My favorite upgrade is my Phatnoise.(The sports package sway bar is a strong second) To those of you aren't familiar, it is a hard-drive based MP3 player that can replace the 6-disc CD changer in the trunk.

I absolutely, positively love this thing. It gives me access to over 400 discs while driving. It works through the Audi head unit and it provides voice prompts for navigation. That seems odd when you read about it, but when you use it, it works great. I can listen to my entire music collection in random mode, or select by artist, album or genre. Any individual album can be spun up in about two minutes - faster than sorting through 400 well-organized CDS - and safer to do while driving.

Phatnoise has just upgraded the Audi interface. I had no real complaints before, but now it is more responsive. Searches are faster and easier. They will have another batch available for sale soon.

If you don't have MP3s, don't be put off by this. Mostly I've just ripped my own CD collection to MP3s. I don't have time to mess with the Napster-like file sharing systems.

This is not a fly-by-night outfit. Phatnoise's tech support has been outstanding. My emails have always gotten responses within a couple of days. Those responses are always helpful and friendly. These folks are passionate about what they are doing and it shows. Kenwood has licensed the technology and they sell a version called the Kenwood Keg.

No, I'm not on their payroll. Because I've enjoyed this so much I'd like to see more people get them. More sales volume for Phatnoise will only lead to even more product enhancements.

After using this, I can't imagine going back to a 6-disc CD changer.<ul><li><a href="http://www.phatnoise.com">http://www.phatnoise.com</a</li></ul>

 

And only $859!!!! ;-)

 

I guess one could just get the Keg...since I've seen them at Circuit City and such...not that I would allow the CC trolls to install it...but at least you could get one if you wanted.

 

If you get the Keg, you don't get the Audi interface. Wait for a PB. They are planning to do OEM deals, so the direct sale program is limited. They'll have more soon.

$859? Its worth it, at least to me. Many people wouldn't hesitate to spend that on upgrading the stereo hardware. With Phatnoise I can enjoy my music collection on road trips.

It may not be instant gratification - but it is worth it.

 

What "quality" do you burn your MP3s? 128?

 

What about the IPOD mod that was posted a while back. It looks simpler than Phatnoise install.

 

400 discs? Oh please. As Springsteen sang, 57 channels and nothing on. It's hard enough to find six albums these days good enough to keep in the changer. And if you add the glovebox changer, there's 12 slots to try and fill. No thanks.

 

a couple thousand songs...randomly played...much better than the best radio station without commercials...
I think it is an excellent idea...and if the ergonomic stuff is worked out to make sorting this stuff quick and easy, it is an amazing idea.

 

1000 songs randomly selected is going to have a high crap percentage, because most albums have a few good songs and then filler. This is where the DJ is supposed to come into the picture.

 

I actually like almost every song on almost every album/CD I own...almost...at least 98%. Even if I don't like a number of songs the first time through, I usually do by the 4th or 5th...at least if it's a chick album (Avril, Vanessa Carlton, Michelle Branch...yeah, all the chick stuff!)

After listening to a DJ for 30 seconds I find myself wishing them to die...I mean, who really gives a flying fu*k what these lame hacks have to say? Inane jabbering, that is all one gets out of DJs, IMO!