NLP

Hi.

I am about to buy a 2011 A3 and I really would like an up to date radio.

I would like suggestions based on the following specifics:

- Bluetooth conection/playback(seems to be prety much standard nowadays)
- Keep my existing steering control actives (iv'e read on some forum that there are stuff available to do this, but it was not clear, the guy had a Pioneer radio and bought something to have the steering controls working)
- Using an Android phone. Dont know if this is an issue.

Do not mind about navigation since i use my phone.

Max 500$ can if possible

Do not mind buying over the internet. Would probably have it instaled.

Thank you.

Audi'sRevenge

For non-nav/screen, you probably won't need near to $500, however I recommend getting a nav/screen unit as they tend to be easier to use and have better features (other than just nav). Either way though, you'll want to get a double-DIN unit as that's what's in there from the factory and it will look a bit silly with a single-DIN in there.

You can indeed keep your steering wheel controls working if you buy a proper interfaces and get a HU that allows for wired remote/wheel controls. Again that's a feature more nav-type units typically have standard but there are some non-nav units that have it as well.

I'm actually a bit puzzled in that if you don't want nav, your factory unit can probably do most of what you want anyway. The only exception would be you won't have A2DP capability and won't have memory card/USB functionality, but you can always use the AUX input instead. I'm pretty sure there's a way to attach the AMI from an MLP (A4/A5/Q5) vehicle and get that stuff, IIRC, but I can't remember now.

What features, in particular, are you actually looking for?

NLP

After searching iv'e found that enfigcarstereo.com seems to have prety much anything to plug a radio in.

For the features, well I think that the stock unit is a bit boring for a modern car. Im used to my girlfriends 2013 GLI touchscreen radio and I wouldnt go back. The factory radio only has BT phone, AUX audio input (no BT streaming). So you canot use the steering wheel controls to switch songs etc...

I would also like to have the option to miror the phone on the radio screen, wich seems to work on some pioneers and kenwoods.

I wouldnt hate having NAV options, but that's extra $$ and by default the car doesnt have satellite NAV so im guessing I would have to ADD some modules/antena ??

Stevensot

Do you have experience with Pioneer decks? Would you recommend them?

Sorry for being off topic. Maybe you or somebody else can help me. I'm searching for a new stereo. I've been reading reviews about Pioneer decks but they are useless hype. All the positives are covered and they rarely mention the drawbacks.
The AVH-210EX head unit landed on my short list. From all the blogs that I've read one stood out. The blogger was hyper critical about all brands and put me on the fence. Well this Pioneer deck review was OK until I've reached the shortcomings section.
How hard is to install these units anyways? Can I use my iPod classic with it?

Any tips?