Is there any type of 'consensus' as to what is the best CASSETTE ADAPTER for a car?

Not sure really, as it's hard to use stock car stereos to reference quality of sound.

But I can tell you that I used an unknown brand, then months later found an old Sony that was worlds better than the unknown brand . Even still, the sound had some glaring problems that needed equalized to make it listenable for a 12 hour drive.

Right now I use the Monster branded cassette adapter (a travesty I know) which is at least a lot clearer and cleaner than a $2 dollar one I bought at a flea market one time. I have read good reviews of the Belkin casette adaptor though, which has a fuller sound compared to the thin sounding Monster adapter.

EDIT: I take that back, the reviews of the Belkin are pretty awful. The Sony though gets a great score on Amazon...

I've been using this Philips one for years.  Sounds great in my fifteen year-old car and not too expensive, too.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Philips-Cassette-Adapter/9917088

I recently bought a Dynex one, and the sound is just so harsh. It's not exactly higher pitched, but everything sounds shrill. It does have good bass impact, too much treble, and as I said before the mids are just wrong. I've only had it for 4 days, so I'm going to return it to Best Buy. I've heard the Sony and Monster are the "best" options. Just know that no cassette adapter is going to have great, or even really good sound quality. But certain kinds are passable. I had one from a brand called Nexus, which was actually pretty good.

To recap, don't buy the Dynex ($25!!!), get the Monster or Sony for ~$15-20.

Edit: The Phillips one mentioned above is great, actually. My friend has that and works well for the money.

Quote:

Originally Posted by a_recording 

Right now I use the Monster branded cassette adapter (a travesty I know) which is at least a lot clearer and cleaner than a $2 dollar one I bought at a flea market one time. I have read good reviews of the Belkin casette adaptor though, which has a fuller sound compared to the thin sounding Monster adapter.

 

EDIT: I take that back, the reviews of the Belkin are pretty awful. The Sony though gets a great score on Amazon...

I agree with your edit. I found the biggest problem with the Belkin was volume control. One track would be very quiet and the next could blow your speakers. The sound was always thin and a bit sad.