*Tips Hat to Logic 7* iPod Line Out vs. Headphone Jack

bmwexecutive · 12-06-2006, 05:00 PM

Since taking delivery on my car seven months ago, I've had my iPod connected to the Auxiliary port in the arm rest through the headphone port via an expensive gold pin mini to mini cable. I thought it sounded great, but nothing all that impressive. Today, I was going through my iPod accessory drawer and found a car charger with a port on top that said "Line out" and I thought, hmmm, that's an interesting idea---maybe I should try connecting my iPod to the Aux port in my car via the Line out connection. Only problem is that the car charger was too tall and wouldn't fit inside the glove box. I did the rear console DC port add-on mod about a month ago and figured I could utilize that for this and I did just that, while sending both cables neatly through the rear of the arm rest cover. I didn't have a gold pin mini to mini cable that was long enough to reach from the back of the console into the arm rest so I got managed to find another one in my stockpile that was long enough, but not gold pinned.

Finally, I had everything setup and reconnected the gold mini-to-mini to the Aux port through the headphone jack of the iPod to see how that sounded first. Then I pluged the mini-to-mini from the line out on the charger hooked up to the iPod and hit play. Immediately I noticed a huge increase in bass response as well as lounder volume and crisper music. I couldn't believe such a small change made such a big difference. And this was without the gold pinned cable too!

NOW the Logic 7 speakers were starting to impress me. I did many back and forths between going out of the headphone port and the line out jack on the same song and the results were impressive. Line out is so, so, so much better. Especially if you have a tuned ear. Finally, I played my car's theme song, I Like The Way You Move by The Bodyrockers and my car was rockin'! The bass on that was incredible with my bass volume turned up 3/4 of the way, and the vocals were very good!

All in all, if you're still running through the headphone port of your iPod, picked up a line out jack for the dock connector of your iPod and switch now!

I'm truly a believer of the Logic 7 system now.

kuthair · 12-06-2006, 05:13 PM

Good to hear... i bought a Belkin charger with line-out for this exact reason and it sounds like crap.

What kind of charger do you have?

bmwexecutive · 12-06-2006, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuthair

Good to hear... i bought a Belkin charger with line-out for this exact reason and it sounds like crap.

What kind of charger do you have?

This one: http://www.amazon.com/APPLE-TA351LL-.../dp/B000BQYP7C

It's incredibly good. What I love about it is that it's both a car charger and AC charger. And, of course, it's got the great line out input.

Looks like it's discontinued though. I have no idea why!

Nemesis335i · 12-06-2006, 05:30 PM

Talked to my friend at the Apple store, he recommends http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...ct_code=337247

He said the volume on the Ipod is a resistor, so it creates destortion. He is of the opinion that using the DOK will give the best sound.

I would like to connect to the stereo via rca, not a stereo jack. Does anyone know if there is an avaliable connection on the stereo? Does the stereo out put as rca and then convert to a stereo jack?

Kindryck · 12-06-2006, 07:15 PM

We have a 04 Nissan Armada that has the Line In input on the dash near the radio and have had no problems with the Belkin car charger with the Line Out feature. So, before we went to Munich to do our ED I picked up another one. And it sounded like crap in the BMW, when you had it plugged in to the armrest socket. Getting alot of feedback so we ended up just using the head phone jack. Passable but I know it can do better.

While looking around the internet after we got back to see what I wanted to do I stumbled onto this:

http://www.sendstation.com/us/produc...neout-usb.html

No innate charging capabilities but you can buy a standard USB car charger to plug into it from what I can see. Picking up the car tomorrow finally so I'll let you know how it works out.

Good Luck,

K

oneshare325 · 12-06-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kindryck

We have a 04 Nissan Armada that has the Line In input on the dash near the radio and have had no problems with the Belkin car charger with the Line Out feature. So, before we went to Munich to do our ED I picked up another one. And it sounded like crap in the BMW, when you had it plugged in to the armrest socket. Getting alot of feedback so we ended up just using the head phone jack. Passable but I know it can do better.

While looking around the internet after we got back to see what I wanted to do I stumbled onto this:

http://www.sendstation.com/us/produc...neout-usb.html

No innate charging capabilities but you can buy a standard USB car charger to plug into it from what I can see. Picking up the car tomorrow finally so I'll let you know how it works out.

Good Luck,

K

Ok...I liked this one the best so I just ordered it.

