Bluetooth vs USB audio quality

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Jun 25, 2014 | 09:59 PM

kokonutz

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From: CA

Bluetooth vs USB audio quality

Does the 3IS stream data from the mp3, or just the audio output from the device?

I have an iPhone 5, and it seems like there's a noticeable difference in quality between bluetooth and usb (usb sounding clearer)

I know its an obscure question, but was hoping someone had the answer.

Jun 25, 2014 | 10:55 PM

bucanero

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From: Texas

I have 5s and seems everytime I connect USB, it has some error. Whether its Pandora or just music off a playlist. Im no audiophile so I dgaf if it sounds better or not. Function goes a longer way for me, so I use a charger instead and use bluetooth while it charges the phone like that.

Jun 25, 2014 | 11:09 PM

cdo221

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From: CA

The issue isn't with the specific phone or whatnot. The problem is with bluetooth technology in that it wasn't originally built for streaming the amount of data such as those found in high quality audio files. What happens is the data is compressed, sent through bluetooth to your car, then it's played. When you connect via USB, that type of data loss isn't present (I would assume the data transfer/stream isn't 100% lossless, but it's not to the degree of bluetooth).

In other words, bluetooth audio is playing compressed files while USB or 3.5 mm audio jack connections are generally playing the uncompressed files. Quality will generally always be worse on the bluetooth streaming. You can read more about it here if you're interested:
http://lifehacker.com/does-bluetooth...uck-1505063323

I personally think the convenience of never having to take my phone out, having the music start playing automatically when I start the car, out-weighs the slight audio quality lost but I can see why people want top quality audio from their car's sound system

Jul 15, 2014 | 04:51 PM

kokonutz

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From: CA

Has anyone managed to play apps like Spotify through USB instead of Bluetooth? My car wigs out, even if my bluetooth device is disconnected.

iPhone 5 BTW.

Jul 16, 2014 | 10:32 AM

IS3Fguy

Pit Crew

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From: Ontario

Where do you guys download your mp3 songs from? And is it free?

Jul 17, 2014 | 01:49 PM

dlwlsgks85

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From: illinois

youtube converter works good for me

Jul 17, 2014 | 02:11 PM

cFoo

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From: Canada

USB is direct. BlueTooth is over the air, it will suffer from radio interference. When data is lost during transmission it will either delay (due to repeat transmission) or drop completely. It's even worst when it's compressed audio.