Which iPod link for SymphonyII?

[Brisel]

Which iPod link do I need for my 2000MY B5 RS4 with Bose Symphony II? I have a 6CD changer in the boot that I'm happy to get rid of as the head unit has a single CD player as well. The ideal location for the iPod would be the glovebox or armrest unless I need to use the iPod's own controls.

I'm not interested in a FM transmitter or a link that means I'm restricted to 6 playlists when using the head unit controls. I'd rather have the iPod controls and a dash mount if that were the case.

Is a Denison Gateway 100 or 300 any good?? HK Drive + Play?

I have an 80GB iPod Classic (6th gen??) & the wife has a 1st gen Nano

TIA

[PetrolDave]

I'm not interested in ... a link that means I'm restricted to 6 playlists when using the head unit controls. I'd rather have the iPod controls and a dash mount if that were the case.

Then NONE of the iPod links are any good to you at all - you want a simple Aux input.

The 6 CDs is a limit of using the CD changer interface - and since the only other way into a Symphony II is FM that's ruled out as well.

So you need a box that replaces the CD changer and gives you a simple Aux input.

[Brisel]

Thanks, PetrolDave

Does such a box exist?

I'm guessing that in order to use the redundant CD changer wiring I'd have to have something that fools the head unit into thinking that there is a unit attched.

[craigyb]

I would recommend you look at the Dension Gateway 100 V2. You could retain your CD changer and have an aux input and Ipod interface.

The V2 has better sofware and allows different modes of operation, Artiste, album, playlist modes instead of just the first 4 playlists like the Audi one. ALso you can switch between CD changer and Ipod from the symphony 2. When no Ipod is attached it acts as an Aux input.

Still no track name support, but far better than the old Dension and Audi interfaces.

[Brisel]

Thanks for the help, both here and on TSN!

Do you still have the W12 BTW?

Getting back on topic, are the ipod controls redundant with the head unit doing the functions? I don't have the CD changer (kept by the previous owner) so will it be ok on its own?

Am I just going to be better off by using an FM link that taps into the aerial cable or will that reduce sound quality?

I've just had a look at the Denison website - is the Gateway100 compatible with the iPod Classic 80GB?

[PetrolDave]

Am I just going to be better off by using an FM link that taps into the aerial cable or will that reduce sound quality?

Not only will an FM link reduce the sound quality (FM frequency response is only 100-15kHz, which makes a track you are familar with sound total rubbish on the radio, and your iPod would sound just as bad), but you wouls also have to keep retuning it as you drive due to interference from local FM transmitters.