Develop Bugs

Headphones and Carcharger

Would it be possible to wire headphones and charger to a mini usb plug in order to charge and listen to headphones at the same time? When using Gps and headphones battery life is limited.
anthonyjohn

anthonyjohn said:
Would it be possible to wire headphones and charger to a mini usb plug in order to charge and listen to headphones at the same time? When using Gps and headphones battery life is limited.
anthonyjohn
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes. This has been mentioned a million times here. I am adding one more time.
Look here http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=140425
Victor

headphone charger issue
Thanks very much, problem solved!
anthonyjohn

victoradjei said:
Yes. This has been mentioned a million times here. I am adding one more time.
Look here http://www.expansys.com/p.aspx?i=140425
Victor
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about an adapter that provides a regular 12V DC jack for charging and a 3.5mm stereo mini jack for output to the car stereo AUX input?
Now that WOULD be useful. Maybe the Brodit active mount provides something like that?

UKenGB said:
How about an adapter that provides a regular 12V DC jack for charging and a 3.5mm stereo mini jack for output to the car stereo AUX input?
Now that WOULD be useful. Maybe the Brodit active mount provides something like that?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
your priers have been answered. Check this out:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...77926891&category0=&submitSearch=Search&fvi=1

Almost. If I was being picky (which I am I'd say the second USB port makes it a bit bulky. Ideally it would just have 1 USB and 1 3.5mm jack.
No rush though. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more.

UKenGB said:
Almost. If I was being picky (which I am I'd say the second USB port makes it a bit bulky. Ideally it would just have 1 USB and 1 3.5mm jack.
No rush though. I'm sure we'll be seeing a lot more.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
How about http://www.expansys.com/htc/p_htc_item.aspx?i=145066 ?

Bowzer said:
How about http://www.expansys.com/htc/p_htc_item.aspx?i=145066 ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Ha, now that is just SO perfect
Although needless to say the best solution always ends up being twice the price of any other:-(
Well done everyone.

Microphone lost
Hi, I've bought a splitter from here: http://www.valuemax.co.uk/product_details.php?id=7184
It works fine but I've lost the microphone feature when answering calls.
Does anyone have any idea what pin-out wire I need to modify and attach and external mic?
Thanks Paul

[Q] Audio line-out for Galaxy Nexus

Hello all ,
Is there a way to get an audio line-out from the Galaxy Nexus, either using an adapter or a docking station? I'm not looking for a solution like the one offered by the Samsung Galaxy S2's car dock (which streams bluetooth audio from the phone to the dock, then the dock turns the bluetooth streaming to analog audio through a 3.5mm port) but rather something like an adapter for the MHL port or from the docking station.
Appreciate all the help!

The obvious solution (at least to me) is to plug into the headphone jack. You could also use either the media dock or MHL adapter in conjunction with an HDMI-to-analog adapter such as the one linked below:
http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-RCA-comp...OQPU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1321905031&sr=8-2

vespoid said:
The obvious solution (at least to me) is to plug into the headphone jack. You could also use either the media dock or MHL adapter in conjunction with an HDMI-to-analog adapter such as the one linked below:
http://www.amazon.com/HDMI-RCA-comp...OQPU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1321905031&sr=8-2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
He's asking for a line out solution because it will bypass the internal headphone amp that is utilized when the 3.5mm port is used. If you're plugging the phone into speakers or a sound system that way you'll get much better sound.

If the mhl -> HDMI cable adapter carries both audio and video, you could use an hdmi breakout adapter to split the digital audio. It depends on the HDMI output capabilities of the phone and the acceptability of digital audio for your needs.
Edit: would no doubt be a cumbersome solution. It all comes down to your usage scenario for the output.
Sent from my GT-P7510 using Tapatalk

Thank you vespoid, ardabey.
What OJ in Compton said, I'm looking to bypass the internal headphone amp, not sure if there are any details on the car dock or desk dock, I hope 3rd party manufacturers come up with something, any solutions are welcome.
Ali

Never thought about this, but a contactless dock with HDMI out directly to the AMP = audio bliss. Thanks to the forum for letting me see the obvious

Bumping this thread...has anyone successfully done this? I want line out audio for my car's 3.5mm AUX input - had it with my ipod and it sounded much better than through the headphone jack, as well the convenience of not having to maintain two volumes.
Hoping the official car dock that uses the 3 pin connector and has a 3.5 out would do this, but I'm worried it will just use BT to transmit the audio to the dock like I read the Nexus One dock did.

