Audio Quailty? USB, Bluetooth via Aux, or another input

So an audiophile will never truly be satisfied with Porsche audio, Bose or not. Probably only Burmester would cut it. But I wanted to compare CD quality via the Bose system to other options. Has anyone found a audio difference between the following options? 1. Bluetooth 4 receiver via aux input 2. Bluetooth WITH APTX codec receiver via aux input 3. USB drive (for those with universal audio interface) 4. Plugging a module into SAT or IPod I don't know if my BT receiver is of lower quality or just audio degradation from the aux port. Which bluetooth receivers have provided you folks the best audio quality experience? Besides the Tune2Air, any other modules available to bluetooth via Ipod port for non Iphones ?

Best sound I got for my iPhone 5S was using one of these iPhone Lightning Dock - White - Apple (CA) When plugged in the Headphone jack acted as a line output for your iPhone and offered the best quality, I would imagine there is a similar accessory for Android phones

Instead of a whole dock, have you considered a Wavejamr? I may purchase the device and see if it delivers better audio. Does the USB or IPod port auto turn off with the ignition off?

I installed the dock with velcro and it was ok for my usage Stays on

Damn. I was hoping that USB port powered down within a short period after the car was turned off to avoid drain on the battery . I may have to buy another device that has an auto-off when I disconnect the smartphone when leaving the vehicle.

So I have tested the Etekcity Roverbeats Bluetooth 4 EDR Receiver. Amazon.com: Etekcity Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 Receiver Audio Adapter (NFC-Enabled) for Sound System: Electronics My conclusions thus far: 1. Sounds better than a BT 3 receiver. However, the BT 3 receiver lacked EDR which may make a difference. 2. Easy to use with easy pairing with large center button. 3. Micro USB connection so can charge easily within vehicle while using device. Drawbacks: 1. Unsure if the USB port keeps trying to charge the device when no longer connected with smartphone. I want to avoid any battery vampires even if this device is BT 4 versus older versions. 2. No auto-connect with smartphone when within range once again, as far as I can tell. 3. Need to use the aux port. So now I wonder if the following device can circumvent the drawbacks: Zio CSR BT4 aptX Receiver Amazon.com: Zio CSR Bluetooth4.0 APTX Music Audio Receiver Adapter for Bose Sounddock and 30Pin iPod iPhone Dock Speaker (Black): Electronics Has anyone used a 30 pin connector Bluetooth receiver? I have not found a single thread on this site. I am aware that the Ipod Interface cable upgrade has a USB portion for charging due to changes in iOS devices. The Apple 30-pin Dock Connector « irq5.io You may be able to purchase a 30 pin to 30 pin converter which reorient the pins to allow charging newer devices via the Ipod port solely. However, you will likely need the new Y cable. I also think the USB port remains on so I have also purchased a USB switch; meanwhile, Zed273 has the only solution thus far for powering only with ignition on.

The problem with Blutooth audio is that almost all formats that are transmitted over the air are compressed - lossy compression. There is one format in there that is lossless. Both sender and receiver need to support it, and "like" it at the particular moment, the criteria for both are random and vendor-only. That is nice but I find that all these crippled computers (cellphones) and other blutooth gear doesn't believe in letting the user explicitly specify what they want. Not only that, it can be very hard to find out which format is currently in use for a given blutooth audio stream currently playing. This isn't conductive to great audio. If you play audio over USB then be aware that charge current is reduced. This can put the phone over the edge of overall not being able to even hold charge if e.g. you use navigation at the same time as music playing. This is probably fixed with USB-C but in existing cards you have a load if other problems with(out) USB-C.

Yes, all BT is lossy for the most part with BT4 standard now the minimum. aptX is sort of a workaround understanding audio quality will not be the same. Most major brand non- iPhones support the aptX codec including my Moto X Pure. The attached picture is my proposed setup with the BT receiver remaining concealed in the armrest. The phone would be charged via separate power port. View attachment 84594 Now it's a matter of figuring out which 30 pin receiver actually works well with PCM 3. The Zio CSR BT4 aptX seems to have the most features and good rating on Amazon. Before I go trialing a whole bunch of them, I was hoping that someone in the Porsche community had tried one that actually worked outside of the Tune2Air which is not updated. Otherwise, I know I'm stuck using the AuxIn.

