CD player for 1997 Audi A4
10-03-2003 | 08:29 PM
#1
Guest
Posts: n/a
CD player for 1997 Audi A4
Two years ago I bought a new 6 CD changer from Audi for my 1997 A4. I
tried to get a third-party product, but could not find one compatible,
so I had no choice but to buy from Audi.
Now, one year out of warranty, the changer is dead. It flashes NO CD on
the radio display. Audi will happily sell me another changer, for $500,
which is outrageous. (First they lock you in, then they sell you junk,
then charge a fortune for a replacement piece of junk.)
Any ideas on:
- How to fix the changer.
- How/where to find a used replacement.
- A way to get music in my car again, either CD or MP3, for under $500?
Thanks.
Jack Orenstein
tried to get a third-party product, but could not find one compatible,
so I had no choice but to buy from Audi.
Now, one year out of warranty, the changer is dead. It flashes NO CD on
the radio display. Audi will happily sell me another changer, for $500,
which is outrageous. (First they lock you in, then they sell you junk,
then charge a fortune for a replacement piece of junk.)
Any ideas on:
- How to fix the changer.
- How/where to find a used replacement.
- A way to get music in my car again, either CD or MP3, for under $500?
Thanks.
Jack Orenstein
10-04-2003 | 02:47 PM
#2
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
"Jack Orenstein" <jao@geophile.com> wrote in message
news:tvofb.399638$2x.134272@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att. net...
> Two years ago I bought a new 6 CD changer from Audi for my 1997 A4. I
> tried to get a third-party product, but could not find one compatible,
> so I had no choice but to buy from Audi.
>
> Now, one year out of warranty, the changer is dead. It flashes NO CD on
> the radio display. Audi will happily sell me another changer, for $500,
> which is outrageous. (First they lock you in, then they sell you junk,
> then charge a fortune for a replacement piece of junk.)
>
> Any ideas on:
>
> - How to fix the changer.
>
> - How/where to find a used replacement.
>
> - A way to get music in my car again, either CD or MP3, for under $500?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jack Orenstein
>
Just buy anything you like & fit it in, you can get adaptors to fit
virtually anything into the Audi wiring, you may then need to get the on
board electrics to accept the new system, just depends on the year,
something like the vag-com interface & software should do the trick,
Steve.
news:tvofb.399638$2x.134272@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att. net...
> Two years ago I bought a new 6 CD changer from Audi for my 1997 A4. I
> tried to get a third-party product, but could not find one compatible,
> so I had no choice but to buy from Audi.
>
> Now, one year out of warranty, the changer is dead. It flashes NO CD on
> the radio display. Audi will happily sell me another changer, for $500,
> which is outrageous. (First they lock you in, then they sell you junk,
> then charge a fortune for a replacement piece of junk.)
>
> Any ideas on:
>
> - How to fix the changer.
>
> - How/where to find a used replacement.
>
> - A way to get music in my car again, either CD or MP3, for under $500?
>
> Thanks.
>
> Jack Orenstein
>
Just buy anything you like & fit it in, you can get adaptors to fit
virtually anything into the Audi wiring, you may then need to get the on
board electrics to accept the new system, just depends on the year,
something like the vag-com interface & software should do the trick,
Steve.
10-04-2003 | 06:24 PM
#3
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
On Sat, 4 Oct 2003 19:47:15 +0100, "Steve68s"
<Steve68s(remove)@btinternet.com> wrote:
>"Jack Orenstein" <jao@geophile.com> wrote in message
>news:tvofb.399638$2x.134272@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att .net...
>> Two years ago I bought a new 6 CD changer from Audi for my 1997 A4. I
>> tried to get a third-party product, but could not find one compatible,
>> so I had no choice but to buy from Audi.
>>
>> Now, one year out of warranty, the changer is dead. It flashes NO CD on
>> the radio display. Audi will happily sell me another changer, for $500,
>> which is outrageous. (First they lock you in, then they sell you junk,
>> then charge a fortune for a replacement piece of junk.)
