Phatnoise, etc.
02-20-2006, 07:40 AM
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Phatnoise, etc.
...just curious to hear everyone's opinion(s) on Phatnoise. Is it really worth it? I've got an iPod but I really don't care too much about having it so "external". Thanks in advance!
02-20-2006, 09:24 AM
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PhatBox is great--as long as you already have mp3's. If you get your music
<center><img src="http://homepage.mac.com/mstith/.Public/A3PhatBox.jpg"></center><p>by buying it from the iTunes Music Store, you're stuck with an iPod.
The PhatBox plugs right into the CD-changer cable (with the VW adapter cable) and fits nicely in the glove box. The voice prompts make it much easier to use while driving than trying to operate an iPod. You also get access to as many playlists as you'd like whereas the iPod adapters usually limit you to 5 or so playlists.
The PhatBox plugs right into the CD-changer cable (with the VW adapter cable) and fits nicely in the glove box. The voice prompts make it much easier to use while driving than trying to operate an iPod. You also get access to as many playlists as you'd like whereas the iPod adapters usually limit you to 5 or so playlists.
02-20-2006, 09:47 AM
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Re: PhatBox is great--as long as you already have mp3's. If you get your music
Hey Mike don't mislead people. You are not stuck with a ipod if you buy from Itunes. You can burn a cd and rip it to any format you like.
-Scott
-Scott
02-20-2006, 10:36 AM
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As I said, it's great if you already have non-DRM files--otherwise, you have to jump
through hoops to use a PhatBox. For someone who's library is primarily made up of DRM-AAC files, then it's more trouble to make them playable with other than an iPod.
02-20-2006, 12:57 PM
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Re: As I said, it's great if you already have non-DRM files--otherwise, you have to jump
So basically, I'm better off starting from scratch and reimporting them into the Phatbox. Does that sound right? All my iTunes files are AAC.
Oh, when I bought my A3, I got it without the NAV so I basically am running the unit that came with it. Will I already have the connectors in the glove box to hook up the Phatbox? What's the VW adapter thinggy schmengus?
Thanks again in advance!
Oh, when I bought my A3, I got it without the NAV so I basically am running the unit that came with it. Will I already have the connectors in the glove box to hook up the Phatbox? What's the VW adapter thinggy schmengus?
Thanks again in advance!
02-20-2006, 03:06 PM
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The CD-changer cable is hidden in the glovebox behind the trim piece on the upper left.
<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/91987/a3_pb_6.jpg"></center><p>
You pull it out to install the changer. The PhatBox needs an adapter cable that will plug into the vehicle's CD-changer cable that's usually preinstalled wherever the changer goes. The old, standard Audi 6-disc-cassette changer in the trunk used a round connector. PhatBoxes equipped for installation in Audi's have an adapter cable with a round connector. VW's use a rectangular CD-changer connector which Audi is now using for the A3 changer, so it's easier to buy a "VW" PhatBox rather than an "Audi" PhatBox so that you get the right adapter cable.
As for your files, PhatNoise will sell you ($14.95, I think) an AAC decoder--it'll decode non-DRM AAC files.
You pull it out to install the changer. The PhatBox needs an adapter cable that will plug into the vehicle's CD-changer cable that's usually preinstalled wherever the changer goes. The old, standard Audi 6-disc-cassette changer in the trunk used a round connector. PhatBoxes equipped for installation in Audi's have an adapter cable with a round connector. VW's use a rectangular CD-changer connector which Audi is now using for the A3 changer, so it's easier to buy a "VW" PhatBox rather than an "Audi" PhatBox so that you get the right adapter cable.
As for your files, PhatNoise will sell you ($14.95, I think) an AAC decoder--it'll decode non-DRM AAC files.
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02-20-2006, 07:33 PM
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Re: Be sure to shop around--they can be gotten for less than $200....
Thanks for all the info. I just ordered one from ECSTuning.com for about $139.00.
Now I have to find the adapter.
Thanks for the info!
-Ego<ul><li><a href="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?searchstring=phatbox+adapter+cabl e&searchqt=byvehicle&make=Audi&model=A 3&submodel=FWD&engine=2.0T">http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?searchst
Now I have to find the adapter.
Thanks for the info!
-Ego<ul><li><a href="http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?searchstring=phatbox+adapter+cabl e&searchqt=byvehicle&make=Audi&model=A 3&submodel=FWD&engine=2.0T">http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?searchst
02-21-2006, 12:29 AM
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Re: Be sure to shop around--they can be gotten for less than $200....
The pic on that link shows a VW (rectangular) adapter. If that's accurate, then it'll work right out of the box (no need to buy another adapter).
If not, then try ebay or buy parts from buxcomm and swap the adapters.
Also, if you haven't yet, see my <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a3/msgs/29602.phtml">install notes</a>.
If not, then try ebay or buy parts from buxcomm and swap the adapters.
Also, if you haven't yet, see my <a href="https://forums.audiworld.com/a3/msgs/29602.phtml">install notes</a>.