AUDIophile! Stereo Options?

[Ben Swann]

AUDIophile!

Looking for options, advice, information on vehicle infotainment.  This is probably
opening an evil thread spawning much non-Audi related content, but figured who better to
ask.  I used to be fairly up to date audiphile wise, but simply have not kept up with
that area of expertise.

I'm looking to put together a nice system, and specing out a good head unit might be a
good idea instead of doing the usual JVC, Sony  $100 deal.  I could do more like $300 on
the head if there is actual bang for the buck since one can get a lot even  in the $100
price range.

I had procured a lot of sound system stuff for my S2 Coupe Quattro build that started
several years ago - thinking I would be done sooner.  Now probably most of the stuff is
either obsolete or cannibalized for other cars.  So I figured I might do well to start
from relative scratch if need be considering how much time and money has gone into this
car already.

I will likely do a bi-amp setup with subwoofer and like other systems, use both RCA out
front and rear to amplifiers to drive a full set  of speakers and a sub, and utilize the
speaker outputs from the head unit.  I have some AMPS, and can but may need to get a few
new - my preference is an amp in trunk or under seat that has Front & Rear RCA in and
lets me mix out to same and either integrated single SUB or separate sub signal out.

I have tons of speakers so no need to discuss those.

I still use tapes, but probably would migrate to newer digital media like MP3 if I have
to choose between the two.  CD/CDR is a must.  To pre-empt a lecture on getting with the
times, I'll simply state  I'm not about to re-invest in replacing music I have on older
formats just to get modern.  I don't have the money or the time to re-record and collect
the stuff, but would like to be able to play CD/DVDs I have created from a library.  I
can  however leave the tapes in the Eurovan, or other cars that use them.  I hear the
laughing about tapes and CDs now - surely the same laughs will come back to haunt in the
future when present technology is obsoleted.

So looking for recommendations that fit in well with the Coupe Quattro console - look
good, not flashy and more Germanic function - hate fiddly little buttons and convoluted
panels.  The Original wiring is gone and would not consider redoing that, so options are
wide open.  I'd even consider investing more in DVD Screen, or even better a small
computer system so I can run diagnostics, tune, answer the phone, etc. but what fits in
Single DIN space?  Sound quality and reliability are most important - it cost me more to
get a system like this wired properly than the components, so don't like to be replacing
stuff a year or two after installation.

I mostly play CDs - Remote CD changer is probably a given.  I could utilize a few Audi
and ALPINE Changers if they would be compatable with the newer.  FM stereo and good
reception is a must - I'd do Sattelite, but I will not have anything to do with Monthy
Recurring Charges, so that option is nice to be in there, but will likely not be used.

I'd certainly be open to a nice fairly new used unit as long as the hookups are complete
and undamaged - no 2" pigtails that need to be spliced.

Ben