2003 Audi A4 Worklog ~ Puff's Ride

**Paul H** · 06-14-2006, 02:04 PM

Here is the diagram for my system. I'm going to add it to the OP too. I know the audio stuff needs to be figured out still, but how does the rest look?

Does the Aopen have no direct rca out

**Puffanug** · 06-14-2006, 02:04 PM

No Bose system, as far as I can tell.

I found this item. Will this allow me to take RCA audio from my soundcard and simply plug into my factory amp and speaker setup? http://www.cardomain.com/item/PERSVEN4?vq_id=none

It says this:
Typical Applications
Aftermarket Receiver to Factory Amplified System
(such as Premium, Infinty/JBL, Mach, Bose systems)

**Paul H** · 06-14-2006, 02:25 PM

No Bose system, as far as I can tell.

I found this item. Will this allow me to take RCA audio from my soundcard and simply plug into my factory amp and speaker setup? http://www.cardomain.com/item/PERSVEN4?vq_id=none

It says this:
Typical Applications
Aftermarket Receiver to Factory Amplified System
(such as Premium, Infinty/JBL, Mach, Bose systems)

For the Bose-system it's important to know it could save you a lot of affort and money.

That RCA adapter you're linking to converts the high output of your radio to the voltage level output of the type you select (there are several manufacterer standarts) or the other way it converts your RCA/amp out to high level input for the factory speakers up to 60 watts each.

There are more of these devices of different prices and quality.

Why don't you go to digital sound processing like 5.1 / 6.1 / 7.1/ THX

**Puffanug** · 06-14-2006, 03:33 PM

I'll go with whatever works! LOL. Seriously though, I would like to be able to use as much of the factory speakers/amps as possible. The reason is two fold:
1 - I don't want to pay for 10 new speakers and amps.
2 - I don't want to rewire all the speakers and amps.

Thus being said, whatever type of adapter that would allow RCA audio from my soundcard to be connected to the exsisting factory speakers and amps. I assume all the factory speakers and amps connect to the factory HU, so all the wires should be right up front where the computer will be. It seems like with an adapter I could allow RCA input to connect to the factory wiring harness.

I never thought the audio install part would be one of my biggest hurdles...

Thanks for all the help guys...

@Paul - I sent you a PM with the VIN. Also, the Pandora does not have RCA out, it has line in and line out (mini-stereo sized). I will either use a USB soundcard and a mini-stereo to RCA adapter OR a DAC that has RCA outputs natively.

**mmk999** · 06-14-2006, 04:55 PM

Hey Puffanug,

Nice progress so far. And I like your write-up too. Wish I had the patience to do one. Maybe when I go for round two of my install. I would love to ditch the head-unit too. Anyway, quick question - how do you make those great diagrams? What software and where do you get all the little images?

Keep up the good work!

**Puffanug** · 06-14-2006, 05:16 PM

@mmk999 - Thanks for the kudos on the write up. I don't have a lot of patience, just a lot of time when I am at work! LOL. As for how I make the diagrams, I use MS Visio. You can get a fully functional trial version from Microsoft, it is good for 60 days. The black and white images are included in Visio, and the pictures for the products I grabbed of the web and cleaned up in Photoshop (most didn't need any cleanup though).

Thanks for reading and replying!

**mmk999** · 06-14-2006, 06:20 PM

Cool, thanks! I'll give it a try.

**Sid3ways S13** · 06-14-2006, 08:27 PM

So Puff, you are rewiring the entire car I take it then?

Also, any chance you want to make a bezel for me?

**ssmiley1** · 06-14-2006, 08:40 PM

hey there puffanug you have been a big help. i recently totalled my 2000 a4 (which i installed a computer in) and just got a 2003 a4. i would like to install the computer in the new car of course and i have come across the same problems as you have. the biggest one is how to connect the computer to the speakers. on the old one i replaced all the speakers and had an amp and i reallllllly dont want to do that again hehe, even though the new speakers made a huge difference. so im going to keep posted to see what suggestions you and the others come up with. also, the idea for mounting the screen in the double din bezel was a great idea and im going to be ordering one of those soon.
i just wanted to let you know youre doing a great job and thanks for helping me out with some of the ideas that have been holding back my project so far. keep up the good work.

**turbocad6** · 06-14-2006, 09:12 PM

doesn't the radio have a factory changer option? that could be a possible way to get audio to the factory system... could be a bit difficult but that may be a possibilty that's not too far fetched....

an fm modulator is always an option, maybe not the ideal way to go, but I've seen it work out well in some cases & if you go further later it can ease the transition & get you up & going until a better solution is found

now adays they make adaptors for most cars though, have you called anyone to check? I'd bet theres something out there.

you have to clean up that edge to the lcd opening... that's the most critical part of the whole bezel... it's best to not even touch that edge throughout the process, but right now it looks like it still can be saved.. file it from behind with the plastic as your guide & try not to touch the plastic edge with the file... it's going to be difficult to get that edge perfectly straight & razor sharp again... don't rush that.