Elder wrote:

I like that. As it is VAG Mk4 Golf based I've had to swap the ign/perm
live over using the fuse connectors.

Lucky... my MkIII A4 doesn't have a switched live feed, only permanent.
The factory head unit uses CAN-bus to switch on and off. So I've had to
find a 12V switched feed in the fusebox (middle row) and run this to the
12V switched input on the replacement head unit.

£26k for a car and the sound system is pants. Not impressed. (The car
itself is fantastic, but the stock head unit is bloody awful.)

I've fitted a toggle switch in behind the fusebox so I can switch the
ignition sense to permanent 12V if needed, that way I can leave the
music on without needing the key in the ignition.

I could swap them back and fit a VAG adaptor instead and and add the
speaker wire tails onto there. Maybe even fit the tails with bullet
adaptor so they can be fitted into the speaker wiring once the wiring is
run. That way I could solder the tails onto the wires, instead of crimps
or scotchblocks but it would still be removable to put the car back to
factory.

Probably worth doing. The harness adaptors cost around £10-£15, and I
don't mind butchering one of those. Actually the one I've got now has
been in 4 cars (a MkI A3, a MkII A4 FWD, a MkII A4 Quattro and now a
MkIII A4 Quattro). The head unit (Sony MEX-BT5000) was bought new for
this car, the previous one (Sony MDX-CA580) was in the first 3 Audis and
before that in a MkIII M-reg Fiesta.

My A4 doesn't have the Bose system, but then all that does is shows up
how bad the factory head unit is. Have had a couple of courtesy cars
with the Symphony 6-disc double-DIN changer head unit and Bose
speakers... it's better than stock because of the offboard
amplification, but still not a patch on a decent aftermarket setup.

Sony MEX-BT5000, Connects2 iPod adaptor, JBL GTO-4000 amp, 2x JBL 10"
subs. In a brand new 56-plate A4. Couldn't find my VAG removal keys...
so the dealer very kindly unclipped the stock head unit before I drove
the car away!

--
Glenn Richards Tel: (01453) 845735
Squirrel Solutions http://www.squirrelsolutions.co.uk/

IT consultancy, hardware and software support, broadband installation