I bought the HK system for my f56S not realizing that it had no CD capability w/o ordering the separate DVD Changer ($500) and the mandatory Wired Pkg. ($1,750). Had I known this, I definitely would not have spent the $750!

Now I'm trying to get the HK working from my MP3 player (SanDisk Sansa Clip). In the f56 manual, it says, "Use a flexible adapter cable for connection to help protect the USB audio port and the USB device from mechanical damage. The adapter cable supplied with the USB device would be ideal. After the first connection, information about the tracks and directories stored on the USB device is transferred into the vehicle. This may take some time, depending on the USB device, the number of tracks and the folder structure."

I've followed these directions and nothing has been transferred to the HK. I'm looking for ideas on what the problem might be. These thoughts may be of a general nature since I realize there are so few f56's on the road.

 

QBear. How did you load the tracks onto the USB stick or MP3 player? Did you use iTunes?

 

I used Windows Music Player.

 

Not sure because I have an R56 but using iTunes to load the mp3 giving you an easy to access folder system. If I use folders and do it myself it does not work.
I would try that.
Also on the R56 -if you have a large amount of songs it can take a few minutes to load the first time.....


Hope this helps.


Greg

 

Thanks for the suggestion, Gregory.

I'll see what other folks suggest first, then maybe give it a try.

 

I just use a regular usb stick. Works fine. That way you don't have to worry about a cable. Just load some tunes onto a usb with iTunes.....it will work! Its easy and free! USB stick will cost $10.

 

I'm technologically challenged here, Gregory, so I didn't even consider that. Thanks, bro!

 

Do you know the format you stored the songs in?

A few thoughts...
Best option IMO is buy a THUMB DRIVE.....
put copies of the music on it in MP3 format...plug it in...be done.
Your player might need to have the mode switched to a Data mode or bulk storage mode where it can function as just storage...been a while since i used a player other than an Android phone.....and have not played with the f56...but most car radios need the USB to function as STORAGE ONLY unless it is a I-pod/Iphone...........

 

Mp3 are really crappy sounding compared to records played on a quality stereo but the good thing is - every tune in your entire collection can fit on a USB stick....and with ITunes you get to see the cover art too!


Good Luck!

 

Zippy, I don't recall what format I used as I loaded the MP3 player several years ago, and it's the only time I've ever tried that.

Frankly, I'm still shaking my head wondering what HK and Mini were thinking when they offered a $750 music system with no CD player.

 

QBEAR. We don't use a DVD player at home. All movies are now stored on a hard drive. This is the same deal. Do what I suggested. You will never be the same or look back. Greg

 

A suggestion then...
Recompress/Convert the CD's you want....aka re-rip them....
a few years ago most cd's/songs were compressed at 128 KB (or even less like 64)..sounded ok on earbuds, but on a better system...was pretty poor....loss of depth and subtle sounds....
I would rip them to a higher rate...
generally the higher the rate, the less compression, so the better it sounds....
I am nor sure WHAT the capabilities of the f56 radio is...but since it is Apple centric, I bet it supports AAC also, a different compression standard along with mp3.
There are tons of compression schemes.....biggest thing is storage has become SO CHEAP, less compression is getting used for better sound...
If you find that the radio supports "lossless compression"...sometimes apple loss-less, or "orgvorbis" and you use that, the music will sound as good as it did on the cd's!!
CD's are simplying dieing...just like the record, 8-trac, mini-disc, and cassette, VHS, beta-max and lazer disc....
Remember MINI's are sold as CUTTING EDGE for trendsetters and early adopters....they do not want to be seen as a car for the "old and aged"..aka Buick, but want to be for the young crowd...

 

You may want to try with just one or two albums loaded.

--------
Can the MINI play M4A lossless?
Can the new radio play FLAC?

 

QBear- I know that most of the above is probably way beyond what you are looking for. I would just load a USB using iTunes. That will work.
Later.... once (if ever) you decide that the interior of the MINI should be your personal concert hall you can try other formats and change all the speakers and put it new amps! I bet within a year someone will figure out how to put in an aftermarket CD player too....

 

Thanks, all, for the suggestions. I'm off to download iTunes and will give that a try.