Poor sound using Alpine AUX input
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 13
From: Austin TX
Poor sound using Alpine AUX input
I have an Alpine 9827 head unit and I get poor sound quality when I play music through the AUX input. Here are the details:
I am playing MP3 songs. (I know that some sound loss is expected, but please read on)
The 9827 can play MP3 CDs. When I burn a song onto a CD from my laptop and play the CD in the 9827, the sound is great! However, when I play THE SAME MP3 song direct from my laptop through the AUX input, the bass is clipped and the sound quality is poor. Here is what I have already tried:
Compaq laptop 3000 (P4 2.8)
Apple PB 17"
Apple ipod
New gold plated mini plug to RCA to connect the laptop to the 9827
I get the same results with all equipment. I have tried setting the laptop output volume at various setting, and still poor sound. The 9827 alone sounds great, and MP3 CDs sound great. I am going to try to run a cable from my home stereo preamp out to the 9827 to see if the problem lies in the sources (laptops and MP3 players) or in the head unit.
Anyone have any ideas? Is there an impedence problem between the laptop and the 9827?
I am playing MP3 songs. (I know that some sound loss is expected, but please read on)
The 9827 can play MP3 CDs. When I burn a song onto a CD from my laptop and play the CD in the 9827, the sound is great! However, when I play THE SAME MP3 song direct from my laptop through the AUX input, the bass is clipped and the sound quality is poor. Here is what I have already tried:
Compaq laptop 3000 (P4 2.8)
Apple PB 17"
Apple ipod
New gold plated mini plug to RCA to connect the laptop to the 9827
I get the same results with all equipment. I have tried setting the laptop output volume at various setting, and still poor sound. The 9827 alone sounds great, and MP3 CDs sound great. I am going to try to run a cable from my home stereo preamp out to the 9827 to see if the problem lies in the sources (laptops and MP3 players) or in the head unit.
Anyone have any ideas? Is there an impedence problem between the laptop and the 9827?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 2,743
Likes: 9
From: FL
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Re: Poor sound using Alpine AUX input (barufaldi)
The big thing, is that you are using an analog in. You will have some sound loss due to the AUX input being an analog input. There is a loss in quality when converting a digital signal to an RCA analog. It's kinda similar to when someone uses a CD changer with an FM Modulator. You lose some quality although not as much
Also, sound quality depends on the outout hardware too. The IPOD "might" sound a little better than the laptops. Normally the analog sound output hardware on a laptop isnt the best.
Personally I would stick to using MP3 CD's directly in the cdplayer. If that isnt enough, then get an AI Net Alpine changer that supports MP3's
Good Luck
Steve
Also, sound quality depends on the outout hardware too. The IPOD "might" sound a little better than the laptops. Normally the analog sound output hardware on a laptop isnt the best.
Personally I would stick to using MP3 CD's directly in the cdplayer. If that isnt enough, then get an AI Net Alpine changer that supports MP3's
Good Luck
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,572
Likes: 4
From: Los Angeles Ca
Re: Poor sound using Alpine AUX input (barufaldi)
Did you check your eq setting on your laptop? You may want to turn it off if it's on. If it's off, then try to adjust it to get rid of the clipping.
`s
`s
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 13
From: Austin TX
Re: Poor sound using Alpine AUX input (scott_fx)
Thanks for the comments. I did check the eq settings and they don't seem to help much. I know that my compaq laptop is not the best I bought is on sale at SAMS. I am going to try an old walkman CD player to see if the analog out sounds better. I use the laptop for navigation on a screen built into my dash. The sound out for the MP3 is good enough for my daily commute. I can't hear much of the stereo anyways when I get on the loud pedal. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Poor sound using Alpine AUX input (barufaldi)
How are you converting the audio signal "out" from your laptop to the RCA input? Are you using the AI-Net input AUX control adapter on your Alpine? What is the quality of the RCA patch cables you are using?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 134
Likes: 13
From: Austin TX
Re: Poor sound using Alpine AUX input (leolufse)
I am using the AI-Net adapter with gold plated high quality patch cables. However who knows the quality of the 1/8" stereo jack on the laptop.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,682
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta GA
Re: Poor sound using Alpine AUX input (barufaldi)
I am using the AI-Net adapter with gold plated high quality patch cables. However who knows the quality of the 1/8" stereo jack on the laptop.
