What are the options for portables?

Interface adapter: With a brand-specific connection adapter and a compatible iPod, you can listen to your digital tunes through your car speakers and even control playback functions right from the radio. In most cases, track and artist information will show up on the display, and you'll be able to navigate between playlists on the fly. Brand-specific adapters for the iPod are available for "iPod-ready" car stereos. Make sure to check the "Hand-on Research" tab to see if your particular iPod is compatible.

Aux-In: If your stereo has an auxiliary input jack, you can easily connect your portable player directly to your car system. Just run a cable between your player's headphone or line-out jack and the stereo's Aux-In, and you're all set. You won't be able to control playback from the radio, but you'll be able to listen to your tunes through the car speakers and enjoy the best possible sound.

USB input: Many new brand-name car stereos have a USB input, so you can connect a portable player with a USB connection directly to your car system. USB inputs are also perfect for thumbdrives — small flash memory devices with a USB connection built in. Many USB inputs can charge portable devices, too. Some stereos have built-in iPod control, letting you control your iPod on the stereo's face while keeping the iPod's battery charged. Give us a call or check your receiver's documentation to see if your stereo's USB input allows for full iPod control.

Bluetooth® wireless adapter: Using Bluetooth technology, several car audio makers now let you stream files directly into your stereo via a wireless digital connection. You still won't be able to control playback from the stereo, but the sound quality is as good as you'll get from a wired Aux-In connection, with the convenience and flexibility of a wireless set-up.

Wired FM modulator: If your stereo doesn't have an auxiliary input, you can still set up a wired connection that will give you reasonably good sound quality. A wired FM modulator installs between your factory antenna and your radio, allowing you to listen to the music on your player by tuning your radio to a specific frequency. Sound quality isn't as good as a full wired connection.

Wireless FM transmitter: Using the same technology as a wired FM modulator but offering "installation-free" convenience, a wireless transmitter will let you connect a portable player to any FM radio. Sound quality is less than ideal, but the convenience factor is high.

Cassette adapter: If you have a cassette player in your car, a cassette adapter offers a quick-and-dirty connection option that will let you listen to any external source through your stereo. The adapter connects to your portable player's headphone jack.

Looking to connect your iPod® or other portable digital music player to your car stereo?

Check out Crutchfield's iCarStereo^sm tool for tips on connecting a portable music player to your factory or brand name car stereo.