Has anybody seen any threads on the system in the F-Type 2015 playing lossless/Flac files? If so please direct me, if not any insights?

Thanks

 

Nope, won't do it, I already tried. Lossy only, MP3 and AAC, and WMA. Surprised me too.

 

My question has been if the usb iPod connection will recognize other mp3 players and therefore potentially allow flac support. All signs point to "no," other players are being seen as usb mass storage devices.

For the record, the Meridian system doesn't do very well with AAC, either. It hasn't successfully played any that I've tried to run through it. And no, they aren't locked by DRM.

 

I have a FIIO X3 II, I can play FLAC if I use the "line-out" option on player (headphone jack might work) and AUX on the car, cannot control the player from car controls, but sounds pretty good.

My solution was to buy a 64 gig usb thump drive and convert FLAC library to MP3 directly to drive using FlacSquisher, at 320 kHz it sounds decent.... I also have an 128 gig sdx, waiting for micro USB reader, will let you know if it works.

 

so, when you plug the FIIO into the USB port in the car, it doesn't recognize the FLAC files? I've been using a simple USB stick loaded up with MP3s and it works just fine. Was just hoping fora FLAC solution that could be controlled by the car. I did read somewhere that the car won't recognize a usb directory any larger than 64GB, but I haven't personally tested that out with anything larger...

 

Correct, the car does not recognize the Flac files on FIIO, you can browse into directory, but it just says "no files".

One other thing I would love to see on Meridian, is a delete button for unwanted songs.

 

I recognize that this isn't an answer to your question, but trying to play lossless on the Meridian system would be like like trying to paint the Sistine Chapel with a crayon.

 

Except that using a crayon to do the Sistine Chapel is theoretically possible; playing lossless on the Meridian is apparently impossible.

You'll play lossless on the meridian the same day you'll play a 12" LP on it.

 

Oh, one more thing, Fat32 theoretical capacity limit is 32 gigabytes, so there lies another little obstacle

 

FAT32:


4 GB maximum file size, 8 TB maximum partition size.

 

Heh, true. But, if you could play lossless on the Meridian system it'd just be a disappointment and a waste. Maybe they left the feature off knowing how badly it would expose the flaws?

 

You must be having a different experience with the Meridian than I am. I've got the current 2016 770 Watt system and it has been problem-free from day one. While I'd have preferred a Bowers & Wilkins system, the Meridian has been great.


Since it does have a CD player, I don't think that FLAC was left off to cover any flaws. Especially considering that 99% of FLAC files are ripped straight from a CD... FLAC was likely left off because of the decidedly small number of end-users who actually use FLAC. Although, I'd think that the target buyer of a $100k car would likely be considerably more familiar with high end audio...

 

Indeed. For me, the overall quality of the Meridian system was below what I'd consider acceptable. To be perfectly frank I found it atrocious. I put in a pretty major aftermarket upgrade with high quality parts and tuning and I'm 100x happier. If you are happy with the Meridian system might I suggest you visit a high end car audio shop near you and listen to how they can make a car sing? It'll likely change your opinion pretty quickly.

I was joking about the FLAC thing. I have no idea why they left it off. I chalk it up to being one of the many many disappointing things about the audio and navigation system in the car.

(I love the car btw, just wish it didn't feel like stepping back to 2002 from an electronics perspective).

 

Mr. Claws, if you don't mind my asking, how much did you spend (equipment and installation) on your high-end aftermarket system?

 

Strange.

My iPhone has only the full fat versions of each track, and plays just fine whether over Bluetooth or wired...

 

Yes, that's as is almost always the case w/ things Apple, they just work w/ no fuss. However, many others enjoy the challenge of constantly fiddling w/ and fixing things that don't work. :-)

 

Sure, don't mind at all. Keep in mind that while to me mine is high-end and I have had nothing but positive reactions, it definitely isn't a competition system.

I think the total at the end for the audio stuff was around $8k including install. I also had them do my laser jammers and radar detector which was additional cost so it's hard for me to seperate out. I was around $11k at the end for everything. Will check my receipt when I get home from work tonight.

 

Thanks, I was just looking for a ball park estimate. I'm personally not interested in having a high-end listening room in my car and would put the $8K to use elsewhere. I prefer the exhaust note and usually have the sound system off.

However, when I do have the rare urge to listen to music in my car, the "free" Meridian sounds just fine.

 

Yep, totally makes sense. It all depends on your priorities. For me, while I love the exhaust note, and find myself driving with the radio off more than I EVER thought I would, for the times I do want the stereo I want it loud and perfectly clear. Big part of the fun of driving for me, especially since I use the F-Type as my daily and parts of my drive are limited in fun due to the local constabulary.

 

I'm more than familiar with both high end home and car audio. Given that my main home system cost a bit more than my entire F-Type, I'm not really expecting the sound system in the car to perform up to those same standards, let alone what can be achieved for $8k or so with an aftermarket car audio solution. I've been there and done that a number of times before, with respect to the custom car audio solutions. That being said, I certainly agree that the Meridian system is not even close to perfect, but it does fine for what it is. As far as buzzing, rattling and all the other problems I've read about, I haven't had any of those issues. So, in that respect, I'm satisfied. I do wish, however, that Jag had stuck with B&W for car audio - I've been more impressed with what they've done as of late with their car systems. For the record, I've never been a fan of Meridian, even their home equipment.


I am curious, however, as to what you've done to the car in the audio realm. I'm definitely an audiophile, so I'm generally only minutes away from spending unnecessary funds on audio gear, anyway... I wouldn't be opposed to adding some dynamat in the doors and perhaps behind the subs. With the limited amount of boot space in the F-Type, I'd definitely avoid adding sub boxes back there. Although, now that you've got my mind churning, I've got a couple of nice McIntosh Car Audio amps that I removed from a previous car prior to selling it that would look pretty cool glowing up from under the lift-gate.... Hmm....