[Sypher]

I'm streaming Spotify via bluetooth and I'm noticing that when the stream begins, the volume is not very loud. When I switch the source (like to radio) then switch back (without touching the volume knob), the audio is louder. Am I crazy or is this happening with anyone else?

Also, the bluetooth audio quality kinda sucks. Any way to improve it or do I just have to suck it up?

I have the base audio system.

[BEM-S4]

Apple or android?

[Sypher]

Android

[BEM-S4]

AK XB10 using FLAC and AptX BT. You cant use idrive and need to control music w phone but sound will be 100x better.

[Sypher]

Nothing can be done to improve the stock radio's audio without a $200 DAC?

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by Sypher

Nothing can be done to improve the stock radio's audio without a $200 DAC?

Not over Bluetooth. aptX is a method of compression just like any other -- it's just a less-lossy, more complex compression than most since Bluetooth bandwidth is higher in more recent versions. The problem with aptX is that both the source unit and sync unit must be able to decode aptX. Pre-2017 EVO HUs don't have it (and I don't think 2017 models do, either), so no one can use it without bypassing the HU's Bluetooth completely.

Your particular choke point, however, is Spotify. It streams at 320kbps at the Extreme setting -- the best among the streaming services, but still less than a quarter of the bitrate that a CD provides data (1,411kbps).

[Sypher]

I have music on USB as well and most of the music on it is 320kbps (some flac), but it doesn't sound as bad as what's being pumped through spotify. Oh well, guess I'll just live with it.

[Almaretto]

Bluetooth audio will suck. There is no way to improve it.
I use USB flac always.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Almaretto

Bluetooth audio will suck. There is no way to improve it.
I use USB flac always.

Try a FiiO or similar player w/ Aux in - serious improvement over the USB FLAC which itself is much better than anything BT.

[usabia]

Hmm I have a Galaxy S7 and keep a good sized music library on the 128GB Micro SD card in the phone to play via BT. I guess im not an audiophile, because it sounds pretty damn good to me . :

Basic Tone settings on the non NAV HK system DOES SUCK though. So i use an decent app that has tons of Equalizer settings called Poweramp (from google app store), you can try it free for 5 days. Biggest issue i had with the HK system was the lack of Bass and too little treble. This app fixed it for me. Considering it only cost me five bucks for the app it was the most inexpensive way to get the HK system to sound better.
Make sure you disconnect the center speaker though or there is no point!

Hope this helps folks.

[mdputnam]

Originally Posted by Sypher

Am I crazy..

You are crazy, you just spent over $40,000.00 on a car that does no better than a $15,000 Toyota Yaris in getting you to work.

[Sypher]

Originally Posted by mdputnam

You are crazy, you just spent over $40,000.00 on a car that does no better than a $15,000 Toyota Yaris in getting you to work.

We're all a little crazy when it comes to that

[Viffermike]

Originally Posted by Sypher

We're all a little crazy when it comes to that

No kidding ...

I've been reading up on OEM Porsche audio systems. Not much better ... in fact, the base 718 system doesn't even have an outboard amp -- it's basically the equivalent of the base EU 2 Series system ...

And don't even get me started on the Bose upgrade :: cough, HACK :: ...

... to get a decent system in either the 718 or the 911, you have to fork over nearly $5k for the Burmester. Or DIY. In cars that basically start at $70k.

Nuckin' FUTS!