Auxiliary input for a MP3 player?

[ajsl]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to add an auxiliary input to the factory stereo in my 2000 S4 (for an MP3 player). The Phatbox would seem the neatest option, but it seems that it isn't available here.

I've currently got the standard non-Bose Concert head unit with a 6 CD changer installed.

From what I've read (primarily US based info), it looks like I can get some sort of interface to do this - with the most common one seeming to be manufactured by Blitzsafe (see http://www.blitzsafe.com/) located either in the boot or behind the head unit itself.

Which leads me to a few questions...

Has anyone here done something like this?
If so where did you get the interface as Blitzsafe don't appear to have any UK dealers?
Do the interfaces come with some sort of switch to move between the factory changer and the new auxiliary input?

Cheers,
Alex.

[Nordschleife]

Alex
You can get Phatboxes in the UK, at least one guy with an RS6 has one.
The Audi head unit only has a single head (what you connect the CD changer or mp3 player to). It isn't rocket science to devise a switch so that you can keep your CD changer and use an mp3 player, these switches are supposed to be available, have a look around. You will find the Forums on the http://www.Phatnoise/com/ site quite helpful

[peterb]

You can get Phatboxes in the UK, at least one guy with an RS6 has one.

Yes, but I ordered it from a stateside Audi dealer.

[ajsl]

I had read about Peter's Phatbox [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] (sounds rather risqué...) and in fact went as far as ordering one from a US based dealer who had them a good price (http://www.drewparts.com/) but the order process didn't work properly and they don't respond to emails (not a good sign...).

I've also just discovered this :
http://www.ihavetohave.it/acatalog/ICE-Link_Audi.html

Coupled with an iPod this might make more sense. But I will lose the CD-changer.

Cheers,
Alex.

[sash]

I have the Ice Link for my ipod installed in my 2000 s4. It comes with a iPod holder .Very happy with it. They even provide a power lead so you can charge your ipod off your car battery. You can control the ipod from the HU, the iPod switches off when you change input or turn off the HU.

[ajsl]

Any chance of a quick review?

Where did you mount the iPod, and also did you do the install yourself?

Cheers,
Alex.

[sash]

ajsl, I did try to intall it myself but had a bugger of a time trying to get the HU out. I had the removal keys but the thing wouldnt budge. Anyway i decided to get my speakers upgraded by a company in Walton who installed the Icelink for free as they had to remove the HU anyway.
Its a p*ss easy job if you can get the HU out, you just plug it into the CD Changer plug and thats it.

The Icelink comes with a brodit holder, i think you may have to pay extra for this (about £10/15). The base of the holder is the same width as the rectangular area behind the cigar lighter. With a slight modification to the holder and a few screws I got it to stay in there (ill upload a photo).

The lead that plugs into the iPod comes out just below the gearstick surround. I didnt want any dashmounted stuff as i think this would have ruined the look of my lovely red light dash.

You can only control the basic functions of the Ipod from the HU. FF,RW Play and Pause. When you switch input on the HU the iPod turns off, when you hit the CD Changer button on the HU it turns itself on and starts playing from where it was turned off at.

I also have the sony bluetooth handsfree and it works with that as well. So when the call comes in the iPod pauses and when the call is ended it starts up again.

It may be useful to also install the power/firewire lead (not supplied) as my iPod battery doesnt last that long. Thing is I use my firewire on my PC and its not something you can just unplug and then plug into the car as the Icelink unit that it would have to plug into is behind the actual HU. The iPod come with just one firewire so if you are using that to connect to your pc you will need to buy another one to connect betweeen the icelink and your iPod.

I would suggest buying an extra firewire lead for your iPod and intalling it permanently in you car IF you go on long journeys (more than 2/3 hours) as iPod batts dont last that long. Obviously the more you ff, rw or navigate the GUI the quicker that battery will die.

Sound quality is just as a normal CD changer quality would be but it also obviously depends on the sampling rate that you record your songs at. I choose 320khz-mp3, i have not tried the aac format yet so cannot comment on its quality compared to mp3 but i am happy with the 320mp3 sound quality. It also helps that i upgraded my speakers.

Since having it installed I have not listened to a CD or the Radio. Ive got my entire music collection in my car [img]images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] thats over 3500 songs with room for another 2000 or so (i love ipods), im never gonna get bored.

Dont buy a CD changer buy an iPod and IceLink.

Photos to come

[atourtel]

I have just installed a Phatbox to my RS6

As you said you will not have the CD changer but as I have learnt you do not need it, Down loading is simple and instalation is as easy as un plug one plug in the other.

Navigation is simple as it is all by voice data and just scroll through menus

I have installed mine out of site in the spare wheel well as you only need the pod when you want to download a new disc.

From my dealer no stress good price as I looked at getting one from the US as well but with post etc it was about the same cost

[img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

[rweir]

Toots,

Just wondering how much you paid for the Phatbox on your RS6??

Rich

[ajsl]

s4sh thanks for the review, that was damn helpful. I'm going to do an upgrade on the speakers and probably add an external amp (all Alpine kit) so I may hold off until I do that. However a chap from work is heading off to the US in a couple of weeks so I'll probably get him to pick me up an iPod there (as they're a lot cheaper in the US than here!).

Toots, Did you get your Phatbox in Guernsey, or elsewhere?

AJSL

[atourtel]

From My local dealer Audi uk have them in stock now

[carlosthejackal]

try http://www.add-a-cdchanger.co.uk/ i have not bought one yet,but aim to do so in the future.