Review on Cassette Deck Bluetooth Adapter: ION Audio Cassette Adapter with Bluetooth Music Receiver by Santiago Serrano

I recently threw away my last wired cassette adapter after I lost the connection around the plug. I searched the internet for a new solution and was amazed to find the bluetooth function. This device from Ion seemed like the best choice to me (I have a fairly positive opinion of the Ion brand and a negative opinion of Radio Shack, one of the alternatives), but based on the reviews here I wasn't expecting much, but after the music started playing, i was close to tears of joy, the sound is excellent, exceeds all expectations. Okay, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but it probably helps that my source is an HTC One M8 running Spotify at the highest quality, and my system is still a pretty good factory audio system that came with my 1996 Ford Taurus LX. I expected the sound to be a lot worse and it isn't. There are high and mid frequencies, but the bass is somewhat lacking, which shouldn't be the case with my in-car system. I'll play around with the system settings a bit more. *** IMPORTANT *** Turn down the volume when inserting a cassette into the player. For some reason, the Bluetooth connection sound indicator is very loud, even at a reasonable volume, sometimes you hear two clicks. I prayed my speakers didn't explode after doing this twice, luckily they're still fine. I too may have been the beneficiary of an improved updated version of this product. I noticed that the USB on mine is on the opposite side of what is shown in the product photo here. My USB port is on the same side as the microphone, power button, and blue LED, so it's facing out when I insert the cassette. Some reviewers have complained about not being able to charge the device while playing. Haven't tried it but I think the USB is still unavailable as once inserted my cassette dips into the player and obscures the USB, this also obscures the blue LED which some have complained about. I don't see the light when the cassette is playing. I don't know if the Ion improved the sound, but it works great for me. The setup was completely brainless for Bluetooth pairing with my phone. I tried a speakerphone and my wife said I sounded like metal, but the speakerphone seems to work fine, she could understand everything I said to her. The cassette is silent during playback. Overall I'm very happy with this purchase, let's hope it lasts as long as my '96 Taurus.