Advice on replacing Audi A3 cassette player

[boson]

i'm new to audi's so unsure whats best for me...

I recently bought an Audi A3 2000 model which has come with a cassette player (wanted cd's). I know there is the option to either buy a replacement that will fit and thats made for audi's or I can buy an adaptor which will let me plug in any headset

Just wandered whats best? I didnt want to fit anything that would reduce the quality of the sound, but then i quite like the features of some modern cd players, like aux in, and bluetooth

 

[NHN]

Welcome to the site

It really is down to what you want from the head unit & also what money you're prepared to spend, tbh using an aftermarket head unit wouldnt be a problem, you'll need the adapter loom & the trim that covers the gaps either side plus the unit, if you're confident enough then plugnplay is a doddle, but need the head unit removal keys that are readily available from the bay or halfords.

 

[boson]

Welcome to the site

It really is down to what you want from the head unit & also what money you're prepared to spend, tbh using an aftermarket head unit wouldnt be a problem, you'll need the adapter loom & the trim that covers the gaps either side plus the unit, if you're confident enough then plugnplay is a doddle, but need the head unit removal keys that are readily available from the bay or halfords.

thanks

i didn't want to spend more than £100

something like this would do

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/...&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=467198433&pf_rd_i=468294

just wanted to make sure it would work ok through the speakers as I heard if you dont stick to bose you lose quality, is this true?

or would a cd changer be better?

 

[AndyMac]

If your happy with the current HU and just want CD access then a changer is far easier and cheaper bet. First make sure your car is wired for a changer, it should have the CD bus cable right at the back of the passenger side cubbyhole in the boot clipped to the bodywork. It's quite far back past the rear seatbelt reel.
You can pick up a 13 pin Audi changer for less than £50 on ebay.
If you still want to go aftermarket then just be aware it's prone to problems when linking into the Bose amp. You can get popping and also interference. Better to stick to the HU you have if you're happy with it.

 

[NHN]

I cant argue with Andy as he's the man in the know, only thing I'd say if you want modern tech then of course the unit you showed is something to consider, but take heed of andy's warnings of the Bose system, but I've known some to be fine, I'm sure he can suggest & even supply if need be to do whatever you decide on.

 

[boson]

ok thanks for the help

still finding it hard to decide, if i knew the aftermarket one wouldn't cause any problems i'd probably go for that

there's also the option of buying an audi cd player, or are they overpriced? something would play mp3 cd's would be ideal

how do i know which cd changers are compatible with my model of audi?

 

[AndyMac]

As said you need a 13 pin version. The Audi changers won't play mp3's. For that you'd need to spend a bit more and get a package which includes the wiring adapter and the changer, but first check you have the lead in the boot otherwise the job becomes a right pain.
Something like this:
http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_product.php?partno=VAGA3

 

[boson]

As said you need a 13 pin version. The Audi changers won't play mp3's. For that you'd need to spend a bit more and get a package which includes the wiring adapter and the changer, but first check you have the lead in the boot otherwise the job becomes a right pain.
Something like this:
http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_product.php?partno=VAGA3

i've looked and there are a few loose wires back there so i'm presuming this is for the cd changer. are there none going around for £50 on ebay? dont mind second hand

 

[NHN]

Post an image of the wires mate, then can work out if you have the loom pre-cabled in for the changer.

 

[AndyMac]

This is the changer bus cable:

 

[boson]

Post an image of the wires mate, then can work out if you have the loom pre-cabled in for the changer.

apologies if this is completely wrong...

 

[AndyMac]

Yes that's it, so good news.
The one you want is the most popular one, the 13 pin version like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Audi-6-CD-Cha...9|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

 

[boson]

Yes that's it, so good news.
The one you want is the most popular one, the 13 pin version like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Audi-6-CD-Cha...9|66:2|65:12|39:1|240:1318|301:0|293:1|294:50

thanks

so basically any cd changer that says 13 pins will work?

do I need to buy any additional leads?

would this work?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=160336201472

 

[AndyMac]

No additional wiring needed, it will plug straight in. You used to need an adapter with Panasonic DP9060 changers but looks like that newer model already has the right plug.

 

[NHN]

apologies if this is completely wrong...

As Andy says mate thats the kiddy, so changer is possible, as he also said its limited to what it can play, only normal music cd's, not mp3, so if thats enough for you then you're sorted.

Andy is that one of your subs in the back of that car in your image?

 

[boson]

No additional wiring needed, it will plug straight in. You used to need an adapter with Panasonic DP9060 changers but looks like that newer model already has the right plug.

are you referring to the one on ebay you found for me?

many of them have this connection, which doesnt look like it would fit

would a cd changer with this connection require an adaptor then?

 

[AndyMac]

Just buy one with the 13 pin round connector, there's plenty available:

Make sure the seller shows a picture of the connector, don't believe any of the text as it's usually pasted from some other ad.