Chi: I was pleasantly surprised at the great quality of iPhone or iPad with a Dension Gateway 500. I have an old iPhone in my frunk just velcroed on to the top of the navigation unit with the Gateway nearby. Simple to install if you have an extra MOST plug . If not, I think there are ways to add them now. I had to buy a new MOST cable from Porsche with an extra plug and replace the old one...not a picnic. Anyway, this source is better than the stock CD player or the 6 cd player or the FM. If you have a Bose , you really need to stuff the subwoofer on the passenger's floor. There is an article on this. I think you can search "Subwoofer" in the articles to get to it. It costs $10 for a bag of pillow stuffing from Jo-Ann fabrics or other craft store. Then you follow instructions to pull out the sub enclosure and literally put all the stuffing that will fit in the opening to the sub cabinet. The cabinet is plastic and it makes the whole system sound a cheap boom-box. With the stuffing, not only is the bass clear and distinct, but all the other notes too. Separation is better and the whole system become very listenable. DO THIS!!! :cheers:

For Bose , I turned on the linear setting which improved it over the default setting. But yes, I plan on stuffing the sub with some material. I can't believe they even let the car out of the development stage with such an audio setup. Maybe they're all partially deaf from the engine noise. As far I understand Dension, that gateway was more for cars lacking PCM 3 and the UAI. And I am looking for BT v4.0+ link to an Android phone . If there is a BT module that would allow me to replace the unused Ipod setting, that would be great. So far, the aftermarket 30 pin receivers seem to be the easiest outside of using a aux in receiver. How does the Dension Gateway integrate itself into the system keeping the PCM and Bose system intact? I'm not interested in changing out the head unit and amp.

Hello, I have a 2011 Cayman with Bose and PCM 3. As I assumed the dension needs a split on the optical cable. I may consider that too if they sell a Bluetooth and USB stick module. I'm not interested in leaving an old IPod in my trunk. Otherwise I'll see how the 30 pin receiver works. Just purchased it and should be here early April.

If you have a 30 pin, it might be able to plug in an old iPHONE and use it as iPod only. Just leave it in the car. My point? Don't throw out those old iPhones . They make great media players for you car stereos. The Gateway 500 is installed in the front trunk. You may not even need it in the Gen 2 system. Seems like "Universal Media Interface" should be able to accommodate an iPhone or iPod . Some people choose to run a long wire and jack from the Gateway into the passenger's or glove compartment. I just used the short cord and put an iPhone on top of the thing with velcro. The big job for me was the optical cable. The installation of the Gateway and iPhone took about 10 minutes. Once the iPhone is connected, it is controlled by PCM 2.1 (or higher?). I love the setup. It charges the iPhone / iPod when the car is on too, so you don't think about it. You want to hear "your music" at the best fidelity the Bose can give, you just hit the CD button twice and it starts. Set on Random Play and let it run. I do the same in my Audi . The hard-wired old player sounds better than the new one with bluetooth. Suit yourself! Again, highly recommend you call or email Eric at Bumperplugs for advise on the best setup. He knows Porsche audio systems and probably carries what you need. -TB

So this may or may not be sticky worthy. :banana: For those with Universal Audio Interface who have the IPod and USB interface, there is a relatively simple Bluetooth media streaming solution. 1. Buy a IPod interface cable with the USB dongle for charging newer 30 pin devices. 2. Buy the Zio Bluetooth 30 pin aptx A2DP receiver or equivalent. The Zio charges via the USB 5V pins like newer iDevices, not FireWire 12V. 3. Pair your iPhone or Android to the Bluetooth receiver. Make sure the media audio A2DP is selected in the phone's Bluetooth settings. 4. Select AUX on your PCM and enjoy streaming music. I do not know if AVRCP (controlling via PCM ) profile works with an IPhone . I will borrow an Apple device to see if my receiver can display info on and control via the PCM . A. I will charge the phone via the armrest cigarette power port using USB adapter with a on/off switch. Or I can avoid charging while driving and keep all cables out of sight! B. So far the device auto pairs when inserting the key and Bluetooth is already turned on in the phone settings indicated by blinking blue light. When the vehicle is locked the device will go in lost pairing dual blinking mode and then turn off. :dance::dance: View attachment 86698