Buzzing iPod Sounds

[gudzspeed3]

Hey everyone. I got a quick question involving the stock audio system. I have an 08 speed3 with Bose system. I always use my iPod, hate the radio, with the auxiliary port in the armrest cubby. As we all know iPods have horrible battery life so mine dies often. I have a car charger but when I plug in the charger and auxiliary at the same time it makes this buzzing sound thru the speakers. I was wondering if anyone experiences this and if there's any way to fix this problem. I also tried this cool plug from monster cables that plugs into both the cherger ad auxiliary port and plays thru the iPods 30-pin connector rather than the headphone Jack and it stil makes that noise. Please help. I'll post a video of it when I get home from school.

 

[Sport6]

Yeah happens to me as well and I have heard it from many others too. I haven't attempted it fix it yet but most say the solution is to buy a Ground Loop Isolator. Cheap fix ~$15.

 

[gudzspeed3]

Where can I get that and how do I install it?

 

[hominemodi]

using aux + charger is a crappy solution. get yourself an ipod integration unit (unless you have the satellite too), like the xcarlink or dice, and you'll fall in love with your ipod one more time. i ran the cables down the center (shifter housing, etc.) through the hole where the aux. was and into the upper tray of the armrest. now everything is tucked away and it's a cinch to grab it and select songs and hide it back. of course the radio/wheel buttons control everything else.

 

[Doozy]

this fixed mine, but i don't have bose. not sure if it matters...

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_127SNI...-Filter.html?search=3.5mm+noise&ssi=0&tp=2653

 

[ejh]

Yeah, this is pretty standard when you have power and audio signals together. I have low level static with my iPod too, but I only hear it on soft songs turned up higher.

I'd like to know what the iPod integration kit is?

Maybe the Crutchfield thing works too.

 

[hominemodi]

I'd like to know what the iPod integration kit is?
Maybe the Crutchfield thing works too.

no doubt the GLI would work, but the whole thing is a kludge. ipod integration as the name implies integrates the ipod with the HU pretty much seamlessly. look at this for instance: http://www.xcarlink.com/show_info.asp?product_ID=353

once you use such unit, you'll wonder why the hell you ever put up with a stupid aux and charger.

 

[Doozy]

no doubt the GLI would work, but the whole thing is a kludge. ipod integration as the name implies integrates the ipod with the HU pretty much seamlessly. look at this for instance: http://www.xcarlink.com/show_info.asp?product_ID=353

once you use such unit, you'll wonder why the hell you ever put up with a stupid aux and charger.

not everyone uses an ipod. on another note, how much is it? i much rather put the money toward the group buy stereo on the other forum.

 

[skallen]

It sounds like a ground issue to me...But that is only my opinion. I am not educated in ground loop noise

 

[hominemodi]

not everyone uses an ipod. on another note, how much is it? i much rather put the money toward the group buy stereo on the other forum.

well, the OP mentioned he does use an ipod that's why suggested this. yes, aux i think is the only option when using some other mp3 players afaik. the xcarlink device is ~$125. this is not a low-budget solution, but in my opinion money very well spent. if the stereo you're considering buying has built-in ipod integration it would be an even better solution, because you can do everything through the HU interface like selecting songs based on artist or album (which can't be done with add-on units), and can leave the ipod hidden at all times.

 

[gudzspeed3]

yeah i use an ipod and i would like to get the ipod integration but its kinda expensive, i basically bought a noise reducing audio cable.. hopefully that works. im fine with the sound quality that comes from the aux line. this is a $5 fix that is simple and i wouldnt have to take the HU apart. thanks for all your help guys. if this thing doesnt help im going to return it and just get the ******* integration unit from mazda..

 

[icspots]

Like others have said you just need a ground loop isolator. Plug it in between the ipod and the audio input and you'll be set.

As to ipod integration modules they start around $75 and move up around $200 depending on your year/model and what features you want from it.