Ipod integration is wimpy

[kevlarhabanero]

Just bought a 2012 Mazda5 Touring edition microvan with the audio package that has the 6 disc cd changer and Sirius radio. Had the dealer put in one of those ipod integration kits that fits in the glove box. Very disappointed with the sound, it is very wimpy, does not compare with dynamic range or volume that comes out of other audio sources. Not even worth listening to. I had the dealer look at the problem and they told me that that is the way it is. I can not believe that they would design it that way. I have no technical understanding of the connection in the back of the radio, but someone must have set it up the wrong way or forgot to do something. Wondering if anyone knows what might be wrong or if you have experienced this issue.

 

[qcoffey]

I put in a basic Kenwood aftermarket head unit and it puts the factory unit to shame. It also has iPod integration, and aux input. The factory aux input would have static noise if I plugged a charger into the 12v outlet. This is not a problem anymore. The head unit was $139 and the install kit was $20.

 

[njaremka]

what quality are your music source files on the ipod?

 

[kw_da]

How does the Ipod kit send it's audio to the headunit? If it's using some sort of FM modulation, it's going to sound terrible. Direct connect should sound good. How do you access the IPOD audio - now is it integrated with your controls?

 

[njaremka]

if its the mazda accessory, it will connect to the dock connector, and modulate through the stereo interface. the ipod will output line level audio through the dock connector. so, if the music files on the device are crappy, the output will be crappy.

 

[Silentnoise713]

if its the mazda accessory, it will connect to the dock connector, and modulate through the stereo interface. the ipod will output line level audio through the dock connector. so, if the music files on the device are crappy, the output will be crappy.

+1

@ OP - I think you need to check the quality of the audio files on your iPod. If the audio is coming out via the iPod connector, it is line level output, which means it is not manipulated and is the quality of the source file. To your point, the Stock HU's SQ SUCKS so it cannot manipulate the poor-er quality track to sound better. I bet if if you get a male to male 3.5mm audio wire and play the song through the iPod's headphone out to the aux-in on the HU, it will sound better b/c the iPod amplifies and SQ checks the playback ,while the OEM HU further manipulate treble, bass, and volume so it is louder than the line level out.

I’m using this with my iPhone and it works ok but understand your wimpy reference. Mazda’s electrical sucks and if you plug in both USB and Aux-in, you will hear a buzz. Need to add a ground loop isolator, which I have not done b/c I find FM stations work well enough for my needs and only use this when I need to charge
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