Using a tape adapter to run my iPod through the car stereo, the sound quality is very poor and bass is very distorted.

With the radio and CD sound not being much better either.

Read in other threads that changing the head unit can improve the sound quality through the standard speakers allot.

On a bit of a budget with the upgrade I only have about

Yup,

http://www.briskoda.net/forums/items-sale/pioneer-dehp77mp-headunit-cd-mp3/60795/?highlight=Pioneer

Cracking head unit

For your budget, with EXCELLENT iPOD connectivity, I'd be buying one of these Alpine jobbies from http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=4679

Does everything you need, and a doddle to install. Gives you full functionality of the iPOD using the head unit controls/buttons.

Hi,

I have just installed a (already owned) sony mp3/cd/tuner head unit in my octy mk1 vrs to run a 10 disc cd changer and 6 disc minidisc changer, and ran power and rca leads down to run my sub and I must say the sound transformation is amazing!

The difference in just using the built in high pass filter on the standard speakers is unbelieveable to say the least and with the 12" sub (on a 300w amp) now handling the bass it sounds just like it should so I would definately recommend replacing the hu first.

I didn't disconnect the rear tweaters as my hu has a thing called DSO which peps up the fronts and makes the rears run a bit dull anyway (must play with the eq settings sometime) so it's very front orientated and manages to make a nice healthy thump in my back when it's wound up. Still sounds like the whole car is gonna rattle apart though, a trait I thought I'd left behind with the escort

Matt