View Full Version : iPod is pretty quiet.. normal?
So, I've just installed a new Blaupunkt stereo, and connected my iPod to the AUXIN on the back using a Blaupunkt 8pin to 3.5 lead...
However, it seems real quiet.
Using the radio, the vol. at 30 is Pretty LOUD! But, in AUX mode with the ipod, it's pretty quiet.
Is this normal? How can I fix it?!?!
Thanks!
I thought the iPod to AUXIN was meant to be the best solution... my old cassette adapter was louder! :eek:
TheRoadWarrior
02-19-2005, 06:29 PM
I got a similar setup, and i'm having the same issue. I wonder if there's a way you can amplify the output?
Judas1012
02-19-2005, 07:00 PM
Are you connecting the auxiliary cord to the iPod's headphone jack, or the auxiliary output on the dock?
TheRoadWarrior
02-19-2005, 07:02 PM
Originally posted by TheRoadWarrior
I got a similar setup, and i'm having the same issue. I wonder if there's a way you can amplify the output?
Just to the headphone jack, I haven't picked up a dock to mount into my car just yet.
AVService
02-19-2005, 07:02 PM
On my JVC there is an adjustment for the Aux.Input level.
Until I adjusted it so the ipod output matched the radio input levels I had the same problem.
TheRoadWarrior
02-19-2005, 09:05 PM
Sadly, it looks like my blaupunkt deck (older model casablanca CD51) doesn't have any adjustments for that :(
mine, the blaupunkt mp34 also has no aux level adjuster. However, I did now try it with the dock's line out... and it's much better. Louder and Clearer.
So... I guess we need to choose one of the million line out options that there seems to be! :-)
TheRoadWarrior
02-20-2005, 05:15 PM
Originally posted by egg
mine, the blaupunkt mp34 also has no aux level adjuster. However, I did now try it with the dock's line out... and it's much better. Louder and Clearer.
So... I guess we need to choose one of the million line out options that there seems to be! :-)
Yeah, I just picked up the belkin car kit..made an improvement ;) Still not enough, but it'll work for now.
im looking at the pocket dock.. combined with a charger.. or maybe the monster solution. I've read that the belkin isn't so hot as they have put some volume control in the lineout.. which doesn't make much sense... or something! :-)
TheRoadWarrior
02-20-2005, 06:21 PM
Originally posted by egg
im looking at the pocket dock.. combined with a charger.. or maybe the monster solution. I've read that the belkin isn't so hot as they have put some volume control in the lineout.. which doesn't make much sense... or something! :-)
Yeah, I got the mofo cranked up, works good enough for me :)
Take Flight
02-21-2005, 12:08 AM
Originally posted by egg
So... I guess we need to choose one of the million line out options that there seems to be! :-)
Million? There are only 5, well 3 if you discount the big apple dock and the belkin one that has a volume control on the line out (idiotic design). You can use the Sik Imp, the pocket dock, or the monster low profile charger and line out.
AVService
02-21-2005, 09:14 AM
What exactly makes the Belkin an "idiotic design"?
This is the only unit that offers an amplified dock line out if I think and seems to have boosted the OP's level to make it better by his own words.
I can picture many applications where the Belkin would be just the right thing to use and I can also picture times where it will not be ideal.
This hardly makes it an"idiotic design"
Take Flight
02-21-2005, 03:58 PM
Originally posted by AVService
What exactly makes the Belkin an "idiotic design"?
This is the only unit that offers an amplified dock line out if I think and seems to have boosted the OP's level to make it better by his own words.
I can picture many applications where the Belkin would be just the right thing to use and I can also picture times where it will not be ideal.
This hardly makes it an"idiotic design"
Having a line out source amplified is indeed idiotic. The whole purpose of a line out is to have a clean unadultered signal that is to be amplified using your head unit. Having another place to control the volume along a line out line only adds to distortion and sound degradation. Why do you think there are 'how tos' on dismantling the pre-amp of these stupid Belkins?
Also having the line out directly on the car charger seems to lead to more ground loop problems, which is another flaw.
AVService
02-21-2005, 05:56 PM
Anytime you couple two amplified signals that share the cars power you have the potential for ground loops,this is easily solved and fairly common.
The Belkin is a tool that while not perfect for every application is cprrect and useful for many.
This OP states that the Belkin has bumped the level and made his system work better and I am sure that is the case for many. Sure the amp in there isn't really high quality,it is part of a $40.00 charger too.
This hardly makes its design idiotic, just not ideal for every application.
Frankly as I understand it the line output is amplified in the Ipod anyway and not a true line out in the traditional sense. This implies yet another layer of distortion and signal degradation when just using the dock alone.This sort of makes the ipod line out design idiotic but I imagine there were practical design considerations when the ipod was developed.
It really begs to offer a true digital output as well as a real line output but they forgot to ask both us us when they designed it.
well... i ordered the belkin now.. as it's the one which is most readily available where I am. Also, i like the line out being on the actual socket... I'll have to wait and see how it sounds - I'll let you know how I get on ;-)
Take Flight
02-21-2005, 06:02 PM
Originally posted by AVService
Anytime you couple two amplified signals that share the cars power you have the potential for ground loops,this is easily solved and fairly common.
The Belkin is a tool that while not perfect for every application is cprrect and useful for many.
This OP states that the Belkin has bumped the level and made his system work better and I am sure that is the case for many. Sure the amp in there isn't really high quality,it is part of a $40.00 charger too.
This hardly makes its design idiotic, just not ideal for every application.
Frankly as I understand it the line output is amplified in the iPod anyway and not a true line out in the traditional sense. This implies yet another layer of distortion and signal degradation when just using the dock alone.This sort of makes the ipod line out design idiotic but I imagine there were practical design considerations when the ipod was developed.
It really begs to offer a true digital output as well as a real line output but they forgot to ask both us us when they designed it.
The dock line out is a true line out. Its the headphone jack that has amplification. I agree, it would be sweet for the ipod to have a digital out, but that is just being picky, especially since it is just mp3s. I dont think digital output is very necessary for mp3 audio. Its just stereo, not 5.1 or the like.
AVService
02-21-2005, 06:36 PM
http://forums.ipodlounge.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73024
This is as close as I can get to pasting the link t the thread I was referring to.
I would tend to believe this guy as they do manufacture ipod gear and what he says does substantiate certain observations I have read here regarding the nature of the line out.
Well what do you know? The link even worked!:D
paintballny
02-22-2005, 01:32 PM
I noticed the same thing. Luckily my eclipse hu keeps the volume levels for each source (radio/cd/aux) at wherever I left them the last time I used the source.
So, i've just received and installed the Belkin. Only had it one day, so this is a first look review :-)
Sound wise, it "sounds" fine to me! I have the volume setting on the Belkin on max.. and the Blaupunkt stereo is now set on about 24 and it's LOUD and CLEAR! Doesn't sound distorted to me in anyway.
I like the fact that there's only one cable to the ipod... all the rest is tied to the adapter.
The only slight downer is that the adapter seems a little loose. On first install, the ipod kept pausing as the power was being lost. But this can also be my car, as the lighter socket is a bit busted anyhow.
IF anyone has some questions about the Belkin... just ask! ;)