I'm playing m4a/mp3 files from a sd card and the bass is almost no existent. Increasing (or decreasing) bass has very little difference. Anything I can do to improve it? 

 

Ta,

 

Stu

What bitrate are the files?

If you don't have Canton sound (with subwoofer) you shouldn't expect much from the system when using SD, CD or USB.

I don't have Canton however I only stream audio via Bluetooth and in my Samsung phone there is an extra bass setting which made a huge difference in the car!

Edited 28 April, 20179 yr by Wiz83

You could check the files played on another device & the bass sounds ok, which I guess will be the case.

 

The standard Octavia audio system is heavily compressed when it comes to the bass, one of the main complaints from people regarding the audio system.

This is the main reason people recommend to get the Canton system but €600 for a stereo in a car is crazy to me..

 

 

There was a thread about recoding/reripping your CDs to boost the base with some improvements but I guess the limiting factor is the amplifier & compression settings in the Octavia headunits.

I have columbus with canton. 

Funny thing is: when I play music from sd, cd or hdd bass, volume and sound is...ok. When I play same song but from iphone trough BT... everything is much, much better. How???!!!

10 hours ago, Ferdinand01 said:

I have columbus with canton. 

Funny thing is: when I play music from sd, cd or hdd bass, volume and sound is...ok. When I play same song but from iphone trough BT... everything is much, much better. How???!!!

Is it possible that the iPhone is boosting the bass to suit the perceived preferences of iPhone buyers. Are there any equaliser settings set on the iPhone?

 

Is it possible to try the same music through alternative system say a home HiFi to compare a CD track with iPhone in different environment. Ideally you need a flac file on iPhone. This would allow you to compare the sources. Make sure that you start with all equaliser settings and tone controls flat to allow a true comparison.

Edited 29 April, 20179 yr by CCTaylor

11 hours ago, Ferdinand01 said:

I have columbus with canton. 

Funny thing is: when I play music from sd, cd or hdd bass, volume and sound is...ok. When I play same song but from iphone trough BT... everything is much, much better. How???!!!

 

Snap, not sure why my iPhone tracks sound better but to my ears, they really do. Some dab radio stations like Capital FM also sound better, the DAB signal seems fine. 

5 hours ago, CCTaylor said:

Is it possible that the iPhone is boosting the bass to suit the perceived preferences of iPhone buyers. Are there any equaliser settings set on the iPhone?

 

Is it possible to try the same music through alternative system say a home HiFi to compare a CD track with iPhone in different environment. Ideally you need a flac file on iPhone. This would allow you to compare the sources. Make sure that you start with all equaliser settings and tone controls flat to allow a true comparison.

It's not just bass. There is more volume and sound is better.

It's the software. The headunit has to decode the files. Some audio playing software is good, others, not so good. Cheap dac.

 

 

Edited 29 April, 20179 yr by Mallettsmallett

Playing from my iPhone with Carplay connected via USB, the bass on mine is "Ok" (certainly not entirely missing like yours) considering the speakers etc...and adjusting the bass tone control definitely has an impact.

 

Have you tried different sources to see if there is a difference?

As others have mentioned iPhone source will be pre-amped and have a non-flat EQ compared to flat sources such USB flash drive, CD or SD inputs. If using via Bluetooth theres also an option to adjust the gain of the Bluetooth source. These may make it sound "better".