Golf TDI estate mini-review

they have a worse frequency response than a telephone. Don't bother with the bass unit or tweeters, indeed you could replace the speakers with tin cans and string and not notice the difference.

Never had that issue myself.

Just thought - 'Connects 2' do an AUX input for the Gamma, but it does mean you can't use the CD changer.

Alternatively, 'Connects 2' also do an FM modulator that plugs straight into the aerial socket on the back of the head unit, which does cut out all the hassle with interference.

Final option is to go with the fancy cassette adaptor - the Griffin Smartdeck, which allows some control over the iPod from the head unit / steering wheel buttons.

Yes... the Gamma has a tape deck, and then I've got the additional six disc changer underneath.

Makes for a nice double DIN slot.

Ok.

Yes please. :-)

Yes, I had this thought whilst out earlier... possibly going to go down this road, as it shouldn't prove difficult at all once I've got hold of a pin diagram for the headunit.

...unless you hack the pair of them as Albert T Cone suggested, and then have the best of all worlds.

No, the final option is to stop being so anal about keeping the standard headunit in there and get a decent aftermarket one with a USB slot, instead. ;-)

It depends on where you are. It's even more absolutely pointless in Italy there are no gaps in the FM spectrum.

My 197 had pre-outs and a connection for iPod, a USB socket and a 3.5mm aux-in in the glovebox :-p So I bought me a big ol' iPod and an underseat sub, I had one in the V6 too which sounded awesome combined with some other bits, but sold it with the car. Anyway, I spent an hour or so fitting the sub, and about 3 weeks trying to use iTunes to fill my new Ipod, and then about 20 mins filling my iPod to the brim using Winamp. Finally, I took my iPod out to the car, plugged it in, used it twice, and got a mate to remove it all for me on deciding to sell the car :-)

Well, I could be persuaded to part with the Alpine that's currently in the Golf. That one does have full iPod control.

The Harman Kardon unit is supposed to be pretty good.

I've witnessed it happening shitloads in Tim's car. Enough to put me off buying one (if I even had an iPod). Maybe they should market them more in Wales.

I've used it all over the UK without issues.

Depends very much on the car.

Great in the Passat, s**te in a 156.

Aye, but no USB, no Bluetooth... which is what I want if I'm going to jump ship.

How much anyway, just out of interest... and did you get my text regarding Pater the other day?

Not sure about the no blue teeth, but that's not something I look for in a h/u. 70 quid or thereabouts should sort it - I've got another Alpine lined up...

And yes, got your text but the phone decided that what I really wanted was TomTom running and draining the battery so I never got around to replying. I'll let you know when I'm working from home next (with ample warning).

*nods* Makes sense - the transmitter needs to be near the aerial coax or the headunit input, and relies on neither being perfectly shielded. So yes, I'm sure it depends enormously on how the car and its wiring is laid out. I haven't had any problem with interference from fixed stations in any of my s**te old pugs, the Passat or my current Primula.

Have a look at these.

Very popular amongst the Lexus guys for adding iPod as a changer control without swapping the headunit. They have an ebay shop trading all over the world.

Right, apologies for the delay - I completely forgot about it until yesterday. The two which didn't sound too bad were iTrip nano (Generation 1) and a pre-display model iTrip. Both used a cig. lighter to mini-usb power cable for power/iPod charging, but will run from iPod power without.

Ok... having gone through all this, I'm off down Halfords later on to check out a Kenwood headunit recommended by SteveH, and a Blaupunkt for the same money which looks possibly like it could be more 'functionality than gimmicks'.

I want a sub volume control, never mind a hands free kit in the car, so at £160ish each, they possibly make more sense than pissing around with the OE unit.

Not least because it would appear I'd get nigh on £100ish back on that if I decided to punt it and the six disc changer out. :-)