All right guys, I've been looking for a way to add an MP3 player to my stock Bose system WITHOUT using an FM transmitter.

I found it.

I got an Audi Auxillary Input converter from PIE through Enfig Car Stereo. Their web site is pie.net, the converter I have is
part # AUD-AUX. I think I got it for $55.

I had originally purchased a different brand through their online store, and it didn't work correctly. They sent me this replacement converter and it works like a charm. It plugs into the rear 6 disc changer cable (which disables the changer) and supplies an RCA input. So I just went and got a 1/8 in headphone jack to stereo RCA cord, plug it into my Zune, and I'm good to go through the stock radio. Anybody who has a Zune knows of the lack of aftermarket connection support, but this way will work fine for me.

NOTE: the instructions say it is only good for 1998-2003 Audi models with a CD changer in the rear

 

I was thinking about getting a Zune since I'm anti Mac. How is it? The interface & all? My store sells a Travel Pack with a Gear Bag Premium Earphones Dual Connect Remote Sync Cable & AC Adapter but I figure it would just be more stuff piled in the car.

 

It's cool. I've got the V1 30g in white. A nice big screen, easy navigation thru music, video, pics, podcasts. The only thing I don't really like is the new software that seems to make my computer run slow when I use it. It takes a second to understand where to get musicfiles from, and what video files are supported, but I think it's pretty sweet.

Another cool thing is that you can update the device (I dunno if the iPod does this) when they release updates, kinda like a WMP version update.

Bad things are the battery life is kind of short when you watch videos, or have the album work displayed all the time when listening to music, but you can turn that off. Also it doesn't have much of an EQ built in, contrary to my old Creative Nomad MP3 player.

I mounted the Zune in my Garmin GPS cradle using velcro, and the GPS cradle is mounted in my ashtray using some silicone to make a level area and a cut up DVD case to make a mounting surface. I also have a strip of Velcro on my ebrake handle so I can use the Zune when I am using the GPS, and not have it sliding around everywhere.

 

What file exe's does it support? ogg mp3 wma wav? I know computers real well so I'll understand.

 

I bought my zune over a year ago for 14 months it got used every day for around 8 hours a day with no problems it has survived a few drops many times of being slammed into and besides a few scratches still works fine imo the premium head phones that come with the premium pack are crap i wouldnt pay extra for them again. mine survived 14 months in afghanistan with no problems my ipod lasted 1 month before the sand killed it.

 

you can configure it to support a ton of files, but the video files I found on Limewire hardly ever work. if they do work, they have a lil Z icon to show that it's supported. otherwise, check out zune.net where they have free podcast downloads of just about everything you can imagine. they work, sometimes Limewire doesn't.

here's some quick pics of my mounting solutions that have no clutter and were free. the only thing I have to worry about is keeping the stuff charged, but I bought a USB plugin for the cig lighter if I ever need power.



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I have a Zune 30GB, bought it shortly after the release in early December, 2006. I love it, the original software was sort of buggy but it got the job done and I rarely used it after getting my MP3's loaded up anyways. The new software that came with the Zune 2 is much more pleasing to the eyes and if you have a decent system from the past four years it'll run flawlessly and look good doing it. I built my P4HT 2.8GHz 4.5yrs ago and have no slow downs with the software other than when music is syncing or when initially allocating music into the software from my storage.

The new interface on the Zune itself is awesome, and it's great that Microsoft offers updates, quite often as a matter of fact where as Apple never did and now has just started due to the compitition from the Zune and it's additional features. Since the new software update I've found myself immersed in it, utilizing the ZuneMarketplace and Social networks for music sharing and purchasing, it all is quite nice with the only goofy part being the Zune/Microsoft points system instead of standardized currency.

Long story short, I'll admit the iPod to be a great device and it revolutionized the MP3player market with function-targeted device that was well marketed but I enjoy the Zune much more, find it more functional for my needs and the little extras it has just put it over the top. (Wireless syncing, wireless sharing, FM reciever, etc) Since I bought it, five of my friends have reconsidered their iPods and are looking at Zunes and I'll be getting another one shortly as I'd like a more compact flash version for the gym and then I can keep my 30gb for work and car use.

exTTreme, the premium headphones are nice, but unless they are seated PERFECTLY in order to form a proper seal on your ear they will sound terrible. Many people complain about their sound but most find their fit just needs to be adjusted -- I still need to get some as I really like them but the regular headphones are nice enough and while not quite as bassy or crisp with the high-tones, they sound clear and are functional even when not fully seated.

 

Yeah I am anti-mac as well, but I got an IPOD video 80GIG and the only real reason I got it was because of aftermarket available stuff. I kinda regret it because the Zune really looks sweet, and I hate IPOD's software and it's ghey conversion rules, not to mention you can only keep your library on ONE pc...not sure if zune is the same way (hope not)

 

My GF and I both use the same software on the same computer, because you can sign in as a different device. I can dump tracks from my device to the Zune software, and she can put them on herdevice (if she liked my music, that is. haha) I really can't compare it to a nicer iPod, but SHE says it's way better and easier to load up and 'get' material, if you know what I mean

 

LOL i still rock that POS adaptor that is a fake cassette with a headphone jack cable to run my ipod shuffle. id like to add the ipod in for real, but havent gotten around to it yet...