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Dice Ipod line level volume Too Low

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Dion, Aug 27, 2008.

  1. Dion

    Dion New Member

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    I recently started using my Dice-Ipod unit and find that the volume is way too low when connected to my Ipod nano.

    I searched the threads and only found one other person complain about this.

    Am I the only one that thinks the volume is way too low.

    They should add some way to increase the volume in the DICE unit.

    I am sorry I ordered it now.
     
  2. mxvet

    mxvet humble

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    Have you tried to increase the volume on the Nano, then use the regular volume control to supplement it?
     
  3. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Well first off you need to "Define" low .... if the Radio or CD player is sitting as say 25 on the volume scale, what do you have raise the volume level number to acheive the same loudness as the Radio / CD???

    If you are talking about 5 units...I have the same problem, its not really a problem! However if you have to raise it up by 20 units or so, well then yeah, thats a problem. If thats the case, I would try a different Ipod, just to confirm the problem is common to both Ipods, leaving the Dice as the real problem. At that point I would contact Dice folks and explain the problem. Ask about level output adjust!! In fact since you brought it up and have piqued my interest, I think I will call the Dice folk and see what they have to say!! If I get a intelligent answer, I will pass it along

    Let us know how you make out!!

    73 de Pat KK6PD
     
  4. Dion

    Dion New Member

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    I will try to clarify my problem. I have mp3s that I burned to an audio CD, since I don't have the Pruis that plays mp3 CDs. I play the same audio CD at a volume of 30, then I play the same song on the Ipod through the DICE and I have to turn the volume up to 40 so the it sounds the same. That's just not right. I cannot change the Ipod volume when it is connected to the DICE.

    I have tried the ipod through the DICE aux-in and the sound is much better because you can adjust the gain and bass on the DICE for the aux-in. You should be able to do the same adjustments when the Ipod is connected.

    I have turned off sound check in the IPOD, so that is not the problem.

    I will contact DICE about this problem.

    Thanks for the replies
     
  5. KK6PD

    KK6PD _ . _ . / _ _ . _

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    Hi Dion, well you got my curiousity up, so I called Dice myself. I spoke to a knowledgeable person in tech support, and he did confirm that the output level of the Dice is "low" compared to the other audio sources in the Prius.

    I inquired about any output level adjusts, sadly there are none. I mentioned PriusChat, yes he's heard of us, mentioned your post and said that it is normal for the unit to be low! I inquired about putting some level adjusts on the next revision of the product, but thats "The last thing on our list of things to do"

    He did agree as you stated, if you use the AUX in you have the adjustments you need.

    I agree, if its low, it should be able to be turned up. The next step is getting a schematic, if they will release it, and changing the output op-amp levels. If you have a understanding of how these things work, (I do board level maintenance, so a circuit redesign in easy for me.) I would modify the Dice itself. That is about the only recourse you have.

    The tech did mention that they have had several returns of units that were very low output, and they replaced those units. Maybe you can do a warranty trade!

    Good Luck de Pat KK6PD
     
  6. Dion

    Dion New Member

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    Thanks KK6PD. Since you called I will not have to.

    You confirmed everything I thought. I will try to do a warranty replacement but, I suspect that they are all that way.

    I just can't believe others have not complained. I have a sirius unit and the sound level is the same as the other sources.
     
  7. plucas

    plucas Junior Member

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    Hey Dion,

    I;m having the same problem with my DICE unit and my iPod with low audio levels. Were you able to correct the problem in anyway?

    plucas
     
  8. Shin Chan

    Shin Chan Junior Member

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    I have an 06 prius and have added the DICE unit to alow Ipod integration. When installing it there were two sets of dip switches, and one set would alow the DICE to operate in several modes (SAT, MP3, and another) if memory serves. I found that the MP3 setting gave me the best out-put levels.