Using an iPod with Aux input jack?

[gcolby]

I've got a stock head unit with the mini-plug aux jack right above the cup holders. (In a 2005 NBC)

When I hook my iPod up to it, even when I crank the volume on the iPod, I have to turn my radio WAY up to hear the music. So high, I have hissing coming through the speakers.

Has anybody else dealt with this issue, and if so, what is the workaround for it?

Thanks,
Glen

[niki]

Maybe a loose wire somewhere? That's odd.

[jbrawkus]

I use the same set up. I do notice that typically when listining to my ipod that my volume has to be typically higher than when listing to a cd. You might want to check to make sure your ipod max volume setting is where you want it to be as far as volume. I noticed that the ipod default set up on mine was not set to max volume and once that was adjusted my ipod was louder...just fyi...maybe that will help. I do get the hissing noise when my ipod is disconnected from the unit but the cord is still plugged into the stereo and my lights are on

[hestersu]

Yes you must turn up the volume on the device (ipod, zune, whatever you plugged into the 2.5mm plug). You then will need to turn up the volume on the headunit (maybe).

The hissing noise can be just about anything from a bad ground to electrical pulses coming from the transmission. I tend to turn up my ipod as much as I can so I don't have to turn up the headunit so much I get the hissing.

[gcolby]

Thanks for the info. I've noticed in past applications that pushing the iPod volume past 90% or so can introduce some distortion in the sound, so I'm always reluctant to go beyond that level. In my case with the 'dub, I have to go to 100% just to make a dent.

I should clarify that the hissing is just your typical line noise you get with any car radio setup when you max the volume too much. One thing you have to worry about with the head unit on a way high volume is somebody (like a kid?) switching over to the radio or a CD without checking the volume first, and then you get a blown speaker.

I've also intentionally overridden the 'safety' feature that came out about two years ago with the iPod firmware that puts a volume cap in place. I know I should be pushing out some serious juice when this puppy is close to 100%.

I was just curious if anybody else had seen this effect. I'll try hooking my minidisc player up this evening and see what it does. The Sony tends to have more muscle coming out the earplug jack than the iPod does.

Thanks,
Glen

[sb_beetle]

Originally Posted by gcolby

Thanks for the info. I've noticed in past applications that pushing the iPod volume past 90% or so can introduce some distortion in the sound, so I'm always reluctant to go beyond that level. In my case with the 'dub, I have to go to 100% just to make a dent.

I should clarify that the hissing is just your typical line noise you get with any car radio setup when you max the volume too much. One thing you have to worry about with the head unit on a way high volume is somebody (like a kid?) switching over to the radio or a CD without checking the volume first, and then you get a blown speaker.

I've also intentionally overridden the 'safety' feature that came out about two years ago with the iPod firmware that puts a volume cap in place. I know I should be pushing out some serious juice when this puppy is close to 100%.

I was just curious if anybody else had seen this effect. I'll try hooking my minidisc player up this evening and see what it does. The Sony tends to have more muscle coming out the earplug jack than the iPod does.

Thanks,
Glen

The iPod jack is really intended for headphones and requires an outside amplification source to improve levels appropriate for listening. Best bet for better performance would be some other form of integration for your deck.

[p-pod]

I have the same jack in my 05 bi-color. As far as I know this was an ipod jack. I do not however, have any hissing or other noise from it. If you try to put a medium size coffee in the cup holder it bumps up against the connection and causes definite problems.
The volume does have to be turned up louder than FM or CD listening, but still no hissing or abnormal noises.

Good luck with this..I have no problems.

[Porkchop]

bi-color = Domingo? (and if so, why not call it a Domingo? )

And to keep this post on-topic, is there an easy way for me to add an aux jack to a stock headunit in my 2000 NB?

[hestersu]

The bi-color was called Domingo on the other side of the pond. In the states, it was always known as the bi-color. I saw one at my dealer and that is what it was referred to - that's what the sticker said.

Contact www.enfigcarstereo.com to see if you can add the ipod connector or something like it to the 2000 model.

[Porkchop]

Awesome! Thanks for the link. Looks like $70....

[redoodlebug]

I havent ordered one yet, but a friend tells me to use this cable...

http://www.enfigcarstereo.com/shopsi...IE_35_POD.html

He says this cable has no hissing, and requires less volume. Something about the way it hooks directly into the Ipods computer and not into the head phone jack.

Anyone else have this type cable?

[05yellowbeetle]

I use the headphone jack type cable, it doesn't add extra noise the way the tape adapter did in my '98, but you do have to turn up the volume quite a bit.

[slugbug18]

I use the headphone jack style cable too, just a cheap one i picked up at Target, but it works pretty well for me. I had to over ride the safety feature on my ipod to get the volume all the way up, and i still have to turn my car stereo up almost all the way but i don't get too much static. It can really depend on the song and where you got it from. Songs I've uploaded from CDs come through louder and more clearly than ones i've downloaded from Ares.