We have the technology.
I feel like this is going to be a long post, so I will attempt to keep it short. For years now, since I have had my iPod(s), I have been using an FM transmitter/charger to listen to my tunes and podcasts in my vehicle while under way. Until recently I was able to tolerate the semi poor audio fidelity that my Griffin Itrip provided me with. I think somewhere along the line, I realized that it was complete crap and about four or so years old, and decided to send it to electronics heaven.
Having some experience in the radio world (hmm) I decided to crack it open and take a look. There are many mods on the internet about how to improve performance of these relatively cheap FM transmitters. The mods all suck, and most don’t work. I did find out that most of these transmitters of the same era use the same “BA1404” FM chip, more or less an FM station in a chip. Can’t say too much for it. A lot of the problem with FM transmitters lie with how many people are using them (less bandwidth for me) and regulations (read: FCC) about how much power can be used.
So you ask, what did I do? Deciding not to drive around town with a pirate radio station (yes, you can do it) I bought a new head-unit, with Bluetooth, and auxiliary inputs. I needed the dash space anyway for my ham radio install. Purchased the Sony Xplod MEX5700U. Does everything I need it to, and sounds damn good. I even noticed that the FM and AM station seeking is quite fast. Phone and iPod support is superb and I would recommend this unit to anyone.
Summary: Technology is so good now, and it gets better all the time, why not use it?
(Source: sonystyle.com)