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Radio Volume Low with MP3

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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 08:51 AM
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Default Radio Volume Low with MP3

I have an '08 Electra Glide Classic with the standard radio and only the front two speakers.

The radio volume is fine for AM or FM, but when I plug in my Zune mp3 player or my Garmin Zumo, I need to crank the radio volume way up to hear it. I have set both the Zune and the Zumo volumes to their maximums.

Am I missing some setting or is this just the way it is?

Thanks,
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 08:57 AM
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That is just the way that it is - unless you add an amplifier (passive or active) between the MP3 and your radio. A good active unit will cost about $50-$60, and I use one with my XM radio and MP3.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 10:49 AM
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Turn your volume all the way up on your mp3 zune ipod or whatever you have. That will take care of the problem. My ipod sounds better than the radio.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 12:18 PM
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Or just burn a CD with all your favorite MP3s. My 09 EGC plays mp3 CDs as loud as the radio. You can fit about 150 MP3 songs per CD. I have not tried to hook up an MP3 player yet...
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 12:20 PM
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I have the same problem - what kind of Amp do you get?
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 12:27 PM
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Same problem with my XM Inno portable.

Bought me a Fiio headphone amplifier earlier this year for my headphones. I hooked up the the Inno through the amp to the Aux in and it works fine.

http://www.fiio.com.cn/en/showproduct.asp?id=309

Only problem it took awhile to get since there shipped from Hong Kong.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 07:22 PM
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Search for a PIE in-line amp.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 07:29 PM
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I had the same problem. I went to Radio Shack and bought a Boostaroo. It is a small amplifier that runs on a 'aa' battery that boosts the signal. Works very well, can now hear everything. Cost about $30.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 07:44 PM
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http://www.electric-avenues.com/amplirider.html
I have one of these. Got it originaly for my MP3 player but now use it for my ZUMO. Also has 3 inputs so you could tie in a radar detector too.
 
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Old Jul 14, 2009 | 07:58 PM
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I know that when my MP3 plug is not in just right that the sound is very weak. I have to wiggle to plug in the MP3 and it goes back to full volume.
 
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