Audio - Can you HEAR the directions???

 

For (obviously) many years I have stuck with the nüvi 760 specifically because it plays .mp3 and .aud files. I also listen to the navigation instructions (as well as the audio files) through the vehicle's stereo system via the "line out" jack on the nuvi. Sadly, my device(s) are giving me all kinds of problems. They no longer give me any sound at all unless using the line out option and, even then, the jack is very touchy about a stereo connection so I often only get one speaker working in the vehicle. Lately, when I add custom POI files to the card they show up fine on the computer but the dang nüvi doesn't want to see them. It's extremely frustrating. The unit I normally use just went totally black on me today and won't turn on even after being connected to a charger for over an hour.

My question to all of you is - How difficult is it for "old ears" to hear the navigation directions on the new units? I have no problem buying a new, snazzy, unit but the fact that none of them have an "audio out" option worries me. A device that is barely audible would be of no value to me. I'm not deaf but definitely no longer have "young man's hearing".

Any input would be greatly appreciated. We leave on a month-long trip next Tuesday (July 24) so time is of the essence as far as figuring this out. (If I had lots of time I could buy another 760 with lifetime maps and guaranteed good working condition but I simply don't have the time and only discovered TODAY that my units are borked.)

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

Further Query

In addition to my query above I would like input as to which Garmin to purchase. I'm not too worried about the cost but would want one that works extremely well. I'm not at all up on the new models so I'm pretty clueless and any input would be welcome.

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

3597

Best is the nuvi 3597. It may not be available even as a refurb. However, see this recent thread on hoarded 3597s. A member may be willing to part with one and ship it overnight:

http://www.poi-factory.com/node/48648

Remember that very many 3597 refurbs bought by members actually seemed to be new.

As an owner of both a 760 and a 3597, my opinion is that both were near-perfect for their time. This was a marketing mistake for Garmin, since once you have one or the other, you never need another Garmin.

dobs108 smile

volume of the 3597

The 3597 has good volume for navigation due to a bigger speaker inside the powered mount. The "mixer" has several screens, not just a simple volume control.

However, for custom POIs, when I converted my mp3s to wav files, the volume was much too low. I went on a website to edit the audio files for a higher volume, and that solved the problem. This might happen no matter what Garmin you buy. It might be too much fooling around before a trip to solve the problem.

dobs108 smile

Dang

So it seems the best is no longer offered other than eBay or places like that. Nothing worth getting that is new?

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

DriveLuxe 50LMTHD

Factory Outlet Store is still showing the DriveLuxe 50LMTHD refurb's in stock for $159.95. That may be your best deal right now, although you will be giving up the MP3 player and stereo jack. The volume is acceptable IMO, but not as good as the 3597.

I still prefer the 3597LMTHD, and if I were you I would probably take a chance on a used one on eBay.

--
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Thanks

Thanks. I'll probably do just that but, unfortunately, it won't be in time for our trip. We leave Tuesday morning and will be gone for a month. Ah, well. Such is life. I remember when I used to just use the GPSMAP 76. It beeps and trills for turns. I could still use it if necessary but the maps are waaaaaaaaaaaay old. smile

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GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

As part of the text to

As part of the text to speech audio editor for older Garmin, that I’ve used on our 660, is an audio level adjustment, where you can increase the audio output level above the normal levels. We did that years ago.
If I remember correctly you could increase volume levels up to 3 steps before you’d detect distortion.

Contact cleaner may get audio connections going again if the connector is not physically broke.

--
A 2689LMT in both our cars that we love... and a Nuvi 660 with Lifetime Maps that we have had literally forever.... And a 2011 Ford Escape with Nav System that is totally ignored!

nuvi 3597

thrak wrote:

So it seems the best is no longer offered other than eBay or places like that. Nothing worth getting that is new?

The Nuvi 3597 is such a great GPS model. Why did Garmin stop making it.

parts, maybe

bsp131 wrote:

The Nuvi 3597 is such a great GPS model. Why did Garmin stop making it.

