Installed Aux Input - Left channel quieter than right

Tesla

Tesla

Tesla

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Bristol, UK
Hi,

I've just installed a Connects2 CTVBMX003 adaptor in my e39 with stock head unit (HU).
This device is a small box that connects to the CD changer socket on the rear of the HU and provides an Aux input.

I have an issue in that the left channel is notably quieter than the right, it throws the balance out quite a bit.

I can correct it with shifting the balance almost all the way over to the left but this then throws the radio audio balance out (balance not input-specific setting).

As the radio and CD audio is still fine I am assuming it's not the wiring harness I've installed that sits between the factory loom and head unit.
How would you go about pinpointing the issue?
I could test the resistance in the cables from the Connects2 box to the CD changer plug/connector.
Do you think it's likely to be the actual Connects2 box?

Thanks in advance.
 
Last edited:
Disco Boy said:
Have you reversed the inputs into the connects2 to see if the problem switches sides?
Click to expand...
Yes I did and it had no effect. I will try and pick the pins out of the CD changer plug and swap the channels over to see if that moves the fault. It'd prove the HU is OK at least as I haven't used the CD Changer input myself before.
 
I swapped the pins on the multiplug and the fault moved to the other side.

I've emailed Connects2 as seems like a fault with the hardware.
 
I have kind of resolved by adjusting the balance on the iPhone (in Accessibility options).

Not a true resolution though so will see what Connects2 suggest.

Other than the balance issue though the kit is exactly what I was after, I didn't want any surface mounted docks/screens. I have a discrete 3.5mm cable and I can just fire off a playlist on shuffle or listen to an audio book.

Once I've resolved this balance issue I'll likely get a dock connector to RCA and USB cable so I can connect the iPhone that way instead of 3.5mm, i'll wire in the USB for power so it keeps the battery charged too. I am due an upgrade soon so may hold-off as if I get an iPhone 5 i'll need a different cable.

Will update this thread in due course.
 
Tesla said:
Other than the balance issue though the kit is exactly what I was after, I didn't want any surface mounted docks/screens. I have a discrete 3.5mm cable and I can just fire off a playlist on shuffle or listen to an audio book.

Once I've resolved this balance issue I'll likely get a dock connector to RCA and USB cable so I can connect the iPhone that way instead of 3.5mm, i'll wire in the USB for power so it keeps the battery charged too. I am due an upgrade soon so may hold-off as if I get an iPhone 5 i'll need a different cable.

Will update this thread in due course.
Click to expand...

Have you thought about adding a Bluetooth receiver into the equation?

I ask because I've just completed my very own Ghetto Aftermarket Bluetooth install :D The Mazda headunit doesn't have an Aux input as standard (although it does have a Media button that doesn't do anything). But after digging around on some forums, I found a cable you can buy on Amazon that plugs into the back of the radio to activate the button and gives you a 3.5mm plug hanging loose that you can put into your phone. (here.)

This lasted about a week before I got annoyed with having to plug the cable in everytime I got into the car, and having the cable dangling out of the dash trim when not in use. So I bought this, a Griffin Powerjolt dual USB 12v charger, and a cable. Plugged the new 3.5mm cable from the radio into it and a micro USB charger to keep it powered (the unit is battery powered, but I wanted to tuck it all away and forget about it, not have to charge it every few days).

Tucked all the cables and the little Bluetooth receiver neatly behind the dashboard and hey presto - Bluetooth audio! I can now just get into the car, open Poweramp (which turns on Bluetooth) and it pairs straight away. The only visible part of the setup is the USB cable that comes out of the trim just below the headunit and plugs into the charger, so it looks quite neat. I have my entire music collection on the phone SD card, so I no longer have to make do with burning CDs and being limited to 80 minutes of music at a time. 'tis awesome :)
 
Thanks for the Bluetooth audio post, that's not a bad idea at all!

Just to update the balance issue, I replaced the Connects2 control unit with another and the problem was cured, so faulty control unit/box.
 
Connects2 stuff is really poor quality. I'd never use any of their control boxes or aux interfaces.
 
I've now replaced the 2 x RCA to 3.5mm cable with an iPhone dock to 3 x RCA and USB cable (eBay cable).

Is anybody familiar with how the iPod dock cable is wired up. Is there anything fancy about the cable (integrated hardware other than just being a piece of copper wire)?

The sound quality through the dock connector and this cable is awful. I've yet to swap back to the standard RCA cable to double-check it's not the connects2 unit.
 
Rilot said:
Connects2 stuff is really poor quality. I'd never use any of their control boxes or aux interfaces.
Click to expand...

What would you recomend then Rilot? Im looking for a unit to plug or bluetooth my IPod to my HU and to bluetooth my phone too?

Sorry if off topic
 
Tesla said:
I've now replaced the 2 x RCA to 3.5mm cable with an iPhone dock to 3 x RCA and USB cable (eBay cable).

Is anybody familiar with how the iPod dock cable is wired up. Is there anything fancy about the cable (integrated hardware other than just being a piece of copper wire)?

The sound quality through the dock connector and this cable is awful. I've yet to swap back to the standard RCA cable to double-check it's not the connects2 unit.
Click to expand...
I'm guessing the iPad dock cable has a few resistors inside it because the iPad must use something to sense what is attached to it. I have a broken one somewhere but I haven't actually looked that closely yet.

I have the related problem of the darn thing complaining that my ebay cable is "not a supported accessory" and the iPad then stops my iPlayer playback. When I find a 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable I'll going to use the headphone output instead.

The dock SQ sounds OK otherwise (I built a ghetto amplifier for it)
 
Tried a good quality RCA to 3.5mm cable and the sound quality is equally bad.

Will try and return this unit for a refund and knock the idea on the head. Won't be buying Connects2 crap again.
 
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