Audio (aux) input on A4 B7 with bose and satellite radio

[garrett]

I have a B7 A4 (a 2005.5, one of the very first) and I want to set up some method of auxiliary sound input. I have the Bose sound system and use my sirius satellite radio. I don't have the nav system, but I do have the in-dash 6 CD changer. My car also has the button on the steering wheel for bluetooth, but doesn't have a bluetooth kit.

Ideally, I'd like to install some type of A2DP bluetooth system that would let me play music through the car stereo and also take phone calls. I was looking at the Parrot MKi9000 (http://www.parrot.com/catalog/products/parrot-mki9000/), but I can't seem to find a way to wire that up to use the steering wheel phone button. Is there any way to wire up one system to take phone calls and also play music?

If that can't be done, I'd like to wire up an actual AUX in jack. I managed to find a tutorial that is somewhat related to my car (http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?p=19704842). As far as I can tell, I want a blitzsafe audi/aux adaptor. I think I want this one: http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1170.

Any information, advice, or guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks!

[garrett]

Any ideas? I'd really like to give this a go but I'd love some input (of any kind) before I get started.

[NastyNate]

Any ideas? I'd really like to give this a go but I'd love some input (of any kind) before I get started.

You can find a lot of info about this by searching, but I'll take a stab at this since I've got a similar setup.

- My car is also a 2005.5, which means that we have the Symphony II and not the Symphony II+ that was introduced for 2007 MY.
- I have Sirius, use it, love it
- I have the MFSW controls, same as you
- I have aftermarket Bluetooth (Motorola)

I've heard that the A2DP bluetooth system is a waste of time, but I don't recall why. I think it was that music streams in mono, which is obviously pretty crappy. I think this is a limitation of the input to the headunit, not a limitation of the Parrot. For me, that would eliminate the option of streaming music via Bluetooth.

So, now that we've decided that Bluetooth and music are two different options, let's discuss separately.

There are a bunch of music options out there - go to enfigcarstereo.com. They have the best options for our cars IMO. It depends on how much control you want. If you're connecting an iPod, you can get a pretty high degree of integration. If you just want an AUX input, I don't believe that's possible on a Symphony II. On a II+ it's a matter of tapping into three wires. Search for this use case.

With Bluetooth, again there are a lot of options that you can search for. The one I chose was the Motorola IHF-1000 for ease of install, quality and price. I didn't care to use the MSFW to control the phone, because I think the interfaces offered are all cheesy and difficult to use. I've got the controls for BT mounted to the right of my steering column and I'm reasonably satisfied with the way it looks and functions.

You have a lot of questions - hopefully I've cleared some things up.

[cheemn]

for bluetooth there are 2 best options among which you should choose. I have the the kufatec audi basic installed which has a2dp, updates available so no prob with phone connectivity, uses the MFSW steering buttons on left of steering wheel so you can access phone book, missed calls, dialed numbers, A2DP, recieved calls, and can adjust volume and mic sensitivity. It basically connects when you turn the car on after of course synching it the first time using the 1234 code etc. I have its mic up in the OEM location above in the sunrooof/light control box. The other option is the OEM bluetooth kit which does all the same things except it doesnt have A2DP. The advantage of the OEM is that you can use the voice command button on the right of the steering wheel. It is more expensive but I suggest you try to look for the complete OEM kit since I miss the voice command. You can sometimes find here in the classified or other sites such as EBAY etc. The kufatec is available from the company site. The key is make sure you know what radio you have exactly which I think you have symphony 2+. Also make sure you get the complete kit for either one you buy. I have used the A2DP on my kifatec and it sounds fine to me. I am no stereophile however. And yes again please search cause kufatec has been covered on here. Also, I agree and think you should get the sat pass 2 if that is the name from what I remember from Enfig and then contact chris from Enfig in their forum on this site ( or call) to decide what level of Aux input ya want. If you want the basic aux input then after getting the sat pass with your chosen aux unit, try to get the a3 oem jack and install it on your car for a neat look. Then all ya have to do is hit cd button twice and you get the aux displayed on your unit andyou just plug it in. :) Again this is all on this site, even the A3 aux OEM jack that can be used in our cars.

[McBadger]

http://audiforum.us/multimedia/7038-aux-input.html

Take your radio unit out, and check the pin out.

The SymII+ and RNS-E's have pins for Aux which you can enable using a VAG-COM, and then just connect with pins. You get a line-level input, and a nice OEM feel.

[garrett]

First up, thank you all for the responses! I'm still a little confused, but heading in the right direction.

According to NastyNate, A2DP only streams to the car in mono. So while cheemn seems to have found a great product for A2DP, I'd rather not listen to my music in mono. I do, however, still want to get full bluetooth integration with the MFSW controls.