>>
>> Any ideas on:
>>
>> - How to fix the changer.
>>
>> - How/where to find a used replacement.
>>
>> - A way to get music in my car again, either CD or MP3, for under $500?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Jack Orenstein
>>
>
>Just buy anything you like & fit it in, you can get adaptors to fit
>virtually anything into the Audi wiring, you may then need to get the on
>board electrics to accept the new system, just depends on the year,
>something like the vag-com interface & software should do the trick,
I would be cautious about relying on any VAG tool or emulator to control radio
settings. The early head units were notoriously difficult to communicate
with...
I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at worst
require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
/daytripper
'00 s4 6spd, unbadged oem panasonic changer
<Steve68s(remove)@btinternet.com> wrote:
>"Jack Orenstein" <jao@geophile.com> wrote in message
>news:tvofb.399638$2x.134272@rwcrnsc52.ops.asp.att .net...
>> Two years ago I bought a new 6 CD changer from Audi for my 1997 A4. I
>> tried to get a third-party product, but could not find one compatible,
>> so I had no choice but to buy from Audi.
>>
>> Now, one year out of warranty, the changer is dead. It flashes NO CD on
>> the radio display. Audi will happily sell me another changer, for $500,
>> which is outrageous. (First they lock you in, then they sell you junk,
>> then charge a fortune for a replacement piece of junk.)
>>
>> Any ideas on:
>>
>> - How to fix the changer.
>>
>> - How/where to find a used replacement.
>>
>> - A way to get music in my car again, either CD or MP3, for under $500?
>>
>> Thanks.
>>
>> Jack Orenstein
>>
>
>Just buy anything you like & fit it in, you can get adaptors to fit
>virtually anything into the Audi wiring, you may then need to get the on
>board electrics to accept the new system, just depends on the year,
>something like the vag-com interface & software should do the trick,
I would be cautious about relying on any VAG tool or emulator to control radio
settings. The early head units were notoriously difficult to communicate
with...
I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at worst
require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
/daytripper
'00 s4 6spd, unbadged oem panasonic changer
10-04-2003 | 11:32 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 22:24:31 GMT, daytripper
<day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com> wrote:
>I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at worst
>require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
You, me, and every other 96-97 A4 owner, buddy.
The 1997 A4 has the Delta CC radio. There is *no* aftermarket changer
that will communicate with that head unit. There is *no* adapter that
will allow the Delta CC to talk to an aftermarket changer.
If you're really attached to the head unit, you can use an RF unit
with a remote control, but that's the only option besides buying the
OEM changer. Otherwise, installing a non-OEM changer means installing
a new head.
IMO, your best bet is to swap the head unit with a decent mp3-capable
unit and forget about the changer. If you have a head unit capable
of playing mp3 data files, having a changer is just redundant.
<day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com> wrote:
>I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at worst
>require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
You, me, and every other 96-97 A4 owner, buddy.
The 1997 A4 has the Delta CC radio. There is *no* aftermarket changer
that will communicate with that head unit. There is *no* adapter that
will allow the Delta CC to talk to an aftermarket changer.
If you're really attached to the head unit, you can use an RF unit
with a remote control, but that's the only option besides buying the
OEM changer. Otherwise, installing a non-OEM changer means installing
a new head.
IMO, your best bet is to swap the head unit with a decent mp3-capable
unit and forget about the changer. If you have a head unit capable
of playing mp3 data files, having a changer is just redundant.
10-13-2003 | 07:19 PM
#5
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
Pronto Breakneck wrote:
> On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 22:24:31 GMT, daytripper
> <day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at worst
>>require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
>
>
> You, me, and every other 96-97 A4 owner, buddy.
>
> The 1997 A4 has the Delta CC radio. There is *no* aftermarket changer
> that will communicate with that head unit. There is *no* adapter that
> will allow the Delta CC to talk to an aftermarket changer.
