Why does AUX input suck so much ????

dubroz · 07-16-2006, 07:47 PM

I am NOT an audio freak :rocks: , and consider myself musically challenged. However, even I can tell the difference between playing an MP3 using the CD player versus through the AUX in.

My setup on my 2006 325xi, september 2006 production. I am using a STEREO to STEREO jack from the headphone of the iPod into the BMW Aux in. At my home stereo using the same cable and CD, I can not tell the difference.

Why does BMW AUX in suck so much???

Is this my car and if so should I bring it in for service???? :mad:

saini023 · 07-16-2006, 07:51 PM

wat sucks about it? low volume? distortion? i use my AUX all the time..works fine..and i also use MP3 CDs and the sound quality to me is great on both..do you turn up the volume all the way up on ur MP3 player?

cdheaven · 07-16-2006, 07:59 PM

yea, what the hell sucks about it? i have nooo complaints.

dubroz · 07-16-2006, 08:03 PM

I don't know how to explain it other than the music sounds washed out and dull.

I messed aruond with the radio settings and set the AUX IN volume all the way up. I also turned the equalizer off on the iPod. The volume on the iPod is usually at 75%. Didn't work, still sucks.

bavarian19 · 07-16-2006, 08:08 PM

here is what I do with my ipod:

- volume is on full on the ipod, and I just control volume with the car controls...

- eq is set on the ipod and stereo. I have the base stereo (non logic 7), and I think the eq is lacking in the stereo, so the combination of both actually do quite well.

- track changes are done by the ipod itself, and the ipod sits in the coin change tray for easy access.

To solve your sound quality problems, try setting the eq on the ipod and stereo... then report back to us...

whippersnapper · 07-16-2006, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubroz

I am NOT an audio freak :rocks: , and consider myself musically challenged. However, even I can tell the difference between playing an MP3 using the CD player versus through the AUX in.

My setup on my 2006 325xi, september 2006 production. I am using a STEREO to STEREO jack from the headphone of the iPod into the BMW Aux in. At my home stereo using the same cable and CD, I can not tell the difference.

Why does BMW AUX in suck so much???

Is this my car and if so should I bring it in for service???? :mad:

Um, aren't you supposed to use a line out from the iPod and not the headphone jack to get a better quality sound?

I haven't even got my car yet and I know that! There is a sticky in the audio section

canucklion · 07-16-2006, 09:20 PM

it doesn't suck, probably need to clear out some of your ear wax?

arcrox · 07-16-2006, 09:21 PM

Try turning down the aux input volume. I find at 5 and 6, it distorts the sound a bit. 4 works perfectly with me. full volume on the mp3 player, and I module the volume using the steering wheel mounted controls.

dubroz · 07-16-2006, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whippersnapper

Um, aren't you supposed to use a line out from the iPod and not the headphone jack to get a better quality sound?

Again, I use the headphone jack to connect to my home stereo and get no quality problem. Therefore I expect it to work in my BMW.

Can you explain, technically, why the line out should be any different?

dubroz · 07-16-2006, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by canucklion

it doesn't suck, probably need to clear out some of your ear wax?

bavarian19 · 07-16-2006, 10:02 PM

I use the headphone jack, and have great sound quality...

JSpira · 07-16-2006, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by whippersnapper

Um, aren't you supposed to use a line out from the iPod and not the headphone jack to get a better quality sound?

I haven't even got my car yet and I know that! There is a sticky in the audio section

Ja, you are correct.

bavarian19 · 07-16-2006, 10:43 PM

if you think that quality stinks, try an RF adaptor

simnew · 07-18-2006, 07:04 PM

Simple solution - use the proper output from the Ipod - the idock at the bottom - Use the IPOD equalisation and then add additional tweaks using the standard BMW controls. I have the standard stereo with the IPOD adapter (1st generation) and the sound quality is pretty good unless you really turn it up loud. Then you start to get amp distortion more than anything - so it could do with more power but this is typical of this kind of unit. If it becomes a problem then a new amp should do the trick.

shragon · 07-18-2006, 07:11 PM

i have no complaints.

whippersnapper · 07-18-2006, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubroz

Again, I use the headphone jack to connect to my home stereo and get no quality problem. Therefore I expect it to work in my BMW.