I wish too that the NG had line level out.
I think it's a limitation of the hardware. I think Apple is the online one that really uses line level out via it's dock connector.
I hope someday Google will use some sort of line level out on their reference hardware or built support directly into a newer OS.
I remember my old Dell DJ had line level out. Soooooo much better.

There is nothing wrong with the 3.5mm output sound quality wise.
Trying to drive headphone-like impedance (lower) with a line out isn't the best idea, but driving higher impedance inputs like your car deck isn't that bad as long as you let the amps do the "work" of boosting the volume and not your phone. While not optimal, the decrease in sound quality shouldn't be very noticeable.
The main advantage of the digital audio though USB (what apple does) IMO is that it eliminates the need to have both the USB plugged in to charge and the 3.5 mm cord for audio. It also allows song data to be shared and device control from the speaker/head unit. Good setups will recognize most android devices as mass USB storage and provide the same functionality, but I'm not sure how the MTS on the GN will affect this.

I would wait and see how the audio quality is from the dock. Even if it is bluetooth, the audio quality may not be that bad.

Lithoss said:
There is nothing wrong with the 3.5mm output sound quality wise.
Trying to drive headphone-like impedance (lower) with a line out isn't the best idea, but driving higher impedance inputs like your car deck isn't that bad as long as you let the amps do the "work" of boosting the volume and not your phone. While not optimal, the decrease in sound quality shouldn't be very noticeable.
The main advantage of the digital audio though USB (what apple does) IMO is that it eliminates the need to have both the USB plugged in to charge and the 3.5 mm cord for audio. It also allows song data to be shared and device control from the speaker/head unit. Good setups will recognize most android devices as mass USB storage and provide the same functionality, but I'm not sure how the MTS on the GN will affect this.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem is, that if the head unit supports MTP then yes it can read the device like mass-storage, thats fine, but it doesn't allow you to stream media from radio apps, youtube and turn-by-turn directions from gps, this is what we are looking for...
technically it's not sending analog audio output through the USB, its just reading the stored media on the phone.
I have read that samsung phones are able to accomplish sending analog audio through the USB while charging, with the correct resistance values (adapter) or possibly with software pointing the audio in that direction (for example code build into the framework/API)
this is one major thing that Android lacks over iPhone, this problem should be addressed ASAP. I'm hoping CM9 might be able to find a solution for this.

I agree, i hope they fix this soon toi. It would make the development of accessories much easier for all android phones. Seems like a no brainer but I guess Google has other priorities...

A feature request for Android 4.0 to enable USB audio:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24614

Juvenall said:
A feature request for Android 4.0 to enable USB audio:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24614
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just starred this, if the hardware is able to do that I find it completely stupid that they do not allow it.
Smartphones audio amps are not exactly famous for being top-quality so having this possibility would be great.

Thanks. The lack of this feature is ridiculous/mind-boggling/suprising.

Well, if you were waiting for the card dock to solve your problems... it doesn't. Plugging into the dock's "line out" gets you amp driven sound. I really do not understand why this is such an issue for Android. When I plug somoething into my 3 year old Nokia smartphone a window pops up for me to choose headphones, headset or line out. Why can't ICS offer the option and if in the car dock, default to line out? A USB solution is not going to help if you are using the car dock.

