Mp3 player too weak for home stereo

[Feenyman99]

I will start by saying that I am an Audio Lightweight, so go ez on me :-)

I have a Philips GoGear Aria that is fine for listening with ear buds, but I also want to be able to play my mp3 tunes on my home stereo for gatherings and parties. The problem is that when I attach it to the AUX inputs of the stereo, the sound is really weak - even if I max the volume on both MP3 player and Stereo. (if I listen to the radio on that Same stereo, the sound is plenty strong enuf.)

Is it simply a matter of getting a stronger MP3 Player? And, if so, is there a 'spec' that I should look for in a new Mp3 Player, to know if it has enuf output?

Thx y'all...
Feenyman99

[CrowdAds]

[FreeZ5]

I have used several devices with two different old stereos and a couple with a new stereo. I set the player volume to max (or close) and use a Y-cable to connect headphone out to RCA in. Works great. Don't have to be anywhere near max volume on the stereo.

The mp3 players are Samsung YP-Z5, Sansa Clip (original, Plus, and Zip), and Sansa Fuze. I have also used a Phillips portable CD player, a Palm Pilot, and a Samsung Phone or Tablet the same way with similar results. I can't believe that results with your GoGear would be different.

Perhaps you can tell us more about your connection, etc.

Steve

[saratoga]

Are you in Europe, where mp3 players are volume capped?

[3602]

It might be an input sensitivity thing.

Personal example: I have an MZ-RH1 Hi-MD player. In line-out mode, this device outputs a regulated 194mV.

I have a vintage Luxman L-3 integrated amplifier with its AUX input sensitivity at 145mV. I have to increase the volume on the amplifier to around 50% if I want an enjoyable volume. In comparison, my desktop source device, a Luxman D-90, would only require the amplifier to be at around 10% volume for about the same sound level (using the same AUX input). And when playing CD's, the system gets really loud beyond 20% volume. The CD player gets warmer than the amplifier, which is rather curious since the amplifier is rated Class A (in 1978 terms).

If your stereo amplifier has a Phono input, you might want to give it a try since Phono levels are usually really low and require gobs of amplification. Start with your volume knob at zero and slowly turn it up. However many receivers have different phono input modes (moving magnet vs. moving coil) and most have only one. So that may mess with your sound in all kinds of unpredictable ways.

Also this is from a month ago. Good luck.