Akt S550

Can any one help on how to activate BT streaming on MY2011 S550? or is there an upgrade that can be done to allow this functionality?

Mike5215

You're in luck. Pick up a Tune2Air BT adapter on Amazon for around $80. You'll have full COMAND control with song and artist info displayed for IPhone/Ipod. Not sure what comes over on Android.

Akt S550

Thanks for the information. I will pick one up and give it a go.
Thanks

Mike5215

Yeah, a ton of us have them and they work well. Can't beat the price either.

tlrussell

I just gave in and downloaded all my music from goolge play to a card and slipped it in. It recognized the folders, albums, songs everything. Now I just have to figure out how big a card I can put in.

Jason B

This may have been asked before, but how does this device sound vs an iphone using a headphone cable (volume cuts down a bit this way)? I'm assuming it doesn't sound as good as directly plugged into via the apple connector?

Usually I syay away from bluetooth's because the sound isn't as clear. Just curious how this one does.

Mike5215

I guess because of how crappy the audio sounds on their bluetooth phone for calls a lot of people presume the quality of BT audio is similar.

In fact, aside from both using a standardized short range radio protocol that shares the name 'Bluetooth', there is no comparison. The default file compression standard for BT Audio transmitters and receivers is called "SBC", and it requires a minimum bitrate transfer speed of 372kb/sec for 2 channel stereo. That bitrate is higher than most digital files, which tend to top out at 320kbs.

There is now a more robust lossless compression protocol (aptXTM)providing much higher bitrates, but it's dependent on both your mobile device and your BT receiver being compatible. If your files are lossless ALAC or FLAC and you have a device that supports it, you'd want a different BT receiver. Otherwise the Tune2Air is the way to go.

The Tune2Air is as "hot" volume wise-as having a direct docked connection to your Iphone. The headphone jack's impedance is set up for headphones and as a result there's a mismatch that results in relatively lower volume levels.

Try the device and I think you'll be very happy with the quality of the sound and the convenience.

Mike5215

That's another way to go. The only problem is that there's no way to apply any EQ and the Harman/Kardon system needs a lot of it. But that's just to my ear. If you're satisfied with the sound that's all that matters.

jfz219

A couple of things can be done to improve the sound quality from an iPhone via Bluetooth. Set the volume of the phone at 50-75%. Use the destination's amplifier to raise the volume with less distortion. And the EQ balance can be adjusted in the music settings of the phone. Go to settings, music, EQ, and choose. I use Jazz or Midnight. The latter increases bass at lower volumes and compresses the dynamic ranges of volume of cuts recorded at different volume levels.

Mike5215

I was referring to the guy who was using his local files on an SD card...no way to apply EQ to those. On the Iphone, the $2.99 AudioForge EQ app is a better choice than Apple's internal EQ, because you can create a custom EQ curve rather than being stuck with a set of generic presets, and there's a lot more precise control.

The AudioForge app also has an auto-normalize feature that is continuously monitoring the playback in real time and keeps the gain for every track right below the point of clipping, so the volume level is consistent across the library regardless of the volume of the individual tracks.

AstonLiyanarchi

I bought some random 10$ BT to Ipod adapter and It works fine. The only complaint is that it will not auto connect with my phone when I get in the car. I haven't looked to see if it transmits the song data to the dash.

Mike5215

Link?

Akt S550

I picked up the Tune2air BT and all command controls work very well. the only thing that I have noticed is, the song cuts out occasionally. It does auto reconnect and all. Sound quality is good (I have the B & O ) system so no complaints with the quality. if I can get it to stream continuously without any breaks that would be golden. I will continue to test and see if performance improves.

Mike5215

Are you playing local files or streaming internet radio?

Akt S550

Playing local files from my I-phone 6 plus

Mike5215

I've heard this complaint from other owners but I can't replicate it on my Iphone of Ipod 5. One theory is that it's a hand-off problem between the phone's BT and the audio BT. Not to beat a dead horse but these are actual local files and not Itunes Match correct?

Akt S550

Yes you are correct, this are actually local files on my phone. This problem is not seen when wired directly to the MI. Any advice?

Mike5215

It's hard for me to diagnose because I can't replicate it. Try unpairing the device from MB Bluetooth and leave the Tune2Air connected and post whether the drop outs continue.

Akt S550

I will try it and let you know. Thanks.

Any ideas on how to easily improve the bass line on the B & O system? I see most of your comments are on the Harman/Kardon logic 7.

Thanks

Mike5215

The easiest fix would be to set your music EQ on the IPhone to "Bass Boost", which leaves the mids and highs alone and emphasizes the bottom. Settings>Music>Equalization. (Presuming Bass is already on full in COMAND)

I use an IPhone app that allows for a lot of EQ customization (AudioForge EQ $2.99) and sounds great. It plays directly from your local ITunes library The only downside is that the song title info can get out of sync on the COMAND display

You need a basic understanding of how EQ works to make your own custom curve, or just start with a preset and then play around with variations until you get what you like.

I always just have the entire library on shuffle and when a track comes up I'm not in the mood for I'll hit "^" on the left side steering wheel controls and skip to something else. (Presuming you have the speedo display set to "Audio")

If you prefer to go in and select specific albums/tracks via COMAND stick with the Apple internal EQ

Akt S550

@Mike 5215
I up paired the IPhone with the MB Bluetooth and tune2air worked perfectly. no drop outs at all. I then paired again with MB Bluetooth and the cut outs started again. It seem there is some interference with the MB Command system or perhaps it is sending information to MB which is causing the cut outs with tune2air. Not sure if the Command system needs an update but called my dealer and they were not helpful at all.
Let me know if you have any ideas.
Thanks

Mike5215

Seems like it's an issue with the Iphone 6. I have a 4s that doesn't drop out. One way to go would be to pick up a dedicated IPod for the car with your library on it and stick it in the glovebox. Sort of makes the Tune2Air irrelevant but it would resolve the conflict issue.