Spotify output to head unit from Android?

[r44flyer]

Hello all,
Does anyone know if it is possible to output audio from an Android phone (specifically Samsung Galaxy series) through USB to a head unit? I don't want to use the headphone jack to aux-in due to compromised sound quality and volume issues.

I'm aiming to play Spotify audio to the head unit so by outputting audio I don't mean mp3s as a mass storage device. I am aware there are double-din units that run Android and/or operate Mirrorlink that may do this, but such a unit is cost prohibitive for me.

Thanks muchly!

[Riknos]

May not help, but I use bluetooth to stream my phone to my car stereo and Spotify works perfectly. I don't know if Android can handle it but it works perfectly with my iphone 5.

[smiffy180]

I know this isn't much help but my fiat with the blue&me unit has usb music capabilities so it is doable

[alexnessie]

The sound quality over aux-in should be higher than via bluetooth.

I've tested both on my iO Play2 kit, alongside an iPod connected through their official adapter, and from high to low in sound quality, I would say both the iPod via adapter and Galaxy Note 3 via aux-in are slightly higher quality than the bluetooth. The bluetooth is perfectly acceptable for listening to on the move however when parked up with no wind noise, I'd give the edge to the iPod/Galaxy via aux-in.

My sound equipment is fairly decent spec and you can tell the difference easily between sources with differing quality. For example 320kbps MP3 and FLAC sound the same to most people, but you can tell the difference between the two on my setup.

[kwak]

As far as I know it's not possible to do this. Aux in or Bluetooth is the way to go.
I'd be happy to be proven wrong though.

[thescamper]

i use one of these to convert my head unit to bluetooth. Works brilliantly with my Samsung Galaxy S2 and my Note 10

[igiveup]

r44flyer said:

Hello all,
Does anyone know if it is possible to output audio from an Android phone (specifically Samsung Galaxy series) through USB to a head unit? I don't want to use the headphone jack to aux-in due to compromised sound quality and volume issues.

I'm aiming to play Spotify audio to the head unit so by outputting audio I don't mean mp3s as a mass storage device. I am aware there are double-din units that run Android and/or operate Mirrorlink that may do this, but such a unit is cost prohibitive for me.

Thanks muchly!

I use a Bluetooth dongle (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00D6JE96S)
Plug it into the aux-in and Stream to it via Bluetooth from your Phone. Sound quality is allot better then just plugging the Aux-in straight into your phone.
I use a NEXUS 4 for this for reference.

[chrislusty]

With the bluetooth dongles, does your phone still stay connected to the handsfree kit in car too? I have a 2008 mondeo with bluetooth handsfree built in, but no streaming music option, the dongles would be great if i could stream music to them, but would also want the handsfree still working too, can you pair multiple devices at same time. I have a samsung galaxy s4 mini.

[thescamper]

I haven't tried as my head unit supports the phone, however my phone is capable of connecting to two suitable bluetooth items so im guessing that it will stream to the head unit and phone through the built in hands free.

[r44flyer]

Thanks for the input so far. Been looking elsewhere and it does seem that usb input isn't yet possible, so bluetooth or aux is the solution.

Now, can anyone recommend a new head unit? I need rear usb and aux input to hide cables in the dash. The less flashing light nonsense going on the better and preferably with dimmable display/buttons for night driving.

The MVH-X560BT seems to tick most boxes and is around the £100 mark which works with my budget.

[conkerman]

I have a Kenwood KDC BT61. Does the job and streams bluetooth lovely.

[Faselm]

I use a kenwood head unit with aux in using my galaxy note 2 and the sound quality is excellent no different to than playing a cd you can use a graphic equaliser ongyour phone to get an even better sound too

[Faselm]

I use a kenwood head unit with aux in using my galaxy note 2 and the sound quality is excellent no different to than playing a cd you can use a graphic equaliser ongyour phone to get an even better sound too