ipod connection that is exactly what I want...does it even exist?

[pedro love]

Well I recently got a new Audi A3 and need a way to connect my ipod up. Since I want to be able to see song ino on the screen and control with the factory controls, I am forced to get a new head unit, and a connection kit.

So here are my requirements:
1. buttons/display lights must be color changable to red to match the rest of the interior.
2. connection interface must allow you to brows by artist/album not just by playlists because I dont want to have to make playlists.
3.face plate must be black in color to match the dash.

optional things:
1. A flip out touch screen like on the clarion would be nice.


I've been doing research trying to find the perfect setup for me.
Since I require that the display be color changable to red to match my interior displays, it is making it difficult to find a setup. All kenwoods seem to allow the red and I thought kenwood was going to be the way to go but then I found out that there interface only allows you to browse by ten playlists which i do not want

thank you guys
pedro

[GavinD]

I have yet to hear about one that will meet all your requirements.

[pedro love]

the alpine setup with the 9855 is the best I can find.
It says there are 512 colors to choose from but it dosent say what any of those are. surely one of them would be close enough to the color of my dash?

and their interface allows artist/album browsing correct?

[absentiabanish]

If you dont want to replace your head unit look for the Harmon Kardon drive system at Crutchfield.com. It has its own screen which shows the Ipods exact screen and has controls. You get everything you want and keep your factory head unit.

[pedro love]

after reading about the harmon kardon kit, it doesnt really fit the bill. It seems to fall short in several ways...if I wanted to mount a tacky screen on my dash, i would just get a cradle for the ipod and use it. The idea is to maintain as much of a stock look as possable. Also, it doesnt allow use of my steering wheel buttons.

I'm going to go to the local car stereo shop and see if they have the alpine 9855 and see if one of the 512 colors compares to the color of my dash lights. And also see how well they think they could integrate it into the dash without making it look like a botch job.

[latrapeze]

Onkyo has one that works. I have one and it is fantastic!