irish21

I've recently acquired my 1st Audi, a '96 A4, and am wondering about putting in a CD player. This seems like the place to ask. I'm not all that concerned with sound quality, but want to be able to play CDs. I have read that any aftermarket receiver may not work with the rear speakers? Any truth to this? Would an RF modulated changer be the only way to do it with the factory speakers, then? The car doesn't have the Bose sound upgrade, incidentally.

rtking

With the 1996 and 1997 Audi A4s, we have the Delta CC radios. The problem is that (if we want to plug into the factory radio) we have to use the Audi/Alpine CD Changer which is a 6-disc unit available only from Audi. You can keep an eye out for a used one... but that's around $250-400.

The RF modulated unit should work as well. You'll need to get the Audi/VW antenna adapter. If you're not too worried about sound quality, this is the cheaper way to go.

Good luck!

Bob
'97 A4 2.8QM
'84 Mustang SVO

irish21

Thanks, rtking, for the changer info. If I were to give up the changer, would replacing the factory tape deck with an aftermarket CD deck work? Or would I run into that problem with the rear speakers? Thanks again for your input.

rtking

I think there are adapter kits available to install any standard sized DIN head unit into the opening for our Delta CC radio. (see Crutchfield... www.crutchfield.com) There should be no effect to your rear speakers at all. Without the Bose audio system, we still have 8 speakers (two in the rear deck, two in the rear doors, two in the front lower door, and two tweeters up near the front door handle.) These should all work with the proper installation.

Note: If you have the trip computer, the radio station display and CD Changer information will not display if you change head units.

The benefit: If you change your head unit, the money you save by NOT buying the factory Audi CD Changer and mounting bracket (about $700) will more than pay for a cool head unit, 10 disc CD changer, adaptor kit and installation.

Good luck!

Bob
'97 A4 2.8QM
'84 Mustang SVO

Dirk Diggler

I bought the factory changer from Audi after trying an RF CD changer. It was a Pioneer 6 disk, but it never sounded any good, all the highs were distorted and scratchy, and no amount of adjustment could fix it. I took it out and put it in my bro's pick up and it sounded great. They just don't seem to work well with the delta radio.

As for the rear speakers in the '96, the drivers side rear speaker has a built in amplifier that powers both rear speakers. The delta radio sends line level power to that amp, which is then amplified for the rear. If you want to change the head unit, you need to change the rear speakers as well, as you'll probably be sending speaker level power to the back...

After considering all this, it was so much more easier just to buy the Audi changer, plug it in and be done with it, albeit more expensive...

Dirk Diggler.