For my audio, I don't want an iPod adaptor (even though I'll probably be mostly hooking up iPods). I want a 3.5mm jack that I can plug in anything (iPods, other MP3 players, laptops, etc), which wires up to the head unit. According to NastyNate, aux input isn't possible on the Symphony II. Hopefully that's wrong, even if my aux input pretends to be a second CD changer. Can anyone share a link for cheemn's A3 aux oem jack? And will that work with my setup?

McBadger, I wasn't sure how to interpret the pin diagram. It's in the attached pictures though, if you're willing to help.

In total, I've attached quite a few pictures of my setup. Click them to see larger versions. I'd also love confirmation that I'm getting the facts straight (eg, that this is indeed a Symphony II not a Symphony II+ or that I do have the MSFW controls). Keep in mind that this is the bose version of the stereo.

msfw controls:


front view of my Symphony II:


top view of my Symphony II:


closeup of the pin diagram:


back view:


closeup of left side of back view:


closeup of right side of back view:


Edit: removed dead photos

[cheemn]

Here is a link to the Enfig site that lets ya keep your satellite radio when ya want to add an aux input to your factory radio. I KNOW it works with my symphony 2+ but you will have to ask Enfig themselves either on the Audizine tech forum or from them directly by calling them. You by the way have Symphony 2, not 2+. The things you are looking for are the sat pass 1, 2, or 3 And Enfig will tell ya which one. Then ya need the Grom, or Pie interface to connect to the OEM Aux input jack . Just tell them what you want to do and they will hook ya up.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s.../AUDI_AUX.html
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Number-Request


Hope I didnt confuse ya. Again PLEASE contact Enfig since they are very active on this site and you will be sure of what you are getting and that it will work.


Oops and if ya want full bluetooth integration with voice control then look up the parts here on the forum for the full OEM install kit which I am pretty sure has to have the bluetooth module, mic, and the bluetooth antennae thingy. This is done up nicely here on Audizine. Just be patient then and look up on Ebay, here, etc. Dont pay a ton at the dealer but you can always tease info from them as far as part numbers required when ya give them your vin number and compare to what others say.

[Matt@EuropaParts]

I actually have a full BT setup that I'm going to list shortly. It has a D module, so its perfect for the Symphony II radio.

[garrett]

What's a D module? I asked google, and the only thing I could find was a wikipedia page...

cheemn, I emailed the guys over at enfig and asked which sat pass I want. I'm guessing at sat pass 1, actually. I'm excited to start on this project =)

[McBadger]

McBadger, I wasn't sure how to interpret the pin diagram. It's in the attached pictures though, if you're willing to help.

Sadly, as I thought you don't have the pins for the OEM style Aux input. On that thread I referenced the SympII+ and RNS-E have dedicated Aux-L Aux-R and Aux-Ground pins, so if you just vag-com code the radio correctly hitting "CD" gets you the "AUX Input" on the screen, and nice line level input.

Good luck with your project.

[garrett]

On that thread I referenced the SympII+ and RNS-E have dedicated Aux-L Aux-R and Aux-Ground pins, so if you just vag-com code the radio correctly hitting "CD" gets you the "AUX Input" on the screen, and nice line level input.

That's really cool! I guess I need to buy myself a cable so my car doesn't say "CD 99 TRACK 999" or whatever it typically does with an AUX running that way =)
I've talked to enfig and will be ordering my part soon. Thanks all for the help! After aux in is done, next up is bluetooth...

[Matt@EuropaParts]

What's a D module? I asked google, and the only thing I could find was a wikipedia page...

It's the part number revision. The "D" modules were a basic function module, which from my understanding, will work perfectly with the Symphony II's, but only kinda work with the RNS-E.

[Christian@enfig]

Sorry for the delay in responding. For your radio you need the 20 pin aux.


http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s...X_DMX_V1B.html
or

http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s..._VAG_AUDS.html

If you are using factory satellite radio you will need the Audi Sap Pass 1


http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s...AT_PASS_1.html

[garrett]

Great, now I just need to figure out mounting details.

I want to put a female 3.5mm jack (headphone jack) in the upper right "blank button" of my dash.
(right above the top right radio removal key, next to the little tray that comes out.) Click for larger version:


Is there anything special need to do for this? I'd like to at least order another blank button and keep the stock one in case I mess things up =)
Where can I order one of those? And can I just drill a hole through the button and put in a 3.5mm female to dual RCA jack, like this one? (link)

Or is there a special jack I could get that would be easier to mount on the blank button?
Thanks for all the help! =)

[cheemn]

Yippee Enfig to the rescue :-) And too bad about the OEM aux not working for ya but are you sure you want that aux jack above your stereo in your dash? I just put mine in that tray thingy under the arm rest. I didnt want a wire dangling from my dash each time I hooked something up. My installer just ran the wire from the head unit to that tray like spot under the arm rest. If I knew about that aux OEM input I would have used it since I have the symphony 2+.