Juvenall said:
A feature request for Android 4.0 to enable USB audio:
http://code.google.com/p/android/issues/detail?id=24614
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, most def. I want to use several USB dacs on hand. Off for some op amp rollin'.
Edit: The pogo pin dock has a 3.5mm analog/digital output, FYI

Oops

flacoff said:
Edit: The pogo pin dock has a 3.5mm analog/digital output, FYI
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Which if I understand correctly uses Bluetooth to transmit compressed audio from the phone to the dock, then delivers it through the 3.5mm jack. Why not just have a digital signal go through the USB port!?

ali87 said:
Which if I understand correctly uses Bluetooth to transmit compressed audio from the phone to the dock, then delivers it through the 3.5mm jack. Why not just have a digital signal go through the USB port!?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
actually the pogo pin transfers the digitial audio and the dock decodes it into analog to the 3.5mm output

Need this cable: Micro USB to 3.5mm & USB splitter

Dear awesome community,
For the past month or more I've been trying to find a place where they sell Mirco-USB to 3.5mm/USB cables, but I have come to no success whatsoever!
Is such cable impossible to make? Or am I just looking in the wrong places.
Check out the attached picture that I've created to show what I need and mean.
It looks simple, right? Now, I would love to get one of these at any price.
Help me!

Dear awesome user.
The practical application of this would be ?

blobotorian said:
Dear awesome user.
The practical application of this would be ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, instead of having two wires coming out of my Note (Top and bottom) while I'm driving, a cable like this well have only one wire coming out from under the phone, cutting on clutter and annoying wires.

must be out there
heres something similar but is mini usb which is no good.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-1-MINI-USB-3-5MM-JACK-MINI-USB-HTC-ADAPTER-/260655181793

indie said:
must be out there
heres something similar but is mini usb which is no good.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-1-MINI-USB-3-5MM-JACK-MINI-USB-HTC-ADAPTER-/260655181793
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Shouldn't a micro-usb to mini-usb converter work? IF it supports audio over usb that is
Sent from my Optimus 2X using xda premium

hobs0n said:
Shouldn't a micro-usb to mini-usb converter work? IF it supports audio over usb that is
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's totally proprietary. The phone that that is made for probably doesn't even have a 3.5mm jack.

biggy83 said:
Well, instead of having two wires coming out of my Note (Top and bottom) while I'm driving, a cable like this well have only one wire coming out from under the phone, cutting on clutter and annoying wires.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well.. sorry to be a troll. However, you started this thread conveniently assuming that Headphone output through MicroUSB port of Note will work? Its not an HTC phone which has headset support.
May I know the reason for your ASSUMPTION that it would work even if you get the cable?

Your best bet for a single plug into your phone would probably be to use an MHL>HDMI adapter, and then get another adapter to convert from HDMI audio to 3.5mm.
That would be rather clunky though. HDMI > Anything (that isn't DVI) converters are going to run you at least about $40 for a start, and they aren't small either (probably not much smaller than the phone itself .) And they are externally-powered, so you'd need to provide power to both the MHL dongle and the HDMI converter, so it'd be super untidy.
You could do it though.
But you're probably better off using Bluetooth.

Prankey said:
Well.. sorry to be a troll. However, you started this thread conveniently assuming that Headphone output through MicroUSB port of Note will work? Its not an HTC phone which has headset support.
May I know the reason for your ASSUMPTION that it would work even if you get the cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My assumption comes from the fact that there is a "docking" option in the system settings of the Galaxy Note, meaning that there is support for docking stations and probably audio output for them.
I'm not saying that the Note is the only and first phone to have it, I'm just wondering if there are such cables out there and if such thing possible to be made through Micro USB.
I had an iPhone almost 2 years ago and such cable was available easily and it did really help in my car setup, and since the Note has the same slot setup of my old iPhone I would really like to know if a cable like that is somewhere out there.

Prankey said:
Well.. sorry to be a troll. However, you started this thread conveniently assuming that Headphone output through MicroUSB port of Note will work? Its not an HTC phone which has headset support.
May I know the reason for your ASSUMPTION that it would work even if you get the cable?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, looking at this car docking station...
(Link not allowed. Search for "Genuine Samsung Galaxy Note Vehicle Dock - ECS-K1E1BEGSTD" on MobileFun)
...it clearly shows a "speaker line out" socket in one of the photos, with only one connector (i.e. the micro USB connector) attaching to the phone.
So it is most certainly possible.

Hmmm, the both the official desktop dock and car dock have a 3.5mm audio out. It seems unlikely that there would be a USB DAC in the docks themselves, which suggests that analogue audio is being piped out the microUSB port on the phone itself.
Of course, the OP could just buy the official car dock to get nice tidy cabling...

