Audio upgrade

kognito · 11-27-2014, 11:51 PM

Kind of missing modern day technology in the S4. I don't like the idea of ripping apart and modifying OEM equipment. I have tried doing some forum searching, and this is just about all I have come up with.

GBL3AU2

Watching the youtube install it looks easy enough. might take 15-25 minutes. It works with the standard Symphony II head, even keeps the CD changer working. Has inputs for Ipod, wired microphone for handsfree phone (including radio mute wire) USB input.

with cables and radio removal hooks, looks like it will cost me about 170 bucks and a few skinned knuckles.

I am open to other ideas, or vendors, if anyone here knows of something better

Josh (PA) · 11-28-2014, 10:04 AM

I did something similar in the e46 wagon (audiovox/dice mediabridge). It works as advertised and was an easy enough install. It looks like it may be Audi compatible as well:

http://diceelectronics.com/media-bridge-info-avx

lip277 · 11-28-2014, 03:23 PM

The PO of my 911 installed something similar... The brand you have (Denison) is the same, but I don't have the info on it with me now to confirm. I have not messed with it since I got the car - but am told it works.

kognito · 11-28-2014, 06:53 PM

I haven't bought anything yet. The Dension was at the top of most of my google searches.

I haven't decided against Dension, was just looking for other options/experinces

ZBB · 11-29-2014, 06:40 AM

I had a Dension unit in my E39 that allowed me to add an iPod input, and XM receiver to the stock head unit. I also added the stock Bluetooth box and mic ('03 E39s were pre-wired for BT, that was the first year BMW offered BT).

It worked well.

In the Boxster, I needed to add Bluetooth, so went with a Parrot kit (which also had an iPod port, USB stick support, and a line in). But I had to buy a custom adapter that plugged into the fiber network. It worked well enough, but if I was doing that project now, I'd go with a Pioneer App Radio instead (and pull out the stock head unit, which was pretty crappy).

JST · 11-29-2014, 07:59 AM

I have a Dension unit in my Boxster. Works well; it provides nice OEM Bluetooth integration, gives me an auxiliary input and (limited) iPod/iPhone integration, and has A2DP Bluetooth streaming, as well.

Not sure how much of that is helpful/comparable, but if you're wondering whether the Dension product works as advertised, my experience suggests that it should.

11-27-2014, 11:51 PM	#1
kognito older fart than ZBB Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: On the road again Posts: 8,900	Audio upgrade Kind of missing modern day technology in the S4. I don't like the idea of ripping apart and modifying OEM equipment. I have tried doing some forum searching, and this is just about all I have come up with. GBL3AU2 Watching the youtube install it looks easy enough. might take 15-25 minutes. It works with the standard Symphony II head, even keeps the CD changer working. Has inputs for Ipod, wired microphone for handsfree phone (including radio mute wire) USB input. with cables and radio removal hooks, looks like it will cost me about 170 bucks and a few skinned knuckles. I am open to other ideas, or vendors, if anyone here knows of something better __________________ 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2020 Fusion Titanium

11-28-2014, 10:04 AM	#2
Josh (PA) Hello. Join Date: Mar 2004 Carmudgeonly Ride: '09 X3, '11 328xiT, '11 135i C, '17 c2, '19 X5 Location: Downingtown, PA Posts: 5,531	I did something similar in the e46 wagon (audiovox/dice mediabridge). It works as advertised and was an easy enough install. It looks like it may be Audi compatible as well: http://diceelectronics.com/media-bridge-info-avx __________________ Josh (PA) - '19 X5 '17 991.2 C2 Cab '11 135i Convertible '11 328xiT '09 X3

11-28-2014, 03:23 PM	#3
lip277 The old cranky SOB.... Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: several cars... way too many.... Location: Near Seattle Posts: 4,798	The PO of my 911 installed something similar... The brand you have (Denison) is the same, but I don't have the info on it with me now to confirm. I have not messed with it since I got the car - but am told it works. __________________ *Kevin* 1970 2800CS - - 2001 740iL - - 2006 997.1 - - 2012 Escalade 1968 Mustang GT Convertible - - 2003 Ford F250 PSD - - 1985 728i

11-28-2014, 06:53 PM	#4
kognito older fart than ZBB Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: On the road again Posts: 8,900	I haven't bought anything yet. The Dension was at the top of most of my google searches. I haven't decided against Dension, was just looking for other options/experinces __________________ 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2020 Fusion Titanium

11-29-2014, 06:40 AM	#5
ZBB Relic Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: A very fast golf cart Location: The Valley of the Sun Posts: 12,821	I had a Dension unit in my E39 that allowed me to add an iPod input, and XM receiver to the stock head unit. I also added the stock Bluetooth box and mic ('03 E39s were pre-wired for BT, that was the first year BMW offered BT). It worked well. In the Boxster, I needed to add Bluetooth, so went with a Parrot kit (which also had an iPod port, USB stick support, and a line in). But I had to buy a custom adapter that plugged into the fiber network. It worked well enough, but if I was doing that project now, I'd go with a Pioneer App Radio instead (and pull out the stock head unit, which was pretty crappy). __________________ ZBB

11-29-2014, 07:59 AM	#6
JST 195 Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 24,611	I have a Dension unit in my Boxster. Works well; it provides nice OEM Bluetooth integration, gives me an auxiliary input and (limited) iPod/iPhone integration, and has A2DP Bluetooth streaming, as well. Not sure how much of that is helpful/comparable, but if you're wondering whether the Dension product works as advertised, my experience suggests that it should.