RNS-E Bluetooth Music Streaming - Good A2DP Options

[A4orce84]

Hey Everyone,

After owning my car for 10+ years, and countless times of pulling out SD cards from my RNS-E and updating the music on them and plugging them back in, I think my laziness is starting to get the best of me. I am looking for ability to stream Spotify, Youtube, Pandora from my phone to my A4s speakers.

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Question:
What is the best bluetooth adapter (I am assuming A2DP) that I can use with my MK1 RNS-E that will enable Bluetooth MUSIC streaming from my phone? T

Background:
Currently, I have a MK1 RNS-E with OEM Bluetooth module (For VOICE calls, that I really barely use). No CD Changer or SAT radio modules are installed.
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If I can provide any additional details around this request, please let me know. Thank you in advance to everyone for your time and help, it is greatly appreciated!


Thanks,
Asif

[PNW Avant]

Personally I did a custom set up using a “Blackberry stereo gateway” that was wired up to a relay so it automatically started up when my rns-e did and auto paired to my phone. Audi was through the aux input. No steering controls or track data.

With the mk2 I found the discontinued oem Bluetooth a2dp adapter for the AMI and this set up is hands down the best


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[bwdysart]

I used a grom audio unit that I was very happy with. USB and Bluetooth music streaming. It’s nice to have Bluetooth and usb in case you want to pass music control to passengers. About $250 iirc and the install is pretty easy.

I will say this if you haven’t tried CarPlay yet try it before doing anything. I thought I would dislike an aftermarket head unit but CarPlay is so good I regret ever not having it.


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[LINDW4LL]

If you don't care about steering wheel controls and are fine controlling from your phone, this is the easiest bet. Requires 12V power, and AUX functionality to be enabled in your firmware (can easily be enabled with VCDS if not coded already) The screen will simply display "External audio source active".

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-R...IAAOSwK9Zf5I0D

[A4orce84]

I used a grom audio unit that I was very happy with. USB and Bluetooth music streaming. It’s nice to have Bluetooth and usb in case you want to pass music control to passengers. About $250 iirc and the install is pretty easy.

I will say this if you haven’t tried CarPlay yet try it before doing anything. I thought I would dislike an aftermarket head unit but CarPlay is so good I regret ever not having it.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

What are the advantages of CarPlay? I played with it a bit on a buddy's car, but haven't really setup or played with it extensively.

- - - Updated - - -

If you don't care about steering wheel controls and are fine controlling from your phone, this is the easiest bet. Requires 12V power, and AUX functionality to be enabled in your firmware (can easily be enabled with VCDS if not coded already) The screen will simply display "External audio source active".

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-R...IAAOSwK9Zf5I0D

I've heard the ebay adapters have issues with maintaining a stable connection (lots of disconnects). Not sure if it's true for all models + brands, but that's the general consensus I remember from a few years ago.

[bwdysart]

I guess I should start by not assuming everyone has an iPhone lol. Main advantages are Siri control of everything and better nav integration than the RNSe. Siri can send and read text messages which is my favorite part. It’s true value can depend on your areas hands free laws and enforcement.

Here in Virginia touching your phone at all isn’t allowed so being able to browse Spotify playlists and even pick exact songs is huge for me. Hope this helps a bit


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[A4orce84]

Monday Bump

[LINDW4LL]

CarPlay is great- has your clean iOS interface with access to your Spotify, Music apps, Maps, Waze, etc, but I'm not willing to give up the factory look for it.

I've heard the ebay adapters have issues with maintaining a stable connection (lots of disconnects). Not sure if it's true for all models + brands, but that's the general consensus I remember from a few years ago.

Gotcha. FWIW, I have this in my A4 and haven't had any issues with drops or connection quality.

[bwdysart]

I’ll add that I always thought I wasn’t willing to give up the factory look until I did. They also make RNS-e look a likes that do CarPlay. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bremmen-...m/022619brp05/

Never tried one of these or heard about anyone who has so ymmv


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[oVeRdOsE]

I’ll add that I always thought I wasn’t willing to give up the factory look until I did. They also make RNS-e look a likes that do CarPlay. https://www.ecstuning.com/b-bremmen-...m/022619brp05/

Never tried one of these or heard about anyone who has so ymmv


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

I have this exact one.

love it. No issue at all, bought it in january 2018, and updated it to android 9 last year.

I never used A2DP feature, since its using my phone dsp settings, and not the headunit one. sound's bad.

ymusic (streaming) and poweramp (mp3) equalizer are set for my B7 audio system. I sync my mp3 in the internal storage anyway.

Also using tasker to make the hotspot connection automatic.

[Charles.waite]

Personally I did a custom set up using a “Blackberry stereo gateway” that was wired up to a relay so it automatically started up when my rns-e did and auto paired to my phone. Audi was through the aux input. No steering controls or track data.

With the mk2 I found the discontinued oem Bluetooth a2dp adapter for the AMI and this set up is hands down the best


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

I also have a similar setup, a MK2 RNS-E and an Audi 8P AMI unit. I run wired for now, but I'm starting to get a bit fed up with how slow it is to sync up every time I plug it in (and has a weird glitch where it starts with mono audio and a high pitched whine so I have to unplug and plug in my phone). That being said I used a Tune2Air in my wife's old B8 Q5 with AMI (more or less the same as the 8P unit) and it worked fine until I upgraded it to the 3G+ system with built in BT Audio. I should plug in my old Tune2Air and see how it works, especially now that I don't really care about the charging since I'm not running Waze anymore since I'm no longer commuting...

I have a decent dash mount for my phone so I don't mind "driving" the music selection with my phone, but the on-screen controls are pretty horrid and the steering wheel controls kinda sorta work but only with the Apple Music app. I just choose the song/playlist on my phone and only use the steering wheel for volume. I theoretically could use Siri by holding the button on the steering wheel, but the way it deals with BT phone and wired music is wonky and results in annoying delays and Siri misfires which is more annoying than its worth.