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  1. #1
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Aftermarket stereo recommendations

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    My RNSE is starting to quit on me and it's time to replace it. I want to get a Nav equipped stereo but could consider one that's not. What do you guys have, how do you like it and do you have any pics of it installed? I had a Pioneer AVIC w/ nav in my last car and that was pretty good. Thanks

  2. #2
    Veteran Member Four Rings Guitarmageddon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by inked_up415 View Post
    My RNSE is starting to quit on me and it's time to replace it. I want to get a Nav equipped stereo but could consider one that's not. What do you guys have, how do you like it and do you have any pics of it installed? I had a Pioneer AVIC w/ nav in my last car and that was pretty good. Thanks
    I never had the guts to rip out the RNSE in the s4, but I did tear the stereo out of the A4. I loved the pioneer unit I had. It also makes expanding the stereo in the future that much better. Ill try to dig up some of my old threads.



    It was the pioneer avhp4200 dvd but thats like 3 generations old right now probably. Was a great unit.

    http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...unds-fantastic

    Cant find my other old threads about it, but some search will dig them up I'm sure. The biggest improvement to sound for me came from being able to reliably send the speaker signals through an amp (4x100 kenwood exelon amp, bridged, to two polk mm components). It sounded AMAZING and to this day that's my benchmark combo. The stock amp will need to be bypassed/scrapped and then just amp the speakers with an aftermarket one. You'd be wasting so much sound to NOT do that. But if this is a move based solely on functionality, than ignore all this

  3. #3
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    In really leaning towards the Pioneer AVIC-7100NEX. I love that it has Apple Car Play for the iPhone. A bit pricey though.



  4. #4
    Established Member Two Rings adf's Avatar
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    Aug 25 2015
    AZ Member #
    351425
    My Garage
    GT3 Touring
    Location
    California

    I recently swapped out for an Alpine ILX-007 with CarPlay. Whatever you do, get something with CarPlay (presuming you're an iPhone user). It's a real game changer. Having better tech in our old cars than you can buy in _any_ new Audi S model is really something.

    Nice thing about the Alpine is the minimal feature set and exclusive focus on CarPlay. Everything you need and nothing you don't. Dedicated "siri" button on the front gives you direct access to send text messages, place calls, and get driving directions.

    2007 S4 Avant 6MT, Dolphin Gray, APR Exhaust, 034 motor mounts, control arms, rear sway
    2019 GT3 Touring
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  5. #5
    Established Member Two Rings adf's Avatar
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    Aug 25 2015
    AZ Member #
    351425
    My Garage
    GT3 Touring
    Location
    California

    Oh, and if you do go with an Alpine (or probably even the Pioneer), you'll need to hack in a relay to access the configuration screen. Our cars don't have a parking brake tap in the factory wiring harness, so adding a relay is needed to trick the unit into thinking the parking brake is applied.

    http://smile.amazon.com/MicroBypass-...-no-redirect=1
    2007 S4 Avant 6MT, Dolphin Gray, APR Exhaust, 034 motor mounts, control arms, rear sway
    2019 GT3 Touring
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  6. #6
    Established Member Two Rings
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    Dec 02 2014
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    Dallas, Tx

    I don't know if I could force my self to ditch the RNSE.

    If I did I'd be looking at that replica unit thats all the rage these days that runs on android

  7. #7
    Active Member One Ring
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    Mar 18 2013
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    Minnesota

    I'm a huge fan of my Alpine ICS-X7HD deck, however it's discontinued and has been replaced by the new iLX-007 display. It adds Apple Play, so you can use nav right through whichever maps app you use. Crutchfield adds pretty much everything you need, even the trim surround for a very OEM look. I purchased an extra add-on to use my steering wheel controls and bypass the safety feature to play video and access all settings while not in motion. I'm a little bummed to see the new unit lost the physical volume button, but other than that I wish I had one!

  8. #8
    Veteran Member Four Rings Guitarmageddon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by WCCoffey View Post
    I don't know if I could force my self to ditch the RNSE.

