Anthony
07-09-2004, 09:19 PM
So I was finally able to wire up my iPod today. While I didn't wire it into the Audi, it's pretty much the same thing on the GTI. The same type of modified Blitzsafe adapter is available for the majority of Volkswagen & Audi (VAG) vehicles.
It's actually a customized Blitzsafe/Belkin combo, available from Enfig Motorsport (http://www.enfig.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/shophome.html?E+scstore). Christian @ Enfig was a pleasure to work with, very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to our cars.
The VW version is $140.00, and the Audi one is $150.00.
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/2ipod_install_04.jpg
I liked this setup because not only does it plug directly ino the back of the OEM stereo where the CD changer would go, but it sends the audio directly to the audio input from the connection/cable at the bottom of the iPod. In turn, it also draws power from the vehicle and charges the iPod while in use.
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/2ipod_install_02.jpg
The most difficult part was using the radio removal keys, which I also picked up from Enfig, to get to the back of the radio and to run the cables. It ended up taking quite awhile to adjust the keys just right and I ended up doing some damage to the faceplate in my frustration. Now that I did it once though, and saw exactly how the radio is held in and how the keys work, it would be a hundred times easier next time around. I'm just glad it's over, and working so well!
A great feature I wasn't aware of, that was pleased to discover today, is that the iPod will pause when you turn off your car and will then proceed to shut-down after a minute or so of inactivation. You can go right back to where you left off in your playlist. It doesn't seem to charge while the car is off though, so no need to worry about draining the car's battery.
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/2ipod_install_03.jpg
You can also see the Belkin iPod cup-holder mount that I recently picked up. I love the fact that it matches the iPod quite nicely, holds it snugly, and is very manueverable. You can swing it left or right, backward or forward. It's a very cool little mount. Has a few other interchangeable cups and adapters to even fit our Audi/VW dash mounted cup holders. The materials it's made from are top-notch, a lot like that of our VAG interiors. It feels well made and is worth the $30 retail price.
And the sound...it's phenomenal! The direct audio connection to the stereo is the only way to go. Since I upload nealry every new CD i buy to iTunes, and subsequently to my iPod, there will never again be the need to lug around a bunch of CDs, just my trusty little iPod. Just can't forget to not leave it in the car!
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/2ipod_install_01.jpg
I highly recommend this method for wiring up your iPod, if you don't plan on using your trunk-mounted CD changer. The car already has an in-dash CD player, so this was no worry for me. The price is good, the product great, and the install not difficult at all. Wish I would have done it sooner! [:D]
It's actually a customized Blitzsafe/Belkin combo, available from Enfig Motorsport (http://www.enfig.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/online-store/scstore/shophome.html?E+scstore). Christian @ Enfig was a pleasure to work with, very knowledgeable and helpful when it comes to our cars.
The VW version is $140.00, and the Audi one is $150.00.
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/2ipod_install_04.jpg
I liked this setup because not only does it plug directly ino the back of the OEM stereo where the CD changer would go, but it sends the audio directly to the audio input from the connection/cable at the bottom of the iPod. In turn, it also draws power from the vehicle and charges the iPod while in use.
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/2ipod_install_02.jpg
The most difficult part was using the radio removal keys, which I also picked up from Enfig, to get to the back of the radio and to run the cables. It ended up taking quite awhile to adjust the keys just right and I ended up doing some damage to the faceplate in my frustration. Now that I did it once though, and saw exactly how the radio is held in and how the keys work, it would be a hundred times easier next time around. I'm just glad it's over, and working so well!
A great feature I wasn't aware of, that was pleased to discover today, is that the iPod will pause when you turn off your car and will then proceed to shut-down after a minute or so of inactivation. You can go right back to where you left off in your playlist. It doesn't seem to charge while the car is off though, so no need to worry about draining the car's battery.
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/2ipod_install_03.jpg
You can also see the Belkin iPod cup-holder mount that I recently picked up. I love the fact that it matches the iPod quite nicely, holds it snugly, and is very manueverable. You can swing it left or right, backward or forward. It's a very cool little mount. Has a few other interchangeable cups and adapters to even fit our Audi/VW dash mounted cup holders. The materials it's made from are top-notch, a lot like that of our VAG interiors. It feels well made and is worth the $30 retail price.
And the sound...it's phenomenal! The direct audio connection to the stereo is the only way to go. Since I upload nealry every new CD i buy to iTunes, and subsequently to my iPod, there will never again be the need to lug around a bunch of CDs, just my trusty little iPod. Just can't forget to not leave it in the car!
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/2ipod_install_01.jpg
I highly recommend this method for wiring up your iPod, if you don't plan on using your trunk-mounted CD changer. The car already has an in-dash CD player, so this was no worry for me. The price is good, the product great, and the install not difficult at all. Wish I would have done it sooner! [:D]