Installed Aux Input - Left channel quieter than right

Tesla · 27 Jan 2013 at 12:20

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.

Tesla · 27 Jan 2013 at 12:59

Disco Boy said:
Have you reversed the inputs into the connects2 to see if the problem switches sides?

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.

Tesla · 27 Jan 2013 at 14:02

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.

Tesla · 27 Jan 2013 at 17:25

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 · 23 Feb 2013 at 11:48

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.

Tesla · 18 Mar 2013 at 08:24

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.

Tesla · 20 Mar 2013 at 15:51

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.