Ipod'ing an Audi

[mboucher70 at hotmail.com]

I'm looking for some ideas for integrating an Ipod into an Audi.  The ribbon connecting the removable faceplate bracket to the Clarion CD player failed for a second time and I'm thinking I should just replace the unit now.  ( I replaced the ribbon last time--difficult solder job).

I'm questioning the need for even a CD changer since really the source of music will largely be an Ipod.  For the past 2 years, my setup had been to run the L/R audio from the Ipod to the pre-in going to the rear speakers.  Since the rear speakers are amplified, by simply powering on the Clarion, the amps for the rear speakers would be powered and would cleanly amplify the sound from the iPod, with volume control from the Ipod.  If I needed the radio or CD, it worked acceptably through the front speakers.


Here are three different scenarios I'm currently considering:


1.) Re-Use Original Car Cassette deck as in above method:
I could put back the original Audi cassette deck, and if I can figure the wiring, send the Ipod to the rear speakers to be amplified as in the setup above.  Its not elegant, but its probably the simplest and most cost effective.  Moreover, I return to the 'stock' interior look, including radio/dasboard light colors



2.) New Changer with AUX Input or even better, IPOD compatible
With this option I can simply pick up a new player for $100 or less at BestBuy and feed the Ipod through the Aux-In.  Some nice to haves with this option would be: 
-A player that is fully ipod compatible, ie you can control the Ipod and change tunes from the stereo
-A player that has matching colors to the audi-orange/red dashboard lights
-A player that is low in power consumption when turned off, since my Audi model (Audi 100) continues to fully power the radio with the engine off, I needed to remove the faceplate from my previous Clarion when the car was off for extended periods, otherwise it would kill the battery within a week it the car wasn't used.

(Question: anyone have a recommended aftermarket player that they like or that fits these needs?)



3.) Re-Use Original Car Cassette deck, modified to accept an Aux-in
This is actually my preferred option.  I'd need to open the cassette and figure if there is a seamless junction between the line level (from cassette or radio) and figure out a way to soldier in an aux-in cable.  Might need to disable the cassette or the radio.  But this would allow the Ipod to get sent through all 4 speakers.

(Question: has anyone done this, and if so, can you give a hint as to where to solder the 'aux-in' wires?)

Options that I'd rather not consider:
Connections to a stereo via FM Modulator or cassette adapter
Replacing stock 'amp-ed' rear speakers with a conventional system.  I know they're not high quality, but they've been good enough so far.


Thanks to anyone for suggestions or thoughts on this subject


Charles