[garrett]

Hmm, I picked a female jack for the sake of being clean. But maybe if I did a female jack under the armrest or something....
So cheemn, do you have any pictures of your install anywhere I can check out?

[Vinsanity99]

i just noticed this thread today, very interesting, cuz since day 1, i was wondering how to add an AUX input also....I'm in Toronto, any ideas of where i can go for this anyone?

[cheemn]

Check my photo album. I just added a pic of it in there and will keep it there for a few days. Too lazy to get an account in any photo upload site. Dont want anyone else with my email addresses etc. ;-) I was saying how your aux input jack will just be that hole since you are using Enfig's sat pass 1. I wish I got that but my way works just fine too. Its thru the radio and hooks directly onto the antennae so I get no disruption. I just have to make sure I turn it on whenever I want to use the aux jack. I will change it to the ENFIG satpass when and if this thing dies and put it in the same place, replace that phelt cover and it will all look nice and neat. :-) I am still confused as to how the A3 jack cant be used with the Enfig sat pass1 and the Grom. I would like to know for future reference if I want to go that route instead as my aux jack mount location.

[garrett]

That looks really clean :)
What part did you use for the jack itself?

[cheemn]

It came with the Isimple IS77 Tranzit, that I was talking about. You can get it separately though if ya want and its called the (iSimple - Dash-Mount Audio Input Kit Model #PDM35). Buying it alone almost costs as much as the Isimple IS77 Tranzit that had it included. You can get a flush mount from Enfig much cheaper I am sure since you would be getting the sat pass and the Grom from them. Mention it to them and they can tell ya how much etc. Also ask them about the Audi A3 aux mount and see if that is possible with their sat pass and (Grom or BLitzsafe). Honestly if that was possible you could have the best aux input that totally works and looks like OEM. Then I would be jealous. LOLOLOL!

[diagnosticator]

You should swap out the Sym II HU shown, for a Sym II+ HU. With the Sym II+, the sound quality is substantially a lot better, with better base punch and overall audio clarity. Although the Bose setup does not use the amp internal to the HU, the preamp output signal is much clearer and has better dynamic range.

Regardless, for your needs, the main benefit of the Sym II+, is that the HU accepts AUX signal input directly, without the need of third party adapters like the Blitz Safe module. When the Aux input is activated by coding the HU with VAG-COM, you switch between the CD player and the Aux input signal source by pressing the CD button. Repeated presses of the CD button alternates between CD and AUX input. The Sym II+ is also able to play home recored CDs of MP3 files.

In order to install the Sym II+, a harness adapter that interfaces the ISO connectors on the chassis side, to the Quadlock harness input plug on the Sym II+. The line level input from your AUX device is simply added to the Quadlock connector, AUX IN+, AUX IN -, and AUX Ground, using 3 repair wires having the correct terminals pre crimped onto pigtail wires, that are directly spliced to the Signal input plug required for your Aux signal source device, whatever it is.

Combined with the improved audio quality, the functional aspects of the AUX signal input, as far as being a completely integrated function in the Sym II+, provides a superior solution compared to the Sym II HU. A Sym II+ can be purchased for less than $300 as a take out.

The only drawback to installing a Sym II+, is that the FM RF signal diversity is different from the Sym II, being a phase diversity arrangement provided by dual digital FM tuners in the Sym II+, whereas the Sym II uses antenna switching RF signal diversity. As a result the switching diversity antennas from the Sym II, does not operate with the Sym II+, and vice versa. The bottom line is that in some regions, FM received RF signal strength is variable low on some FM stations depending on the relative position of the car to the FM transmitter. Sirius SAT radio is not effected at all by this drawback. For the majority of users, the regional variation and reduced RF signal strength from some FM transmitters is not a problem, since SAT or AUX/CD is the primary source of Audio programming.

High powered local FM broadcasters are usually received with good RF signal quality anyway.

[Southwest T]

Hi guys don't know if this has been mentioned but I have found a nice alternative for the lack of aux Im in a B7 s4 with the standard radio (symphony 2 I think) I recently picked up a cassette aux converter by monster. The quality is pretty good and I would recommend it. The install is nothing like putting in a permanent aux for $60-$100+ and its a nice quick fix

[starcase]

I have a B7 A4 (a 2005.5, one of the very first) and I want to set up some method of auxiliary sound input. I have the Bose sound system and use my sirius satellite radio. I don't have the nav system, but I do have the in-dash 6 CD changer. My car also has the button on the steering wheel for bluetooth, but doesn't have a bluetooth kit.

Ideally, I'd like to install some type of A2DP bluetooth system that would let me play music through the car stereo and also take phone calls. I was looking at the Parrot MKi9000 (http://www.parrot.com/catalog/products/parrot-mki9000/), but I can't seem to find a way to wire that up to use the steering wheel phone button. Is there any way to wire up one system to take phone calls and also play music?

