Scrutator

As an audiophile I burn all my CDs for the car as 320 kbps MP3s. This limits the number of CDs I can put on a 128GB drive to about 125. Has anyone tried a solid-state drive in the port using some type of adapter? I have a 1TB SSD drive I'd like to use. I'm guessing I'd have to power it separately.

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

What's the highest resolution you can put on an iPod?

Scrutator

I have no idea. I've never used one. They seem to max out at 160GB, however.

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

Oh yes. Just know they can be self powered and run off SSD storage. That's what I use but haven't looked at the highest quality for ripping.

R Z

I wish I had a usb input. While I'm no grand audiophile, I save my mp3's at 128. My ears aren't discerning enough to tell the difference. I can still hear the stereo separation and individual instrumentation. I guess this is like the recording and studio mixing forums I'm a member, with regards to recording in 16bit vs 24bit. I just can't tell the difference.

If you prefer 320, there are larger usb sticks out there.

greg3852

I don't have a USB in mine either, but I imagine this would work just fine, and no external power needed.

Apricorn

I'm sure there are plenty of other companies that do this too, I just use Apricorn stuff for other projects. But you can also use a powered Sata to usb and use a small power inverter.

R Z

Don't know about the 460, but I have small portable drives on my desktop for back up. they don't need to be plugged in. I'm referring to a WD passport. Not sure though if it's slotted specifically for pc or mac OS. Worth checking into.

Scrutator

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I'll do some experimenting when I have some time.

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

Holy crap! That's a lot of scratch for a USB drive! looks like I'm sticking with ye olde iPod!

Scrutator

Yes, the larger USB drives are quite pricey. My 1TB SSD was only about $300 so it'd be great if I could just pop it into an inexpensive USB-connected enclosure. I think that the main issue of concern would be that the USB port will deliver enough bus power or if I'd have to power it separately.

Dr. Jekyll

iTrader: (1)

I'd love to hear the solution though. I'm a fan of accessing my massive library through my iPod and would appreciate the added clarity in high fidelity cleaner files would make.

Scrutator

Yes, me too. A search of some of the car-audio forums has not provided an answer to my question. Surely I'm not the only one who has pondered this or tried it out.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

You should be able to get a lot more than 125 CDs on a 128GB drive. The average (uncompressed) CD takes up about 400-500MB - that should give about 250 CDs. Compressed down to 320mbps, you should get 3-4 times more.

FYI, i use a 160gb 2.5" laptop drive (not SSD) in a portable USB enclosure with no additional power source in my 2010 Prius and it works fine. Not sure if they have similar USB port power specs.

CarGuy89

Give this a try:
I use the slightly older 2.0 USB version of that and it has been excellent. I love the tiny profile this way it takes up next to no room in your storage compartment. I am far from a sound conissour but it sounds crisp and clear to my ears. I think the system only recognizes up to a certain amount of music/data. I don't have a ton of music, but even then I had to make 2 separate folders so all the songs would show up (I think its only like 200 songs per folder or something like that). However, when you're on USB mode and esp if you play it in order, it will go through your folders automatically so all your songs will be covered. The random feature is so-so and tends not to be that random. Anyway, I have had great luck from he USB, small in size so it doesn't take up space and it's make by Sandisk which IMO makes the best USB storage devices. Plus this one is 3.0 with decent speeds, no SSD by any means but halfway there to the older ones anyways.

EDIT: My link takes you to the 64gb, but a 128 gb is available right next to it on the amazon page.

Scrutator

sktn77a: You're correct. My quick and (too) dirty math came up with the wrong figure. Apparently, I should be able to get about 1000 CDs at 320 kbps on a 128GB flash drive. DOH! Maybe I won't need 1TB after all!

What a difference a zero makes!