If i understood the purpose of this cable, it would be:
For example:
My car supports audio input so the purpose of a cable like this would be to stream music to my car audio system and recharge de phone like a all-in-one right?

gordonshowers said:
Well, looking at this car docking station...
(Link not allowed. Search for "Genuine Samsung Galaxy Note Vehicle Dock - ECS-K1E1BEGSTD" on MobileFun)
...it clearly shows a "speaker line out" socket in one of the photos, with only one connector (i.e. the micro USB connector) attaching to the phone.
So it is most certainly possible.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Exactly! I found out about this dock yesterday and I'm still wondering why isn't anything like of what I suggested earlier available? How come now one asked about this before!

zylor said:
If i understood the purpose of this cable, it would be:
For example:
My car supports audio input so the purpose of a cable like this would be to stream music to my car audio system and recharge de phone like a all-in-one right?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That is exactly what I want!

Very Interested in this as well. OEM dock wont work with a case. So this would be a great alternative paired with a car cradle such as this.

biggy83 said:
Dear awesome community,
For the past month or more I've been trying to find a place where they sell Mirco-USB to 3.5mm/USB cables, but I have come to no success whatsoever!
Is such cable impossible to make? Or am I just looking in the wrong places.
Check out the attached picture that I've created to show what I need and mean.
It looks simple, right? Now, I would love to get one of these at any price.
Help me!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This:
+
This:
$7 + Shipping

I too really want one of these.
It is obviously possible as the destop & car dock do this.
The only way is, for someone with some electronics knowledge to pull one of these apart to see how its done. It would be interesting to see if it is straight audio out, or if there is a "Digital to Analogue Converter in there"

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samsung-ET-...&otn=3&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=5051243939125627988
This might do the trick in the unlikely case that Note's microusb outputs audio. Tough I'm really interested in knowing for sure if the Galaxy Note microusb pumps line level audio.
Judging by the price of the desktop dock i wouldn't bet my money on the idea that it has not a dac. I

Use Bluetooth.

maybe at usbfever.com or dealextreme.com
---------- Post added at 07:41 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:39 AM ----------
http://www.cablejive.com/ maybe

Pogo Case with Audio Output Connection.

I am looking for a Pogo Case that would have the HOX snap in nicely with the audio output(RCA or 3.5mm jack) that I can connect it my car/home audio system. Of course the case should also provide the charging as well.
In this way(car mode), I can listen to my mp3 collection on my HOX and answer call with it through my car audio system. Most of the case/cradle available only offer charging but no audio out.
Of course, I can use the 3.5mm jack connected to the headphone hole on the HOX and then connect the USB in car charger but this would not be convenience. Imagine if you could have the convenience of snap the HOX into a case and all are set for you.
Please do share the link if someone have come across this case...

yltan said:
I am looking for a Pogo Case that would have the HOX snap in nicely with the audio output(RCA or 3.5mm jack) that I can connect it my car/home audio system. Of course the case should also provide the charging as well.
In this way(car mode), I can listen to my mp3 collection on my HOX and answer call with it through my car audio system. Most of the case/cradle available only offer charging but no audio out.
Of course, I can use the 3.5mm jack connected to the headphone hole on the HOX and then connect the USB in car charger but this would not be convenience. Imagine if you could have the convenience of snap the HOX into a case and all are set for you.
Please do share the link if someone have come across this case...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
something like this?
http://www.mugen-power-batteries.com/htc-one-x-car-mount-cradle-with-handsfree.html

treebill said:
something like this?
http://www.mugen-power-batteries.com/htc-one-x-car-mount-cradle-with-handsfree.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really. With this you would have to manual plug in the headphone jack which defeat the main purpose and it can't connect to my car audio system. That why I chose Pogo. But thanks anyway for sharing...

