Sound System Quiet (NOT the missing bass issue)

[Nate977p]

Hello all,
I know there is a thread on the sound system missing low end bass and such, but my question is more about it when it has been working. I think the quality of the system is a 8/10, but max max me a 5/10. I have been a hobby audiphile (by no means professional, but have built some very quality car systems) and love the quality and range, but I find max volume lacking. Am I the only one; I see a ton on the forums of people raving about the quality, but not too much comment on volume. I find myself listening at max volume with the windows up without even thinking it's that loud. With the windows down, it is much to quiet at max.

Anyone else have a similar opinion?

Thanks !

 

[TeeEmCee]

Hello all,
I know there is a thread on the sound system missing low end bass and such, but my question is more about it when it has been working. I think the quality of the system is a 8/10, but max max me a 5/10. I have been a hobby audiphile (by no means professional, but have built some very quality car systems) and love the quality and range, but I find max volume lacking. Am I the only one; I see a ton on the forums of people raving about the quality, but not too much comment on volume. I find myself listening at max volume with the windows up without even thinking it's that loud. With the windows down, it is much to quiet at max.

Anyone else have a similar opinion?

Thanks !

There is a "showroom mode" that severely limits volume, I was told. Any chance that could be engaged?

 

[Nate977p]

I have not heard of that? I do not think so, but I could be wrong. I do not think it is by an objective means quiet, at full volume it is I would say about 80% as loud as most other quality factory systems, definitely much better sound quality. May just be what it is?

 

[sduck]

I tend to run the volume a lot higher than I did in my previous cars with premium sound systems. All my previous cars would generally hit a sweet spot right around 1/2 way up, depending on the source of course, and get much louder (into hearing damage mode) just a bit over that. In the model 3, I find that sweet spot to be closer to 3/4 of the way up. So yes, it may be a bit less total output overall, but it does get to the right place for me.

One thing that i've noticed, and I could be wrong, but the volume control is set up with a linear curve, instead of the logarithmic curve most volume controls have. Which may explain what we're experiencing. I've noticed that there's much bigger jumps in volume between the steps in the top end of the volume control. If they changed it to a logarithmic curve it would get louder faster, and be louder in the middle of the volume range, which would make it all seem louder.

 

[TeeEmCee]

One thing that i've noticed, and I could be wrong, but the volume control is set up with a linear curve, instead of the logarithmic curve most volume controls have.

That would be unusual, how do you know?

 

[JeffK]

What is your audio source? Mine is really loud depending on the source.

 

[Nate977p]

I tend to run the volume a lot higher than I did in my previous cars with premium sound systems. All my previous cars would generally hit a sweet spot right around 1/2 way up, depending on the source of course, and get much louder (into hearing damage mode) just a bit over that. In the model 3, I find that sweet spot to be closer to 3/4 of the way up. So yes, it may be a bit less total output overall, but it does get to the right place for me.

One thing that i've noticed, and I could be wrong, but the volume control is set up with a linear curve, instead of the logarithmic curve most volume controls have. Which may explain what we're experiencing. I've noticed that there's much bigger jumps in volume between the steps in the top end of the volume control. If they changed it to a logarithmic curve it would get louder faster, and be louder in the middle of the volume range, which would make it all seem louder.

I would completely agree with that thought process. When driving, windows up, full volume is probably 75-80% of what I like on a total jam moment. 50% of what I want when windows are down.

 

[Nate977p]

What is your audio source? Mine is really loud depending on the source.

Have tried most of them, but defaults are Radio and Slacker

 

[JeffK]

Have tried most of them, but defaults are Radio and Slacker

Even on slacker I notice a difference between stations. For example, hip hop sounds way louder than the today's hits station.

I've also adjusted my equalizer to bring up the highs and lows. Even volume at 75% can produce ear piercing highs and bass that vibrates the car.

 

[sduck]

That would be unusual, how do you know?

As I said, I'm not sure. But I have quite a bit of experience building and servicing electronic musical gear, and know pretty well how a volume control works if the wrong kind of pot is used, and this volume control seems to work like the wrong kind was used. Considering it's most likely actually controlled by software, it may be just my imagination, or something else completely.

 

[Roger North]

I notice very low volume when playing music from iPhone via Bluetooth. I have the volume usually set to 100% and it sometimes my kids are asking for it to be louder. If I switch to radio or streaming sources I have to move the volume way down to say 50% or lower.

 

[renzdrummer]

I notice very low volume when playing music from iPhone via Bluetooth. I have the volume usually set to 100% and it sometimes my kids are asking for it to be louder. If I switch to radio or streaming sources I have to move the volume way down to say 50% or lower.

Make sure your iPhone volume is at 100% (hit the volume up button on your phone when playing music over Bluetooth). I think the iPhone defaults to a low volume when you pair a new Bluetooth device. It will remember the volume once you set it though.

 

[Roger North]

Make sure your iPhone volume is at 100% (hit the volume up button on your phone when playing music over Bluetooth). I think the iPhone defaults to a low volume when you pair a new Bluetooth device. It will remember the volume once you set it though.

Interesting, I will give it a try and report back.

 

[Roger North]

You were correct about the iPhone behaviour, when connecting to a new Bluetooth device the volume is set very low. Changing the volume on the phone solved the issue