2004 TT 225hp coupe.
I bought the car with an aftermarket Pioneer stereo already installed. I had poor reception for FM and I didnt like the stereo. I bought a Kenwood stereo to replace it and had it installed. I still get Fair reception on my FM and when seeking stations it barely picks up any stations.
The car has an antenna in the rear hatch window Yes the windows have been tinted. On visual inspection of the wires on the glass they look to be intact.
Reading other posts on other models there may be some problems with the antenna amplifier units which on the TT is located in the rear hatch at the top under the trim plastic.
I have my interior all removed due to a water leak in the passenger side which I think I have managed, but while the interior is out I would like to solve this other issue and possibly improve the sound system.
Since the after market stereo doesnt operate the CD changer located in the rear passenger side wall I would like to take it out and possibly use the space for an amplifier or something useful.
I do get quality sound when I play a CD in the after market Kenwood. This is the best sound I can get, but I dont want to hassle with the CD thing plus they are going to the way-side.
The Kenwood also has a USB and a stereo pin input on the face and I get decent sound from the USB. I dont get very good sound when I plug my cell Droid cell phone and connect it through the stereo pin input and run Pandora through the phone. Since I dont store music on the phone I cant play anything through the USB adapter off of the phone.
Also the subwoofer in the rear passer=nger hatch pannel doesnt seem to be producing much bass while controlled by the Kenwood.

Questions:
1) Did the Bose stock radio have a direct relay or function enabling the antenna amplifier in the rear hatch and by switching to a after market stereo is it not going to function properly? The replacement amplifier cost for the part is $270 from audi else I would just replace it as an affordable repair attempt.
2) Does the amplifier have any history of failure similar to the other models? I believe it is a different part. than the ones I have read about.
3) Will removing the CD changer affect the rest of the stereo function?
4) Has anyone replaced the CD with an amplifier? If so which one? Obviously there will be size constraints but what would be the minimum in the wattage and channels?? I do NOT want a BOOM car just good quality sound.
5) Did the stock BOse stereo also have amplifier output functions that would control the sub woofer better? And would installing an after market amplifier as asked above improve its performance?
6) Has anyone put in one of the advertized inline antenna boosters like the pencil shaped one with the power source? Did it work?
7) if the window antenna wires arent working has anyone installed an additional antenna? Replacing the window also too expensive for a cheap fix.
8) Is there a way to test the continuity of the antenna wires?? and the antenna amplifier?

Obviously I can take it to a stereo shop and pay to have it replaced but If I can trouble shoot some of these potential problems before hand I wont need to spend thousands on a whole new system when all I needed was to put in a $10 aftermarket antenna amplifier.