iPod interface AND in-dash CD changer?

[bugzter]

Hello,

I'm about to purchase a '04 130TDI sport which has an in-dash 6CD changer. I'd love to fit an additional ipod interface (a simple aux input would be fine) without losing the functianality of the CD changer.

Does anybody know if this is possible, and if so how/what equipment is require?

Many thanks,

Lee

[Brekka]

Someone else might have experience of the kit (i haven't but have been considering one) that is available on ebay that claims to provide aux input for ipod etc without losing cd changer control.

[AndyM]

I think in most cases you will lose the functionality of the CD changer as the likes of Dension will use the CD connection to effectively treat your iPod like a multichanger. It's a nice tidy design as the iPod's own controls are disabled when you connect up to the car, and you control it through the head unit. The iPod could even be hidden in the glove box and it's also being charged while you're on the move.

If you really want to keep the CD changer, then you can go down the route of FM modulation, either "hardwired" to the aerial, or more recently through a wireless FM transmitter. The downsides, however, are much poorer sound quality as you have to tune in through an FM radio channel, and you operate the iPod through it's own jog control: no mean feat when you're trying to drive.

Halfords were ranging the Dension stuff, and I think you can see it working on their instore audio boards.

[Brekka]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Volkswagen-IPO...QQcmdZViewItem

Follow the link above to see what i mean, note that it clearly states to link through cd control yet still maintain ch changer functionality also.

[AndyM]

Well that looks a lot better than the Dension solutions. I wonder how it connects. It might interface between the car's ISO leads and the back of the stereo, a bit like some phone handsfree kits, or possibly creates a splitter, allowing the iPod and CD changer to share the same port. Either way, I might have to buy one and steal my wife's iPod. Good find Brekka!!!

[Ben]

alot of question may be answered in the audio assistance thread.
see my sig

[Froggy]

I'm very interested to know how this works.

There is no easy way to switch between 2 units connected to the CD Changer data bus, so how does it achieve this? How is it controlled from the head unit?

[Ben]

no idea. but it must be clever as this looks like it is reflected in the price.

[benGT]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Volkswagen-IPO...QQcmdZViewItem

Follow the link above to see what i mean, note that it clearly states to link through cd control yet still maintain ch changer functionality also.

Has anybody had any experience with fitting one of these, having bought a transmitter and realising the sound quality is cr*p i want to hardwire something in.

Obviously they're not pennies to buy, so would be good if anybody had any experience with them.

[Brekka]

Has anybody had any experience with fitting one of these, having bought a transmitter and realising the sound quality is cr*p i want to hardwire something in.

Obviously they're not pennies to buy, so would be good if anybody had any experience with them.

I don't know anyone who has used one but if you read his 100% feedback you will see lots of very happy customers who have bought ipod kits off him.