The tape adapter has surprisingly good sound, although since it converts to analog and transmits it magnetically it obviously isn't as good as a direct connection (analog or digital). In complete silence, you can slightly hear the tape player gears turning the tape reels, but even low levels of music covers that up; and you will get tape gear noise with any tape player, playing a normal tape or this tape adapter. For listening to audio in a car, the road noise covers up any issues and it sounds fine. It's certainly well worth the cheap price, and if your only options are replace your entire stereo or get a tape adapter, this is worth it. It's so cheap you can always replace your stereo later and just toss this adapter or give it away.