Wanting to Upgrade Current Sound System on 04 Beetle...Need Advice!!!

[swgal1999]

Hello All,

I've been wanting to upgrade my sound system on my 04 New Beetle for awhile. Currently I use my Ipod through an FM tuner, and it just doesn't work like I had hoped. I do currently have monsoon sound with the 04 and I also have a Pioneer 8 disc cd changer that I used in my 98 Beetle. I have heard that installing after market cd changers can cause your alternator to go out. I am looking for any kind of advice towards my dilema.

[Photo]

If you are wanting better sound quality from your ipod check out the new alpine decks. They allow the Ipod to directly connect so no fm transmitter is needed. It will also support a cd changer but I'm not totally sure if it will support a factory unit. Check out your local stereo shop for the answer to that one. Hope this helps.

[swgal1999]

Thanks to Photo and Sb_beetle for the advice. I went to Best Buy and talked with the car audio guy there and he also recommended an Alpine deck with Ipod intergration. Even though he said he had never heard anything about the alternator going out on VW's after changing the factory system, I am still a little concerned. Would anyone have an idea about who I would contact in order to find a definite answer. Any information is very much appreciated. Thanks again.

[Big Paws]

I use one of these and it is really convenient

http://www.drbott.com/prod/db.lasso?code=5008-FDFS

[Big Paws]

No it is not an FM modulator, it has a mini jack connection on the base to connect to an aux input on the head unit. You can use it with an FM modulator or cAssette adapter, but I have mine wired direct to the aux input

[Big Paws]

Have mine plugged into the 12V socket under the armrest with the wire run neatly to the head unit.

[swgal1999]

Thanks for the info everyone!! The alternator site is very informative. I will definately keep ya'll updated on what decision I make for my new and improved sound system.

[ChristopherC]

I've never been a big fan of FM transmitters. You can connect an iPod and cd-changer to your existing radio. If your lucky your NB is already pre-wired for a cd-changer. Check out Crutchfield and LogJamElectronics. You're interested in iPod converters as well as multi aux input converters (that's aux input converters for more than 1 source). The purchase of these two devices may exceed the cost of previously mentioned solutions (a new radio).