A4 B6, aftermarket head unit + adapter. what works what doesnt?

[dansansome]

im looking to upgrade my concert HU to something else. and i have heard varying reports of problems with aftermarket installations.

things like, no constant 12v, illumination wire not working, and some other issues.

what i would like to know, is if i bought a new HU and used THIS (http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/audi-active-wiring-adaptor-p-2490.html) adaptor (i have bose), what functions would i lose out on?

i know the DIS will not function, but will i still get the illumination and constant 12v?

are there "better" adaptors out there that will allow all the functions?

thanks :)

[Froggy]

That adapter won't give you any of the missing wiring, only the basic connections for an amplified head unit. In fact it's not really going to help you much at all.

Th B6 vehicle's have a CAN bus controlled head unit, so the illumination, ignition feed, and Speed signal for the automatica volume are all extracted from the CAN data.

You will have a constant 12v in the loom, but that's all.

You really want one of these : http://carconf.blaupunkt.com/data/EA/7607589531001_EA_GB.pdf (Blaupunkt Adapter Linky)

This will provide all the feeds you need and the adaption for the active antenna, pre-amp outputs, ignition feed, Switched 12v and even a speed pulse if you were fitting a navigation unit.

[dansansome]

i was afraid of that. i found that cable after googling some more. then i found the price....

bummer.

thanks for the link :)

[dansansome]

i found this too

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/8074.html

it seems to do the same thing at half the price. any opinion?

[Froggy]

Well yes and no - I can't tell if it also provides the Aerial adapter, and it won't provide the steering wheel adapter functions that the Blaupunkt one does.

Mind you the steering wheel adapting bit only functions if you have a Blaupunkt head unit ...

[dansansome]

...and a MFSW.....which i dont.

im really starting to go off the idea of an aftermarket stereo :(

thanks again :)