Zune LOD

[Zombie X_o Love]

Even know I don't have a zune myself, I still find it completely odd that many people are saying. That Zunes can't do line out, So I did some searching and found these.

Zune LOD housing.
SparkFun Electronics - Zune Microsoft MP3 Connector

Zune pinout out chart.
http://www.zuneboards.com/forums/zun...e-pinouts.html

Well if anyone is willing to try it, Tell us how it went.

 

[Signal2Noise]

We know the Zune can do line out. There are official Zune docks afterall. But my understanding is the LOD is proprietary and needs to licensed/unlocked via Microsoft. I don't think it's easy or legal for someone to just go and make a LOD cable without permission. As much as I'd like a LOD cable for the Zune.

 

[Hanafuda]

both of your links are the same. are they supposed to be? I'd consider soldering up my own LOD, if I knew before committing the money and time that it would work (assuming I do the job correctly).

 

[swanlee]

Part of the issue is the Zune have a very good heapdhpone output unlike the ipods so a LOD for the zune probably won't give you much better sound quality.

 

[Zombie X_o Love]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanafuda /img/forum/go_quote.gif both of your links are the same. are they supposed to be? I'd consider soldering up my own LOD, if I knew before committing the money and time that it would work (assuming I do the job correctly).

I did not notice that thank you!

 

[daglesj]

I think also the trick with enabling the Line Out is to apply power through the connector and that unlocks it. I'm not sure if it can be enabled passivley.

The Line out from the MS Zune Dock is pretty good. You can pick them up real cheap on Ebay now. I've got two and I live in the UK!

Good luck though, interested to know what happens.

 

[Devolve]

Quote:

Originally Posted by swanlee /img/forum/go_quote.gif Part of the issue is the Zune have a very good heapdhpone output unlike the ipods so a LOD for the zune probably won't give you much better sound quality.

Exactly, an LOD would only be for aesthetics, imo. I have a Zune AV kit with the dock and there's no difference from a 3.5mm->RCA cable to my ears. Set the volume to 20 and go.

 

[Young Spade]

There are lods out there but like other posters have said, the headphone jack on the Zune is pretty good.

IMO, I would say to get a good mini to mini cable and amp that. I have seen a couple of rigs on here that have done this and they said the SQ increased.

 

[warrior05]

Quote:

Originally Posted by daglesj /img/forum/go_quote.gif I think also the trick with enabling the Line Out is to apply power through the connector and that unlocks it. I'm not sure if it can be enabled passivley.

Bingo! Give that Head-Fi'er a kewpie doll.

I looked into building a Zune LOD for a customer and found out that MS in their infinite wisdom made it so a passive line out was not an option (this may be different for the latest generation Zunes). I built one for him just in case and met him at a meet. No dice.

So now I have a nice Zune LOD sitting on my workbench waiting to be converted into an iPod LOD.

 

[Drag0n]

Wow that doc is still sitting on your bench from the meet?..lol

Hey im wearing my Q40s

If you find what pins power it, you can make a LOD box for it, but youd have to carry the darn thing like a V-Cap box, or an amp. Have to use a battery inside for it to open the pins.

Carry the Zune Doc with you and a battery pack.
I powered it with a battery before.

Plus then you cant use the case with the original LOD, unless you make a cord that will connect it so u dont have to stand it up in there.

 

[ottoyu34]

Thanks! Interesting find.

Otto