Project TT Coupe: Audio Upgrade Part 1

[George@Fourtitude]

With the possible exception of tires and wheels, audio upgrades are probably one of the most common modifications that owners perform on their vehicles. In the past, finding an aftermarket head unit with a CD player that could operate a multi-disc changer, an amplifier and some speakers was all you had to do. With the advent of in-car entertainment systems or “ICE,” there is really no such thing as a simple upgrade to your factory car stereo system. The process can be overwhelming due to the endless list of options that are out there. With today’s digital generation upon us, that aftermarket head unit now must also be capable of playing MP3 CD’s, feature Satellite Radio, control an iPod, as well as possibly allow video inputs for video game consoles and in-car navigation systems.

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[retrohasen]

Excellent write up. I was looking at that head unit for the Mini and you answered all my questions.

Any chance you are going to be at any GTGs, Joe? I'd like to see it all in person before I spring for it.

[joe@vwvortex]

Quote, originally posted by retrohasen »

Excellent write up. I was looking at that head unit for the Mini and you answered all my questions. Any chance you are going to be at any GTGs, Joe? I'd like to see it all in person before I spring for it.

Hey Don - i'll be out and about the area hitting some of the GTG's. Shoot me an email and we can hook up sometime when you are around.

[TTony]

Is this safe? You have your power cable from the fuse box on an unprotected circuit as there is no fuse. Should that cable ever develop a short, there's no fuse to shut that circuit down. Looks like a good way to start a fire.

[joe@vwvortex]

Quote, originally posted by TTony »

Is this safe? You have your power cable from the fuse box on an unprotected circuit as there is no fuse. Should that cable ever develop a short, there's no fuse to shut that circuit down. Looks like a good way to start a fire.

It has an inline fuse. It was just easier than rewiring the fuse block to add a fuse in the block.

[InTTruder]

Joe-
I'm doing a Clarion DXZ675USB soon. I appreciate your writeup.

You should come to Quattro de Mayo!

TED

[andrew13]

Thanks for doing that write up. It's helped a ton. My one question is for the dimmer installation, which terminal on the back of the dimmer switch did you connect to? And/or do you have any pictures of that?

[1.8tipgls]

which radio harness did you go with to connect the aftermarket to the stock factory bose harness?
when i look online i see a bunch but not sure which one to go with

[invncble]

Wow, This is a blast from the past.

[andrew13]

Sorry to bring back a topic from the dead but since there's no commenting on the article itself I thought this might be the best place to post.

[andrew13]

Joe-
I'm doing a Clarion DXZ675USB soon. I appreciate your writeup.

You should come to Quattro de Mayo!

TED

I used a modified http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=1194
Like the other poster said the wiring schematics differ from year to year and also depend on whether you have BOSE or not. On the block part I only used the 12v constant and ground wire, removed the rest. (The grey speaker outs were not needed for the bose system and the switched power I ran from the fuse panel.)