>
> If you're really attached to the head unit, you can use an RF unit
> with a remote control, but that's the only option besides buying the
> OEM changer. Otherwise, installing a non-OEM changer means installing
> a new head.
>
> IMO, your best bet is to swap the head unit with a decent mp3-capable
> unit and forget about the changer. If you have a head unit capable
> of playing mp3 data files, having a changer is just redundant.
OK, I'm willing to buy a new head unit. My local audio place says that
the Bose speakers are self-powered, and that I have to get a compatible
head unit from Bose or Audi. Or I can get the head unit, AND speakers
and pay for installation of everything.
Any other ideas?
Jack
P.S. I contacted Audi customer relations about all this. They won't do a
thing. I called, sent a letter (real paper! no email), and they turned
me down each time. This lockin is ridiculous, their attitude is
horrible, and I am quite sure I will never buy another Audi.
> On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 22:24:31 GMT, daytripper
> <day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com> wrote:
>
>>I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at worst
>>require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
>
>
> You, me, and every other 96-97 A4 owner, buddy.
>
> The 1997 A4 has the Delta CC radio. There is *no* aftermarket changer
> that will communicate with that head unit. There is *no* adapter that
> will allow the Delta CC to talk to an aftermarket changer.
>
> If you're really attached to the head unit, you can use an RF unit
> with a remote control, but that's the only option besides buying the
> OEM changer. Otherwise, installing a non-OEM changer means installing
> a new head.
>
> IMO, your best bet is to swap the head unit with a decent mp3-capable
> unit and forget about the changer. If you have a head unit capable
> of playing mp3 data files, having a changer is just redundant.
OK, I'm willing to buy a new head unit. My local audio place says that
the Bose speakers are self-powered, and that I have to get a compatible
head unit from Bose or Audi. Or I can get the head unit, AND speakers
and pay for installation of everything.
Any other ideas?
Jack
P.S. I contacted Audi customer relations about all this. They won't do a
thing. I called, sent a letter (real paper! no email), and they turned
me down each time. This lockin is ridiculous, their attitude is
horrible, and I am quite sure I will never buy another Audi.
10-14-2003 | 03:03 AM
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
On Mon, 13 Oct 2003 23:19:26 GMT, Jack Orenstein <jao@geophile.com>
quoted me fully before saying
>
>OK, I'm willing to buy a new head unit. My local audio place says that
>the Bose speakers are self-powered, and that I have to get a compatible
>head unit from Bose or Audi. Or I can get the head unit, AND speakers
>and pay for installation of everything.
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec70.shtml
quoted me fully before saying
>
>OK, I'm willing to buy a new head unit. My local audio place says that
>the Bose speakers are self-powered, and that I have to get a compatible
>head unit from Bose or Audi. Or I can get the head unit, AND speakers
>and pay for installation of everything.
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/elec70.shtml
10-14-2003 | 12:00 PM
#7
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
Jack Orenstein <jao@geophile.com> wrote in message news:<2qGib.116690$%h1.123251@sccrnsc02>...
> Pronto Breakneck wrote:
> > On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 22:24:31 GMT, daytripper
> > <day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> >>I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at worst
> >>require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
> >
> >
> > You, me, and every other 96-97 A4 owner, buddy.
> >
> > The 1997 A4 has the Delta CC radio. There is *no* aftermarket changer
> > that will communicate with that head unit. There is *no* adapter that
> > will allow the Delta CC to talk to an aftermarket changer.
> >
> > If you're really attached to the head unit, you can use an RF unit
> > with a remote control, but that's the only option besides buying the
> > OEM changer. Otherwise, installing a non-OEM changer means installing
> > a new head.
> >
> > IMO, your best bet is to swap the head unit with a decent mp3-capable
> > unit and forget about the changer. If you have a head unit capable
> > of playing mp3 data files, having a changer is just redundant.
