Audience + iPod, what's the best way of integrating?

[gorman]

I have a MY07 Octavia II, with the Audience headunit (plus the 12 speakers Sound System option).

I'm looking for a good way of integrating an iPod. I have the AUX input in the armrest, but I would like for a more integrated option.

Ideally I would like to have some sort of dock on the dash, where I could slip in the iPod and have it charged while playing, controlling the music through the standard iPod controls (as I imagine the commands on the steering wheel would be a no-no). Any good option?

I've looked at the amazing Harman Kardon Drive+Play 2 (Drive + Play / Drive + Play 2) but I can't see how one could get a stealth install of that kit. The knob could pass unnoticed (at night my car is in a garage anyway) but the display... there's no way of hiding it.

I'm ready to spend some good money on this, but I'd like for the solution to be good. I'm surprised at the lack of options in this segment.

[mannyo]

The only external input into the audience HU is that connector in the armrest. The audience has no external cd changer connections, so you will not be able to control the ipod from the HU.

Why dont you just load up the six disc changer with MP3 encoded disks. You can get about 5GB across the 6 discs.

[gorman]

Great... so the top of the line headunit has less connectivity options than the Stream... just great.

And regarding the six disks, I already did that. But I have over 700 albums in my collection and, quite frankly, I remain baffled by the lack of options in car audio, when compared to portable audio.

I want to spend 1.500 Euros and have a 200GB hard drive, with an easy to use interface, integrated in my headunit. In a world where the iPod is making people getting used to having their whole music library always with them... why is this still not doable?

[cheezemonkhai]

Columbus head unit would suit you I think