I don't have logic 7 but I don't think I have ever listened to a CD so sound quality from the ipod is key to me! Can't wait for it to show up...

NFS · 12-07-2006, 04:06 AM

Just get this guys:

http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=120584

Because the charger is low profile it fits snugly in the armrest outlet with the armrest closed - no prob's.

Don't buy the belkin ones though as they have a pre-amp which is actually worse than the ipod one.

bmwexecutive · 12-07-2006, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needforspeed

Just get this guys:

http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=120584

Because the charger is low profile it fits snugly in the armrest outlet with the armrest closed - no prob's.

Don't buy the belkin ones though as they have a pre-amp which is actually worse than the ipod one.

That's only good for charging it. That's exactly what I had with the gold pinned mini-to-mini going out the headphone port before I changed to the new line-out connection yesterday. Although, either way, it's going to be short-lived because on Saturday ///Matt from this board is installing the iPod MOST Integration kit in my car. That too utilizes a line-out connection so it's going to sound just as good, plus it's all going to be elegantly tucked away and out of sight, plus I'll be able to see what song I'm playing and navigate my iPod from my iDrive.

bmwexecutive · 12-07-2006, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kindryck

We have a 04 Nissan Armada that has the Line In input on the dash near the radio and have had no problems with the Belkin car charger with the Line Out feature. So, before we went to Munich to do our ED I picked up another one. And it sounded like crap in the BMW, when you had it plugged in to the armrest socket. Getting alot of feedback so we ended up just using the head phone jack. Passable but I know it can do better.

While looking around the internet after we got back to see what I wanted to do I stumbled onto this:

http://www.sendstation.com/us/produc...neout-usb.html

No innate charging capabilities but you can buy a standard USB car charger to plug into it from what I can see. Picking up the car tomorrow finally so I'll let you know how it works out.

Good Luck,

K

Yup. Good thinking.

I just wish the Griffin Air Click had a pass-through dock connector so that I could charge the iPod while I utilize the wireless features of the Air Click. I actually called Griffin yesterday and asked why they didn't already integrate that feature into the Air Click and the guy who I talked to had no answer and was actually upset that I was questioning the way they designed their products----uhhhh, I'm the consumer dumbass, consumers are in fact the ones that ultimately call the shots.

Anyway, iPod MOST Integration kit gets installed Saturday. BMW + iPod nirvana, here I come.

kuthair · 12-07-2006, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kindryck

We have a 04 Nissan Armada that has the Line In input on the dash near the radio and have had no problems with the Belkin car charger with the Line Out feature. So, before we went to Munich to do our ED I picked up another one. And it sounded like crap in the BMW, when you had it plugged in to the armrest socket. Getting alot of feedback so we ended up just using the head phone jack. Passable but I know it can do better.

While looking around the internet after we got back to see what I wanted to do I stumbled onto this:

http://www.sendstation.com/us/produc...neout-usb.html

No innate charging capabilities but you can buy a standard USB car charger to plug into it from what I can see. Picking up the car tomorrow finally so I'll let you know how it works out.

Good Luck,

K

That's exactly what mine sounds like -- lots of feedback. I did the same thing for ED but I wasn't able to test it before I went. Now I want to take the damn thing back to get my money back, but its been a little while I hope they take it.

That's the 2nd Belkin ipod accessory I bought that is utter crap. I will not buy another one. The other item was the FM transmitter --- total sh*t. If your looking for an FM transmitter the Kensignton kicks ass.

kuthair · 12-07-2006, 08:24 AM

What do you guys think of this:

http://www.sendstation.com/us/products/smartcharge/

rlc · 12-07-2006, 08:39 AM

Get one of these:

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=2132

Low profile plug and line level connection to the AUX input.

I also use this one in an older car and it works flawlessly:

http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=2084

diablo2112 · 12-07-2006, 12:38 PM

Regarding feedback (engine whine) and the Belkin connector:

VERY common problem. The Belkin connector uses the same ground line for the power and the audio. This creates a large ground-loop (basically, a huge antenna inside the car) that picks up all the AC noise in the electrical system.

There's a very easy fix for this: purchase a connector cable that incorporates a "ground isolator" (sometimes called an "audio isolator"). Radio Shack sells this cable for about $15, looks like a normal RCA cable with a 1" x 3" cylinder in the middle (containing the isolation transformers). Works perfectly with the Belkin connector. This is how I attach my Belkin/iPod to the aux-in connector on our 335i. Note that the Radio Shack cable ends with RCA plugs. The kit includes one RCA to 3.5mm miniplug adapter; you'll need to purchase another to get both ends to miniplug configuration.

