Ipod Sounds like...
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
Ipod Sounds like...
Yesterday I tried using my Ipod on a ride. I had it plugged into my aux on my stereo and it just sounded terrible. At first it was so distorted and blown out sounding. I adjusted the output volume all it did was lower the volume and made me have to turn the stereo volume up still sounded like crap. I pulled over and plugged in my droid the same way put on Pandora and rode for 5 hours music sounding perfect. 
I tried songs that I purchased directly from Itunes as well as uploads from CDs both sounded terrible. I have the Boom Audio speakers and like I said my droid with Pandora sounded awesome as well as any cds. So what is the deal with the Ipod? Has anyone else had this problem?
I tried songs that I purchased directly from Itunes as well as uploads from CDs both sounded terrible. I have the Boom Audio speakers and like I said my droid with Pandora sounded awesome as well as any cds. So what is the deal with the Ipod? Has anyone else had this problem?
Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Corona ca
The best way to get good sound is to plug into the bottom of the iPod where you charge it. The problem it that the kit is expensive. I have correct set up on a off road truck into a amp that has RCA jack inputs but you cannot do that on a stock Harley radio. But the sound is night and day. Thare may be another way but I don't know it
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 845
Likes: 45
From: Tucson, AZ
The problem is that you are using the headphone jack which is amplified audio. By using the connector on the base you use line audio and are using the amplifier in your radio just like a stereo in your home. I have the iPod interface and yes it is expensive. I used chrome cash to purchase it and am very happy with it. I grew tired of the bad sound through the aux input.
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 730
Likes: 1
From: Maryland
The problem is that you are using the headphone jack which is amplified audio. By using the connector on the base you use line audio and are using the amplifier in your radio just like a stereo in your home. I have the iPod interface and yes it is expensive. I used chrome cash to purchase it and am very happy with it. I grew tired of the bad sound through the aux input.
I have 3 iPod's (not bragging just sharing something I learned) - I have the 8GB Nano 3rd Generation, The 16GB Nano 5th Generation, and then I JUST broke down and bought the postage stamp 16GB Nano 6th generation.
The 8GB worked just fine using the audio out through the Audio in on the H/K HD radio - you do have to play with the EQ settings to get the optimum sound quality and loudness. I then used the 5th gen the same way UNTIL I broke down last year and bought the HD Accessory iPod integration set up.
Using the HD iPod set up:
The 5th Gen would not work at all - no idea, went through 3 returns of the HD set up while it was still at the dealer. Then we tried the older 3rd gen, and it worked... OK. Still had some weird quirks and poor sound quality compared to what I WAS getting using the audio in/out set up.
Then last week I said let's try something so I ordered the 6th gen postage stamp one and WOW - BIG difference!! Sounds EXCELLENT, loud, clear, and so far so weird wonkiness or use issues like I was having. YMMV
HTH
The 8GB worked just fine using the audio out through the Audio in on the H/K HD radio - you do have to play with the EQ settings to get the optimum sound quality and loudness. I then used the 5th gen the same way UNTIL I broke down last year and bought the HD Accessory iPod integration set up.
Using the HD iPod set up:
The 5th Gen would not work at all - no idea, went through 3 returns of the HD set up while it was still at the dealer. Then we tried the older 3rd gen, and it worked... OK. Still had some weird quirks and poor sound quality compared to what I WAS getting using the audio in/out set up.
Then last week I said let's try something so I ordered the 6th gen postage stamp one and WOW - BIG difference!! Sounds EXCELLENT, loud, clear, and so far so weird wonkiness or use issues like I was having. YMMV
HTH
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,216
Likes: 102
From: Central Illinois
I have a 2nd gen IPod Shuffle that I had Capt. Itch make me up a leather pad with magnetic base to mount on the tank and use a cheap (like 2 bucks cheap) cable to connect the IPod to the aux jack on my Sony Biketronics radio setup. Sounds just as good as CD's or the USB stick. Of course I am not running an amp or big speakers either so maybe that has something to do with it. The Shuffle only has an output jack.
Trending Topics
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 5,190
Likes: 5
From: Eastern Washington
Personally the other problem is you are using it through the HK radio. I upgraded to the sony radio and it works great
http://www.biketronics.com/products/...%252dS100.html
http://www.biketronics.com/products/...%252dS100.html
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,946
Likes: 822
From: Nevada
I play my iPod through the Aux connector on my Harmon-Kardon stereo and it sounds great. As someone above suggested, check the EQ settings on your iPod (and iTunes) and then do another sync.
Also, check the adapter cable. Make sure the jacks have good connections at both ends. Some of the less expensive adapters have undersized jacks that compromise connections.
Also, check the adapter cable. Make sure the jacks have good connections at both ends. Some of the less expensive adapters have undersized jacks that compromise connections.