Very quick question, is it possible to save music from standard shop bough music CD on to the HDD in Columbus - if so how ?

 

Thanks

 

Smugers

Simple answer, no.

Has to be copied from SD card in MP3 format.

Thanks - will continue to use iPod in that case, just trying to get away from music compression as the CD version (IMO) sound so much better than the iPod version of the same album.

Rip the CD at the max 320kbps MP3 and use that in the Columbus. will sound loads better than the limited ipod version.

Are you using the 3.5 mm socket or the 35 pin connector to link to your Columbus?

I'm no audiophile but I can't tell the difference between the CD and the iPhone when using the dock connector (via MDI cable).

KB - I'm using the MDI (under arm rest at front of box) think it is 35 pin. I tried CD this morning and then listened to same track on iPod and the CD was so much 'richer' in sound quality. Not sure if the iPhone being a more recent product has better audio processor than an old iPod.

 

Mannyo - interesting idea makes sense - will have to experiment  I had forgotten that I could adjust the kbs - out of interest what ripping software do you use ?

Use iTunes, just change the default settings to MP3 and then pick custom. Drag the slider to the best quality and go, resulting files can be quiet large but I do notice the quality difference.

 

Do not try to convert your existing lower bitrate files, all you end up with is larger files that sound worse. Exactly the same thing would happen if you recreated the CD from the low bitrate file and re-ripped it. Always re-rip using the original source CD.

I was going to use iTunes but just wondered if there was anything else out there.

 

Thanks for your guidance, I'll have a play over the weekend.

 

Smudgers

Suggest you also play around with Equaliser setting on iPhone asthis can make a difference.

I can recommend the freeware tool 'Audacity' from http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

I've been using it for years to edit out applause, adjust run-ins and run-outs, make ringtones and convert formats amongst other things - it's brilliant.

I just use the standard Windows Media Player to rip from the CD at the highest bit rate in MP3 format rather than WMA. It does take more memory but I have found that the sound from my Columbus and standard speaker set up is quite good with the equaliser settings increased a bit. You can then either copy the music onto an SD card or onto a recordable CD, but you must burn it as a data CD rather then an audio CD like you get from a shop. The settings can be changed in the Windows Media Player before you do anything.

Ian

Rip the CD at the max 320kbps MP3 and use that in the Columbus. will sound loads better than the limited ipod version.

 

That's what I do and it works a treat

Rip the CD at the max 320kbps MP3 and use that in the Columbus. will sound loads better than the limited ipod version.

Me too....

Windows Media Player works fine for me, all my CD's were ripped at 320kbps, to be stored on computer hard drives & when burnt onto CD's ( & DVD's as well, for more capacity per disc) & SD Cards for use in our cars they sound good enough for us.

 

SWMBO's Octy Bolero won't read MP3 encoded DVD's, whereas the Columbus has no such problem, but the Bolero does have a built in 6 disc changer so we are never short of music in either car.

 

DC 

Upgrade the car speakers?

Expensive - but if one can afford it...

I always try to rip at highest setting.

Though I cant tell difference :-(

Else just play the CD? :-)

I use Exact Audio Copy (a free CD ripper) to rip my CDs into FLAC (lossless) format as I have a music server at home, and a very nice hifi. I then use foobar2000 (some free music software) to convert the files into high bit-rate mp3 files onto SD card for the car.

I think you can use EAC to encode straight to mp3, but you might also want to keep a lossless source file in FLAC on your computer - saves ripping it again if you ever want a higher quality copy in the future. Hence my suggestion. You can then sell your CDs, or stick them all in a box somewhere to gather dust.

I do notice a definite difference in sound quality between original CD and the mp3 at 320kbps, but it isn't massive, not through the factory speakers.

Before upgrading the speakers, also consider fitting an active subwoofer in the boot. It takes some of the workload away from the factory speakers, so that they can concentrate on the mid-range, rather than trying to do the bass as well.

U need this!

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/262022-show-me-your-audio-installs/?hl=%2Bupgrade+%2Bspeakers#entry3088924

Lol

I'm sure I read somewhere that if you bought music from iTunes you can download it again from the cloud but specify a higher (320) bit rate if you need it.

I've also got a feeling if it's something you've uploaded from your PC and it's on iTunes you can also update it. I've got some mediocre MP3 tracks I've been meaning to try it with.

I don't bother with CDs much now, iPod is quite acceptable once the tone is set up on the Columbus. At home everything is now on a NAS drive and piped to the living room hifi, the kitchen cd radio and the study via Sonos.

Guys,

 

Thanks for all you input and sharing accumulated knowledge. I think I'll have a bit of a tester session over the next few weeks and see what works best IMO.

 

I have had all my previous vehicles sound systems upgraded (Focal speakers & sub, Genesis amps) and have talked to the ICE specialist about doing the same with the L&K, reason for not proceeding (at present) was I think the overall sound quality is not too bad for factory fit. The specialist suggestion was to Dynomat the doors as much as possible and then a passive sub in the boot and see where we go form there.

 

Any one any experience of subs in the boot ?

Yep, I've got the pioneer sub in the spare wheel of my estate. It's active rather than passive, as I don't have a separate speaker amp. Integrates well, and invisible installation as it takes up zero space in the boot. I did a little write-up on it a while ago, see last posts on this thread: http://www.briskoda.net/forums/index.php?/topic/262465-Cheap-upgrade-to-Columbus-audio-experience

Thanks Jake, very interesting