distortion w/ monster charger line out, but none w headphone jack?

[cjb23]

I just dont get this. Just got a Monster cable charger w/ the line out. Using it with the Sony cassette adapter. (Ive already mp3gained all my files to 89db, btw). I get distortion when playing through the line out, but none when i use the headphone jack. It sounds kind of like it did before i mp3 gained all my files, though not as bad. Is something wrong w/ the line out on the charger or with the cassette adapter? Anyone else notice this?
Im serously considering returning the charger or should i try a different cassette adapter (maybe the monster one -same price as the sony, just harder to find)?

[Boomer]

Try setting all the tone controls on the stereo to "0" or the middle position.

Frankly, the cassette adapter sounded like crap in my car but as soon as I used the changer input all was right in the world again.

Boom

[cjb23]

tried that - set all the treble and bass to neutral - still distorts; turning off the ipod eq stops the distortion - but i already mp3gained all my files to 89 db to solve this problem in the 1st place- no its back with line out?. i just dont see why the line out audio is worse quality thatn the headphone jack.

[lechonlubber]

Originally posted by cjb23
i just dont see why the line out audio is worse quality thatn the headphone jack.

I don't think it has to do with quality. The line output may be over driving the tape adaptor. It's probably overloading the inputs and therefore distorting the sound. It sounds better with the headphone jack either because it is at a lower level or the impedance is different. I would try another tape adaptor, one that is a better match for the line out. Another option would be to use the Belkin cable, it's variable output can attenuate the signal and keep it from over driving the tape adaptor.

[Boomer]

Originally posted by cjb23
tried that - set all the treble and bass to neutral - still distorts; turning off the ipod eq stops the distortion - but i already mp3gained all my files to 89 db to solve this problem in the 1st place- no its back with line out?. i just dont see why the line out audio is worse quality thatn the headphone jack.
The iPod EQ should have nothing to do with anything since it doesn't affect the line out signal so isn't part of the equation.

Why don't you import a few songs fresh, directly from the CD, without monkeying around with the signal. I have yet to import a song at 192 bit that distorted either thru the line out or through the headphone jack.

You are using a CD as your source rather than stuff ripped from the net, right? Stuff coming from the net may have been compressed and uncompressed ad nauseum and using MP3Gain and any other programs on top of whatever was done originally will just make things worse.

Boom

[cjb23]

The ipod EQ defintitely does affect the line out signal - i just tried it right now to verify - stick a pair of headphones into the line out and pick 2 VERY different settings like bass booster and vocal booster/treblebooster - there is a difference.

Anyway, all my files are ripped direct from cd at VBR mp3 using EAC/LAME. Bass heavy and even bass moderate music defintiely distort when using the EQ unless the gain is lowered.

I was thinkin of trying a different cassette adapter, but which one? Supposedly the sony is one of the best - any info on the xtreme mac one or the monster cable (which btw is impossible to find)

[volki]

It must be the combination of "cassette adapter" and "charger w/line out". I remember seeing few similar messages from people using a casette adapter with a SiK Imp charger... The line out is simply overdriving the casette adapter. Sorry....

[Boomer]

Originally posted by cjb23
The ipod EQ defintitely does affect the line out signal - i just tried it right now to verify - stick a pair of headphones into the line out and pick 2 VERY different settings like bass booster and vocal booster/treblebooster - there is a difference.
I only use the Loudness contour in the iPod settings using headphones and usually remember to turn it off before I plug in to the car, so I'll have to try it tomorrow. In "theory", line out should not have any EQ in it.

As posted above, it could just be overdriving the adapter. I hated the cassette adapter period.

Boom

[fourmoshers]

I had posted earlier with the same problem. I was told that cassette adapters were not designed to take a line out signal, but rather the attenuated signal from the headphone jack.

Here's my question: Are all cassette adapters created equal? I'm using a Radio Shack but am tempted to try a Sony and see if the results are the same.

If it doesn't work, then it pretty much defeats my reasoning for buying the SiK Imp. Don't need two cables dangling from the bottom on my iPod when only one is being used.

BTW, I would love to hook my iPod directly into the stereo, but after months of trying am stumped. I have a Cadillac Seville STS with factory Bose radio and apparently there are no Aux Input Converters that are compatable. Have tried P.I.E. , IceLink, SoundGate, and Blitzsafe. No luck. Any ideas?

[volki]

The original poster of this thread is complaining from a distortion using "SONY" casette adapter. I think it is safe to assume that this will happen with all cassette adapter & line out chargers.

Based on your research, it seems that you are out of luck with your current stereo. Without knowing the specifics of your car audio system, I am going to ask the following: Would you consider replacing your head unit with a new one (w/ AUX inputs of course)? In most cases, this will cost less than getting AUX adapters such as PIE, IceLink or Blitzsafe... I dont know if this is an option, since many US cars have proprietary custom radios.
Good luck!

[fourmoshers]

Volki - Good point on the Sony.

As for the radio, there is a cadillac forum that discusses replacing the radio with aftermarket, but because it is Bose, I suspect that I would not be able to just replace the HU but rather have to replace the entire system. As I understand things, it uses a pretty unique arrangement of amps and other equipment.

I may just be stuck with a cassette adapter which will be unfortunate. The stereo (8 speaker, 425 watt Bose system) is wonderful and I'm certain my iPod would sound much better with a direct connection. For now I am dealing with inconsistent playback - each time I start the car, the music sounds different. I have to eject the adapter, and keep trying until I get good sound.

[dbett]

fourmoshers,

If you want a "hardwired" solution with your current stereo, one alternative is to use a wired fm modulator. You can find them online or at your local car audio place. They plug in between the antenna and your stereo's antenna jack, and then "broadcast" on one of several selectable frequencies.

Because they are hardwired, they have none of the fading, etc. issues that fm transmitter units like the iTrip have.

It's not CD quality, but it is the quality of a very powerful fm station.