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Comments
-Paul
Of course I like variety and songs I may not know popping up, the predictability of even 300 to 3000 songs stored simply gets to be like going to a restaurant that you've been to a 100 times. Even my favorite restaurant has a menu that doesn't change as often as my tastes. The nightly specials are great, but, alas even they jus' don't do it.
I would think if Sat Radio survives financially AND can be accessed via a portable device that does not require "storage" that it could kill an ipod.
Even with shuffle play (which is not really random) the limitations of even thousands and thousands of songs just is too predictable.
Full disclosure, before I decided being poor wasn't too kool, I was a radio station program director -- my personal collection of "albums" exceeds 3,000 (thank you recording companies for the freebies all those many years.)
The beauty of "radio" regardless of its broadcast origin is that it can be creative. Even my best programs, once repeated a few times, bore me.
Sirius ain't perfect -- I have issue with it, in fact -- but it is the best I've heard in a moving vehicle.
Of course, if, like my friend, you go to a restaurant and NEVER order something you've never had before, well, the ipod is a good choice.
-Paul
ok there is my 3cents worth lol...
Based on "how long" these guys can bleed cash, I would assume there may come a time when they will be forced to merge. Apparently the hurdle that was once thought to prevent such a "monopoly" can be overcome and unless subscriptions rise sharply, rates go up and/or costs are slashed, this may happen in the mid-term. $600 million in losses can soon add up to some real money.
The holy grail, one would assume would be taking the iPod and sat radio and creating iRadio (or some better name) that would allow "on command" content, but from the satellite.
Programming this while you are driving would be an issue, unless voice activated: "play [artist, song], play [artist, song]" somewhat like putting your coins in a juke box and picking the next few songs and then hearing them play.
But programming an iPod is an in advance activity, too, so this should not be all that big of a deal, especially if you can go to the Sirius.com/myplaylist website and create your playlist and send it to YOUR serial number, kind of thing.
It is technically possible (or soon will be) much like on-demand services for movies on cable TV, etc.
Perhaps, too, an iPod - like unit (optional) could be purchased that, just like an iPod, would contain your Internet programmed playlist.
The somewhat less than seamless radio, iPod interface of today could (and I suspect will) give way to "everything on demand -- or not," marrying the best of the iPod with the best of sat radio.
Probably the European cars will offer this last or it will have "almost" all the capabilities turned on.
And, knowing Audi, they'll do it later than the other guys.
SIRIUS ended the third quarter with 5,119,308 subscribers, 135% above third quarter 2005 ending subscribers of 2,173,920. During the third quarter of 2006, SIRIUS added 441,101 net subscribers, a 23% increase over third quarter 2005 net subscriber additions of 359,294. For the fourth consecutive quarter, SIRIUS led the satellite radio industry in net subscriber additions, capturing a record 61% of total satellite radio net additions in the third quarter. SIRIUS added approximately 205,900 net subscribers from its retail channel and approximately 236,500 net subscribers from its automotive OEM channel during third quarter 2006.
and that was just from 3rd quarter, in forth quarter they exceded the subscriber base that they projected howard stern would bring in by over 2million.. ending the year with over 6million suscribers.
as for the "I-radio" sirius basically has that already with the stilleto 100, its a bit larger than an I-pod, but pretty much combines the best of both worlds with mp3 player and live sat radio, as well as being able to either record your favorite songs as you hear them on the radio, or record your favorite brodcasts (if memory serves me upto 40hours of recording) i think the next step would be for the auto makers to come up with an indash radio that does the same as well as still have an "aux" port for those who have an I-pod that they want to interface with it.
i would have to agree with you on the merging of the two services, sure it would be a monopoly and what not but hell really would it be any different than all the cellular companies merging the way the keep doing?
Thanks,
rbillymac
1. How does the S-line's suspension compare to the sportiest setting in cars with the adjustable suspension?
2. Does the upgraded audio play DVD-Audio disks with full 5.1 surround?
3. Do the wipers have an auto-on feature if it's raining, or a rain-sensitive sensor?
4. Do the tail lights have any special features like LEDs or increased brightness when you stomp on the brakes?
5. Does anyone know (or have a pointer to something that says) what the turning circle is of the Avant?
Many thanks in advance for any help, and apologies if any of these have been covered previously.
