What are the differences in music sources?

[MonacoMike]

What is the quality difference from various sources of music?

A CD connected directly to a receiver by RCA cables? Other types of connection?

An Ipod or mp3 player connected by a 3. 5mm jack?

An external XM-Sirius connected by 3.5 mm jack?

An internal XM-Sirius?

Radio signals received by the receiver?

Which is the best sound? Why?

Can a single 3.5 mm jack get quality sound to the receiver when connected to a Y RCA cable?

I'm trying to make sense of it all. MM

 

[Tonka Boater]

I connect my iPhone to the 3.5 mm jack at the helm and it sounds great. I also have the iPod connector in the cabin and I can't tell the difference in sound quality. I don't think the connection makes as much of a difference...it's your head unit, amp and speakers that are important.

 

[HIFI]

Sound quality order with what you are working with . . . .

A CD Player connected to a receiver using a shielded RCA cable is the best opportunity for premium sound quality. Reason is you are starting with a clean pre-amp level signal and passing it with the least opportunities to introduce noise to the inputs on the amp/receiver. From this point forward it is all about the amp and speakers.

Next would be the data compressed and steamed signal your internal Satellite radio receives. This sound source has a fair amount of dynamic range because there is low noise. It is a highly compressed signal. Likely 15% of the original data. When you take that much data from the original file/song you are left with skinny sound. Not a lot different than a highly compressed file on some Ipods.

A further step down on the sound quality ladder would be the highly compressed and noisy FM signal that is broadcast to your FM radio. Radio stations have to compressed the dynamic range of music, commercials and news broadcast for many reasons. Then add the noise of AM\/FM broadcast and it is low on the sound quality list.

Any source (CD, Sat Radio, MP3 Player, Ipod) connected using a the stereo headphone jack is a compromise. Receivers and amps are designed for pre-amp level/impedance signals that are different than a headphone out jack signal. A headphone out jack has more noise in its signal transfer and that is where the largest compromise comes from.

Random . . .

The better the Amp and speakers the more likely sound quality differences will be detected.
If one CAN NOT here the difference in highly compressed MP3 files or SAT Radio as compared to an original CD it may not be your stereo. . . You just simply ENJOY the music . . . Play on . . .

 

[MonacoMike]

Sound quality order with what you are working with . . . .

A CD Player connected to a receiver using a shielded RCA cable is the best opportunity for premium sound quality. Reason is you are starting with a clean pre-amp level signal and passing it with the least opportunities to introduce noise to the inputs on the amp/receiver. From this point forward it is all about the amp and speakers.

Next would be the data compressed and steamed signal your internal Satellite radio receives. This sound source has a fair amount of dynamic range because there is low noise. It is a highly compressed signal. Likely 15% of the original data. When you take that much data from the original file/song you are left with skinny sound. Not a lot different than a highly compressed file on some Ipods.

A further step down on the sound quality ladder would be the highly compressed and noisy FM signal that is broadcast to your FM radio. Radio stations have to compressed the dynamic range of music, commercials and news broadcast for many reasons. Then add the noise of AM\/FM broadcast and it is low on the sound quality list.

Any source (CD, Sat Radio, MP3 Player, Ipod) connected using a the stereo headphone jack is a compromise. Receivers and amps are designed for pre-amp level/impedance signals that are different than a headphone out jack signal. A headphone out jack has more noise in its signal transfer and that is where the largest compromise comes from.

Random . . .

The better the Amp and speakers the more likely sound quality differences will be detected.
If one CAN NOT here the difference in highly compressed MP3 files or SAT Radio as compared to an original CD it may not be your stereo. . . You just simply ENJOY the music . . . Play on . . .

Thanks, HIFI. I can hear noise on some selections of my XM going into the receiver through a headphone jack as well as through my Blackberry and Pandora to the same receiver that I do not hear from the CD or DVD player again on the same receiver. So this is normal? MM