CraigsDocks review - True one hand Dock with digital USB-OTG audio out to DAC

Yesterday I installed my new CraigsDocks dock for my AT&T Galaxy S3.
I give it two :good: :good: up.
I created a DIY USB-OTG with power cable.
So the phone gets dropped into the dock.
It goes into dock mode automatically.
This USB-OTG cable bypasses the internal crappy DAC and sends digital audio out to my Behringer UCA202 DAC.
Which then sends the converted analog signal to my car stereo.
Here's my review/how-to on the whole DAC to Car Stereo thing:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2033527
The dock is much smaller in profile than my iBOLT dock. And also easier to put the phone in and remove it from the dock.
It's also more heavy duty and looks pretty good.
My DIY cable of course, detracts from the looks. But it's not too bad.
The dock is very sturdy. I can easily put the phone in one handed. It just slides right into the USB-OTG connector.
Youtube video of my dock in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Rda6Vsd9Wc&feature=youtu.be
MFG's info & ordering page for CraigsDocks:
http://www.craigsdocks.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-car-dock/
Pics.
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I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but it sounds like according to the MFGR, that the supplied MicroUSB power/media cable that comes with the dock is actually USB-OTG capable. Either as-is, or with a small DIY mod. I didn't understand exactly.
I'm still incredibly happy with this dock. I have yet to need both hands to insert my phone. True one-handed connect in and remove phone action! :good:
Another benefit to this dock is that because it's adjustable, it will probably work for any similar sized phone with MicroUSB on the bottom. I wouldn't even be surprised if a NOTE II works in this dock. Or a GSIII with extended (fatter) battery + large case.

Wiring
Cz Eddie,
I am surprised at how little action this thread has received.
I wish the CraigsDock was around before the Ibolt. Hmmm, maybe it was.
All my past car docks were this type of one handed in/out deal and I miss it.
I will probably get one soon.
When I did the analog out of micro usb tests months ago, I went as far as having my own hand made cable wired to output sound but got terrible machine/cpu noise and gargle if I had both power and audio in the car. I tested it in the house with use wall power...same thing. I tested with a ground loop isolator...worse.
So, right now I have the Ibolt and a custom plug coming out of it that plugs into the headphone jack...works fine actually. But it 2 hands and 4 steps to plug it all in...Vs 1 hand, 1 step via your brilliant craigsdock setup. Love it.
Have you shared your DIY wiring scheme for the CraigsDock + DAC?
If yes, can you point me to it. (I have read your dac thread...I don't remember seeing it there)
Cheers

themadproducer said:
When I did the analog out of micro usb tests months ago, I went as far as having my own hand made cable wired to output sound but got terrible machine/cpu noise and gargle if I had both power and audio in the car. I tested it in the house with use wall power...same thing. I tested with a ground loop isolator...worse.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The reason I went with USB-DAC was because of the higher quality audio. But mostly because analog USB just had bits of low level noise that annoyed me.
themadproducer said:
So, right now I have the Ibolt and a custom plug coming out of it that plugs into the headphone jack...works fine actually. But it 2 hands and 4 steps to plug it all in...Vs 1 hand, 1 step via your brilliant craigsdock setup. Love it.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep, the Craigsdock is true one-handed operation. You have to mess with the dock settings to get it perfect. It took me about 5-10 minutes, but the phone smoothly slips right into the USB connector and is nice and stable.
themadproducer said:
Have you shared your DIY wiring scheme for the CraigsDock + DAC?
If yes, can you point me to it. (I have read your dac thread...I don't remember seeing it there)
Cheers
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, it's either in this thread or the USB-DAC thread?
I just bought a very short USB-OTG connector that had a right-angle microUSB connector for the phone plugin at the dock.
Then I bought a normal, USB extension cable.
And bought a three way normal USB-OTG cable (USB-OTG plus a USB connector for charging).
I snipped off one end of the short USB-OTG and matched the four wires by color to the straight (longer) USB cable. Then took that end and matched it up to the three-way USB-OTG cable. Again, just soldering the four wires to each other. All the colors matched up perfectly.
Wish I didn't lose the pics I took of that procedure. I'd post them if I still had them.
It was all super easy to do.