Cheers,
3: yes and yes
4: they are LED, I'm not aware of them being any brighter if you stomp on them.
5: I don't know but it should be standard info on the AOA website.
Good luck, the avant's are real beauties...
The air suspension, as far as I know, still uses springs, but there are four air bladders that can compress and decompress the springs (ride height lowers during compression and vice versa.)
I was loaned two Q7s (for several days each time.) One had the air suspension. One did not. I also had an allroad for 3 years. I traded a 2001 A6 4.2 w/sport in on a 2003 allroad with the air suspension.
This, then, is the only basis I have to comment. My impressions may or may not be correct in the context you suggest.
The air suspension has a setting called dynamic (which seems to be the lowest of the four.) The ride height changes, the springs are more compressed, etc, as noted above.
99% of the time, I just kept the air suspension set on the lowest (the most sporty.) This statement applies to both my allroad and the Q7 so equipped.
Given a choice, here is what I would do:
Go with the S-Line setting (and save the money on the air suspension.) I loved the air suspension, but rarely changed it from the most sporting level. I had zero technical issues with the suspension, but I assume it would be expensive to repair.
The air suspension is not real time active.
A technology called Magana Ride (Delphi) is, to me, much better since it can, in real time, alter the characteristics of the car.
The audi 4 position air suspension is not a gimmick, however, it works and works well. It can be set in an automatic mode, defaulting to "comfort" and the faster the road speed, the lower the suspension is taken, the more the springs are compressed and the lower the CD of the car and the better the handling. But the change is not at all responsive in real time, it is reactive, slowly reactive, to road speed. There is no attempt to respond, for instance, to a twisty road, if the suspension compresses on a twisty road it seems to simply be based on the speed at which you are driving, not the body roll or nose dive or other real time situations.
If you want a car that can be set to be comfortable or set for firmer ride and handling, it works. It is dynamic, as advertised. It is not an active system in the sense many of us would want.
Indeed the unpowered dual diagonal hydraulic system first on the RS6 and now on the RS4 are, despite being unpowered, able to act more or less in real time -- stiffening the corner that would tend to exhibit "dive" and improving the cornering "attitude."
The air suspension, as long as you are aware of its design characteristics is a good thing.
If you are, however, expecting it to be an SLine suspension one instant and soft and comfortable the next, you will not be pleased.
If you want the handling improvements of the Sline set up and would rarely change the air suspension from "dynamic" you would probably be better off, save your money and go with the fixed Sline set up.
Many thanks for the detailed answer to my question. On the suspension, that's what I was hoping.
Re my question on DVD-Audio, I probably could have been more precise. It was in two parts: Does the enhanced audio (labeled "Surround Sound") play DVD-Audio disks? Does it play anything in 5.1 format (using, for example Dolby PLII). I couldn't find it on the web site, the dealer was clueless, but the Infiniti M uses a similar Bose upgrade which does play DVD-Audio disks.
Appreciate all the help.
Audi's system will offer Surround Sound (front or rear) and the surround effect can be dialed in. This mode works ONLY on Sat Radio and CD's. On AM+FM, not at all.
When you are in Sat Mode, you can bring up a setting for Normal, Surround Front or Surround Rear, if you select surround, you can "dial in" with the MMI the surround effect. It is real, it is subtle, it is in no way like adding fake echo or reverb.
It is, without using the term Dolby Pro Logic II, probably an imitation of this. The surround effect is derived, presumably from the difference signals found in the stereo source.
This is not discreet, that is. It also cannot play DTS disks and offers not other processing, e.g. THX. The system is at best an A-. Fidelity is good to very good with some disappointment vis a vis bass extension. It is good in this area -- the Infiniti it much much better, as is the Acura.
The Audi system is "decent." It will not thrill you, but it will not make you grimmace, either.
I usually give it an A-/B+ -- it is quite good based on what you feed it. Bass response can be improved slightly, but the downside is, the bass is not tight and if you try too hard, it gets muddy.