Can you explain, technically, why the line out should be any different?

I just followed the advice I read. If I had to guess there is a lot more interference possibilities in your car than in your home hence the difference.

HRC · 07-18-2006, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shragon

i have no complaints.

+1

Danny

ska///235i · 07-18-2006, 08:06 PM

buy a Monster aux cable...is a lil better ($20 @ bestbuy and other stores)

or take one of mines....

aphall · 07-18-2006, 10:59 PM

+1 for the line out. The sound from this output is level and even though I don't know technically why it's better, I know it sounds better. I think it has to do with it being similar to a digital out, as opposed to being converted to analog at the headphone jack. Also, depends on what you're encoding your mp3s at. I have mine encoding over 160, and now at 192. Usually makes a world of difference.

JSpira · 07-18-2006, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aphall

+1 for the line out. The sound from this output is level and even though I don't know technically why it's better, I know it sounds better. I think it has to do with it being similar to a digital out, as opposed to being converted to analog at the headphone jack. Also, depends on what you're encoding your mp3s at. I have mine encoding over 160, and now at 192. Usually makes a world of difference.

No, it's not similar to a digital out.

Both the headphone jack and the line out are analog.

JSpira · 07-18-2006, 11:30 PM

The (analog) dock connector is how I connect to the BMW Interface for iPod, FYI.

All outputs from the iPod are analog. But it sounds great going through the MOST adapter.

aphall · 07-19-2006, 03:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSpira

No, it's not similar to a digital out.

Both the headphone jack and the line out are analog.

Ah, ok. That's why I put "I think". Nothing's worst than sending out wrong info. So then, why does it sound better than the headphone jack?