>
> OK, I'm willing to buy a new head unit. My local audio place says that
> the Bose speakers are self-powered, and that I have to get a compatible
> head unit from Bose or Audi. Or I can get the head unit, AND speakers
> and pay for installation of everything.
>
> Any other ideas?
>
> Jack
>
> P.S. I contacted Audi customer relations about all this. They won't do a
> thing. I called, sent a letter (real paper! no email), and they turned
> me down each time. This lockin is ridiculous, their attitude is
> horrible, and I am quite sure I will never buy another Audi.
Really? I have never understood this idea that if EVERYTHING is not
*picture perfect* on a complicated piece of equipment, then you just
chuck the whole thing.
The audio portion is such a small thing, after all. I agree that it
should work correctly, and shouldn't have proprietary bits. But since
that's not going to happen with this Audi, then you work-around.
1.) (Already mentioned) RF changer. Alpine makes one. My
sis-in-law has one in her 80q. Works great, sounds good, was
inexpensive.
2.) (Already mentioned) mp3-capable head unit. A better choice,
*if* you have a bunch of mp3s of your music.
3.) Aftermarket head unit and changer. $$$
4.) Worst choice of all - the one you took. An expensive, barely
functional unit that has already been a source of some problems.
In the end, it's your money. I don't know why you're mad at Audi -
the car *is* out of warranty, after all. breaks, man - that's
life. Take your year-out-of-warranty Honda to a dealer and ask for
them to replace a $500 part gratis, and see what happens. Of *course*
they are going to turn you down. All of them, not just Audi.
Spider
> Pronto Breakneck wrote:
> > On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 22:24:31 GMT, daytripper
> > <day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> >>I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at worst
> >>require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
> >
> >
> > You, me, and every other 96-97 A4 owner, buddy.
> >
> > The 1997 A4 has the Delta CC radio. There is *no* aftermarket changer
> > that will communicate with that head unit. There is *no* adapter that
> > will allow the Delta CC to talk to an aftermarket changer.
> >
> > If you're really attached to the head unit, you can use an RF unit
> > with a remote control, but that's the only option besides buying the
> > OEM changer. Otherwise, installing a non-OEM changer means installing
> > a new head.
> >
> > IMO, your best bet is to swap the head unit with a decent mp3-capable
> > unit and forget about the changer. If you have a head unit capable
> > of playing mp3 data files, having a changer is just redundant.
>
> OK, I'm willing to buy a new head unit. My local audio place says that
> the Bose speakers are self-powered, and that I have to get a compatible
> head unit from Bose or Audi. Or I can get the head unit, AND speakers
> and pay for installation of everything.
>
> Any other ideas?
>
> Jack
>
> P.S. I contacted Audi customer relations about all this. They won't do a
> thing. I called, sent a letter (real paper! no email), and they turned
> me down each time. This lockin is ridiculous, their attitude is
> horrible, and I am quite sure I will never buy another Audi.
Really? I have never understood this idea that if EVERYTHING is not
*picture perfect* on a complicated piece of equipment, then you just
chuck the whole thing.
The audio portion is such a small thing, after all. I agree that it
should work correctly, and shouldn't have proprietary bits. But since
that's not going to happen with this Audi, then you work-around.
1.) (Already mentioned) RF changer. Alpine makes one. My
sis-in-law has one in her 80q. Works great, sounds good, was
inexpensive.
2.) (Already mentioned) mp3-capable head unit. A better choice,
*if* you have a bunch of mp3s of your music.
3.) Aftermarket head unit and changer. $$$
4.) Worst choice of all - the one you took. An expensive, barely
functional unit that has already been a source of some problems.
In the end, it's your money. I don't know why you're mad at Audi -
the car *is* out of warranty, after all. breaks, man - that's
life. Take your year-out-of-warranty Honda to a dealer and ask for
them to replace a $500 part gratis, and see what happens. Of *course*
they are going to turn you down. All of them, not just Audi.
Spider
10-15-2003 | 03:21 AM
#8
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
"Spider" <beelzebubba@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:73da2590.0310140800.14104a13@posting.google.c om...
