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Interlet



Member Since: 10 Oct 2011
Location: Norwich
Posts: 461
United Kingdom 1998 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Alpine White
Sound quality, file type.
I've been battling for a while in an attempt to get rid of the crackling sound that some of ipod collection throws out fairly regularly. Amoungst it is a mix of downloaded MP3 files, and genuine burned CDs.

A couple of days ago I replaced some cheap Chinese speakers that were in the headlining when I bought it, with some same size Alpines. It has improved, but not cured everything.

With some exceptions, the songs that are from a legitimate CD do not have anywhere near the type of crackling or annoying sound quality that some of the MP3 files have. When I downloaded those MP3 files, I always look for the largest file size I could find, assuming that the quality would be better. the MP3 files do seem to be plagued by inconsistent sound volumes and poor sound...

Are MP3s really that crap through speakers of this sort? Is the advice simply to find file formats the same as the decent original files? 1998 110 300Tdi White Hard Top
Post #349718 5th Aug 2014 7:59pm
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appaloosadude



Member Since: 17 Oct 2012
Location: Buckinghamshire
Posts: 630
United Kingdom 2003 Defender 110 Td5 DCPU Havana
MP3 is notorious for poor sound quality, especially if downloaded from less than legit sources... Alternatives exist, but not at the same file size (much larger). I believe it is the 'Bitrate' of an MP3 that affects the sound quality. Are you playing through iPod or another MP3 player? I believe Apple have a lossless file system you can use.
Post #349814 5th Aug 2014 11:18pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 19579
United Kingdom 
If using iTunes / iPod you can set the bit rate to match across all songs.
You can also convert mp3 to AAC format for free too.
Post #349819 5th Aug 2014 11:39pm
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Interlet



Member Since: 10 Oct 2011
Location: Norwich
Posts: 461
United Kingdom 1998 Defender 110 300 Tdi HT Alpine White
It's a Pure digital radio, with front USB connection. It specifically recognises the iPod, and plays music off it. It also recognises the iPad as an iPod.

I will try equalising the bit rate then, and move onto changing file type after. Cheers guys 1998 110 300Tdi White Hard Top
Post #349906 6th Aug 2014 12:27pm
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custom90



Member Since: 21 Jan 2010
Location: South West, England.
Posts: 19579
United Kingdom 
You should see the option in the lower pane of the widow when the device is connected to iTunes and selected.
Post #349911 6th Aug 2014 12:53pm
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gilarion



Member Since: 05 Dec 2013
Location: Wales
Posts: 5084
Wales 2007 Defender 90 Other CSW Trident Green
Do your Mp3 files have this distortion when you listen to them on your iPad if not then it is a connectivity problem with your head unit. Try using a new connection lead.

MP3 files at 320 are almost CD quality and are free of distortion providing the source is free of distortion. At worse an MP3 file will have artefacts that can be heard in other ways, such as chirps in very high frequencies, or a little instability in sound levels over time, or poor stereo imaging.

Try also using another computer to download or burn your CD’s it is possible that a fault on your PC or laptop is causing the problem, if you are using your phone to download your MP3’s this could also be causing it as it is a known issue with some phones.

I use a TomTom to transmit my MP3’s to my head unit via the TomTom’s built in radio transmitter, I transmit on 107 which is a frequency that is not used by Radio broadcasters, the quality of the sound is excellent.
Post #349916 6th Aug 2014 1:04pm
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MR_JAMES



Member Since: 10 Oct 2013
Location: ESSEX
Posts: 242
United Kingdom 2011 Defender 90 Puma 2.4 XS CSW Stornoway Grey
I play mp3 files through a usb stick via a £69 halfords pioneer. Works perfectly. 1953 80"
1987 mini city e
2011 90"
Post #350301 8th Aug 2014 9:46am
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scotty38



Member Since: 21 May 2011
Location: Lincolnshire
Posts: 571
England 2012 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 USW Aintree Green
custom90steve wrote:
You can also convert mp3 to AAC format for free too.


Are you suggesting this will fix any inherent issue with the original MP3?
Post #350335 8th Aug 2014 12:02pm
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Cupboard



Member Since: 21 Mar 2014
Location: Suffolk
Posts: 2971
United Kingdom 2011 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 HT Corris Grey
It can't do.

You can convert things down in quality but never up, that would require finding data that's been chucked away in the compression process.
Post #351002 11th Aug 2014 2:13pm
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