One story is that they could not obtain supply of at least one crucial part. It seemed to me that the model was discontinued unusually quickly. Perhaps someone here can confirm or deny.

My family operates two 3597s, both obtained as refurbs for a bit under $200. Unlike some 3790 refurbs I obtained a few years earlier, these arrived appearing completely fresh, and have worked well.

--
personal GPS user since 1992

3597

bsp131 wrote:

The Nuvi 3597 is such a great GPS model. Why did Garmin stop making it.

The nuvi 3597LMTHD was announced at CES 2013 and it did get great reviews almost immediately. However, I don't think it sold very well because of the $380 list price. It was only when Garmin started unloading the inventory as refurb's in the $120 to $200 price range that the unit became so popular. I suspect Garmin actually lost money on those sales.

We may as well face it. The popularity of smart phone apps has eliminated the market for a premium and pricey dedicated road navigation device. I hope I am wrong, but we may have seen the last of of such devices.

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Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon

Thanks Alan

alandb wrote:

Factory Outlet Store is still showing the DriveLuxe 50LMTHD refurb's in stock for $159.95. That may be your best deal right now...

Thanks Alan. I bought one.

dobs108 smile

Why indeed.. reply to bsp131

Why did GM stop making 57 Chevy's? 65 Malibu's It is all part of a conspiracy to get us to buy the next model of anything, a new color add a few new bells and whistles and we buy it. Applies to everything.. from smartphones to pots and pans to clothes.

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Lives in Edmonton AB A volunteer driver for Drive Happiness.ca and now (since June 20 2021) uses a DS65 to find his clients.

Something (maybe two things) to try

Go in and select some voice other than the one you use; then power down the unit, fire it back up and see how it works. Actually power down, not just go to standby. If it is OK then power down again, select your desired voice and recycle power again. Sometimes that resets the unit and brings the voice back.

The 2nd thing, is the 760 one of the models that could link to the FM radio?

--
John from PA

FM

Yes. I used the FM connection sometimes for work but it's a pain in the butt. There are enough FM stations out there that you always end up having to fiddle with it to get to another solid station. The FM transmitter was intentionally made very weak so it wouldn't interfere with other vehicles.

We are leaving for a 4 week trip in two more days so I'll just deal with what I have for that trip. When I return I'll either find a 3597 or else get another (my third) 760. I really do love that little beast.

Thank you all for your input. I love this place. smile

--
GPSMAP 76CSx - nüvi 760 - nüvi 200 - GPSMAP 78S

Nuvi 760

thrak wrote:

Yes. I used the FM connection sometimes for work but it's a pain in the butt. There are enough FM stations out there that you always end up having to fiddle with it to get to another solid station. The FM transmitter was intentionally made very weak so it wouldn't interfere with other vehicles.

We are leaving for a 4 week trip in two more days so I'll just deal with what I have for that trip. When I return I'll either find a 3597 or else get another (my third) 760. I really do love that little beast.

Thank you all for your input. I love this place. smile

@ Thrak:

Since you appear to like the Nuvi 760 so much, I have a used unit that you can have for the cost of shipping. I got a deal on it last year on eBay and planned to resell it. I waited too long though and now the price on used 760's is too low to bother with.

The battery was replaced by the seller and has mount & cables included. From the limited testing I've done, the unit seems to work fine.

PM me if you're interested. I live on the east coast so the cost to overnight it would be more than the unit is worth. At this late date, it may not arrive in time anyway.

I agree with the advice Alandb offered. The DrivesLuxe 50LMTHD is available refurbished at a good price. Otherwise, a used 3597 on eBay would be my second choice. Unfortunately, you have little time to decide let alone shop.

Looks like a new one

Received the refurb Garmin DriveLuxe 50 LMTHD from Factory Outlet Store. Alandb has the link in his post above. Just like the refurb nuvi 3597, the DriveLuxe 50 appears to be new in every respect.

The DriveLuxe 50 is similar to the 3597, except its powered mount does not have a speaker. I haven't operated it yet so I don't know how loud it is.

dobs108 smile