A4 Stereo Information Thread

[kepone]

How about some information for people with Concert systems, this thread is no help for people that don't have the Symphony system!

Is there a wiring diagram for the Concert system available?

[d_maniac]

is there a DIY for taking apart the dash and trims along the door to install aftermarkets amp wires and RCA's

[d_maniac]

also to removing the glove box

[TheBigO]

How about some information for people with Concert systems, this thread is no help for people that don't have the Symphony system!

Is there a wiring diagram for the Concert system available?

This would be a big help to me too.

[dummptyhummpty]

is there a DIY for taking apart the dash and trims along the door to install aftermarkets amp wires and RCA's

If I can i'll try to get some stuff from the bentley manual.

Real simply:
Start at the driver's kick panel, pop off the fuse cover and there is one bolt there. The other two are underneath closest to the driver's seat.

The dead pedal has a bolt and you lift it up and out to remove it. Everything else basically just pulls off, but be careful of the clips since they get stuck to the car and don't always come out.

The back seat just lifts up. Sit in the car and reach down and pull up on the front of the seat while you stand up (do this on both sides).

The glove box: look straight in you will see two bolts. Look up you will see 5 (look around if you don't see them all) There are two more on the bottom sides.

[dummptyhummpty]

How about some information for people with Concert systems, this thread is no help for people that don't have the Symphony system!

Is there a wiring diagram for the Concert system available?

I don't have a concert system and I don't know any one who has one. I'm also selling my Audi so someone else will have to pick up on that. You should check out navplus.us to see how they differ, i've seen some DIYs around on how to swap to a symphony so i'm sure that would help you.

If someone is in the LA area and is installing a system, I would be happy to help and would gladly document it.

[bcarso]

I just bought the "Connects2" CTVADX001 MP3 Adaptor from nexxia.co.uk, it connects into the cd changer port of the concert head unit, great job!

[coowhip]

I need some serious help! Installed the wire harness from crutchfield with the 2 sets of RCA's and what not and my head unit won't power on. I'm not new to installing head units, but since its a Bose system i'm at a loss. Audi A4 2002 quattro. Why won't the head unit power on if I have the wires correct in the harness...

[Condo]

I need some serious help! Installed the wire harness from crutchfield with the 2 sets of RCA's and what not and my head unit won't power on. I'm not new to installing head units, but since its a Bose system i'm at a loss. Audi A4 2002 quattro. Why won't the head unit power on if I have the wires correct in the harness...

You need to run a separate wire for the ACC wire. I used the homelink connection at the fusebox.

[coowhip]

I think there is already a wire ran from previous owner...which color? RED?

[Condo]

I think it was red but I'm not 100% sure. It should be listed in the owners manual for the head unit.

[coowhip]

Thanks, it works!

[audiacious]

Hi dummptyhummpty, on this thread:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134096
you commented that non-GPS cars also come equipped with a GPS antenna in the shark fin. The link you provided on that post seems to be dead. If possible could you clarify this and point us to any info that would help us tap into it. Great thread

[dummptyhummpty]

Hi dummptyhummpty, on this thread:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=134096
you commented that non-GPS cars also come equipped with a GPS antenna in the shark fin. The link you provided on that post seems to be dead. If possible could you clarify this and point us to any info that would help us tap into it. Great thread

Yeah he closed down the original online store. If you have sharkfin, there should be a GPS connector in the upper right corner if you're facing the rear window from inside the car. There is a trim piece where the roof meets the window, pull this off and you will see the wires. It's the blue one, I believe the other is GSM. For parts I would check out navplus.us and see if any one there knows where to get the cable. It's a FAKRA to SMB and in my case I had to cut the SMB off and splice in the end from the cable that came with my Pioneer. Let me know if you need any more help.

[audiacious]

Yeah he closed down the original online store. If you have sharkfin, there should be a GPS connector in the upper right corner if you're facing the rear window from inside the car. There is a trim piece where the roof meets the window, pull this off and you will see the wires. It's the blue one, I believe the other is GSM. For parts I would check out navplus.us and see if any one there knows where to get the cable. It's a FAKRA to SMB and in my case I had to cut the SMB off and splice in the end from the cable that came with my Pioneer. Let me know if you need any more help.

Thanks for the info - So why a FAKRA to SMB specifically if you spliced it anyway for the Pioneer connector? Would a FAKRA-FAKRA extension cable do?

[dummptyhummpty]

Thanks for the info - So why a FAKRA to SMB specifically if you spliced it anyway for the Pioneer connector? Would a FAKRA-FAKRA extension cable do?

