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audio hiss

Discussion in 'Prius v Accessories and Modifications' started by slowfoot, Jun 2, 2015.

  1. slowfoot

    slowfoot Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2015
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    Location:
    Vermont
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    I have 2000 miles on a 2014 Prius v. When I try to use either Apple shuffle or iPod I get a hiss noise on top of what ever track is playing. I have tried various cables to make the connection between the audio system and the apple products. My dealer gave me a free hour but could not re create the noise and sent me away with a comment blaming my devices. The problem recurs but now the dealer says I must pay $100/ per hour for diagnosis.
    No reason to trust the dealer diagnosis technique. Toyota says I m free to try another dealer and says I must use genuine Apple cables as "specified by my dealer".
    Apple does not make a coaxial connector cable for the purpose and relies on Belkin. My local authorized apple dealer does not sell the Belkin cable and favors a different cable instead.
    I am certain the cable is not the issue.
    Has anyone had better luck getting Toyota to provide clean audio? How did you get past the service manager hoops?
     
    #1 slowfoot, Jun 2, 2015
  2. WilDavis

    WilDavis Senior Member

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    Location:
    Top RH Corner of RH Coast on L side of The Pond
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    II
    How does the Apple gear sound when played on other equipment (use good headphones since they tend to show up any problems in the audio chain). I use a Creative Graphics Zen-Xtra player plugged into the AUX input in my Gen II Prius, and have noticed that when the player uses its internal battery or an external battery (via USB cable) there is very little noise and the signal is pretty quiet, however if I try to power the player using a 12V plug in the AUX power socket, the noise-level is terrible, and the buzzing seems to be generated by the converter in the (crappy) 12V power adapter. If you know how to use and have access to an oscilloscope, or know someone who has access to one, then you might check the 12V coming out of your converter (if that's what you're using) - hope this helps - Wil
     
    #2 WilDavis, Jun 2, 2015
  3. slowfoot

    slowfoot Junior Member

    Joined:
    Jun 2, 2015
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    Location:
    Vermont
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius v wagon
    Model:
    Three
    Interesting set of ideas there ... thanks
    as for my answers
    I am running a cable from the headphone output of the apple device to the dash input ( the mini head phone jack) in the car next to the usb input.
    I rely entirely on the internal battery of the apple device for its power.
    Both apple devices sound fine when similarly connected to home amps or with head phones.
    I have yet to ask for power from the dash of the prius. I agree, checking for noise there would be valuable.
    I have never owned a new car and have not got the chops for getting the dealer to step up. I was hoping Toyota USA would sell me a workshop manual but they claim such documents don't exist and that I should ask the mechanic for such documentation!! (yes, in the same sentence)
    I fear the world was easier before credit cards and customer satisfaction scripts. I wish I had kept my heath kit oscilloscope.
    I will attempt to time the battery use and see if that relates when the hiss begins.
    Thanks for the suggestions.
     
    #3 slowfoot, Jun 3, 2015
  4. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Location:
    New Mexico, USA
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    N/A
    There's clearly a mis-match in signal level, impedance, etc. Nothing you can do about it either. If your device supports Bluetooth, try that as a connection method.
     
    #4 rdgrimes, Jun 3, 2015
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