AUX Input volume - best solution?

[GLK]

Now that I have fitted an AUX input to my Audio 20 (NTG2), I am faced with much discussed, well-known problem: low volume.

Has anyone had a chance to compare the two main (only?) solutions, i.e. bluetooth and headphone amplifier?
Ideally I would like to have the same volume level as CDC/CD.
Any particular bluetooth adapter and/or amplifier proven to deliver?

Also - anyone managed to get any of these "3.5mm jack to USB" leads to play MP3 files from a flash drive? I'm having no joy with a least one type, due to the 4-point jack, I suspect ...

 

[birder-uk]

Hi GLK. I had the same problem, when I plugged my phone into the Aux in my CLK. I found if I went to the track I was playing on my phone, pressed the speaker icon, then turned up the phone manually, I believe this is a safety feature, if you've got headphones plugged into your phone, to stop blowing out your eardrums. Hope this is of some help. Regds...

 

[h4rri]

With an iPhone / iPod there are two ways to extract audio, using the headphone port allows you to increase the volume using the standard controls but you will need to remove the 'cap' in the settings as previously suggested.

If you intend to use an aux amp then grab a cable which allows you to charge the device and output the audio from the bottom connection. This bypasses the internal amplifier and allows you to externally amplify the signal.

I have used external amps with the iPhone and the results are great and I would certainly recommend using one.

 

[GLK]

Thanks, chaps.

Yes, I've already turned off the volume limit in settings on my iPhone 6, and increased the headphone volume to the max (when 3-point jack was plugged in), it is much better, but I prefer a solution, where I do not have to keep changing headphones volume, depending on what is used - AUX to Audio 20 or actual headphones (not that I use them often - that's actually part of the problem: I'm sure I'll forget to turn it down when I use them next time, as it could be a few months away).

So, the original question is still valid: how these two solutions (bluetooth v amp) compare and what is recommended model for the the better one?

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

I thought I saw somewhere on here that there's a firmware update that boosts the volume?

It's not necessarily the device that distinguishes the complete volume, even though you can turn it up and down on the phone but there's also settings within the audio system in the car that will also boost it. Can't for the life of me find the thread this was all mentioned in!

You'll notice if you plug the device into another system, like a home hifi, the volume is correct and not limited Even when I plug USB the volume level is the same (I've experimented with the same playlist of tracks, same bitrate etc)

The only thing that plays loud and at a normal volume via aux is my DAB dongle, which is strange

 

[Deleted member 6183]

I might have posted on this subject before.

I have found that the volume is very much dependent on the source. My iPod and iPhones were rubbish despite removing the volume cap in settings.

However, my HTC M8 is much louder and generally better quality.

I'd be tempted to try a few different players/phones and keep one permanently in the car for music only.

 

[GLK]

I thought I saw somewhere on here that there's a firmware update that boosts the volume?

I seriously doubt Mercedes would bother with firmware updates for an NTG2 Audio 20? - unless it was released a while ago - I'll check anyway, thanks Ash

It's not necessarily the device that distinguishes the complete volume, even though you can turn it up and down on the phone but there's also settings within the audio system in the car that will also boost it. Can't for the life of me find the thread this was all mentioned in!

I remember reading about bluetooth adapter that boosted the volume for someone to acceptable level, but too can't find that thread now.

You'll notice if you plug the device into another system, like a home hifi, the volume is correct and not limited

I have yet to plug my iPhone into any home hi-fi system: the whole library is on iTunes so plays via TV.

The only thing that plays loud and at a normal volume via aux is my DAB dongle, which is strange

It is, isn't it - perhaps because it was designed to be used in a car, connected to an AUX port. Anyway, I never actually listen to the radio, ever - one less gadget to worry about :bannana:

I have found that the volume is very much dependent on the source. My iPod and iPhones were rubbish despite removing the volume cap in settings.

However, my HTC M8 is much louder and generally better quality.

I'd be tempted to try a few different players/phones and keep one permanently in the car for music only.

Thanks, to be perfectly honest, I don't really need the AUX input that much, certainly not enough to buy another MP3 player - perfectly happy with 6 CDs, with carefully selected tracks, at highest possible bitrate for mp3 files (about 70 tracks per CD), giving me hours and hours of enjoyment

I think, I'm not going to worry about it - I wanted an AUX input, just because it was possible to have it, and in case we have a passenger, who doesn't like classical music so that I can plug my iPhone in with something else to play. Seeing as that happens about once a year, I think I'm alright ...

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

The DAB thing is basically a handheld Walkman thing my missus got me for Xmas, she had one plugged in her car and I was so impressed that she sneakily got me one, it's brilliant

I shortly after this spotted I-conica (think that name is right?) guy with the red C-class post in anothet thread mentioning he has the booster installed in his car which you mentioned, maybe throw him a PM?

 

[GLK]

I just followed your suggestion and that extra bit of volume (when it goes into red section in iPhone settings) actually did the trick, well almost: it is now within 2 clicks of the steering wheel button, comparing to the volume from CDC.

That will do

 

[Ted]

Glk. Pretty sure the cd changer will play audio dvds.
Certainly does on my clk, and plays loads more tracks per disk.

 

[GLK]

Glk. Pretty sure the cd changer will play audio dvds.
Certainly does on my clk, and plays loads more tracks per disk.

Thanks Ted, tried that right after I bought the car nine months ago. Nope, only CDs (I tested it with + & -, but not RW).

Also, the reason for this number of mp3 tracks per CD is not only I record them in 320bit, but some are 10-12-15 min long - I mostly listen to classical music.

 

[ash59fifty-uk]

Also, the reason for this number of mp3 tracks per CD is not only I record them in 320bit, but some are 10-12-15 min long - I mostly listen to classical music.

Are you burning as audio or MP3?

A 320kbps track at four minutes long is say, 12.5mb, 70tracks/mp3's to one cd isn't a great deal- what size data CDs are you using? I'd recommend 8-900mb discs using Nero to burn the mp3s, this might get you some extra tracks

 

[GLK]

Thanks Ash, yes - MP3 files, using large capacity CDs and Burn app on Apple Mac OS X.

To be honest, even 70 tracks per disc wasn't always possible, not that it worried me.

Some files are over 25 MB - classical pieces tend to be longer than contemporary music.

Anyway, the collection is recorded now, and it's not like Strauss is going to compose a new waltz, or Albinoni a few oboe concerti

 

[richard]

I seriously doubt Mercedes would bother with firmware updates for an NTG2 Audio 20? - unless it was released a while ago - I'll check anyway, thanks Ash

Firmware update was done for NTG2.5 (when it was new) and added a boost setting in the sound settings menu for AUX
- i.e not for NTG2

R

 

[GLK]

Firmware update was done for NTG2.5 (when it was new) and added a boost setting in the sound settings menu for AUX
- i.e not for NTG2

Thanks, Richard. I suspected as much - the system is just too ancient

I might eventually upgrade to COMAND NTG2.5, but with factory fitted power sound system and a subwoofer, it's not a cheap undertaking. Considering I won't use the sat nav on NTG2.5 anyway, I feel it's way too much for just an SD-card, colour screen and ability to add a reversing cam.

 

[7om]

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