No reason, just what I used. Yes that would work too. From what I remember (I had a FAKRA-FAKRA as well) the ends were slightly different so make sure you hook it up to the fin first and cut off the unused end.

If you want I might have a spare one in my garage, let me know and I can send it to you.

[nitelyfe]

Do you have any info on the kit you are using for the border of the head unit? I have an in-dash lcd and have gaps around the edges.

[eddier]

Does anyone have any information on how to route the XM antenna from a Pioneer Avic-z3 to the sharkfin? Im at a little bit of a loss in terms what adaptors/wires/extensions are needed to utilize the sharkfin.

if nothing else, where is a good spot for the XM antenna? I get shit reception with it under the center grill of the dash under the windshield. :(

[audiacious]

No reason, just what I used. Yes that would work too. From what I remember (I had a FAKRA-FAKRA as well) the ends were slightly different so make sure you hook it up to the fin first and cut off the unused end.

If you want I might have a spare one in my garage, let me know and I can send it to you.

Dummptyhummpty, I also saw this thread that suggested placement for an aftermarket SAT antenna:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160231

Would this work on a B7? If not, is there a sweet spot on the B7 that would work? Thanks for the help

[audiacious]

No reason, just what I used. Yes that would work too. From what I remember (I had a FAKRA-FAKRA as well) the ends were slightly different so make sure you hook it up to the fin first and cut off the unused end.

If you want I might have a spare one in my garage, let me know and I can send it to you.

PM sent

[dummptyhummpty]

Dummptyhummpty, I also saw this thread that suggested placement for an aftermarket SAT antenna:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=160231

Would this work on a B7? If not, is there a sweet spot on the B7 that would work? Thanks for the help

I glanced over that quickly, but that should work. I had mine up on the dash in the corner on the passenger's side.

PM Responded.

[LavaSurfer]

Do you have any info on the kit you are using for the border of the head unit? I have an in-dash lcd and have gaps around the edges.

I installed car stereos for many years and I have an entire tool box full of misc trim pieces that I would save from things I installed and didn't use for instances like this. I want to say that trim piece that I used came with Alpine D/D head units.

Also if you have never worked with fiberglass or Bondo I'm sure a local custom car audio shop wouldn't charge too much to fill in that trim piece and color match it. I still plan on getting some Duraglass to that trim piece because I don't like the way it looks......but I need to get some paint that matches my dash first.

[audiacious]

I glanced over that quickly, but that should work. I had mine up on the dash in the corner on the passenger's side.

PM Responded.

Thanks

[mcjuicer]

Can someone please tell me what is the definite size of the speakers in the B6's? Crutchfield says 1 thing but the local stereo shop says another!

[dummptyhummpty]

Can someone please tell me what is the definite size of the speakers in the B6's? Crutchfield says 1 thing but the local stereo shop says another!

I believe it's 6.5 in woofers in each door and 1 in tweeters in each door. I think the center is a 3 inch and the sub is a 8 in or 10 in.

[koolade9]

I believe it's 6.5 in woofers in each door and 1 in tweeters in each door. I think the center is a 3 inch and the sub is a 8 in or 10 in.

+1 the sub is an 8...

[koolade9]

I'm pretty sure that the front doors have 5.25" components, and the rear doors have 6.5" components. Can anyone confirm this?

Also, if anyone has mounting DEPTH for front and back that would be a huge help for DIY replacements.

fronts are 6.5 as well... as for depth, my mid-bass drivers have a mounting depth of 2 7/16" and fit just fine, with a little more room to spare (barely)

[audiacious]

Anyone here know if it is possible to amplify the factory sub unit on an B7 independently (and safely)? I recently installed a head unit that greatly improved the sound output of the system but I'm longing for a little more bass. Can this be done safely and what works? For pics of the unit, see this post :)

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showpo...8&postcount=37

[koolade9]

Anyone here know if it is possible to amplify the factory sub unit on an B7 independently (and safely)? I recently installed a head unit that greatly improved the sound output of the system but I'm longing for a little more bass. Can this be done safely and what works? For pics of the unit, see this post :)

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showpo...8&postcount=37

It's just a speaker like any other...no reason you can't amplify it, but just be carefull with the gain. and don't throw too much power at it... I'd have to check my sub in the garage, but I'm 99% sure it doesn't have it's own passive x-over. Check it's ohm load as well...but it should be reasonable.

Nice work on the gps cable mod btw!

