I installed a Mini Ipod adaptor and Ipod I-Ride docking station in my wifes Mini. Everything works fine. The only problem I have is that there is a noticable hissing sound when playing the Ipod. The music sounds fine when using the Ipod with headphones. Any ideas how to fix this problem would be greatly appreciated.

 

No such problem with just the MINI iPod adaptor. Could be a compatibility issue between the adaptor and the docking station.

 

I'll try plugging the cable directly into the Ipod and see if that helps. I'll post the results tomorrow.

 

Tried using the Ipod without the docking station. It did not make a difference. I did notice that turning the trebble all the way off on the cars stereo greatly reduced the hissing.

 

Could it be ground loop interference?

 

It was also suggested by a friend that it may be a grounding problem. How would I go about fixing it? If it helps, my wife told me the CD changer I had originally installed hissed as well (she just advised me of this). The Ipod adaptor plugged into the same port on the stereo. Burned CDs sound clear when playing off of the head unit through, so I don't think it is a problem with the quality of the music. This Mini has the Harmon Kardon system in it. The hissing sounds like alternator noise, but it can still be heard with the engine off.

 

You can get a ground loop isolator at crutchfield.com (~$18), or probably other places. Just do a search. Most of the time people see this if they are using the aux-in port on vehicles, but I don't know if the minis have this issue or not (don't have mine yet!).

 

I will look into it. Thanks for your info.