Cables needed for DAC for Craig's Dock?
CZ Eddie said:
Well, it's either in this thread or the USB-DAC thread?
I just bought a very short USB-OTG connector that had a right-angle microUSB connector for the phone plugin at the dock.
Then I bought a normal, USB extension cable.
And bought a three way normal USB-OTG cable (USB-OTG plus a USB connector for charging).
I snipped off one end of the short USB-OTG and matched the four wires by color to the straight (longer) USB cable. Then took that end and matched it up to the three-way USB-OTG cable. Again, just soldering the four wires to each other. All the colors matched up perfectly.
Wish I didn't lose the pics I took of that procedure. I'd post them if I still had them.
It was all super easy to do.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Hello, first CZ Eddie, you have been so helpful with this thread and the "The $43 Galaxy S3 + Car Stereo Upgrade for WaaaY better sound quality! USB-DAC Audio" thread. THANK YOU!
I finally bought a new car stereo and will be having it installed by a local company (I am not too handy with vehicle installations). The car stereo has aux and USB on the front side (I want to keep USB on front open for thumb drive music). I purchased a Craigs Dock (from the website you listed above - awesome!) as well. I want to provide the installer with AS MUCH OF THE EQUIPMENT as possible, and a detailed diagram on how to create what you created with the USB-DAC using the Craigs Dock.
As of now I believe I will need to provide the following for a clean installation (can you please tell me if I'm missing something like a necessary connector or cable to connect to Craigs Dock?):
* Two-USB cigarette lighter power source (from amazon, RAVPower® Car USB Charger Dual USB Port 3.1A(2.1A+1A) / 15.5W / ...)
* The new Car Stereo Kenwood KDC-X896 (I can't post links here)
* Craigs Dock (powered by USB connector in cigarette lighter)
* Behringer UCA202 USB DAC (same as posted in your thread, connected to RCA audio cable to aux in on front of stereo)
* Micro USB Host OTG Cable with Micro USB Power for Samsung i9100 i9300 i9220 i9250 (same as posted in your thread; connected from DAC's USB to a power source/micro USB, and then the other end to the Craigs Dock)
* 3.5mm Male To (2) RCA Stereo Audio Cable - (6 Feet) - Step Down Design accommodates iPhone, iTouch, SmartPhones & MP3 cases
* Mini USB male to USB male (for connecting DAC power end to cigarette lighter USB) - such as the Amazon basics A-Male-Mini-B-Cable-...)
Am I missing something? How do I connect the Micro USB Host OTG Cable end into the Craigs Dock?
Thanks for any help you can offer!

ebrowni said:
Thanks for any help you can offer!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Does USB-DAC work again for the S3? Last time I checked, it wasn't working on AOSP ROM's. I have an S4 now though so I have not kept up on things.
Btw, the S4 fits in the same Craigsdock just fine. So does the NOTE II.
I recommend this setup for power. It's cleaner and works better. Just tie it into any 12V power lead.
http://img2.media.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43697113
You don't want Mini-USB. You need Micro-USB.
So, in this pic where it says "This end goes to MicroUSB Power Source", I would just cut off that end of the cable and hard wire it to the power source I linked above.
I don't use DAC's anymore. I use the APT-X Bluetooth codec. It's 95% as good as a DAC when it comes to sound. But 5000% more convenient.
It won't win any audio awards but it's much better than regular Bluetooth and almost as good as DAC.

No need for DAC? OK much easier.
CZ Eddie said:
I recommend this setup for power. It's cleaner and works better. Just tie it into any 12V power lead.
http://img2.media.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=43697113
You don't want Mini-USB. You need Micro-USB.
I don't use DAC's anymore. I use the APT-X Bluetooth codec. It's 95% as good as a DAC when it comes to sound. But 5000% more convenient.
It won't win any audio awards but it's much better than regular Bluetooth and almost as good as DAC.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks CZ Eddie! So, from what I'm reading I will just use my APT-X Bluetooth codec (inherent in the S4) to stream through my Kenwood audio system, which is bluetooth compatible. (I'm OK with a 5% less quality sound by using the bluetooth!) So the only thing I will need to do is connect the CraigsDock to the power source. Is that it?! To get high quality sound?! It just seams too easy!

