I/S Aux Input Performance

[mwv_1500]

Hi All,
Looking to revisit this topic, but with question specifically on performance. For years, I've been running an MP3 player (older SanDisk unit) via my AUX in cable. When I first got the unit, I had to really crank the volume on it and the Honda (Clarion) radio to hear anything. Sound quality wasn't the greatest because of the resulting distortion. I then added an in-line audio booster (Radio Shack unit) and this made the output more on par with the regular radio (MP3 unit @ 90% volume, and Honda radio between 16-20 sound level). I like the MP3 player because it holds 100's of tunes and lasts ALL day on a single charge.
I've begun to realize that my LG/Rebel 4G Smart Phone could easily replace this player and provide other benefits, such as navigation and communication. However, when I tried the phone's music player (without the booster), it was just like my first pass with the MP3 player.
Wondering if anyone out there is using a phone for music audio and what y'all have for a set up? Thanks in advance...

[Valkorado]

Try this free app on your android phone, Speaker Boost by Omega Centauri Software.  I think it'll solve your problem.  You'll be amazed.  Please report back.

EDIT: Speaker Boost disables the phone's volume maximum output.  Many Android phone manufacturers block access to full volume to avoid hearing loss lawsuits.  Works on speakers wired to your phone jack and even on Bluetooth speakers!

If you are looking for a good phone holder/charger add a reasonable price check this out:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/X-Grip-Cellphone-Mount-Universal-Motorcycle-Mount-Cell-Phone-Holder-USB-Charger-/252183488464?hash=item3ab74ea7d0:g:~V0AAOSwHoFXstOo

[Karen]

I had a Sandisk for quite a while,  and went to an iPod. The difference in clarity and volume was amazing. No boosters needed on the Valk. Just a thought...

[mwv_1500]

Thanks Karen & Valkarado. The Boost app is crazy! That will probably take care of my needs.
Karen, unfortunately I'm allergic to all things Apple... 

[cookiedough]

I too will be following this thread, although my tiny mp3 player by RCA (cheap 10 dollar shopko unit) fits well in my iron horse tank bib pocket and does it's job cranked all the way up the mp3 player volume with cycle set at level 20 or so level. 

Also helps on the interstate to use the auto volume control on  high seems to help up the volume above say 55 mph speeds making the volume louder but have had to in town then crank up the volume to over 20 on the interstate lever again to say 22 to 23.  With auto volume control off on the I/S, the sound is too low at most times riding. 

Also,  make sure you have a good basic mp3 player coaxial basic round plug in cord.  Mine after 5-6 years being bent so many years started to crackle and distort had to replace the heavier duty belkin 3.5mm round plug in cable with a cheaper one I found not as thick but does work well now again. 

I also like the fact my cheap mp3 player will run 2-3 days on a single charge unlike most cell phones only lasting 2-4 hours or so on a single charge playing music all the time.

[Gavin_Sons]

I run my phone through a usb bluetooth adaptor. I also have polk speakers and a 300 watt amp. This set up works great for me. I domt habe the sound issue you speak of, probably because of my speakers and amp. The stock speakers suck big time.

[Michvalk]

I used my phones for music playback. I wired up a power hot spot to provide charging for the phone, and got rid of the problems of the phone going dead. I never had problems with the volume of the phone playing tunes. The only problem I had was the phone not being waterproof, and riding in the rain. That said, I have not had the volume problems you experience. May have something to do with the cord used to hook the phone to the radio.

[Michvalk]

I just wanted to mention that if the cable you are using to hook up to the bike radio is not a stereo cable, it won't work right. Needs a left and right channel capability