can be a pain in the butt for some users.
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 three-and-a-half-foot cable. Though we love the fact that it recharges the iPod, we don't like that it's one-dimensional with no line input.
User reviews
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FM transmitter is a blessing and curse
by dotdoc on September 27, 2005
Pros: 1. Charges iPod; 2. FM connection requires to specific connector to car stereo
Cons: FM transmission is spotty when travelling
Summary: I purchased the Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus to provide access to my iPod catalog while travelling. The FM transmitter of the iCarPlay promised 2 nice features: 1. a single device ...
Summary: I purchased the Monster iCarPlay Wireless Plus to provide access to my iPod catalog while travelling. The FM transmitter of the iCarPlay promised 2 nice features: 1. a single device that provides connectivity and charges the iPod; 2. connection via an FM transmitter rather than a specific connector (cassette player or auxillary jack).
In use, I'd echo the c-net review: the cord is long enough to become a nuisance. I suppose it has to have some length so the iPod is reasonably convenient & isn't going to fly around the inside of the car with every sudden stop or turn. While you can switch from pre-set 1, 2, or 3 reasonably easy (once you find the control pod along the lengthy cord), further adjustment of the controls (e.g., finding a new free station) cannot be conveniently (or safely) used by the driver without stopping.
I live in an urban area. I can fairly easily find a free station to use as a preset. But I really wanted to use the iCarPlay when travelling. Here's the problem: even when travelling in fairly remote areas (the sparsely inhabited Olympic Peninsula, for example), I found that I needed to find a new free FM frequency frequently enough that I couldn't rely on the presets & had to adjust the signal on the iCarPlay manually. And the signal from the iCarPlay is fine if the planets align & no interfering signal is present, no matter how weak. My wife was constantly adjusting the thing on a recent trip & we both ended up kind of fed up.
In short, I think you have to bite the bullet & look for some sort of wired connection to a car stereo.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good Features, mediocre performance
by jbrettl on July 23, 2006
Pros: Compact power plug
Cons: Poor reception
Summary: I spent the last week looking for a way to transmit my IPOD music into my car stereo. I have a new car with a fairly good factory stereo system ...
Summary: I spent the last week looking for a way to transmit my IPOD music into my car stereo. I have a new car with a fairly good factory stereo system and I really did not want to swap out the stereo for one with line inputs. My only other alternative was to look at FM transmitters.
This one plugged into the power source nicely. Logo lights up and is sharp looking. Easy to set channels. Poor reception in areas with electrical interference and channel leakage. Very expensive for what you get.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works GREAT - do NOT get Griffin RoadTrip charger/transmitter
by jdrayman23 on April 26, 2006
Pros: Transmits very clearly and has three pre-sets
Cons: A base to hold the iPod would be cool, but not necessary
Summary: I just returned from Radio Shack, having returned the Griffin RoadTrip charger/transmitter (which worked terribly) and exchanging it for this product, which works EXACTLY as advertised for about $10 ...
Summary: I just returned from Radio Shack, having returned the Griffin RoadTrip charger/transmitter (which worked terribly) and exchanging it for this product, which works EXACTLY as advertised for about $10 less. Music from the iPod comes through very clearly; if you pause the iPod for a second and turn up the volume on your radio, you may hear a slight bit of static, but that's about it. This is a HUGE difference from the RoadTrip, which could not produce a connection nearly as clear as the iCarPlay. This product also as three pre-sets (the RoadTrip has none) which makes it easy to switch radio stations if need be.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great product but a bit expensive
Pros: I live in Toronto Canada and haven't heard any stations bleed into the signal yet (I use 104.9). The 3 station presets are easy to set and the LED display is very cool. It also charges the ipod!
Cons: A little expensive compared to others out there. Many vendors have the iCarPlay and the iCarPlay Plus mixed up in the product listings. I found the cable a little long, but nothing a few twist ties can fix.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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There are better options (DLO Transpod)
by Mosephus on September 5, 2006
Pros: Generally decent reception
Cons: Awkward design, regular static attacks
Summary: I got the Monster iCarPlay mainly because it didn't cost me anything, and in that regard I got my money's worth.
The reception is OK. The bass, mid ...Summary: I got the Monster iCarPlay mainly because it didn't cost me anything, and in that regard I got my money's worth.
The reception is OK. The bass, mid and treble setings on my car stereo need to be at maximum or just below, and the iPod needs to be set on Treble Booster.
The design is awkward. There is a long cord with which one must contend. I ended up velcroing the center unit to my dashboard and letting the iPod dangle to my cup holder. Unfortunately summer's blistering heat caused problems with this method.
I do live in Los Angeles, one of the worst cities for FM Transmitters, and every few days the reception would decay to unlistenable for hours at a time.
I recently purchased the DLO Transpod which is a far better transmitter for roughly the same price. I highly recommend the Transpod over the iCarPlay.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Save your money! Buy something else!
