BT streaming on MY2011 S550
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Joined: Dec 2014
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2012 s550
sd card
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.
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W140 Mercedes S350, W221 S550 sport
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.
Usually I syay away from bluetooth's because the sound isn't as clear. Just curious how this one does.
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2016 C300
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.
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.
Last edited by Mike5215; Jan 8, 2015 at 09:37 AM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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2016 C300
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.
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From: Indiana
2019 ES300h
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.
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2016 C300
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.
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.
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2007 Mercedes S550
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.
Thread Starter
Newbie
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2011 S 550
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.
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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?
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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
Thread Starter
Newbie
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2011 S 550
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
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2016 C300
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.
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