Stock radio too quiet w/ aux input

techmom · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 50 Location: Baltimore MD

I use my factory unit mostly for CD's, XM radio, and now plan to use my iPhone and ditch the XM.
When I play CD's the sound is OK - not loud but I don't need loud. Volume normally around 25 or so.
With XM on the aux input I have to put the volume tp 40 to get enough volume.
With the iPhone - ugh! volume at 50+ and still hard to hear. Hopefully I can get to a line out (my iPod charger had this) instead of the headphone jack..
But I am so frustrated at the sound (lack of).
I know the head unit is not super loud but I don't listen loud. I used to work for a company that made car speakers and know that most head units (cheap ones) will play loud to the point of distortion. I don't do that. But I don't want to strain to hear. I have external speakers at home and no problems there.
I thought the head unit would be adequate and it is - unless I'm using the aux input and then it sucks.
Any advice?

swartzautoman · Joined: 08 Feb 2007 Posts: 1514 Location: MID MO

your the aux input is normal.
for highest quality ............... go with CD
next would be the ipad jack.

but yeah, the aux input is not a high quality transfer, the head unit is great, just the aux input sucks

DriverXa · Joined: 26 Feb 2007 Posts: 579

Put your device on maximum volume level. I put my Dell DJ on maximum volume through the headphone jack and it comes in fine on the headunit.

burstaneurysm · Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Posts: 6223 Location: Forest Park, IL

It might be obvious, but check the volume on the iPhone.
Also, if it's a first gen iPhone, check if you're using a cable with a tapered jack so it fits all the way in the recessed socket.

techmom · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 50 Location: Baltimore MD

But I may have put a limiter on it (for headphone use) so I will check that. I want to get rid of my XM and use the phone.

burstaneurysm · Joined: 16 Oct 2006 Posts: 6223 Location: Forest Park, IL

Yea, if you have the headphone limiter on, that's likely your problem.
Some chargers offer line out from the dock connector, might be something to look into if this doesn't solve it.

mb2008 · Joined: 07 Mar 2008 Posts: 200

Something to think about. What's the voltage and current output of the phone? I tried using an MP3 player once, it sucks. I think it's because the output power on an MP3 player is too low (probably to conserve the battery) or there isn't any kind of amplifier circuit between the aux. port and the speakers. After all, they aren't made to power anything more than two tiny little headphone speakers.

CarbonXe · Joined: 05 Mar 2007 Posts: 6366 Location: Parsippany, NJ

The Aux input is basically using your car speakers in the same way you use your headphones. Set the iPhone or XM to the max volume, then adjust accordingly with the headunit.