When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I don't know much about audio systems, but I do know that the volume from my phone into the aux input is too low when maxed out. I tried a product called the Sound Shocker Pro because it was powerless and it did increase the volume, but it also reduced the sound quality significantly, specifically cutting out certain frequencies (basically, there was almost no bass).
Since my 2008 c300 only has bluetooth for telephony and not audio, I have already installed a dual USB adapter for the cigarette lighter, a USB dongle bluetooth wireless receiver which I plugged into the aux port (I have already verified that it is not the bluetooth receiver causing the volume or quality loss issue), and use the other USB port to provide power to my phone. Basically, I don't have power for a pre amp, and the cheapest of those are hundreds of dollars anyhow.
I've seen a couple of threads discussing this topic but still haven't found a solution since my audio interface looks different than others (presumably the others were different trim levels) with the 3.5mm aux input on the far wall of the glove box, no other interface.
You can try using an inline amp such as a fiio e11/12 or the such. Powered by a USB cable which you can use the 12v outlet in the glovebox this should substantially boost the sound quality.
Thanks for the responses, I'll probably check out TheRulesLawyer's first since that could be a free option, if I don't have any luck the filo amp looks like its reasonably priced. I'd probably also have to grab a USB hub since I'm already using both ports from my adapter (Bluetooth receiver and power to my phone), hopefully that still provides everything with enough power...
I spoke to my local dealer on the phone and he was unfamiliar with this issue, but told me that they do have a procedure for checking for software updates. He said it would take about an hour and a half and would cost me about $150 just to look for software updates (since I'm out of warranty). Also, since it is something that would take a while, it wasn't something I could schedule for the weekend (had to be during the week). Since my work is about a half hour drive from the dealer, it would be rather inconvenient for me to do this during the week.
So I bought a Fiio amp. I did a little research and discovered that the e11/e12 do not work while they are charging. Since I would want it to always be charging in my glove box, that didn't seem like an optimal solution. I ended up purchasing the E07K which does work while it is plugged in. Unfortunately, once I had it all hooked up and working, I discovered that providing power to it did not turn the device on, so I would have to reach into my glove box every time I got into my car to power it on. Also, when the device is charging, I got some annoying feedback. It did boost the volume to about even with the radio on its highest settings.
So, the problem still isn't solved. I think for now I'm going to just use it without the amp for driving around town and possibly plug in the amp for long trips.
I did find this article which looks like exactly what I want, but it is instructions on how to build my own amp, soldering and all. Not only do I not even own a soldering iron, but even with the instructions this is way over my head. I hunted around to see if I could just buy the thing pre-assembled without any luck. I found the instructions interesting, though, when they pointed out that headphone amps aren't really tailored for a car aux input.
mtrevelino - thanks for the suggestion. I originally overlooked the boostaroo because it didn't have much in the way of technical details on their site which scared me. Since I was pretty much out of options, I went ahead and bought the USB powered boostaroo. It fixed my problem for the most part, the aux input volume is still a little bit lower than the radio but it is a lot closer. I no longer have to reach into my glove box to power the thing on, it just turns on when its powered up through the USB adapter when I turn on the car. I'd consider myself satisfied.
So this ended up being my solution to an '08 C300 Sport with only telephone bluetooth connection (not audio):
Side note - I also bought a CD slot mount for my phone which I reallllly like, it centers my phone and is pretty easy to use with one hand. I also bought some cable clips that do a good job of managing along the center console the USB cables from the glove box used for powering mobile devices.
Do you have the boost option in your aux menu on command? If not a new firmware will add that.
iPod connection kit installed but I had to do the same when I first connected my iPhone as the sound was very low.
*COMAND Operating Instructions*
Increasing the volume using COMAND
It may be the case that a device which is connected as an external audio source seems quieter or louder in the vehicle, or that the usual maximum volume cannot be achieved. The volume of some devices can be set
separately. In this case, start at a medium volume and then raise it slowly. This enables you to hear if the system can play the music without distortion even at high volumes.
Select Volume in the AUX display by turning the COMAND controller and press to confirm.
A menu appears. The dot indicates the current setting.
Select Standard or Boost and press to confirm.
Standard: the volume of the external audio source is adjusted to a standard value.
Boost: the volume of the external audio source is raised by approximately 10 dB.
i have a mercedes w204 c200 kompressor year 2009 and my aux has low volume, i was thinking if for this product that i found on ali express that it can convert my actual radio and screen in android with car play. will it fix the problem, because the carplay has bluetooth and it can play music through that.
thank you
this is the product wandering
08-19-2010, 07:03 PM
