USB vs CD power usage

[Philip]

Hello, complete newbie here.

Would a head unit playing mp3s off a usb stick use less power from the battery (engine is off) than when it's playing mp3s off a cd?

I ask because I find myself spending long periods of time sitting in parking lots listening to music. I want to buy a new HU and didn't want to pay the extra $ to get one with a usb port, but if the usb uses noticeably less power than a cd then I will.

It makes sense to me that it should use less power since there are no moving parts, I would assume it takes a good amount of power to spin a cd, but I could be wrong.

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[SilverSquared 10+ year member]

I cant see a noticable power difference, considering the CD player is still on, still powering amps/speakers, and NOW you got an MP3 player draining juice too.

IDK....i wouldnt sweat it.

 

[cups 10+ year member]

Yeah the difference the CD drive motor will make is nothing compared to how much the amp will use.

2 AA batteries used to last quite a bit on portable CD players.

So it short, I don't think it will make any difference.

 

[Philip]

How long do you think it's safe to listen to mp3s with the engine off without draining my battery to where it can't be fully recharged again? Assuming I have a lower-end aftermarket head unit, and 4 decent aftermarket speakers, but no external amp? Is it ok to listen to mp3s for 3 hours?