Help needed on Stereo system upgrade

Wonker

Wonker

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Hello all, I have a 56 plate A3 with the standard Concert single CD player and it's about time it was upgraded. It has an ipod dock in the glove box but it doesn't work (even when it did work it was next to useless). What I would like is the ability to play music from my Iphone via Bluetooth, make calls using bluetooth, still be able to use the controls on my steering wheel and anything else that the modern systems seem to have (aux in, mp3 etc). Sat nav is not needed as my tomtom works just fine.

Can you let me know what standard Audi systems are available and approx cost or what aftermarket products are recommended. I have looked at the ones in Halfords and they all seem to do what I want but I would prefer your recommendations first.

Many thanks

Wonker











 
If it's just additional functionality you require then I would just add a Connects2 bluetooth kit to the stock HU
 
I'm no expert but have a look at the Alpine ezi DAB Dension gateway 500 or the x carlink just google them I know an excellant mobile radio fitter based near Bristol & travels he knows his stuff & will be happy to chat through your options I'll pm his details
 
Thanks gents. I am not really looking for an 'add on'. I'm just interested in replacing the current antiquated Concert set. I am thinking of something like this:

Halfords | Pioneer MVH-8300BT Bluetooth Digital Media Receiver


and was just wondering if anybody had changed the device for something similar or does anybody know another device similar (but better) to the one above?

Cheers

Wonker
 
Hi Wonker,

If you are going aftermarket take a look at the following two websites: Car Audio Direct and CAR AUDIO & SECURITY SALE WEBSITE. Their prices are amongst the best on the net and they both have a great selection (and reputation). Car Audio Security also do a fitting service - I think they are in London somewhere.

With regards to which HU, there are a lot that offer what you are looking for. What's most important to you? Cost, sound quality, functionality. Do you have any plans to go any further - external amps, upgraded speakers, subwoofer etc. Many will recommend some sort of Alpine unit - and they are very good, but depending on what you want there may be others that are better.

Hope this helps.
Mo
 
Just went into my local Halfords to check out prices and the 'fitting' cost of £29.99 has risen to at least £125. I didn't realise that I would need a Harness, a new fascia and special cables (something to do with ampifying). Looks like this will have to go on the back burner for the time being :(
 
Hi Wonker,

I would recommend getting a Parrot Mki9200. I know you'll be looking at about £140 for the parrot and £50 for the cable to for it to work nicely with the concert but it offers everything you're looking for (iPhone Charging / Music, Handsfree, USB input & Aux input) and isn't a 'major' upgrade and allow you to keep the OEM look,

And plus I would stay away from the HU which have built in Mic / Bluetooth for phone calls as the call quality is ... Yea..
 
That's a cracking idea mate. Just been checking it out online and it looks exactly what I'm after. Just phoned Halfords and the cost to install is £51 so in all I will save about £175 doing it this way as opposed to the Pioneer HU.
Thanks for the advice fella.

Wonker
 
Hi Wonker,

No problem, the one thing I would make sure first is that halfords have the connector in stock. I would personall recommend using the AUD20PAR cable JustCarKits Best Seller List so you can keep everything as it currently is.

Im not to sure what halfords has recommended for the adaptor or if they stock the AUD20PAR so would be best to check first before they start taking your dash out.
 
stewd said:
Hi Wonker,

No problem, the one thing I would make sure first is that halfords have the connector in stock. I would personall recommend using the AUD20PAR cable JustCarKits Best Seller List so you can keep everything as it currently is.

Im not to sure what halfords has recommended for the adaptor or if they stock the AUD20PAR so would be best to check first before they start taking your dash out.
Click to expand...



Well funny you should say that :yes:.

I went there yesterday to have a chat with them and to confirm the price they quoted and they said it depended on whether or not my current system was amplified or not?

WTF?

I don't know!

So does anybody how I can find out if my current system is:

1. Fully Amplified
2. Half Amplified
3. Not Amplified


I have the bog standard concert system with a (crappy, not working) ipod dock in the glove box.


Cheers

Wonker
 
If you have a Bose HU it is fully Amplified (It will have a Bose sticked on the HU / Font speakers...)

Other wise it will be option 3. (I've never heard of a half amplified... If someone else has please correct me).

If your will wondering I would say give the guys over at Just car Kits a quick call and they should be able to tell you the exact cable you require if you want to double check.

Stewart
 
Non Bose is half amplified (the rears and sub run off a separate amp). As Stewart says above Bose is fully amplified and you will have Bose logo's on the speaker grilles.
There are no Audi's that are "not amplified"
 
Yes, I do have Bose on my speakers, so this means that it is fully amplified?

I take it the fact that I have an Ipod dock in the glove box has no bearing on this?

Cheers fellas
 
Last edited:
stewd said:
..
And plus I would stay away from the HU which have built in Mic / Bluetooth for phone calls as the call quality is ... Yea..
Click to expand...
I agree with the Parrot recommendation, but the last part is somewhat out-dated! many newer aftermarket HU have parrot built-in and call quality is every bit as good as Audi's own BT system.
 
Thanks mate, I have decided to go for the Parrot system but I just need confirmation that my current system is fully amplified.

Cheers

Wonker
 
Hello all,

I've asked this on another thread related to the Parrot but I thought I'd try hear as well. The guys at Halfords asked me to find out whether my standard concert/bose system was fully amplified - Which (thanks to this thread) I know it is, but reading the other thread I can see that I have a choice of the SOT-1002 or SOT-1003 adapter, the difference being the SOT-1003 is for systems on Quad Lock wiring systems! How can I find out which system I have?

Many thanks

Wonker
 
Hi Wonker,

Your's will be a Quadlock because of the age of the vehicle.

To double check slide out your HU and the connector in the back of the stereo will be a big black square style connector should look like the end of this cable...

http://canigetsome.s3.amazonaws.com/quad_cable.png

Stewart
 
Hi Wonker,

I was unable to reply with the link as came up with the post needs to be moderatored.. So sorry if this duplicates.

That cable does work on your model but as you have the Bose HU you will need the SOT-1003 one as it uses the Quadlock. As I said to double check this, slide your HU out and have a look at the connector which is the easiest solution to make sure.
 
I don't have the keys to slide the HU out. I also don't have Bose written on the HU, only on the speakers?

20032011915.jpg


20032011908.jpg


Read lots of posts and still confused by the ISO or Quadlock thing!


Thanks

Wonker
 
Last edited:
Hi Wonker,

Just wondering if you ever sorted the Parrot Kit? If so is it sounding alright?

Stewart
 
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