ucsb12

I just got an 07 A4 and decided against having the $600 Audi Sirius receiver installed. What aftermarket brand is compatible and how easy is it to install on my own?

cpurick

If you don't have nav or tpms, your car may work with an older, cheaper Audi part number. But that's still a big "if" because the base radio for '07 is a new unit which may or may not work with the old receiver. Even the $600 OEM receiver may be a good bit cheaper if you can install it yourself (it may help to have access to a compatible VAGCOM).

The Audi units are the only ones that will integrate with the radio displays and tuning controls. Aftermarket receivers can only pipe audio to the radio's various inputs. The receiver has to be mounted where you can control it and read the display from the driver's seat. With an aftermarket receiver, you'll have to run an antenna wire and tap into power as well.

Whatever you do, try to stay away from solutions that use FM to retransmit the signal to your stereo. They really compromise the sound quality -- esp. the wireless transmitters.

ucsb12

Thanks for the info. I don't have nav. I was looing at the Sirius Starbase unit to have installed since the dealer told me the car is prewired for a receiver and it's basically a "plug and play" set up.

cpurick

Unless you buy an Audi receiver, they're going to have to run wires, mount an antenna, and put a separate control unit in the cockpit.

Plug and play is what happens when they plug a receiver into an existing harness in the trunk. The harness is pre-wired to power, the roof antenna, and your car's radio. You control the receiver through your existing stereo.

That's plug and play, and you can only do that with an Audi receiver.

ucsb12

Thanks. That's good advice. I think I'm going to have to spring for the Audi receiver. Saw some on Ebay.