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04-24-2008, 08:52 AM | #1 |
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Ipod sound quality not good...
When I listen to my Ipod in the car, it sounds crappy compared to CD's or the radio. Is it just that the quality of my MP3 sucks or does everyone have the same problem. Most of the stuff on my ipod is ripped from a disk and not downloaded from itunes. Does that make a difference? Thanks.
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04-24-2008, 08:57 AM | #2 |
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I think there will be two items to look at ..
1.) The quality at which the MP3s were ripped .. 2.) I don't believe the IPOD/USB drive is amplified like the Radio or CD player is (someone else can confirm this though as I have not done this yet ...) thanks, Crowley
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04-24-2008, 09:26 AM | #4 |
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headphone jack would mean its analog straight from the ipod and susceptible to interference... My initial qu would also be what bit rate are the MP3s
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04-24-2008, 09:55 AM | #6 |
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when using the headphone jack on any device like that you will want the volume at about half and then adjust the audio systems volume accordingly...I am under the impression if you use the ipod interface cable this is not an issue. Anyone know for sure?
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04-24-2008, 10:02 AM | #7 |
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Thanks guys, I'll check out all of the above. Man I love this forum!!
JC
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04-24-2008, 10:37 AM | #9 |
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Do a search there are a few other good threads on this. The bottom jack (connector) and headphone jack are both analog. If you use the headphone jack, put the volume about 3/4 up.
You almost certainly have low quality mp3's. They should be 128kbps or higher. |
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04-24-2008, 11:22 AM | #10 |
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does this mean that if I burn MP3s on a CD they will sound better than if I hook an MP3 player to the AUX/USB connection?
if that is the case, that's another option I am taking off my list...:wink: |
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04-24-2008, 12:30 PM | #12 |
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04-24-2008, 12:35 PM | #13 |
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for an ipod the sound does not go through the USB, it comes out of the headphone outlet and is there for analog...
For a thumb drive the sound goes digitally through the UBS and is decoded at the head unit... less chance for interference... But my guess is the OP is using a low quality MP3.
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04-24-2008, 12:41 PM | #15 |
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Ipod should give a good quality... thumb drive should be slightly better... but to be honest there should not be too much difference... And IMO its a must have... I will be getting a large thumb drive and leaving it in the car.
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04-24-2008, 12:47 PM | #16 |
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thanks... appreciate all the input. I was not originally planning to get a bimmer (something a bit cheaper) and I don't drive much so I don't want to load the car... hence I just want the essentials (besides I have an older car so this car is loaded with goodies w/o even adding anything!).
it looks like sports & usb should be it :thumbup: |
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04-24-2008, 12:49 PM | #17 | |
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Quote:
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04-25-2008, 01:17 PM | #19 |
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Without getting incredibly technical, here are the basics:
The USB interface will always provide better sound of an identically ripped mp3... hands down. The ipod interface uses the analog output of your ipod, (aka the headphone jack) for input, while the second connector on the provided cable controls your ipod. The USB interface reads your mp3's and decodes them digitally. The car is basically acting as the ipod.
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04-25-2008, 01:38 PM | #20 | |
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You are adding maybe 5 feet to the signal path. This is like saying speakers placed closer to the receiver sound better because the cable is shorter. The difference is completely negligible. |
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04-25-2008, 03:02 PM | #21 | |
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This is the same problem when adding an amp to a car stereo, using preamp-level connections are always cleaner and superior than using speaker level connections. I hear the difference between my iphone and my USB drive, when playing the same exact 320k mp3.
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04-25-2008, 04:32 PM | #22 | |
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USB path: Decoder -> DAC -> caps -> amp (may or may not be integrated into the DAC chipset) -> h/k amp The only difference is whose DAC, caps, and initial amp stage you are using. I suggest doing a blind test with the assistance of a friend, I'd wager my 401(k) you can't tell the difference. I haven't done the same test yet, but plan to when I get my car. The amp out stage of the ipod set to 2/3 volume is very clean. Most of them use a very high quality Wolfson DAC found in some very pricey home audio equipment. The amp, when not pushed, is likewise very good. The analogy to other pre-amp/line level out doesn't always hold. Any digital source has to go through a decoder and a DAC and usually the DAC output must be regulated/amplified before it gets to the 1V line out specification in any case. It is for this reason that most consumer digital audio equipment has a line out that is simply a volume regulated headphone out. Assuming your iPhone's radios were off, it is possible the iPhone DAC is inferior to the head unit and produced a noticeable reduction in audio quality, but I doubt it. |
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