I need a straight answer on Bluetooth sound quality

[JSmith]

Kia EV6 audio review: Should you upgrade to the Meridian system? - TotallyEV

TotallyEV puts the Kia EV6's audio system through its paces. Find out if you should upgrade to the Meridian system by reading the review.

totallyev.net

To connect up to the vehicle’s audio system using your smartphone, you can opt for a wireless connection over Bluetooth where the SBC and AAC codecs are supported only, or opt for higher-fidelity playback by using a wired USB connection instead. Here, both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are supported through the infotainment system.

at least AAC

SBC	320 kbps	16 bit	48.0 kHz	2003
AAC	264 kbps	16 bit	44.1 kHz	2015

JSmith

 

[BeerBear]

I don't know what that chart is supposed to mean.
Just to be clear: SBC's higher max bitrate doesn't mean it has better audio quality. AAC can produce better quality even at a lower bitrate.
The encoder used makes a big difference, however. But seeing how OP has an iPhone, I'm pretty sure that the AAC encoder will be good. Whereas with Android phones the implementations vary and you're not guaranteed good quality when using BT with AAC.

 

[MaxBuck]

Car audio is such a crapshoot. Subjectively, I haven't heard a system I thought sounded better than my wife's old Volvo XC60 (2014 model). I have no idea who even made the thing, but it was a whole lot better IMO than the Burmester in her current Mercedes or the several "high-end" Harman systems in my own BMWs. So much of all this depends on the sonic characteristics of the enclosure - i.e., the vehicle's cabin.

 

[DonR]

Car audio is such a crapshoot. Subjectively, I haven't heard a system I thought sounded better than my wife's old Volvo XC60 (2014 model). I have no idea who even made the thing, but it was a whole lot better IMO than the Burmester in her current Mercedes or the several "high-end" Harman systems in my own BMWs. So much of all this depends on the sonic characteristics of the enclosure - i.e., the vehicle's cabin.

We always say the most important aspect after the source material is the room or car interior in this case. It must be a reflection nightmare inside a car.

 

[Vacceo]

It would make more sense (well, not financially...) to upgrade the car's audio capabilities with dampening, better speakers and DSP. I have a current-gen Kia Rio GT and, while the stock system was decent, it improved immensely with proper dampening and deadening of the car doors and better speakers, driven by a DSP capable amp that allowed for calibration.

Dampening makes a massive difference, even more if you drive a lot. Less noise from the tire contact and engine means a lot less stress.

Better sounding music, is, of course, the other great part.

 

[rwortman]

Damping. If you want dampening, leave the windows open in the rain.

 

[NTK]

Damping. If you want dampening, leave the windows open in the rain.

Sound Damping vs Dampening vs Deadening: What's the Difference?

Sound Damping vs Dampening vs Deadening. While most people just want a general understanding of how products work, in this section we will talk some science for those of you that want a more intricate explanation.

soundskinsglobal.com

 

[rwortman]

Industry misuse is still misuse. To reduce the amplitude is damping. A piano does not have a dampening pedal.

 

[Vict0r]

Damping. If you want dampening, leave the windows open in the rain.

Hahaha sorry, English isn't my first language. Thanks.

 

[JSmith]

I don't know what that chart is supposed to mean.

I was just confirming what you said in reference to AAC being available for the OP, as previously I posted SBC only for the Meridian car audio system.

SBC's higher max bitrate doesn't mean it has better audio quality.

Yes that's basically what I posted earlier.


JSmith

 

[oversky]

Which Bluetooth Codec is the best?​

SBC vs aptX: Which Bluetooth Codec is the best?

There are 3 main audio codecs when it comes to headphones: SBC, AAC, and aptX. Our comparison will focus on the differences between SBC and aptX.

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