Can we use a USB splitter for media connection?

[jcfay]

Hi all - I'm wondering if we can use and if the iDrive system won't freak out if a USB splitter is used, with 2 separate media sources attached (like two USB drives, etc.). Anyone tried this with any success? I've gone from using my iPod 160GB to FLAC on a 128GB USB, and it works great and sounds great, and was thinking of adding storage. I've seen the USB splitters for sale at the dealership, but I think this is for charging only.

Anyone know? Thx

[tastelid]

I am shocked you can fill up 128gb! Something tells me a usb splitter will not work, either because of power concerns or just due to the fact that the idrive seems designed for *one* usb stick.

would be cool if i am wrong!

[wdimagineer]

It won't work. Only one "media" device at a time.

[jcfay]

Thanks. I figured that might be the case. Since I've moved over to lossless music it runs 200-500 MB per album so 128GB can go fast. Looks like I'll just move up to a larger drive. Thanks!

[DallasCajun]

Yep, I can verify that it won't work. I have an iPod connected, and also try to connect my iPhone every once in a while for streaming apps (Pandora, etc). As soon as I disconnect my iPhone, the car displays that there aren't any USB devices connected. So...one at a time.

[PhantomCypher]

Originally Posted by jcfay

Thanks. I figured that might be the case. Since I've moved over to lossless music it runs 200-500 MB per album so 128GB can go fast. Looks like I'll just move up to a larger drive. Thanks!

You're using FLAC in the car - the iDrive can play those files natively without any conversion? Do you have the B&O option? How are you finding the sound quality versus a 320kbps MP3 or CD?

[jcfay]

Originally Posted by PhantomCypher

You're using FLAC in the car - the iDrive can play those files natively without any conversion? Do you have the B&O option? How are you finding the sound quality versus a 320kbps MP3 or CD?

Oh yes - down a few pages in this forum there's another thread on this with some more detail. iDrive supports FLAC natively, and you can plug in a USB drive or even a hard drive (doesn't need to be SSD either). Just use a program like tag&rename to tag each file and add album and file art if you want to, and keep a sensible folder structure (artist/album/file). Then, plug it in and it works.

I've got the B&O and it sounds awesome. I can hear the difference on some music, not all, since for some music it's so "thick" (like certain metal, etc.) that it'd be impossible to tell the difference. But other music with dynamics (tons of examples here), you can definitely hear the difference. Try it out. I'm now a FLAC convert. Still got my iTunes "normal" library for other uses, but for the car it's FLAC time

HTH