Abstract: An audio system for a vehicle includes a communications interface that receives audio information from a portable media device. The audio system also includes audio control electronics for processing the received audio information and for generating an audio output signal. The audio system further includes an audio system interface that provides the audio output signal used in controlling vehicle audio output devices. Additionally, in the audio system the communications interface, the audio control electronics, and the audio system interface are housed separately from any audio source that may be included with the vehicle.