Audio Expert in GTA/Canada needed for Project

[Retsujou]

Hello.

Currently my RS4 sports a rather ugly RNS-E with Bose and Satellite as well as Bluetooth and Ipod Interface.

I would like to replace the Unit with a Kenwood DNX-9140.

Here is the project in very rough terms:

I want all of the OEM functions to be retained.

So the GPS/FM connector from the existing Antenna should be used.
The existing Satellite receiver Unit in the Back should be reused (unless that makes no sense).

The Multi function steering wheel should be fully operational, for Mode switching, Speech recognition, volume and channel selection.

The Existing Bose amplifier and Speakers need to be reused.

The Unit will have to be fit into the RNS-E slot and probably a custom enclosure built. I am thinking Carbon Fibre as I have that kind of trim.

I will of course supply the parts and I will try my best to pay for time figuring things out. IN Return you can keep all the right for the connectors you might have to build. I am sure there is a market for that.

The Connects2 Steering wheel and Harness solution I am more than happy to use. I am also happy to use the Autoleads PC5-137 - Audi A3, A4 Amplified Fakra Aerial Adaptor DIN the GPS Antenna Fakra Male to GT5-1S Female would have to be manufactured I guess.

[koolade9]

Before I address the othe issues...

What functionality do you want from the kenwood that you don't have from the RNS-E?

[Retsujou]

Before I address the othe issues...

What functionality do you want from the kenwood that you don't have from the RNS-E?

Cleaner Faceplate with as little buttons as possible.
Full voice control as we do not get SDS in North America (I grew up in Europe).
External Video inputs.
Better Ipod/Iphone integration (my family has only ipods/iphones)
Better integration of my phones (work and family phones).
Better Routing functionality (yes I realise Garmin uses Navteq).
A2DP for our Iphone 3G[s]

A sleeker look as well as (in the long run) either DVD playback or Xbox/PS2 integration and probably a rear view parking camera.

All in all I am interested in teh expandability of the system as much as I like the looks much better.

All in all I am not happy with how outdated the RNS-E seems to be both in features and looks. I hope that helps?

[CKYmike]

We carry the connects2 line, let me know if you are interested.

[koolade9]

My responses are in bold below, with pros/cons of each choice:

Aftermarket:

I want all of the OEM functions to be retained. you'll lose nav & radio data on the DIS, and possibly voice control (via mfsw) of the phone (not 100% on that one though)

So the GPS/FM connector from the existing Antenna should be used. Depends on the gps antenna connector to your aftermarket unit...it's possible

The existing Satellite receiver Unit in the Back should be reused (unless that makes no sense). You'll need a sat radio module compatible with your aftermarket unit

The Multi function steering wheel should be fully operational, for Mode switching, Speech recognition, volume and channel selection. Addressed above, radio controls can be retained, I'm not so sure about voice controls though.

The Existing Bose amplifier and Speakers need to be reused. easily done via harness (talk to Mike @ enfig)

The Unit will have to be fit into the RNS-E slot and probably a custom enclosure built. I am thinking Carbon Fibre as I have that kind of trim. There are a ton of install kits out there...if you want CF, just buy one and wrap it

RNS-E

Full voice control as we do not get SDS in North America (I grew up in Europe). The new 2010 RNS-E should have SDS

External Video inputs. Many companies make mmi interface modules. I use the IMA basic-plus from kufatec.

Better Ipod/Iphone integration (my family has only ipods/iphones) Integrate the Alpine kce 425i and have video ipod control from the RNS-E.

Better integration of my phones (work and family phones). Depending on what bluetooth module you have, perhaps its a matter of switching to a different one that supports all your phones...

Better Routing functionality (yes I realise Garmin uses Navteq). What sw version & maps are you running?

A2DP for our Iphone 3G[s] Covered above

A sleeker look as well as (in the long run) either DVD playback or Xbox/PS2 integration and probably a rear view parking camera. a dvd player can be added to the RNS-E (I'm adding the alpine 6-disc dvd changer). I also have an OEM rear view camera from the Q7

I can't really comment on the looks, as that's entirely personal preference. FWIW, I tried to remain objective in my responses, but it's obvious which side I'm rooting for...In my car, I wanted everything to look OEM. Aside from my RNS-E, every other component in my audio system is aftermarket. I've installed for around 13 years now, 5 professionally, and have owned upwards of 50-60 headunits over the years...probably more. Even with all the options out there, and budget aside, I still went with the RNS-E.

[Retsujou]

Thank you very much I appreciate that detailed "report". I will admit that I know little to nothing about "modding" a car. I drive them and I know that I like beautiful things. The RNS-E is just rather ugly to me and I think that is what gets to me most.

I would pay money for the Research and Development needed to retain MFSW abilities. I know that the Kenwood DNX 9140 can be wired to an
"external Talk button" so I guess that could somehow be hooked up to the button on the steering wheel.

If the 21010 RNS-E is significantly better and I can simply drop it in, I would be persuaded to go that route. My SW version is 0250 and the maps are from 2007/2008 I think.

Bluetooth is the stock Audi one, my blackberry curve 8310 (I think) does not like to transfer the phonebook for example.

Loosing NAV on the DIS is something I had not considered and that might be a show stopper. Simply because the RNS-E sits so low in the B7 that it would not be save in city driving and I do like the distance bar in the DIS for upcoming turns.

Again, thank you, please keep the comments coming.

[Retsujou]

So no one, hm? I would even settle for the integration of the Pinoeer AVIC-Z110BT. I am quite ok with loosing the DIS routing information as those after market units allow you to tilt the screen and that removes some of the issues of glancing down too often.

The Connects2 should enable station up/down, voice talk button and volume, no?