I know this should be in the ICE section but I am looking for octavia specific answers. Hopefully nobody minds.

IMHO the 6 cd changer in the boot is a waste of time since I will never be bothered to dig around to change the CDs. So, either I get a used symphony CD head unit (currently got the radio cassette) and grapple with the coding issues or maybe it is possible to fit the VW dash mounted CD changer instead?

There are plenty of in-dash 6 cd changers for sale on ebay right now (listed as skoda/seat/vw/audi). Does anyone know if these are compatible with the symphony head unit and if it is possible to slot them into the space where the cubby hole currently sits?

Cheers,

iep

Just get a MP3 head unit and have done with the OEM stuff, it licks balls anyway.

I do have a very nice sony head unit but I have heard about issues with the antenna amplifier?

I do have a very nice sony head unit but I have heard about issues with the antenna amplifier?

what issue?

I have a bluetooth sony xplod head unit and its perfect. goes right up to "11" and the "loud" setting is awesome.

How's the radio reception on yours and did you have to wire anything to the antenna other than the aerial itself?

ip

I fitted an amplifier to my aerial, done in a few mins for about a tenner I did a thread about 3years ago iirc.

I'll see if I can find it now

i would agree that the fm aerial needs a booster lead. but i have a dab / fm unit and mainly listen to dab anyway, crystal clear! as per the autochanger, i took mine completely out and put a sub there. ipod lead up front for maximum tunes! the stock tape player and speakers r a bit naf so am in process of replacing them all. hope this helps.

Found it http://briskoda.net/ice-security-insurance/bought-one-these-ariel-ampilfier/82198/

Cheers fatty5000. This looks like it might be what I need?

New VAG Aerial Booster Amplified Antenna Lead VW Cars on eBay, also, Terminals Cabling, In-Car Entertainment GPS, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 15-Jun-09 08:59:19 BST)

iep

That looks OK, personnally I'd get the autoleads one myself look a bit better built and your only gonna save about £4 buying that one.

Antenna Adaptors PC5-52 Signal Separation Filter ISO - ISO from Halfords Price £9.99

I've always wanted to change the stereo equipment but cant get my head round the k line among other things. When I look at electrics its like looking at a bowl of spagetti. I really can't get my head round electrics full stop :confused:

I've always wanted to change the stereo equipment but cant get my head round the k line among other things. When I look at electrics its like looking at a bowl of spagetti. I really can't get my head round electrics full stop :confused:

Just buy the autoleads adapter and that takes care of the k line issue

Cool Fatty I didn't know that. Wouldn't want to blow up my LG which is why I've steered clear of changing the head unit

im nearly sure the head unit came with this plug... weird.

Thye usually come with a plug but not the one requried too blank off the K line.

The autoleads one does this and "I think" it switches the perm live around as well .......I think !!!

Fatty5000, are you referring to the autoleads PC2-69-4 adapter?

If this is all you need then I guess I can easily just buy the PC2-69-4 adapter and aerial booster above and switch in my nice Sony head unit?

Cheers,

ip

That looks too be the one, I can't quite remember if it switches the live or if my buddy in the shop chopped them and bullet connected them for perm live.

Maybe someone else can confirm this for us.

I would have look in the car but its a nightmare removing my HU as I have the handsfree plummed in as well, and I don't think I could handle the stress at the moment

Thanks. Please don't worry about trying to remove your unit to check (horrid job). I can easily switch the perm/switched leads over if required.

Cheers,

iep

VW Golf aftermarket HU problem. - Talk Audio Forums

This just about sums it up

HTH

I have a VW in dash changer in my Octavia. The original boot mounted one was missing when I bought it. The Changer connection wouldn't go straight into the HU , (later connector) so I cut it off and used the connector off the original front to back lead . There is one extra wire for the illumination which I got from the HU illumination. Had to trim a bit of the plastic support frame to get it all in ( fitted my Sony Ericsson car kit at the same time so extra wiring to squeeze in) . Only downside is it says VW on it! It sits above the Std HU , At least it wont get wet there !

hth, Dave

Decided to take route of least resistance and fit my sony HU. I would have liked to keep the original look of the stereo but am too swayed by having use of the USB port on my Sony again.

So, cables ordered and we'll see how it goes from there.

Cheers to all for their advice.

iep

Interesting find here. I have a Sony HU which I have now installed in my car. I found that the default wiring loom that came with the sony wa already a Sony to ISO converter. Infact, havein looked into it, most stereos already come with this loom. So, don't rush out and buy the PC2-69-4 adapter until you have checked.

Also, I bought a auto-leads ariel booster (really just a decoupling cap to allow DC power to be sent back up the aerial for the exiting booster in the car) and found that the resultant signal was too powerful for the sony when the aerial booster was in place. The sound was heavily compressed and clipped sounding. Took the aerial booster out and, hey presto, really good radio reception.

So, not sure if this is just my HU but, if you have a Sony then you may not need any additional cabling to switch it in at all!

Cheers,

iep