> Jack Orenstein <jao@geophile.com> wrote in message
news:<2qGib.116690$%h1.123251@sccrnsc02>...
> > Pronto Breakneck wrote:
> > > On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 22:24:31 GMT, daytripper
> > > <day_trippr@REMOVEyahoo.com> wrote:
> > >
> > >>I'd look for something that is "plug and play" with the '97, or at
worst
> > >>require the attachment of a protocol convertor...
> > >
> > >
> > > You, me, and every other 96-97 A4 owner, buddy.
> > >
> > > The 1997 A4 has the Delta CC radio. There is *no* aftermarket changer
> > > that will communicate with that head unit. There is *no* adapter that
> > > will allow the Delta CC to talk to an aftermarket changer.
> > >
> > > If you're really attached to the head unit, you can use an RF unit
> > > with a remote control, but that's the only option besides buying the
> > > OEM changer. Otherwise, installing a non-OEM changer means installing
> > > a new head.
> > >
> > > IMO, your best bet is to swap the head unit with a decent mp3-capable
> > > unit and forget about the changer. If you have a head unit capable
> > > of playing mp3 data files, having a changer is just redundant.
> >
> > OK, I'm willing to buy a new head unit. My local audio place says that
> > the Bose speakers are self-powered, and that I have to get a compatible
> > head unit from Bose or Audi. Or I can get the head unit, AND speakers
> > and pay for installation of everything.
> >
> > Any other ideas?
> >
> > Jack
> >
> > P.S. I contacted Audi customer relations about all this. They won't do a
> > thing. I called, sent a letter (real paper! no email), and they turned
> > me down each time. This lockin is ridiculous, their attitude is
> > horrible, and I am quite sure I will never buy another Audi.
>
> Really? I have never understood this idea that if EVERYTHING is not
> *picture perfect* on a complicated piece of equipment, then you just
> chuck the whole thing.
>
> The audio portion is such a small thing, after all. I agree that it
> should work correctly, and shouldn't have proprietary bits. But since
> that's not going to happen with this Audi, then you work-around.
>
> 1.) (Already mentioned) RF changer. Alpine makes one. My
> sis-in-law has one in her 80q. Works great, sounds good, was
> inexpensive.
>
> 2.) (Already mentioned) mp3-capable head unit. A better choice,
> *if* you have a bunch of mp3s of your music.
>
> 3.) Aftermarket head unit and changer. $$$
>
> 4.) Worst choice of all - the one you took. An expensive, barely
> functional unit that has already been a source of some problems.
>
> In the end, it's your money. I don't know why you're mad at Audi -
> the car *is* out of warranty, after all. breaks, man - that's
> life. Take your year-out-of-warranty Honda to a dealer and ask for
> them to replace a $500 part gratis, and see what happens. Of *course*
> they are going to turn you down. All of them, not just Audi.
>
> Spider
Just fit a Car PC
mine works great www.fsplanes.net/carputerdone.wmvRon
10-15-2003 | 07:56 AM
#9
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
www.crutchfield.com
If that doesn't work out, contact www.midwestelectronics.com
What's wrong with the Audi reman exchange program?
I got a unit less than 6 months ago, $110 exchange.
BTW, RF changers suck.
JPF in a 1990 V8.
Blaupunkt Toronto head unit, with a 10-disc Blaupunkt changer.
Running the factory Bose "powered" speakers.
And they say "It can't be done."
It literally plugged into the factory harness.
I had to add key-on power.
I did lose the factory station display, however.
I'm crushed.
Also with a 1987 5KCSQ and a Sony head unit running the factory
powered speakers. Remember, "it can't be done!"
On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 00:29:13 GMT, Jack Orenstein <jao@geophile.com>
wrote:
>Two years ago I bought a new 6 CD changer from Audi for my 1997 A4. I
>tried to get a third-party product, but could not find one compatible,
>so I had no choice but to buy from Audi.
