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audio issues

5K views 14 replies 12 participants last post by  tt101 
#1 ·
I apologize if this topic is a beaten and long dead decomposed horse, but does anyone have issues with audio quality?

I noticed today that a direct connection to my iPhone has a big difference in quality versus streaming thru bluetooth. I would have put my money on the bluetooth being the weaker of the two, but the direct connection causes small hisses and pops throughout - maybe not as noticable to everyone but I take music VERY SERIOUSLY as a musician and it drives me BONKERS. On the other hand, the bluetooth is not too great either.

So, any work arounds for this? I rip my music at 192kbps which I thought was sufficient--any higher makes massive mp3 files and with over 6,000 songs I don't have the space. How is the sound quality when connected to a USB stick? :puzzled:
 
#3 ·
I don't have an iPhone so I can't really speak to what it sounds like in comparison, but I use a 32GB micro SD card in a tiny little card reader plugged into the USB port and it sounds fantastic (allowing for the limited amplification power and factory speakers of course). I rip all my music at 256kbps and have 4139 tracks on it with only about 20 or so mb free.

I just tried using one of my SanDisk mp3 players yesterday plugged into the AUX port (from the headphone jack) and it sounds good as well. No popping, static or any other 'sounds' that aren't supposed to be there. Likewise, all tracks are ripped from CD's @ 256kbps.

I know the special iPhone cable from Kia uses both the USB port and the AUX IN jack, so I don't know if there's something in that multiple connection configuration that could be causing your issue or not. Like I said, I don't have one to compare or experiment with.

I can see myself using both the AUX IN and the USB port though. Both have pros and cons.
 
#9 ·
Sorry Phish, no sound problems with my iPhone 4S on either "iPod" mode (connected) or streaming via Bluetooth (albeit less interface control). I also create my MP3s at 192kbps. In fact, so far, it's been perfect for me. I cancelled my SiriusXM, because I don't need/want it any longer. All my music is on my iPhone.
 
#10 ·
I had this issue for the first time yesterday, but didn't before. I disconnected my phone, restarted and that didn't work. When I turned the car off and then back on the hissing and pops went away. If the problem comes back I'll definitely be heading into the dealer. That would be unacceptable to me. The bluetooth being crappy quality is already bad enough.
 
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#11 ·
I'm thinking I may just replace all 4 door speakers with better ones similar to the ones I used in the Rondo to replace the factory units. If I still get the distortion etc with the new speakers, then I guess I'll have to look in to wiring, the amp etc, but I'm hoping that replacing the factory door speakers will solve the problems. Seems like the head unit is just too powerful for the speakers they used in the EX V6 for some reason, wouldn't surprise me, they usually cheap out on that stuff if you don't get the top of the line 'Infinity system' or what ever is offered in the top model.
It has been over a decade since I was last seriously following car audio. Let us know what speakers you end up getting. I would be interested hearing your feedback.

I remember MTX and Rockford Fosgate were considered good brands back in my Civic days. I have heard they have gone down considerably.
 
#13 ·
Interesting. Another upgrade for me to consider. They used to say that the best bang for buck upgrade in a car was upgrading the front speakers. Sounds like we need to do the reverse in the Sorento...at least in the trims not equipped with the Infinity factory system.

Are the front and rear door speakers the same size? If so, could you swap the factory front speakers to the rear and then upgrade the front speakers?

EDIT: I presume this would NOT work as the front speakers have separate tweeters whereas the rears do not.
 
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