    If I did I'd be looking at that replica unit thats all the rage these days that runs on android
    I still dont get why guys pay HUNDREDS of dollars for an old antiquated RNSE to retrofit into their A4. Its so dated and really offers nothing. The nav sucks, the sound sucks, but the only thing it has going for it is the original OEM look. That was the only thing that hung me up on replacing it. I knew I could have gotten $500+ for my 2007 unit easily. What other 2007 stereo could you have gotten that much for? Wierd...

    Those android units dont impress me at all. I am partial to pioneer.

  9. #9
    Established Member Two Rings
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    Quote Originally Posted by Guitarmageddon View Post
    I still dont get why guys pay HUNDREDS of dollars for an old antiquated RNSE to retrofit into their A4. Its so dated and really offers nothing. The nav sucks, the sound sucks, but the only thing it has going for it is the original OEM look. That was the only thing that hung me up on replacing it. I knew I could have gotten $500+ for my 2007 unit easily. What other 2007 stereo could you have gotten that much for? Wierd...

    Those android units dont impress me at all. I am partial to pioneer.
    My can came with a RNSE. The Nav isn't great, but it works just fine for long trips, everything else people use their phone for.

    As far as sound goes I think it sounds great, if you want more, install a line out converter and then you can hook anything you want to it same as an aftermarket unit.

    Putting a generic double din, no matter how nicely done always makes the inside of the car look like a riced out teenager's beater. That's just my opinion, no offense meant.

    That's why I'd go with the android unit. It doesnt exactly factory, but its close enough where it doesn't look too off.

  10. #10
    Established Member Two Rings
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    Dec 19 2014
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    Salt Lake City

    I've only had my B7 for a few weeks now and i'm already considering swapping out the RNSE. I've been told I have the latest nav DVD and it's pretty incomplete around my area. I'd like to add rear cam compatibility and have my iPhone interface with the system, so the above options look pretty good to me.

    Anyone interested in buying my '07 RNSE unit? ; )

  11. #11
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Can someone tell me which of these extra bits I will need and which are not necessary


    http://m.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-AVIC-7...282?nav=SEARCH


  12. #12
    Veteran Member Four Rings Guitarmageddon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by inked_up415 View Post
    Can someone tell me which of these extra bits I will need and which are not necessary


    http://m.ebay.com/itm/Pioneer-AVIC-7...282?nav=SEARCH

    The "retains steering wheels controls" is what you need to use volume etc on the wheel. Its a separate canbus adapter. I didnt opt for that one just due to price. It still lights up when you turn your headlights on like normal, its just that the controls dont work. Also, I think crutchfield includes a "metra" dash kit which looks good. The only downside is that once you put your head unit in, and clip the dash piece over it, you literally cant get it out without cutting haha. I think there's maybe some other kits out there. I used metra. I have an extra one coincidentally Ill post a pic of it later.

  13. #13
    Active Member Two Rings
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    Mar 07 2010
    AZ Member #
    55706
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    toronto

    check out this site, they usually offer very competitive pricing. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/

    I have a kenwood that is a couple years old and have not had any issues with it. Bluetooth, Nav and direct ipod connect. I will post a pic of it installed in a bit when I go out to my car. Some of the newer models probably have a lot better features now with android and apple integration.

    Not sure what your budget is but this one looks pretty good at first glance.

    http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-DNX772BH.html

  14. #14
    Veteran Member Four Rings Axel-'s Avatar
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    Jan 29 2011
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    My Garage
    2006 JHM Stg 1 SC'd S4 Avant 6MT
    Location
    Toronto, CA

    I use a 4G enabled android tablet + pioneer single DIN unit (hidden behind the tablet). With it I get all my music, run Waze to avoid cops and get real-time GPS navigation that takes into account traffic and road closures, connect to my dashcam to view my front and rear videos (both live and recorded), connect to my OBD2 controller with the Torque app, hands-free calling with my phone and so on.