Pros: Easy to program FM stations in
Cons: Lost power after a very short. Possible defective internal fuse.
Summary: When it works it works well. However it does not work very long. I purchased one that lasted about 4 hours in my car (Acura MDX). It seems to have ...
Summary: When it works it works well. However it does not work very long. I purchased one that lasted about 4 hours in my car (Acura MDX). It seems to have got warm from continuous play and just stop working. I returned it to Circuit city for an exchange and the same thing happened to that one today after about the same amount of playing. I will be returning it this evening but I will be getting my money back or I will get different type of device.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Love this Product
by Blacksheep665 on March 21, 2009
Pros: Easy to use
Sends a strong SignalCons: Expensive for just a transmitter
Summary: I love this Transmitter, it has everything that i wanted out of a Ipod Transmitter. The signal is very strong and i can often set it to one station and ...
Summary: I love this Transmitter, it has everything that i wanted out of a Ipod Transmitter. The signal is very strong and i can often set it to one station and it will transmit without static or interference. I commute from city to city very often and i only have to reset my channel once during the drive into the other city.
If you are looking for a strong transmitter that you can rely on, get this one, well worth the money. I have owned mine for 4-5 years and it has never failed me. -
OK reception- cumbersome to use
by MontyHaley on March 19, 2009
Pros: It charges my I-pod and is good in Rural settings. Easy to follow directions for setup.
Cons: Cumbersome in metro areas, where FM channels fade in and out. Cord does get in the way on occasion- a minor issue
Summary: OK unit. The Cord gets in the way sometime, but a satisfactory transmitter if you don't have an alternative.
Summary: OK unit. The Cord gets in the way sometime, but a satisfactory transmitter if you don't have an alternative.
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Good, but could easily be better
by yarnek on January 25, 2008
Pros: Good sound quality; easy to read display; charges iPod
Cons: Doesn't turn itself off; stiff cable
Summary: I couldn't make up my mind between this product and the DLO TransPod, so I bought both. If you could combine the good attributes of both items, you'd ...
Summary: I couldn't make up my mind between this product and the DLO TransPod, so I bought both. If you could combine the good attributes of both items, you'd have a real winner.
While I like the iCarPlay because you don't have to unplug your earphones to use it (like you do with the TransPod), it's easy to accidentally press the buttons shuffling it around on your console or seat. Plus the cabling is somewhat stiff, so it won't just "lay there." If the iCarPlay would turn itself off like the TransPod, you wouldn't have to worry about it running your vehicle's battery down. Transmitter quality isn't quite as good as the TransPod, but it's plenty good enough for me. The quick reference tag attached to the cord was nice, but it lacked the one instruction I needed--how to manually tune the transmitter.
I'll probably keep this item and put it in my wife's car--even though it has a mini-stereo jack. The iCarPlay will charge the iPod and makes use of the dock connector for sound output, which I think is superior to the mini-stereo jack. -
Great Transmitter
by goodriceshop.com on November 28, 2007
Pros: Clear and Quality Transmission. Easy to change to any FM frequency. NO Batteries.
Cons: Clear and Quality Transmission. Easy to change to any FM frequency. NO Batteries.
Summary: Plug it in and pick a channel and away you go. I live in a pretty big city so I was suprised that there wasn't alot of interference. I'...
Summary: Plug it in and pick a channel and away you go. I live in a pretty big city so I was suprised that there wasn't alot of interference. I've been using this in conjunction with a Zen Xtra 40GB and I couldn't be happier.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Monster Cable
- Part number: A IP FM-CH PS
- Description: Why fumble with CDs when you can play your iPod in the car on virtually any FM radio station? Now you can do that and keep your iPod charged at the same time - with iCarPlay Wireless Plus. Programmable, backlit station presets make it fast and easy to set and change stations on the go. With some other FM transmitters, finding an FM frequency clear enough to play your iPod through can be tough - especially while driving through different areas and terrain. But since you can tune iCarPlay Wireless Plus to almost any FM station, you have full FM tuning flexibility in getting the best sound, free of interference. Simply tune your car radio to any clear FM station, tune iCarPlayWireless Plus to the same station, hit play on your iPod and you're ready to roll. Change presets any time you need a clearer station. For added flexibility and convenience, Monster Smart Digital Charging technology rapidly charges your iPod, then switches to a trickle charge to optimize its performance. It all makes iCarPlay Wireless Plus the best way to enjoy full stereo sound from your iPod in your car, no matter where your travels take you.
General
- Product Type FM transmitter / charger
Miscellaneous
- MP3 Player Compatibility iPod (3G), iPod (4G), iPod mini, iPod nano, iPod photo, iPod shuffle, iPod with video (5G)
- Features Gold plated connectors
Manufacturer info
- Monster Cable
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Monster Cable products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.monstercable.com/
- Address:
455 Valley Drive, Brisbane, CA 94005 - Phone: 1-877-800-8989
