cd changer for a audi a4 avant

[Rob]

Hey guys need some advice

just bought an audi A4 avant(2000 model)
comes with a rather naff tape player but have been told it should be easy
enough to get a cd changer for it

what would you reccomend to do ?

a) buy a cd changer to go with the system if so how much

b) buy an aftermarket h/u want something of equal or higher quality to the
standard system

ps how do i tell if its a bose system or not and what does this mean?

cheers

Rob

[Glenn Richards]

just bought an audi A4 avant(2000 model) comes with a rather naff
tape player but have been told it should be easy enough to get a cd
changer for it
what would you reccomend to do ?

Replace the head unit with an aftermarket unit. The head units that come
as standard are fairly average.

The speakers, on the other hand, are pretty good. I've had 3 Audis now,
a 1999 A3 1.8, a 2001 A4 1.9 TDI, and currently driving a 2003 A4 1.9
TDI Quattro.

Have replaced the stock head unit with a Sony MEX-1HD, powering the
fronts with Sony XM-4060 amp and have added a pair of JBL 10" subs in
the boot.

ps how do i tell if its a bose system or not and what does this mean?

The standard system has amplified rear speakers and a sub somewhere
under the rear deck. On the saloon models it's under the parcel shelf,
not sure about the Avant. The Bose system has amplified front speakers
as well.

Normally if you've got the Bose system the head unit's display flashes
"BOSE" when it powers up. You'll also see the Bose logo on the speaker
grilles.

It's important to note which speaker system you have, as you'll need a
different adaptor harness.

Another thing to note with Audi, not sure if this is true for the older
model (I'm assuming it's the MkI A4, not the MkII), there's no switched
12V feed to the head unit, only a 12V permanent. The stock head unit
uses CAN-bus to decide when to turn on and off. I solved this initially
by connecting the switched and permanent 12V lines together on the
wiring adaptor harness, but have since come up with the more permanent
solution of tapping a switched 12V feed from inside the fusebox. This
goes through a toggle switch concealed behind the fuse box cover, so I
can turn the sound system on without needing the key in the ignition -
useful when ripping CDs onto the MEX-1HD.