------
Side note: I'm *amazed* no one has offered what I consider the ideal audio solution for iPod-to-aux input connection. Incorporate the functionality of the Belkin connector (charge + line out on the plug; allows only a single cable to the bottom of you iPod) and include a ground-loop isolator as part of the package, built into the car-charger portion. Frankly, I'd think you could sell thousands of these things with ease...

Dante · 12-07-2006, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by needforspeed

Just get this guys:

http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=120584

Because the charger is low profile it fits snugly in the armrest outlet with the armrest closed - no prob's.

Don't buy the belkin ones though as they have a pre-amp which is actually worse than the ipod one.

+1

I also bought the Monster Charger and I'm very pleased with it!

kuthair · 12-07-2006, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by diablo2112

Regarding feedback (engine whine) and the Belkin connector:

VERY common problem. The Belkin connector uses the same ground line for the power and the audio. This creates a large ground-loop (basically, a huge antenna inside the car) that picks up all the AC noise in the electrical system.

There's a very easy fix for this: purchase a connector cable that incorporates a "ground isolator" (sometimes called an "audio isolator"). Radio Shack sells this cable for about $15, looks like a normal RCA cable with a 1" x 3" cylinder in the middle (containing the isolation transformers). Works perfectly with the Belkin connector. This is how I attach my Belkin/iPod to the aux-in connector on our 335i. Note that the Radio Shack cable ends with RCA plugs. The kit includes one RCA to 3.5mm miniplug adapter; you'll need to purchase another to get both ends to miniplug configuration.

------
Side note: I'm *amazed* no one has offered what I consider the ideal audio solution for iPod-to-aux input connection. Incorporate the functionality of the Belkin connector (charge + line out on the plug; allows only a single cable to the bottom of you iPod) and include a ground-loop isolator as part of the package, built into the car-charger portion. Frankly, I'd think you could sell thousands of these things with ease...

Yea, I read about the grounding issue. So, this solution turns a $30 piece of garbage into a $50 mess of wires. Not the best solution for me.

My question to you is: is grounding going to be a problem with all chargers with line-out or are some not affected? Like the PocketDoc that Kindryck suggested?

Thanks for the help.

Edit: did some more searching:
http://www.amazon.com/SendStation-Po...qid=1165521575
In the first review, someone states this will be affected by ground loop as well. Looks like gonna have to go with ground isolator until i decide to pony up for ipod integration. Thanks.

kuthair · 12-07-2006, 03:12 PM

Crutchfield sells a Ground Loop Isolator that wont require Y adapters:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zgANP3i...150#morephotos

whippersnapper · 12-07-2006, 06:00 PM

There is a sticky on this already

VapoR · 12-07-2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kindryck

We have a 04 Nissan Armada that has the Line In input on the dash near the radio and have had no problems with the Belkin car charger with the Line Out feature. So, before we went to Munich to do our ED I picked up another one. And it sounded like crap in the BMW, when you had it plugged in to the armrest socket. Getting alot of feedback so we ended up just using the head phone jack. Passable but I know it can do better.

While looking around the internet after we got back to see what I wanted to do I stumbled onto this:

http://www.sendstation.com/us/produc...neout-usb.html

No innate charging capabilities but you can buy a standard USB car charger to plug into it from what I can seey. Picking up the car tomorrow finally so I'll let you know how it works out.

Good Luck,

K

bmwexecutive, do u think that the device described above will put out similar results as your setup? is it the same type of setup? i have the monster icarplay charger that also goes thru the FM and i hate it. i need something with good crisp sound that wont hinder the bass.

also a lot of the products discussed above are just chargers right? i thought the issue was sound quality not keeping the ipod running.

bmwexecutive · 12-07-2006, 08:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kuthair

What do you guys think of this:

http://www.sendstation.com/us/products/smartcharge/

If that could go 90 degrees downward it'd be the best solution yet considering it could fit in the armrest, charge the iPod and offers a line-out connection all at the same time. Good find.

