So, here is my story of trying to get a simple auxiliary input. it all started with a simple blitzsafe unit (http://blitzsafe.com/catalog/audi/au...b/prod_31.html) this allowed me to plug in my phone and play audio from my phone. this worked great. the volume is a little low due to the lack of an amp built in line, and taking calls was interesting because the audio came through the speakers, but the phone mic had to be used. that required me to move my head closer to the mic, which was awkward.
After a while, I decided I wanted to join the wireless crowd. I checked out the OEM solution, only to realize that was pretty expensive. Checked out Fiscon units only to realize they were expensive as well as only had mono output. That's a no go for me. Then I decided to settle on a simple idea, using a bluetooth adapter. First, I used a Sony MW600 (http://www.amazon.com/Ericsson-Hi-Fi.../dp/B003DQ1DCM) unit. It worked great, except for the fact that it couldn't be charged while playing, so every time the battery was dead, I had to resort to just plugging my phone in. After this, I moved on to the HTC StereoClip (http://www.amazon.com/StereoClip-A10.../dp/B007IVCCIC). This could be charged and still play at the same time. However, the audio quality wasn't nearly as good as the Sony unit, and the power supply looked ugly using a cigarette adapter to power it. I figured oh well, my burden and went to hardwire a power supply, but I broke my Blitzsafe harness in the process. So instead, I decided to look for a fresh start.
And that's when I found the Dension unit.
Here's the actual review
Let me say, I can't believe that I spent so long searching and using other options before I got this. The quality is great, the mic works in it's non-conventional location, and the install is easy as pie. With the adapter that I ended up using, I can plug in a flash drive with MP3s on it to listen to, I can plug in any device with an 3.5mm headphone jack to listen to stuff and it all sounds great. I can skip and replay songs through the head unit and steering wheel controls. Unfortunately, the song names don't appear through the stereo or center DIS, but I can only ask for so much.
The call quality is pretty great as well. The mic sounds great. I've tested it while I was outside of the car and a buddy was in it, and it really does sound better even than the speaker on the phone. I initially thought my mic location would cause some issues, but it still sounds great.
Installation
The installation was pretty straight forward.
Here's everything that I started with:
The Dension unit is a plug and play adapter that fits in between the car's harness and the headunit. The only actual wiring I had to do was ground the wire from the Dension to the ground on the car harness. The instructions aren't clear, so I had a fun time figuring that out.
After that, it I just had to do some routing. I took the glove box off to route the USB and aux input port block into the glove box. Here's where I brought it through on the cabrio.
I brought it as far back as possible to avoid getting crimped up when the glove box went back in. I had to cut out the little hole in the back of the glove box to feed the wires through.
This is what the car looked like with everything out. Note: This is my cabrio, but the sedan was pretty much the exact same.
After this, I needed to find somewhere for the mic. Rather than drawing the mic through the vent or something and bringing it up to the mirror, I decided to use the ash/coin tray. I drilled out a hole at the bottom and brought the wire through.
After that I started plugging everything in. I had to make sure to plug the mic-mute ground into the stereo. It's the middle plug of the left column.
Then I plugged everything back in and tested it all out. It worked perfectly so I cleaned it all up and was ready to go. Here's my completed setup with my Pro-Clip mount.
Where to buy
First things first, I need to get a shout out to Enfig. They worked with me figuring the issues out, so I ended up buying both systems for them for my sedan and cabrio. The full setup cost me around $160. This doesn't include the cost of the Pro-Clip, but that's a varying cost depending on which phone/device you have. Here's the setup that I bought:
Dension GBL3AU2 (http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GBL3AU2.html) - This is the actual unit. Technically, this all you need and you'll have bluetooth up and running, with the ability to plug in a USB drive.
Dension EXT1CP2 (http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_EXT1CP2.html) - This allowed me to relocate the USB input as well as added on an aux input for a 3.5mm stereo wire. For the price, definitely worth it.
Further thoughts
I'll keep adding to this review as I remember more details. If you have any questions or concerns, just ask away and I'll do my best to answer them.
And yes, I know that the cupholder is the wrong one for the cabrio. ECS sent me the wrong one and I was so tired of it all I just left it in. Including a picture would've solved the issue, but they don't have one on the site and I was too stupid to cross reference part numbers with the dealership. Maybe I'll get around to installing the right one some day.
Reply With Quote
Originally Posted by onceover
GONE
Bookmarks