After debating on whether to get a dedicated iPod hookup for my '01 Bose - I decided to go with a universal input. My iPod is mounted next to the radio anyways and so I could do without the ability to control it from the head unit. Besides, its a lot easier accessing the playlists off the iPod vs. the head unit menu. This way, if ever I buy a another (non-apple) MP3 player, I dont need to shell out extra bucks for another input adapter.

I picked up the Soundgate DOCKISO1 and SDS1 online for about $95. For this, its plug and play into the back of the stock Bose deck or rear CD changer. This adapter is supposed to work for Audis 1998-2004. You still can use your CD changer (actually its a necessasity - see later on) and you gain 2 extra inputs, RCA jacks which you can switch inbetween. I ran one set of inputs up front for the iPod. The second set, I extended it to the rear for inputs for the kids if they want to plug in a DVD player or something.

The install went fairly quickly after popping the radio out. Drop the drivers side knee bolster and gain access to the fuse box. Ran a power lead from the fuse to the adapter. Unplug the CD plug from the back of the radio and plug in the Audi adapter cable. Plug the CD plug into the a plug off the adapter cable. Plug in the SDS1 into the adapter cable. I ran the switch into the glove box as it will used occasionally. I ran one input line out the glovebox to the front for my iPod. The second I ran to the rear under the center console. You will need to buy 2 headphone jack to RCA cables plus extra RCA leads for extending to the rear. Running the power line and input lines took the longest - about a leisurely 90 minutes for the whole install.

You do get a 3 position switch to switch from input 1, 2 and the CD. A CD must be in the CD changer. Turn on your radio as usual, change to CDC on the head unit. Put the Soundgate switch in the middle and you can listen to the CD changer as normal. With the CD still playing, switch to input 1 or 2 and you can listen to your MP3 player or whatever device you have plugged into as the source.

Upside: Inexpensive easy fix for adding auxillary inputs to the stock deck. No hiss and crackle from the FM modulators. Still retain the use of your CD changer just in case you leave your MP3 player at home. Bonus of 2 input sources. My portable DVD player sound great on road trips! You dont have to hook up the second input if you dont want to.

Downside: There is about a 2 sec break in the music when the CD changer is switching CDs. To avoid this, just load 1 CD in. (Or just put up with the break every 45 minutes or so)

There are other input adapters available with single source inputs and which do away with the factory CD changer incase you dont have a CD changer. The adapers still plugs into the factory harness or stock radio quite easily.

A couple of pictures attached. The second is a homebrew cup holder. The third, I modified an armband holder with an aluminum strap so the iPod is still removable.

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looks good.. maybe you should paint your Ipod black.. and change the lights on the panel of the ipod to red so it would match... j/k

 

The iPod does stand out now. I'm waiting on a black case for the Pod. I still need to find some thin red gel or mylar for the lighting.

All in all - I'm happy how it turned out.

 

wow i was just kidding about the color... if you can pull that off. that would be amazing!!! Best of luck!