Sinister
SILVER Star
I have a 2011 and stream my music via Bluetooth on an iPhone 7. Is the USB cable a better sounding alternative? Which do you use and why?
Last edited:
Which has the better audio quality
- Thread starter Sinister
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I did a bunch of experimenting on this a few months ago, it's in a post on here somewhere.
Verdict: I dumped all my tunes on a 64GB tiny thumb drive that I keep plugged into the USB port. Best sound, as long as you have them in high res MP3. You do have to be careful on the folders, it only goes one level deep beyond the root of the drive. I just name each folder as "Artist - Album" (one folder per album) then dump all the tunes from each folder into each folder.
Bluetooth is the worst, but it is the most convenient.
Even the best is disappointing for such a high priced "premium" audio system. Wish I could at least upgrade the speakers.
Verdict: I dumped all my tunes on a 64GB tiny thumb drive that I keep plugged into the USB port. Best sound, as long as you have them in high res MP3. You do have to be careful on the folders, it only goes one level deep beyond the root of the drive. I just name each folder as "Artist - Album" (one folder per album) then dump all the tunes from each folder into each folder.
Bluetooth is the worst, but it is the most convenient.
Even the best is disappointing for such a high priced "premium" audio system. Wish I could at least upgrade the speakers.
Not an audio expert, but I believe it depends on your source and possibly on what generation of Bluetooth. I, and I may be convincing myself of the difference, believe the audio is better when I run the USB from my iPhone 7s. I believe the data transfer via the Lightning connection is more robust that Bluetooth. There is also the added benefit that it is being charged. I use Tidal, which offers more lossless files, so that may be a factor. Some may prefer the auto-connectivity of Bluetooth, but I may be more leisurely than others as I don't seem bothered by the time it takes to plug my phone in.
gaijin
GOLD Star
I'm with @shelby95 . The sound through the USB cable is orders of magnitude better than the Bluetooth connection with my iPhone 7+, and the iPhone is charging while playing.
I pieced together a nice mount that allows me to simply drop the phone in its cradle and I can enjoy portrait or landcape viewing:
I was amazed at how terrible the Bluetooth sound was
HTH
I pieced together a nice mount that allows me to simply drop the phone in its cradle and I can enjoy portrait or landcape viewing:
I was amazed at how terrible the Bluetooth sound was
HTH
Maybe won't affect quality too much but I use Google Music (and stream via Bluetooth) and there is an EQ setting in the App, if left ON the phone processes, and then once it hits the vehicle the vehicle does processing on top. Makes for a very muted sound, even when cranked. Turn off EQ through the App and full and you get loud sounding audio again. Not sure how the other streaming apps work but if there's an EQ built in it might make Bluetooth worse if that's what you're using. No clue if there an EQ effect if you are using USB.
The only reason I don't use the built in USB is because its not fast charging so I tend to default to a low pro dual fast charge USB port that sits in the cig hole. Think I'm going to have to see if I can tell the difference vs USB.
The only reason I don't use the built in USB is because its not fast charging so I tend to default to a low pro dual fast charge USB port that sits in the cig hole. Think I'm going to have to see if I can tell the difference vs USB.
I have 16LC and sound is great through bluetooth. Stream Amazon music all the time.
Same with our ‘16. Amazon music user also but I can tell it’s a little compressed compared to the iTunes purchased music. Still, very pleased overall.
Also satisfied with the VaisTech BT in the ‘08.
SQRRRL
SILVER Star
My 2013 sounds better on BT. USB sounds muddy.
Can anyone tell me if they can hear front tweeters? I can hear the rear door tweeters while sitting in the back but can't seem to hear fronts. Even moving sound to left front with treble high and mid and bass down I can't hear it.
Can anyone tell me if they can hear front tweeters? I can hear the rear door tweeters while sitting in the back but can't seem to hear fronts. Even moving sound to left front with treble high and mid and bass down I can't hear it.
FWIW I've found that disabling Dolby Digital surround sound can improve audio quality. The DD processor tries to simulate placement for the center speaker for stereo sources, but in most cases I find it narrows the stereo field, reduces separation, audio clarity, etc
I need to try this. Can't believe I haven't thought of this as hearing Cars and Shrek in DD Surround on long distance trips should be a reminder.
Oh yeah... I should have mentioned that too, ya disable that stupid surround sound "feature", it just muddies up the sound.
