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Ever since I bought my car, I have been looking out for a FM transmitter. I did not want to spend money blindly on some unknown FM transmitter. Thus, I spent some enormous amount of time browsing through reviews, models and brands that were available in the market. I believe that the time and money were well spent considering the quality of sound that I get in the end.

Initially, my final decision was on Kensington Universal FM Transmitter. However, I was reluctant to make the order. It was 30% off on Amazon but I could not find any reviews on the internet except Amazon’s user reviews. The price was right at £17.99 with free delivery and the brand is well-known but it can only be connected to a MP3 player. One of the concerns that I have with FM transmitter that can only be connected to a MP3 player is that the sound quality might be affected by the audio cable connector. If the audio cable supplied were not able to connect properly, the sound would be distorted. Of course, I will not be expecting CD quality sound but at least something audible on my standard.

TeckNet FM29A was about £1 less than Kensington. No reviews could be found on the internet either except Amazon’s user reviews. As usual with all other reviews at Amazon, there will always be users complaining as well as complimenting. I read carefully on each review and finally decided on this FM transmitter. It can be connected to a MP3 player and also a SD card and a thumb drive. In addition, it comes with a remote control.

The Unit
Some users said that it is smaller than the picture but I would have expected the size of it to be like that. The “head” of the unit is flexible and can be twisted up and down. My car has its cigarette socket just next to the dashboard and near the steering. Thus, I am able to twist the “head” down so that it does not obstruct me while I am driving.

It feels plastic yet it works immediately after I plug it into the socket and tune the car radio to the same frequency. I do not face any difficulties when connecting the unit to the socket, or connecting the unit with SD card, thumb drive or MP3 player.

The Control
The control is simple and also complicated. There are five buttons on the unit itself. There is a Play/Pause button in the middle. If long pressed, it will have three options: “Signel”, Random and Cycle. I suppose the “Signel” represents Single instead. I will always use Random anyway. My understanding is the following.

Signel – Play continuously (No Shuffle)
Random – Shuffle
Cycle – Repeat a song

There are –A and +B buttons which are used for tuning the frequency. I have tried to long press the buttons but it will only tune the frequency. Why don’t they just put it as plus and minus? I would have thought that A and B could be used for storing frequency.

Next, there are Previous song and Next song button. If long pressed, it will be able to control the volume of the unit.

The remote control has multiple buttons. I am only interested in one button which has the word “EQ” on it. Yes, it is the equalizer. You have the choice of Rock, Pop, Jazz, Classic and Normal. Jazz sounds more suitable on my car radio.

Most of the functionality does not work when connected to a MP3 player. Thus, when MP3 player is connected, the whole system will be controlled by the MP3 player.

The Sound
Here comes the most important part. I have some concern on the usability but I thought, ‘How hard could it be?’ The next day after I received TeckNet FM29A FM transmitter, I plugged it into the cigarette socket, tuned it to 87.5FM, switch on the radio, tuned it to 87.5FM as well and the music was transmitted. All was done in just a few seconds.
I was using a 256MB SD card and it worked flawlessly.

There are some concerns of hissing sound on some occasions. I do experience that but it is still acceptable. I believe most FM transmitters do have the same problems. Nothing is perfect. The sound transmitted when using SD card is acceptable too although not CD quality. It is handy because the SD card is slotted into the “head” which makes the FM transmitter as one.

However, I am determined to test out the FM transmitter with my Sony NW-S703F MP3 Player. I quite like this MP3 player because of the long battery life. It is able to play three hours continuously with just a three minutes charge which makes it great to be used alongside the FM transmitter.

Enough said for the great MP3 player. Once connected to the FM transmitter, the sound is almost like listening the MP3 player with the earphone. I am not exaggerating. If I were to rate the playback sound from a SD card as good, I would rate the playback sound from the MP3 player as brilliant. With the correct equalizer setting on the MP3 player, the bass and treble are clearly audible.

In order to enjoy the brilliant creation of this FM transmitter, I have to make sure that my MP3 player is placed in a firm position. The audio cable connection with the unit and mp3 player is just right but the sound will be interrupted if they are not connected properly. The good news is that there is no hissing sound at all.

Verdict
TeckNet FM29A FM transmitter does not look as good as other branded FM transmitter. It does not come with a manual too. There is only a simple card board that explains its simple function. Yet, I would recommend it because it is flexible and it can be used with SD card, thumb drive or MP3 player. There are some limitations on the amount of storage on SD card or thumb drive that can be used with this FM transmitter. Apparently, it only accepts a maximum of 4GB storage card or thumb drive.

Some early owners get a remote control with fewer buttons and their units are not able to memorize the last played song after disconnected. Mine has more buttons on the remote control and will play the last song but I am not worry about those because I just care about the sound quality.

SD card connectivity will be great for short journey as the SD card is slotted into the “head” and causes less hassle. Connect it to a MP3 player to enjoy the best sound but it looks a bit messy with the extra audio cable. However, it is always worth it to have the extra cable.