I'd buy it if I didn't just buy the BMW iPod MOST Integration kit.

bud001 · 12-07-2006, 10:09 PM

Can you post a picture so i can look at the setup? I am poor with technical stufgf and i am completely lost. A picture would be MUCH appreciated.

brocken · 12-08-2006, 11:53 AM

I have the monster car charger with line out plug. It connects to the dock connector on the iPod. Works great. I can't hear any noise in the system from hooking it up that way and I have really picky ears.
It was $40 and then I bought a decent mini-mini plug to go from the monster adapter to the aux in.
The Most adapter would be nice but I don't feel like spending that much money to hook up the ipod. My only frustration with the current setup is I can't easily change albums/tracks or even skip songs. I have to open up the armrest and look down at the ipod. not good while driving.

GoRomeo · 12-08-2006, 12:01 PM

Well i use my ipod with no charger attach to it, only the aux audio cable. I have the "BOSE" Docking speaker for the house and that also charges it. I usually have to charge it once a week. This way dont have to deal with a car charger and have 2 cables coming out of the ipod. I love the soound too.

12-06-2006, 05:00 PM	#1
bmwexecutive Banned 240 Rep 2,453 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: East Coast iTrader: (4)	Tips Hat to Logic 7 iPod Line Out vs. Headphone Jack Since taking delivery on my car seven months ago, I've had my iPod connected to the Auxiliary port in the arm rest through the headphone port via an expensive gold pin mini to mini cable. I thought it sounded great, but nothing all that impressive. Today, I was going through my iPod accessory drawer and found a car charger with a port on top that said "Line out" and I thought, hmmm, that's an interesting idea---maybe I should try connecting my iPod to the Aux port in my car via the Line out connection. Only problem is that the car charger was too tall and wouldn't fit inside the glove box. I did the rear console DC port add-on mod about a month ago and figured I could utilize that for this and I did just that, while sending both cables neatly through the rear of the arm rest cover. I didn't have a gold pin mini to mini cable that was long enough to reach from the back of the console into the arm rest so I got managed to find another one in my stockpile that was long enough, but not gold pinned. Finally, I had everything setup and reconnected the gold mini-to-mini to the Aux port through the headphone jack of the iPod to see how that sounded first. Then I pluged the mini-to-mini from the line out on the charger hooked up to the iPod and hit play. Immediately I noticed a huge increase in bass response as well as lounder volume and crisper music. I couldn't believe such a small change made such a big difference. And this was without the gold pinned cable too! NOW the Logic 7 speakers were starting to impress me. I did many back and forths between going out of the headphone port and the line out jack on the same song and the results were impressive. Line out is so, so, so much better. Especially if you have a tuned ear. Finally, I played my car's theme song, I Like The Way You Move by The Bodyrockers and my car was rockin'! The bass on that was incredible with my bass volume turned up 3/4 of the way, and the vocals were very good! All in all, if you're still running through the headphone port of your iPod, picked up a line out jack for the dock connector of your iPod and switch now! I'm truly a believer of the Logic 7 system now.
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12-06-2006, 05:13 PM	#2
kuthair Captain 11 Rep 613 Posts Drives: 07 335i Sedan 6MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Good to hear... i bought a Belkin charger with line-out for this exact reason and it sounds like crap. What kind of charger do you have?
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12-06-2006, 05:30 PM	#4
Nemesis335i New Member 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Bakersfield, ca iTrader: (0)	Talked to my friend at the Apple store, he recommends http://www.compusa.com/products/prod...ct_code=337247 He said the volume on the Ipod is a resistor, so it creates destortion. He is of the opinion that using the DOK will give the best sound. I would like to connect to the stereo via rca, not a stereo jack. Does anyone know if there is an avaliable connection on the stereo? Does the stereo out put as rca and then convert to a stereo jack?
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12-06-2006, 07:15 PM	#5
Kindryck Private 1 Rep 56 Posts Drives: TiAg 335i Coupe Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0)	We have a 04 Nissan Armada that has the Line In input on the dash near the radio and have had no problems with the Belkin car charger with the Line Out feature. So, before we went to Munich to do our ED I picked up another one. And it sounded like crap in the BMW, when you had it plugged in to the armrest socket. Getting alot of feedback so we ended up just using the head phone jack. Passable but I know it can do better. While looking around the internet after we got back to see what I wanted to do I stumbled onto this: http://www.sendstation.com/us/produc...neout-usb.html No innate charging capabilities but you can buy a standard USB car charger to plug into it from what I can see. Picking up the car tomorrow finally so I'll let you know how it works out. Good Luck, K __________________ Sept. 26th, 2006 ED 335i TiAg Black Int. w/ Walnut Burl, Sport, Premium, Heated Seats, PDC Redeliveried 12/7/06 FINALLY!