>
>Now, one year out of warranty, the changer is dead. It flashes NO CD on
>the radio display. Audi will happily sell me another changer, for $500,
>which is outrageous. (First they lock you in, then they sell you junk,
>then charge a fortune for a replacement piece of junk.)
>
>Any ideas on:
>
>- How to fix the changer.
>
>- How/where to find a used replacement.
>
>- A way to get music in my car again, either CD or MP3, for under $500?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Jack Orenstein
If that doesn't work out, contact www.midwestelectronics.com
What's wrong with the Audi reman exchange program?
I got a unit less than 6 months ago, $110 exchange.
BTW, RF changers suck.
JPF in a 1990 V8.
Blaupunkt Toronto head unit, with a 10-disc Blaupunkt changer.
Running the factory Bose "powered" speakers.
And they say "It can't be done."
It literally plugged into the factory harness.
I had to add key-on power.
I did lose the factory station display, however.
I'm crushed.
Also with a 1987 5KCSQ and a Sony head unit running the factory
powered speakers. Remember, "it can't be done!"
On Sat, 04 Oct 2003 00:29:13 GMT, Jack Orenstein <jao@geophile.com>
wrote:
>Two years ago I bought a new 6 CD changer from Audi for my 1997 A4. I
>tried to get a third-party product, but could not find one compatible,
>so I had no choice but to buy from Audi.
>
>Now, one year out of warranty, the changer is dead. It flashes NO CD on
>the radio display. Audi will happily sell me another changer, for $500,
>which is outrageous. (First they lock you in, then they sell you junk,
>then charge a fortune for a replacement piece of junk.)
>
>Any ideas on:
>
>- How to fix the changer.
>
>- How/where to find a used replacement.
>
>- A way to get music in my car again, either CD or MP3, for under $500?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Jack Orenstein
10-15-2003 | 08:27 AM
#10
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: CD player for 1997 Audi A4
Thanks for your response.
> www.crutchfield.com
>
They show no head units available for a 97 a4 with bose sound.
>
> If that doesn't work out, contact www.midwestelectronics.com
>
My problem is knowing what will work in my car and what won't.
>
> What's wrong with the Audi reman exchange program?
> I got a unit less than 6 months ago, $110 exchange.
>
What is this program? I'd love to get a cheap used changer or in-dash unit.
>
> BTW, RF changers suck.
>
You mean, the ones that broadcast over FM? That's what I've heard.
>
> JPF in a 1990 V8.
> Blaupunkt Toronto head unit, with a 10-disc Blaupunkt changer.
> Running the factory Bose "powered" speakers.
> And they say "It can't be done."
> It literally plugged into the factory harness.
> I had to add key-on power.
> I did lose the factory station display, however.
> I'm crushed.
>
> Also with a 1987 5KCSQ and a Sony head unit running the factory
> powered speakers. Remember, "it can't be done!"
>
How do I find out whether a given head unit will work?
Jack
> www.crutchfield.com
>
They show no head units available for a 97 a4 with bose sound.
>
> If that doesn't work out, contact www.midwestelectronics.com
>
My problem is knowing what will work in my car and what won't.
>
> What's wrong with the Audi reman exchange program?
> I got a unit less than 6 months ago, $110 exchange.
>
What is this program? I'd love to get a cheap used changer or in-dash unit.
>
> BTW, RF changers suck.
>
You mean, the ones that broadcast over FM? That's what I've heard.
>
> JPF in a 1990 V8.
> Blaupunkt Toronto head unit, with a 10-disc Blaupunkt changer.
> Running the factory Bose "powered" speakers.
> And they say "It can't be done."
> It literally plugged into the factory harness.
> I had to add key-on power.
> I did lose the factory station display, however.
> I'm crushed.
>
> Also with a 1987 5KCSQ and a Sony head unit running the factory
> powered speakers. Remember, "it can't be done!"
>
How do I find out whether a given head unit will work?
Jack
