Solisto device (MP3)

[kees]

I just finished installing a Solisto device in my 911 carrera (1985) with a Becker Mexico radio. I like the look of the Becker radio in an older Porsche. It's timeless, has a factory look and works great.



I've installed the device behind the passengers floorboard.









The Solisto plugs into the becker radio to act as a CD-changer. The Solisto turns storage media like USB drives into a MP3-player.

After I connected the Solisto to the Becker, I installed a USB connector in the center console.



The Becker radio recognizes the Solisto as a 10 CD-changer. I've created 10 maps of 99 MP3-files. In total I can play 990 tracks (USB-stick), using the controls of the Becker radio.






Kees.

[gerrygug]

Sweet!
The Mexico does have the correct period look. Where did you get it?

[gerrygug]

I am bumping this post because it looks like most of us don't know what a Solisto Device is.
Looks like a real clever alternative to a CD changer. Are these devices available in the USA?
Does anyone know a source for the Becker Mexico CD pictured. Most of the Becker Mexico models that come up on a Google do not look like the one in the picture.

[kees]

Originally Posted by gerrygug

Sweet!
The Mexico does have the correct period look. Where did you get it?

I just bought the radio a few years ago in a carshop.

The Solisto is some kind of virtual CD-changer. There is a website with some explanation: www.solisto.de (english).

Becker Mexico CD (BE4337) is almost the same as the Porsche CDR-22 (BE4462)and Porsche CDR-220 (BE4467) units. These units are often seen on Ebay.










Kees.

[khamul02]

I noticed you are using a 4 gig usb drive. Does the Stereo see all 4 gigs? I've been told that some only see 2 gigs. I'm looking at another head unit and can't find the spec anywhere.
I know some devices do have a fat32 2gig flash drive limitation.

[kees]

The Solisto can access a maximum number of 594 songs (990 if you have a Becker car stereo that can address 10 CDs), even if there is enough space on the storage device to store more songs. The number is not directly limited by Solisto, but by the way the radio communicates with a CD changer. It can only access 6 "CDs" having a maximum of 99 tracks (songs) each.

The Solisto device sees all 4 Gb. I can create ten folders with each 99 MP3-files. I have to name the folders CD1, CD2, CD3.....
The Solisto recognizes the folder as a CD with (max) 99 songs.

So the device can see 10 times 99 = 990 songs. This is normally to much for a 4Gb USB drive.

The USB-stick I use (the one on the photo) contains 750 songs (4Gb) and all of them can be played by the Solisto.


Solisto supports all mass storage devices that are equipped with a USB plug, and conform with the USB specification 1.1 or 2.0 and support the communication profile "Mass Storage Device - Bulk Only Transport". That sounds very complicated, but in practice nearly all USB flash drives, card readers (e.g. for SD-Card, CompactFlash, MultimediaCard, ...), USB MP3 players, digital cameras and external hard disk drives comply to that standard. The USB interface supports a maximum power consumption of 1A (1000mA). That is twice as much as specified in the USB 2.0 standard and is sufficient for all typical 2.5" notebook hard disk drives.


Kees.

[khamul02]

Well, That kinda stinks for ipods and large storage devices. But I guess a mere 990 songs will get you by on a 30 minute trip

[dorschman]

I bought a cdr-220 from SW Stereo Specialists 1-800-270-2378 January of 2007 for around $500.00. I installed it myself and it came with the adapter plate for the face so you could see it at the 911 angle (it was from a Boxster). The guy was very helpful when I called with install questions. I just ran a cable from the auxillary port in the stereo to in between the seats where I plug in my i-pod and play that way. Pretty simple and does sound very good.

[kees]

Originally Posted by dorschman

I bought a cdr-220 from SW Stereo Specialists 1-800-270-2378 January of 2007 for around $500.00. I installed it myself and it came with the adapter plate for the face so you could see it at the 911 angle (it was from a Boxster). The guy was very helpful when I called with install questions. I just ran a cable from the auxillary port in the stereo to in between the seats where I plug in my i-pod and play that way. Pretty simple and does sound very good.

The benefit of the Solisto is, that you can use the controls of the headunit (instead of your Ipod).

[SCWDP911]

Thanks for this info. I have been waiting for something like this. Time to do some more research on Solisto...

[lindemans]

Feel free to ask me more details / info via info@solisto.nl
If there is more interest we can always do something smart (pricing / shipment).

Alongside the USB-version, we also have the Solisto Pro with USB, iPod and AUX input; USB and iPod operated via the Becker controls.
The Beckers with hi-res display (like the NAV radio's) also support display of the MP3 tags.

Solisto also runs well with the PCM1 (not the PCM2).

[Quicksilver]

Originally Posted by gerrygug

I am bumping this post because it looks like most of us don't know what a Solisto Device is.
Looks like a real clever alternative to a CD changer. Are these devices available in the USA?
Does anyone know a source for the Becker Mexico CD pictured. Most of the Becker Mexico models that come up on a Google do not look like the one in the picture.

It's a Mexico CD 4337. It is a nice looking unit for the car.

[ronev]

Thanks, kees, for this good info. I just installed the Solisto Pro in my Porsche 993 (CDR-210). Sounds great, and works great with my iPhone. The problem is with a 4g SD card in a USB adapter. I had a couple of these cards lying around. The first "CD" works great, the second "CD" plays the first 6 songs then just stops. I can't get it to access CD3, 4, 5, etc. There's also a big space between songs.

Anyone else had this problem?

kees, if you haven't had this problem with your storage device, then I need to get yours.

Thanks!

[lindemans]

@ronev:

It is important that you create folders on the memory card / USB with the names CD1, CD2, CD3 etc. up to CD10.

Only these folders are recognised by the Solisto as virtual CDs. Music files need to be copied directly to these folders.
It should then work perfectly.

In case you still run into issues please contact me directly (info@solisto.nl)
This should work fine, if it does not we will make it work fine.

[ronev]

Thanks, lindemans, I discovered yesterday that I had not correctly renamed the playlist file (.m3u) in each virtual CD.

Works perfectly now. Thanks!

I also have a 07 C6 Corvette with the SAT/Nav and audio system combination. Do you know if a Solisto connection cable
is available for it?

[DW SD]

Very nice!

How much is solisto and where do I buy it?
thank you,

Doug

[ronev]

DW SD, here's where:

Solisto Car Audio | Solisto

There's another advantage to using this system....On a 911 with 19" wheels and a hard ride, there's no CD bouncing around and skipping. This system never misses a beat.

[lindemans]

Feel free to contact me for a special offer at info@solisto.nl ...

It might be smart to look at combining shipment of a few units to avoid multiple shipping costs from Europe.

Dick

[lindemans]

There are 3 versions:

Solisto Extra - iPod interface
Solisto Classic - USB stick interface
Solisto Pro - USB + iPod interface

iPod functionality also charges the Apple through the Solisto (iPhone 4 compatible)

[DW SD]

Does it only work with Becker stereo heads?