    That said, I went this way in part because I don't own an Android phone. I hear the units can now duplicate the screen of android phone or something like that which sounds cool (not sure about the details though).
    Sprint Blue B7 S4 Avant 6MT - 421whp/350wtq - Review of all my mods
    JHM Stage 1 SC - JHM IM - JHM 5R clutch - JHM LWFW - Stoptech ST-60 BBK - KW v3 Coilovers - JHM shifter - Trexturk DP - Magnaflow CB - Hotchkis RSB - JHM IS - 034 Adj. FUCA - STE Gauges

  15. #15
    Senior Member Two Rings s4avanter's Avatar
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    May 24 2011
    AZ Member #
    75941
    My Garage
    Mazda 5
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    Washington%20DC

    + 1 on the pioneer units. I replaced my RSN last year with one and have never looked back. As axel said the app screen is super cool but have yet to get it to work with my iPhone 6. They had it working with the 5s and then said they were working on a refresh to the firmwear. before you commit might want to double check on that. Ihave a rear camera hooked up to it which is super nice, Sound quality is much improved too. I did not even get a new amp or speakers for it and the sound quality from the pioneer was louder, crisper and a fairly large improvement. I have the Avic 7000. great unit.
    2017 SQ5

  16. #16
    Veteran Member Four Rings Guitarmageddon's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nick447 View Post
    check out this site, they usually offer very competitive pricing. http://www.sonicelectronix.com/

    I have a kenwood that is a couple years old and have not had any issues with it. Bluetooth, Nav and direct ipod connect. I will post a pic of it installed in a bit when I go out to my car. Some of the newer models probably have a lot better features now with android and apple integration.

    Not sure what your budget is but this one looks pretty good at first glance.

    http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-DNX772BH.html
    Sonic electronix may be cheap, but I dont believe they are an authorized retailer for ANY of the reputable brands.

    http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ceName=default

    Just look at the unauthorized list for Pioneer...

    So what does that mean? No factory warranty...

  17. #17
    Senior Member Three Rings hkdolphins's Avatar
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    Dec 03 2014
    AZ Member #
    299947
    My Garage
    Noggy Avant, B8.5 Allroad
    Location
    SF/CA

    Does any unit or added module can link with dashboard display to show the Audio/NAV information?
    Last edited by hkdolphins; 01-05-2016 at 09:58 AM.
    B6 Noggy Avant, B8.5 Allroad

  18. #18
    Veteran Member Four Rings PetrolDave's Avatar
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    Jan 14 2007
    AZ Member #
    14870
    My Garage
    SOLD: 2006 B7 RS4 Avant
    Location
    Hampshire, U.K.

    Quote Originally Posted by hkdolphins View Post
    Does any unit or added module can link with dashboard display to show the Audio/NAV information?
    Some can show the audio information but AFAIK none can show the nav turn instructions in the DIS.

  19. #19
    Senior Member Three Rings hkdolphins's Avatar
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    Dec 03 2014
    AZ Member #
    299947
    My Garage
    Noggy Avant, B8.5 Allroad
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    SF/CA

    Quote Originally Posted by PetrolDave View Post
    Some can show the audio information but AFAIK none can show the nav turn instructions in the DIS.
    I know there are couple canbus link modules (e.g. PAC C2R) on the market, which one communicate with DIS?
    B6 Noggy Avant, B8.5 Allroad

  20. #20
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    I bought the Pioneer AVIC-7100NEX plus the PAC steering wheel control adapter. Hope to get it installed pretty soon. I should get a thread going with my mod progress because since the past 2 months of owning this car, I've been buying parts like crazy :]

  21. #21
    Senior Member Three Rings hkdolphins's Avatar
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    Dec 03 2014
    AZ Member #
    299947
    My Garage
    Noggy Avant, B8.5 Allroad
    Location
    SF/CA

    Quote Originally Posted by inked_up415 View Post
    I bought the Pioneer AVIC-7100NEX plus the PAC steering wheel control adapter. Hope to get it installed pretty soon. I should get a thread going with my mod progress because since the past 2 months of owning this car, I've been buying parts like crazy :]
    You got the $123 or $78 kit? Let us know the PAC link with DIS or not. Are you locate at San Francisco? Im too.
    B6 Noggy Avant, B8.5 Allroad

  22. #22
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    I didn't buy either kit. I just pieced it together on EBay. Got the new AVIC-7100NEX for $760 from a reputable audio retailer which is pretty awesome considering the going price seems to be $1,100.



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