Lossless Audio
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 13
2017 GLS 550
Lossless Audio
I have 2017 GLS550, Harman Kardon with 2 USB connectors for media. I'd like to be able to use lossless audio from my iPhone, but BT, CarPlay or built-inUSB will not enable that.
I am looking at getting a DAC, like Dragonfly, to use iPhone to stream lossless Apple Music.
Is there a way to add a standard mini.plug aux port to this vehicle?
Can you convert USB or is there a port hidden somewhere, like maybe the pre-wire for rear entertainment that is supposedly in my vehicle.
I am looking at getting a DAC, like Dragonfly, to use iPhone to stream lossless Apple Music.
Is there a way to add a standard mini.plug aux port to this vehicle?
Can you convert USB or is there a port hidden somewhere, like maybe the pre-wire for rear entertainment that is supposedly in my vehicle.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 13
2017 GLS 550
I can play music using command via usb connect, but that is limited in terms of resolution probably 44k/16bit. Lossless streaming is now available through multiple platforms/apps up to 192khz/24bit. I basically want a “line in” aux input
I will lose convenience of controlling audio thru Comand, but gain in audio quality
I will lose convenience of controlling audio thru Comand, but gain in audio quality
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,708
Likes: 4,600
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I can play music using command via usb connect, but that is limited in terms of resolution probably 44k/16bit. Lossless streaming is now available through multiple platforms/apps up to 192khz/24bit. I basically want a “line in” aux input
I will lose convenience of controlling audio thru Comand, but gain in audio quality
I will lose convenience of controlling audio thru Comand, but gain in audio quality
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,708
Likes: 4,600
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
@DBMC Does this work?
iPhone --> DAC --> 3.5mm male to USB adapter --> COMAND USB port in the center console
Also what about this:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ntg-4-7-a.html
iPhone --> DAC --> 3.5mm male to USB adapter --> COMAND USB port in the center console
Also what about this:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ntg-4-7-a.html
Last edited by chassis; Jan 9, 2022 at 05:03 PM.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 13
2017 GLS 550
@DBMC Does this work?
iPhone --> DAC --> 3.5mm male to USB adapter --> COMAND USB port in the center console
https://www.amazon.com/RitZ-MarT-3-5...01258466&psc=1
Also what about this:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ntg-4-7-a.html
iPhone --> DAC --> 3.5mm male to USB adapter --> COMAND USB port in the center console
https://www.amazon.com/RitZ-MarT-3-5...01258466&psc=1
Also what about this:
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ntg-4-7-a.html
I think that I figured out that media interface 2 in Command is actually bypassing the DAC in the iPhone and using the onboard DAC. I think was able to switch to hi-res audio in Apple Music on my iPhone unless there is some down conversion happening.
I still assume that I could put a better DAC in the signal path, but I think I’ll enjoy it as-is for now.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,708
Likes: 4,600
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Also be sure you have the EQ settings on the iPhone switched "off" if that's what you want. I have found the two EQs (iPhone and COMAND) don't play well together.
iPhone --> Settings --> Music --> EQ
iPhone --> Settings --> Music --> EQ
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 13
Likes: 4
From: Boston area
2018 X166 GLS550, 2017 S213 E400
I put all my lossless music onto an SD card and put it in the slot under the CD drive.
Unfortunately it won't play the SD card if Apple CarPlay is active.... When I do have my iphone plugged in, I play my .flac files off of my iphone using VOX.
Unfortunately it won't play the SD card if Apple CarPlay is active.... When I do have my iphone plugged in, I play my .flac files off of my iphone using VOX.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 48
Likes: 13
2017 GLS 550
I am really trying to take advantage of the lossless streaming of Apple Music, Amazon Music, and or Tidal.
I believe that hi-res through Amazon and Tidal are working through iPhone 11 to USB port 2.
Apple Music works until screen locks on iPhone and then it stops playing when it is 192khz/24bit stream.
It is a known unresolved issue posted in Apple Community.
They all sound great compared to regular streaming.
All of these services are offering first-time subscriber free trials and intro offers.
WARNING: It will impact your cellular data plan if you are not on an unlimited plan.
BTW - I have not tried any of these service with hi-res audio with CarPlay.
I noticed sound degredation some time ago between CarPlay and just using the the Media Interface w/ no CarPlay.
I will check it out though.
Newbie
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 13
Likes: 4
From: Boston area
2018 X166 GLS550, 2017 S213 E400
@DBMC, you made a very good point about sound degradation with CarPlay.
We just moved from a GL without CarPlay to a GLS with CarPlay, and I noticed the poor audio.
In our 2017 E-class, initially carplay forces all audio to come from the iphone, with no ability to play from the SD card. However after a COMAND software upgrade, it is now able to play the SD card (but we lost the ability to get Waze with a single push of the Nav button).
Our GLS is a 2018, and currently it behaved like the original software in the E-class, where music can only come from the iphone if CarPlay is active.
Does anyone know if a newer version of the COMAND software in the GLS might allow music to be played from the SD card when CarPlay is active?
Thanks.
We just moved from a GL without CarPlay to a GLS with CarPlay, and I noticed the poor audio.
In our 2017 E-class, initially carplay forces all audio to come from the iphone, with no ability to play from the SD card. However after a COMAND software upgrade, it is now able to play the SD card (but we lost the ability to get Waze with a single push of the Nav button).
Our GLS is a 2018, and currently it behaved like the original software in the E-class, where music can only come from the iphone if CarPlay is active.
Does anyone know if a newer version of the COMAND software in the GLS might allow music to be played from the SD card when CarPlay is active?
Thanks.