The mid and highs are very good.
This is the next to the best system, apparently, offered as a Premium system -- the Acura and Infiniti take the system to the next higher lever. Audi has teamed with B&O for high end, high buck sound, currently in the A8, and one would imagine coming soon to the A6, etc.
Thanks,
J
BTW I am loving the car. A lot different than my '03 A6 2.7T. More luxury -less sport.
Liked the engine and the steering feel better on the 2.7 but I am enjoying the smoothness and refinement of the'07 and, oh yes, the tech.
Here are some of the artists/types, that can show the surround effect to good advantage.
Jennifer Warnes
Donald Fagen
Fourplay
Jewel
A "familiar" (to you) Telarc classical CD
Roger Waters
Mannheim Steamroller
Marc Antoine
Chet Atkins
Planet Drum
Luka Bloom
Cold Play
Van Morrison
Lots of selections from Planet Jazz
Talking Heads
Yes, Fragile
And, I'm sure there are many more -- these are some of the ones that are demo'd at "high end" sound emporiums and seem to have "difference" signals that can be decoded and can be then turned into surround sound.
I notice a "presence" in the surround modes that the stereo (normal) mode lacks. In normal mode, the bass is deeper, but can be muddy and there seems to be a lack of "openness" that materializes in one of the surround modes. I currently have settled on surround rear at +75% surround effect.
This system needs a good sub woofer.
Yet, overall, this is an excellent, if not quite top tier, system. Or, a good top tier system.
After the Acura or Infiniti system, however, it does make one wonder if you really need to upgrade to the $8,000 B&O system. The BMW upgrades do seem to have some of the same issues that the Audi system has.
In any case, even though it might seem otherwise, I am satisfied with the Audi BOSE system. But, I do listen to lots of Sirius Sat Radio, and there are limitations to its fidelity and dynamic range that even the best systems can only improve so much.
J
I recently bought an '07 A6 with the tech package.
I tried using the bluetooth but find i have really weak signal. Is there a way to get a stronger signal or should i place my phone in a certain area?
Thanks
I've had that happen a few times and it was that I wasn't pressing down hard enough on the brake when trying to start the ignition... hopefully its something as simple as that...
First problem is the work put into it in the past year costs more then what Kelly Blue Book calculates it is worth. Second problem is, it is daughter's car, she's still in college and not making the kind of money part time to keep gas in it and do upkeep, and I don't want to subsidize any longer.
I am probably the last person to buy an iPod (1 week ago) and I am hooked on the Podcasts.....
My 2007 A6 has Sirius, MMI, Navigation.....but for the life of me I cannot find any type of 3.5mm, USB or any other port....so obviously it needs some kind of iPod kit but where would it plug?
Thank you
Elliot
There is no jack whatsoever on the 2007 in-glove compartment CD.......I did a full search yesterday.
Yet, in the Booklets that come with the A6 is shows an add-on being plugged into the front of the CD.....so they knew about it to write about it.
Do the low frequency FM transmitters work? It may be more logical than to have to put your iPod in the glove compartment or driver with it open.
Thank you
Elliot
All other functions appear normal. Has anyone seen this problem before?
Thanks
p.s.sorry i cant help u.......thank you lou24
i also still have a dead mmi i think this could be causing a short and draining the battery but i could be wrong....so if there is any help or informantion i can get would be greatly appreciated.....singed lou24
p.s. i live in a could weather state... :confuse:
I am experiencing a strange problem with my audio system. I have 2000 Audi A6 with BOSE system. The problem what I am experiencing is that only rear speakers are working I cannot hear anything from my front speakers.
Can anybody please give me some suggestions what to do? :confuse:
Thanks in advance
THANKS, EVA
Thank you
I noticed your post and was hoping you could help me. I travel to Puerto Vallarta Mexico frequently from the US. I have a ML3504M. I'm looking for a trustworthy and qualified repair shop. Can you help?
Thanks
I called the dealer and they told me I'd have to take it in and have them take the radio out and get the codes off the radio and reinstall it. All at a cost of, well, probably more than the car is worth.