[bsjd00]

I'd really appreciate it if someone could carry out a little test to determine if there really is a loss of sound quality through the iPod adapter.

(I've seen some debate about whether the iPod has a digital to analog converter for the output to the head unit and, if so, whether this would really affect sound quality.)

The test would involve putting 2 identical music files (encoded at the same bitrate) on both a CD and iPod, and then comparing playback of the two in the car. The test would be most effective with files encoded at higher bitrates (such as 320k MP3), but I'd be interested in hearing any feedback members might have.

I'm trying to compare the pros and cons of CD's v. the iPod, and sound quality has been one factor that I can't yet compare.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[Jon_Hanson]

The output from the iPod to the Aux port is analog so, of course, the iPod is converting digital to analog.

I doubt you'll hear any appreciable difference between the two especially with road noise.

The key with using the iPod as a source is to use the line-level output to the Aux jack and not the headphone jack.

[northerncalguy]

I agree with Jon. Also, the mp3 on a CD will sound much better.

Originally Posted by Jon_Hanson

The output from the iPod to the Aux port is analog so, of course, the iPod is converting digital to analog.

I doubt you'll hear any appreciable difference between the two especially with road noise.

The key with using the iPod as a source is to use the line-level output to the Aux jack and not the headphone jack.

[jcoo085]

I used MP3 cd's before I got my iPod for Christmas (yay!) and I can't really tell the difference. Then again, I have the standard audio system and my ears are probably not as good as they used to be. The only annoying thing is that the volume has to be pretty loud, which means the traffic messages are VERY loud.

[Chesmu]

i use the i-pod thru aux port. sounds fine to me. Admittedly, sometimes i turn the music off just to listen to the engine.

[krndanic307]

I like better how it sounds from the Ipod rather than te MP3 CD. Ipod sends much more bass than CD

[jcoo085]

Originally Posted by krndanic307

I like better how it sounds from the Ipod rather than te MP3 CD. Ipod sends much more bass than CD

I've noticed that too. I sometimes listen to the TWiT podcast and have to turn the bass right down otherwise it sometimes sounds like someone just ran into me (usually when there is a certain voice-stress or something is moved around close to the recording mic). And for music, I have the bass set to about half or 2/3 of what it would be over the radio or CD.

[vivekk]

Originally Posted by jcoo085

I used MP3 cd's before I got my iPod for Christmas (yay!) and I can't really tell the difference. Then again, I have the standard audio system and my ears are probably not as good as they used to be. The only annoying thing is that the volume has to be pretty loud, which means the traffic messages are VERY loud.

Have you tried turning down the volume during the RDS traffic messages? I thought that all following messages would be at the new volume, without affecting the CD/normal radio volume?

[jcoo085]

Originally Posted by vivekk

Have you tried turning down the volume during the RDS traffic messages? I thought that all following messages would be at the new volume, without affecting the CD/normal radio volume?

Yup, but that means that the traffic messages are too quiet when I'm in listening to the radio and will have to keep adjusting the volume depending on the audio source. When I'm listening to my iPod I just turn traffic messages off. Regardless of the volume, it's annoying to have them cut in.