If that can't be done, I'd like to wire up an actual AUX in jack. I managed to find a tutorial that is somewhat related to my car (http://forums.audiworld.com/showthread.php?p=19704842). As far as I can tell, I want a blitzsafe audi/aux adaptor. I think I want this one: http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1170.

Any information, advice, or guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I just finished reprogramming my Audi Symphony II+ to add Auxiliary function when you press the CD button. It's great! I'm very happy and cost was minimal. There is a tutorial I can get, which is also o this site. Basically you need to get "audi repair wire" 3 pieces will do, a headphone socket from radio shack. Make a Aux socket input and plug in as noted in tutorial. Hook up Vag Com and recode stereo to tell it that it now has a aux output. It sounds good and much cheaper than a aftermarket aux adapter. Why waste the money, just upgrade stereo or do the aux tutorial. Works great... Very pleased!

[DannyDeez]

I just finished reprogramming my Audi Symphony II+ to add Auxiliary function when you press the CD button. It's great! I'm very happy and cost was minimal. There is a tutorial I can get, which is also o this site. Basically you need to get "audi repair wire" 3 pieces will do, a headphone socket from radio shack. Make a Aux socket input and plug in as noted in tutorial. Hook up Vag Com and recode stereo to tell it that it now has a aux output. It sounds good and much cheaper than a aftermarket aux adapter. Why waste the money, just upgrade stereo or do the aux tutorial. Works great... Very pleased!

If you can add a link to that tutorial that would be great!

[gonemtbiking]

If anyone is interested I did my own AUX install on a Symphony II with Sat radio to play the aux input when a cable is installed into the AUX port and play the Sat radio when nothing is installed.

Only cost me $2, b/c I already had some 22 guage wire lying around and the only thing I had to buy was the AUX port.

[starcase]

If you can add a link to that tutorial that would be great!

AUX wiring and socket tutorial
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...or-Symphony-II

Vag-Com - Here is what you need to do to recode VAG-COM to tell your radio that it now has a Auxiliary input (this function enables AUX source when pressing the CD button once)
To enable the AUX IN capability, the Sym II+ needs to be recoded properly.

From VCDS label file,

C00,Radio (R) Coding
C01,0xx0xx?: Country
C02,1 = Europe
C03,2 = North America
C04,4 = Japan
C05,5 = China
C06,0xx0x?x: Sound System Correction
C07,0 = Sound System (No passive Speakers/No Correction)
C08,1 = Sedan/Coupé with passive Speakers
C09,2 = Wagon/Avant with passive Speakers
C10,3 = Cabriolet/Roadster with passive Speakers
C11,0xx0?xx: Options 1
C12,+1 = Leather Interior
C13,+2 = Diesel Engine
C14,0x?0xxx: Options 2
C15,+1 = Digital Sound System
C16,+2 = CD-Changer
C17,+4 = Satellite Radio
C18,0?x0xxx: Options 3
C19,+1 = Analog Input (AUX)
C20,+2 = Multifunction Steering Wheel
C21,+4 = Telephone


So, to add the AUX input, change the coding of the radio with VCDS, by adding a 1 to the bit value at the 0?x0xxx, ? position. For example, the coding for the Sym II+ in my Avant, is 0140122

Basically just open VAG-COM. Navigate to the "radio" control module. I would take a picture of your original codes at this point. Then click recode and add a "1" to the second digit in that sequence of numbers. This will enable AUX input via CD button. You'll still need to plug in the actual wiring in the back of course.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/co6g3aenh0...oding.jpg?dl=0
note my original code there has a "6" in the second digit location. I changed it to a "1" to enable AUX.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/9mp5xqia0ypofr5/20150225_104546.jpg?dl=0
This is what your display will show once you recode radio after pressing cd button.

My radio is a Audi Symphony II+. I'm not certain which radios this works on, but it will work on that one. I believe that actual name on the radio says some word that starts with an "n" i think. It doesn't actualy say Symphony II+ on the radio back, but something else like with an n.

TIP!!!

Once you have made your Aux input socket and wires make sure you remove the little blue iso block from the rest of the iso block frame. There is a little tab that locks the ISO connectors in. You have to disconnect the harness and remove the blue iso block where the aux wires go and release the clip so you can insert the wires, reclip and they will lock in position.

If you need any further information let me know I just finished mine and took a little while because I had to compile information from different places. I have the part # for the audi repair wires somewhere if you need. If you call dealer and say "audi repair wire" they should have the right one, sold 1 each. Each wire has two isos. I purchased 2 wires and chopped them in half then soildered to headphone socket as in tutorial. You can get the wires cheaper from "1stvwparts.com" , dealer quoted me some crazy price for the each wire. Maybe $15 per?