2004 a3 audio options

[mojo7676]

Can anyone advise me on my options for the following problem. It's not a problem, as such... but i need a solution. my car has a concert cd radio. the previous owner didn't include the 6 disc changer that goes in the glovebox - but i can't say i'm missing it really as I'd prefer to use a mp3 player - i have a sony 20gb mp3 thing and in my last car (which had audio tape and cd), i used one of those dummy audio tapes with a lead that went into the headphone socket of the mp3 player. iot worked great so i'm wondering what my options are with using the same sony device. i've heard and read a bit about a product called xcarlink but not sure if it'll fit or if it'll work. any light shed would be great. mojo

[neo283]

I've used one of thise x-link devices previously. Pretty good but I think technically illegal? Something about broadcasting on a radio frequency withiout a lisence? Anyway if you're after a connection that doesn't need much on the way of cables and messing around, this is the best way to go.

[wstrain87]

XCarlink is a hardwired option, in that the device is wired into the back of your CD Player. It does not transmit over FM, as some cheaper alternatives do. As well as keeping you legal, it will offer a much better (digital) quality sound, as opposed to a radio crackle from a radio transmitter.

As far as I know there are 3 or 4 options to the XCarlink:

1. iPod set-up (which can be used to connect an iPod to your stereo)
2. USB/MP3 set-up (which has a USB slot to connect any USB-connected device; and also an SD slot, to take an SD Memory card
3/4. As above but with additional Bluetooth function, allowing you to use your phone through the stereo.

There are loads of these (and similar alternatives) on eBay.

[mojo7676]

thanks for that, wstrain - gives me a better idea of what's availablee

[wstrain87]

No probs, its just coincidence that I knew, cos I had been looking at them for a few days, trying to decide what one to get when i get my a3.