MP3 hookup in a car?

[ncage]

Guys this is probably a stupid question but here goes. The current auto hook ups suck. Usually a line-in. I had a 2008 accord EX-L and now a 2009 Lexus IS-350 both with the premium sound systems and it sounds like crap. You have to turn the volume level all the way up on the mp3 player and the car stereo and it seems to sound like old mono stereo. I don't know the technical details but hopefully when i get my new zune hd + AV dock for my home receiver then the same thing doesn't happy. With that said. What is the technical issue here? Is there a way around it? Sure you could burn all your mp3s to a CD but thats not really what i call a viable alternative. Whats wierd is when i used to have my F150 which had a cassette/cd combo then i got one of those cassette adapters for my mp3 player it it sounded f

 

[bobdole369]

Tear out the entire audio system and replace the garbage stock (premium = blessed garbage) - sound system and start from scratch. Spend the most on a deck (like the Pioneer DEH-800PRS, or Alpine CDA-9887 or pretty much anything old school from Nakamichi)

Welcome to the world of car audio.

The technical term to use is: "factory equalization" The stock "premium" system in your car was designed with built-in gains and dips. You put a foreign source in and that equalization is removed.

It's basically what happens to a lot of folks who spend a bunch of money on a head unit, and don't bother to get the thing properly tuned, they think it sounds like crap.

 

[Malak]

At least your car has a line-in, my stock system in my Audi doesn't. I'm planning on getting a new deck to hook up my ZuneHD too.

 

[jtvang125]

Tear out the entire audio system and replace the garbage stock (premium = blessed garbage) - sound system and start from scratch. Spend the most on a deck (like the Pioneer DEH-800PRS, or Alpine CDA-9887 or pretty much anything old school from Nakamichi)

Welcome to the world of car audio.

The technical term to use is: "factory equalization" The stock "premium" system in your car was designed with built-in gains and dips. You put a foreign source in and that equalization is removed.

It's basically what happens to a lot of folks who spend a bunch of money on a head unit, and don't bother to get the thing properly tuned, they think it sounds like crap.

True, but the thing with all these newer cars is the headunit is way too integrated with other functions such as the AC controls so you pretty much can't replace it at all. Also many factory stereos aren't the standard half DIN or double DIN like aftermarket units so it needs a dash kit(probably not available) or an expensive custom job. I don't know if the car manufacturers are deliberately trying to lock out the aftermarket companies or just the result of designing more aesthetically pleasing interiors.