ebrowni said:
Thanks CZ Eddie! So, from what I'm reading I will just use my APT-X Bluetooth codec (inherent in the S4) to stream through my Kenwood audio system, which is bluetooth compatible. (I'm OK with a 5% less quality sound by using the bluetooth!) So the only thing I will need to do is connect the CraigsDock to the power source. Is that it?! To get high quality sound?! It just seams too easy!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Amazingly easy. I love being to remove the phone from the dock and the audio never stops playing.
All you need the dock for is for charging and to hold the phone at eye level.
You can also use Car Home Ultra to give you a car friendly interface. I have mine set so Car Home Ultra automatically wakes the phone and opens up as soon as it senses the bluetooth connection.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=spinninghead.carhome.license&hl=en
Oh but one problem. No current Car Stereo has APT-X capability.
So you have to buy an APT-X receiver and plug that into the AUX-input of your car stereo.
That's the easy part. The only hard part is hard-wiring the APT-X receiver into a power source. But you can share the same power source that the phone will use.
This is the APT-X receiver I have:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Rocketf...iver/5654132.p?id=1218679203690&skuId=5654132
I'll do a DIY thread here someday. I've had this setup for a few months and it's great.

Thanks so much - Another question... Of course!
CZ Eddie said:
Oh but one problem. No current Car Stereo has APT-X capability.
So you have to buy an APT-X receiver and plug that into the AUX-input of your car stereo.
That's the easy part. The only hard part is hard-wiring the APT-X receiver into a power source. But you can share the same power source that the phone will use.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the info on the App! I'll get that setup on my S4 once everything's in place. Also thanks for the link to the Rocketfish on bestbuy.
A few more questions (of course!):
* On installation, can I have the Rocketfish placed behind the stereo/out of sight, with it continuing to work/without interference? Assuming I hard-wire it for power then that would be easiest.
* Also, I'm guessing that I need to buy an aux cable to connect to the front aux input of my car stereo. HOWEVER, I'm attaching a picture of the back of the kenwood kdc-x896 - is there another way that I could connect to the car stereo using the connections offered in the back? then the front of the stereo would be completely clean and it would be integrated behind the stereo.
What do you think?
Thank you!

ebrowni said:
* On installation, can I have the Rocketfish placed behind the stereo/out of sight, with it continuing to work/without interference? Assuming I hard-wire it for power then that would be easiest.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Absolutely. Mine is buried way deep inside my dash somewhere.
Hard wired power for a few months... not a single problem with it at all.
It turns on when my ignition key turns. And turns off the same way.
It connects to my phone super quick every time I get in the car. I don't have to initiate the connection, ever.
ebrowni said:
Also, I'm guessing that I need to buy an aux cable to connect to the front aux input of my car stereo. HOWEVER, I'm attaching a picture of the back of the kenwood kdc-x896 - is there another way that I could connect to the car stereo using the connections offered in the back? then the front of the stereo would be completely clean and it would be integrated behind the stereo.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, you have to connect to the AUX on the front.
You can find car stereo's with rear AUX. It's harder to find them, but they are out there.
If you can handle having a car stereo with rear USB input (run a cord to the front for your USB stick), then there are a couple stereos near your price range that have rear 3.5mm AUX input:
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-IuY1I6ICy10/p_105KDX80BT/JVC-KD-X80BT.html
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-eYwsaEZ5rq0/p_113KDCX996/Kenwood-Excelon-KDC-X996.html
Just hafta search for the good prices on the Kenwood. I saw it under $200 somewhere.

Thanks for your help!
CZ Eddie said:
Absolutely. Mine is buried way deep inside my dash somewhere.
Hard wired power for a few months... not a single problem with it at all.
It turns on when my ignition key turns. And turns off the same way.
It connects to my phone super quick every time I get in the car. I don't have to initiate the connection, ever.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
AWESOME! I'll just tuck it in behind and hard wire to the battery with the craigsdock power... So great that the ignition starts everything and it automatically connects.
CZ Eddie said:
Nope, you have to connect to the AUX on the front. You can find car stereo's with rear AUX. It's harder to find them, but they are out there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I already bought the Kenwood after lots of research... The KDC-x996 looked great but the downfall (for me) was CD insertion; it has to be done with the faceplate off, and I'm "old school" (haha) and like CDs still. Thanks so much for the suggestions with the rear inputs! I'm really happy that the only cable that will be seen (aside from the Craigsdock power line) is the aux input on the front. Very excited to get this setup! Thanks CZ Eddie!