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12-07-2006, 04:06 AM	#7
NFS Major General 275 Rep 9,218 Posts Drives: M340i Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Just get this guys: http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=120584 Because the charger is low profile it fits snugly in the armrest outlet with the armrest closed - no prob's. Don't buy the belkin ones though as they have a pre-amp which is actually worse than the ipod one.
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12-07-2006, 08:24 AM	#11
kuthair Captain 11 Rep 613 Posts Drives: 07 335i Sedan 6MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	What do you guys think of this: http://www.sendstation.com/us/products/smartcharge/
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12-07-2006, 08:39 AM	#12
rlc Captain 34 Rep 713 Posts Drives: '06 E90 - '04 E85 - '16 F15d Join Date: May 2005 Location: Escondido, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW X5 35d [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2004 Z4 2.5i Roadster [9.00]	Get one of these: http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=2132 Low profile plug and line level connection to the AUX input. I also use this one in an older car and it works flawlessly: http://www.monstercable.com/productdisplay.asp?pin=2084 __________________
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12-07-2006, 12:38 PM	#13
diablo2112 2024 M440i GC (G26) 278 Rep 511 Posts Drives: 2024 M440i Gran Coupe Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: USA iTrader: (3)	Regarding feedback (engine whine) and the Belkin connector: VERY common problem. The Belkin connector uses the same ground line for the power and the audio. This creates a large ground-loop (basically, a huge antenna inside the car) that picks up all the AC noise in the electrical system. There's a very easy fix for this: purchase a connector cable that incorporates a "ground isolator" (sometimes called an "audio isolator"). Radio Shack sells this cable for about $15, looks like a normal RCA cable with a 1" x 3" cylinder in the middle (containing the isolation transformers). Works perfectly with the Belkin connector. This is how I attach my Belkin/iPod to the aux-in connector on our 335i. Note that the Radio Shack cable ends with RCA plugs. The kit includes one RCA to 3.5mm miniplug adapter; you'll need to purchase another to get both ends to miniplug configuration. ------ Side note: I'm amazed no one has offered what I consider the ideal audio solution for iPod-to-aux input connection. Incorporate the functionality of the Belkin connector (charge + line out on the plug; allows only a single cable to the bottom of you iPod) and include a ground-loop isolator as part of the package, built into the car-charger portion. Frankly, I'd think you could sell thousands of these things with ease...
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12-07-2006, 03:12 PM	#16
kuthair Captain 11 Rep 613 Posts Drives: 07 335i Sedan 6MT Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0)	Crutchfield sells a Ground Loop Isolator that wont require Y adapters: http://www.crutchfield.com/S-zgANP3i...150#morephotos
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12-07-2006, 06:00 PM	#17
whippersnapper Captain 23 Rep 972 Posts Drives: people mad Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 BMW 325i [0.00] 2006 BMW 325i [0.00]	There is a sticky on this already __________________ __________________________________________________ __________________ 2006 BMW 325i, Jet Black, 6MT, ZSP, Black Leather, Aluminum, Power Seats, Logic 7
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12-07-2006, 10:09 PM	#20
bud001 That Guy 5 Rep 166 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Earth iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i (E90) [0.00]	Can you post a picture so i can look at the setup? I am poor with technical stufgf and i am completely lost. A picture would be MUCH appreciated.
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12-08-2006, 11:53 AM	#21
brocken Captain 34 Rep 616 Posts Drives: X3MC Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (5)	I have the monster car charger with line out plug. It connects to the dock connector on the iPod. Works great. I can't hear any noise in the system from hooking it up that way and I have really picky ears. It was $40 and then I bought a decent mini-mini plug to go from the monster adapter to the aux in. The Most adapter would be nice but I don't feel like spending that much money to hook up the ipod. My only frustration with the current setup is I can't easily change albums/tracks or even skip songs. I have to open up the armrest and look down at the ipod. not good while driving.
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12-08-2006, 12:01 PM	#22
GoRomeo Brigadier General 962 Rep 3,847 Posts Drives: 330i, 135i Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: San Diego CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 135i [9.50] 2006 330i [6.75]	Well i use my ipod with no charger attach to it, only the aux audio cable. I have the "BOSE" Docking speaker for the house and that also charges it. I usually have to charge it once a week. This way dont have to deal with a car charger and have 2 cables coming out of the ipod. I love the soound too.
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