Sound quality through AUX input

[cptnsolo77]

Hey guys I have a question. Im doing research on buying a new receiver for the Vibe, seems like the volume knob is worn. When I lower or raise the volume it "skips" I have to raise or lower it by turning it slow LOL. Thats besides the point. I have been looking at new receivers & would love to use Pandora through a Android phone ( dont have a Android phone either LOL ) ....I was wondering if how the sound quality is through the AUX input on the receiver if I just plugged my phone into it & steamed music with Pandora. I was thinking of satellite radio but with so much free music out there I really dont wanna pay for it. Im very picky with my sound & would be disappointed if I bought a new reciever so I can get internet radio to have sub par sound. Is it comparable to say a pre-recorded disk or a quality MP3 ? I have Polk DBs all around & they are just asking for a new head unit. I really want to hear the potential of these speakers LOL. Any input would help. Thanks !

[viboflavin]

I guess my answer would be... it depends.
It seems the limiting factor here would be the stream of Pandora (about 192 kbps)
High quality mp3=320 kbps
CD = 1,411 kbps

Generally the aux inputs (given a high quality cable) can sound good but you have to deal with the fact your phone's audio processor is.. processing the sound, then your head unit after that. (more processing and equalization and lead to reduced quality, but that would depend on preference if you end up liking the sound that comes out)

Best case is USB so your head unit reads the file full quality off an HDD or iPod.

That being said i stream off Pandora too and i can't complain. Than again i have Alpine type s off Rockford amps, so the Polks i believe have more definition.

MOST aftermarket head units will make the polks sound WAY better that the stock unit. just try not to get Sony JVC Jensen Dual, and stick with Alpine (if you have the money) or i higher end Pioneer

[cptnsolo77]

Thanks for the info! I havent bought a new car stereo in ages ( probably 1996 HA HA ) & now there are soooo many options out there for media. MP3, USB, AUX, IPod, IPhone & Android. LOL. Im looking into Alpine or Kenwood, but leaning towards Kenwood because it has a few more audio controls than the Alpine:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_113BT752HD ... erview-tab" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDE135B ... etails-tab" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Im guessing with a new head unit Pandora should sound a lot better than listeing to FM on the factory head unit. Even through a AUX input...LOL. Thx again.

[viboflavin]

I would have to agree on your choice it seems to have better versatility.

But don't let the RMS power fool you. They probably have fairly similar outputs but, companies rarely put true RMS ratings on their products.

Shouldn't really be an issue here though.
The Kenwood has multiple outputs in case you ever upgraded to a 4-channel amp to really bring those speakers to life. It even has sub outs in case you decided on a woofer (i'm guessing not for a long while if at all, but it's nice to know you have the option)

Crutchfield is great because they supply all the install gear. Could be cheaper elsewhere if you buy harnesses and dash kit elsewhere but that depends on if you have to time to make sure it will all work and track down the right stuff

[Salsa Guy]

The sound quality through my AUX port sucks. Not sure if it's my phone, the cable or the HU. The USB port is great.

[cptnsolo77]

That sucks. What kind of HU & phone ? Another question....Can a low quality AUX cable really affect the sound quality?