07-16-2006, 07:47 PM	#1
dubroz Enlisted Member 11 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Why does AUX input suck so much ???? I am NOT an audio freak :rocks: , and consider myself musically challenged. However, even I can tell the difference between playing an MP3 using the CD player versus through the AUX in. My setup on my 2006 325xi, september 2006 production. I am using a STEREO to STEREO jack from the headphone of the iPod into the BMW Aux in. At my home stereo using the same cable and CD, I can not tell the difference. Why does BMW AUX in suck so much??? Is this my car and if so should I bring it in for service???? :mad: Last edited by dubroz; 07-16-2006 at 08:06 PM..
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07-16-2006, 07:51 PM	#2
saini023 Second Lieutenant 18 Rep 292 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	wat sucks about it? low volume? distortion? i use my AUX all the time..works fine..and i also use MP3 CDs and the sound quality to me is great on both..do you turn up the volume all the way up on ur MP3 player? __________________ 330i Jet Black on Black, ZSP, ZPP, Steptronic, Clear Bra, Comfort Acess, Sirius, OEM Alarm Mods:20% Tint F/R, Xenon Interior Lights, Xenenis Tru-match Fog Lights, , V1 (hardwire), Black and White Roundels, Blackline Tailights, White Angel Eyes (PMB), (2) 12'' Kicker L7,TvandNav2go, Playstation 2, ACS Roof Spoiler, 5 Series iDrive Leather Knob, Brex kit
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07-16-2006, 07:59 PM	#3
cdheaven I'm Starving , So I Guess You Are What You Eat 254 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl iTrader: (1)	yea, what the hell sucks about it? i have nooo complaints. __________________ 2006 325i Sparkling Graphite Metallic-Black Leatherette Navigation-Bmw Assist Automatic-Xenons Carbon Fiber Front Lips-Aluminum Pedals Power/heated Front Seats 5% Tint all around 30% On windshield all the way down
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07-16-2006, 08:03 PM	#4
dubroz Enlisted Member 11 Rep 35 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I don't know how to explain it other than the music sounds washed out and dull. I messed aruond with the radio settings and set the AUX IN volume all the way up. I also turned the equalizer off on the iPod. The volume on the iPod is usually at 75%. Didn't work, still sucks.
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07-16-2006, 08:08 PM	#5
bavarian19 General 558 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	here is what I do with my ipod: - volume is on full on the ipod, and I just control volume with the car controls... - eq is set on the ipod and stereo. I have the base stereo (non logic 7), and I think the eq is lacking in the stereo, so the combination of both actually do quite well. - track changes are done by the ipod itself, and the ipod sits in the coin change tray for easy access. To solve your sound quality problems, try setting the eq on the ipod and stereo... then report back to us...
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07-16-2006, 09:20 PM	#7
canucklion pull my finger to get your kinder® surprise 152 Rep 10,455 Posts Drives: circles around you Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (9)	it doesn't suck, probably need to clear out some of your ear wax? __________________
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07-16-2006, 09:21 PM	#8
arcrox E90post addict 40 Rep 496 Posts Drives: 2024 G20 M340i Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 325i [0.00]	Try turning down the aux input volume. I find at 5 and 6, it distorts the sound a bit. 4 works perfectly with me. full volume on the mp3 player, and I module the volume using the steering wheel mounted controls.
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07-16-2006, 10:02 PM	#11
bavarian19 General 558 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	I use the headphone jack, and have great sound quality...
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07-16-2006, 10:43 PM	#13
bavarian19 General 558 Rep 18,849 Posts Drives: Car Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: VA iTrader: (23)	if you think that quality stinks, try an RF adaptor
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07-18-2006, 07:04 PM	#14
simnew First Lieutenant 105 Rep 312 Posts Drives: 2018 440i GranCoupe MSport Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Simple solution - use the proper output from the Ipod - the idock at the bottom - Use the IPOD equalisation and then add additional tweaks using the standard BMW controls. I have the standard stereo with the IPOD adapter (1st generation) and the sound quality is pretty good unless you really turn it up loud. Then you start to get amp distortion more than anything - so it could do with more power but this is typical of this kind of unit. If it becomes a problem then a new amp should do the trick.
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07-18-2006, 07:11 PM	#15
shragon Moderator 516 Rep 27,440 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (7)	i have no complaints. __________________ www.cardomain.com/id/shragon
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07-18-2006, 08:06 PM	#18
ska///235i ***** noob 1460 Rep 10,477 Posts Drives: 325xi>M235i>428GCx Mspor Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Boston iTrader: (34) Garage List 2006 325xi [0.00]	buy a Monster aux cable...is a lil better ($20 @ bestbuy and other stores) or take one of mines.... __________________ 2006 325xi (Sold) 2014 M235I (Current) 2015 428xi Gran Coupe (STB)
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07-18-2006, 10:59 PM	#19
aphall Captain 39 Rep 776 Posts Drives: 330i rec'd 2/17/06 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (2) Garage List 2006 BMW 330i [0.00]	+1 for the line out. The sound from this output is level and even though I don't know technically why it's better, I know it sounds better. I think it has to do with it being similar to a digital out, as opposed to being converted to analog at the headphone jack. Also, depends on what you're encoding your mp3s at. I have mine encoding over 160, and now at 192. Usually makes a world of difference. __________________ JB \| BBS CHs \| Blacklines \| HO40 \| ACS Rep Roof Spoiler \| H&R Sport \| Hartge Rep Lip \| OEM Strut Bar \| M-Tech Rear
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07-18-2006, 11:30 PM	#21
JSpira Freude am Fahren 361 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	The (analog) dock connector is how I connect to the BMW Interface for iPod, FYI. All outputs from the iPod are analog. But it sounds great going through the MOST adapter. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
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