[semad]

I am currently replacing 2 pairs of speakers and 2 pairs of tweeters on my non bose symphony II b6 a4. I am in need of a wiring harness that allows me to use rca connectors and also has ipod integration. Can someone point me in the direction of where I can obtain one? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

[koolade9]

I am currently replacing 2 pairs of speakers and 2 pairs of tweeters on my non bose symphony II b6 a4. I am in need of a wiring harness that allows me to use rca connectors and also has ipod integration. Can someone point me in the direction of where I can obtain one? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Are you replacing the headunit or the amp? Or are you trying to add an amp (sub amp I assume) and iPod functionality to your symph II headunit...?

[damianJ]

Are you replacing the headunit or the amp? Or are you trying to add an amp (sub amp I assume) and iPod functionality to your symph II headunit...?

I want to keep the headunit and adding an amp. Just wanna know how I would be able to conenct everything to the headunit since it doesn't have any rca connections.

[koolade9]

I want to keep the headunit and adding an amp. Just wanna know how I would be able to conenct everything to the headunit since it doesn't have any rca connections.

If you pull out the symph II, the pin-out diagram will be on the back of the unit. There you'll find everything you need. Look for: Line Out RL, Line Out RR, Line Out GND (it's a common ground system) and your remote turn-on lead, which I forgot, but I'm 90% sure it's U14 St DSP (this is the description from my RNS-E diagram, but I think the symph II has the same nomenclature)(someone chime in to verify the actual name of this lead)

In writing this, I realized you'll be splicing/sharing your rear low level output with the rears and the sub-amp... Personally, I wouldn't run rears to solve that problem, but just realize the rears will be attenuated compared to the fronts.

[dummptyhummpty]

If you pull out the symph II, the pin-out diagram will be on the back of the unit. There you'll find everything you need. Look for: Line Out RL, Line Out RR, Line Out GND (it's a common ground system) and your remote turn-on lead, which I forgot, but I'm 90% sure it's U14 St DSP (this is the description from my RNS-E diagram, but I think the symph II has the same nomenclature)(someone chime in to verify the actual name of this lead)

In writing this, I realized you'll be splicing/sharing your rear low level output with the rears and the sub-amp... Personally, I wouldn't run rears to solve that problem, but just realize the rears will be attenuated compared to the fronts.

That sounds about right. If he is non Bose, his fronts will be amplified internally. He will need to add some wires and ground the "Bose pin" to get line level fronts. I believe there is some info on this in the b7 section and on navplus.us

[damianJ]

If you pull out the symph II, the pin-out diagram will be on the back of the unit. There you'll find everything you need. Look for: Line Out RL, Line Out RR, Line Out GND (it's a common ground system) and your remote turn-on lead, which I forgot, but I'm 90% sure it's U14 St DSP (this is the description from my RNS-E diagram, but I think the symph II has the same nomenclature)(someone chime in to verify the actual name of this lead)

In writing this, I realized you'll be splicing/sharing your rear low level output with the rears and the sub-amp... Personally, I wouldn't run rears to solve that problem, but just realize the rears will be attenuated compared to the fronts.

Would this be the same concept if I want to take out the stock amp and just have one in? Also, I just want to make sure I understand this correctly. It doesn't matter if there isn't any rca connections on the symphony I'm just going to have to splice the wires. Correct? I want to make sure I know what I'm doing before I purchase everything. =P

[04a430]

use the JL Audio Cleansweep DSP (Digital Signal Processor). It's a neat little toy. Use it with their Cleansweep SSI (Signal Summing Interface).

[dummptyhummpty]

Would this be the same concept if I want to take out the stock amp and just have one in? Also, I just want to make sure I understand this correctly. It doesn't matter if there isn't any rca connections on the symphony I'm just going to have to splice the wires. Correct? I want to make sure I know what I'm doing before I purchase everything. =P

Yeah, sounds about right. The nice thing is that our factory radio gives line outs which you could splice on some RCAs and hook up to your new amp.

[Sundevil84]

Hi. I'm "trying" to install an after market stereo in my A4 with bose, and am having trouble. I bouht the Metra wire harness and have connected it, but the new stereo is not getting any power. I know that the new stereo works, and obviusly the car is sending power. Has any one else had this problem? The audi wires are not the standard black, yellow, and red that came on the after market stereo. Can someone please help?

[nitelyfe]

Hi. I'm "trying" to install an after market stereo in my A4 with bose, and am having trouble. I bouht the Metra wire harness and have connected it, but the new stereo is not getting any power. I know that the new stereo works, and obviusly the car is sending power. Has any one else had this problem? The audi wires are not the standard black, yellow, and red that came on the after market stereo. Can someone please help?

I had the send the red 12v power wire from the head unit to underneath my dash where there are 3 thick (maybe 6 or 8 gauge) wires that I tapped into. These go directly to the battery. Only then did I get a consistent power source.

[dummptyhummpty]

Hi. I'm "trying" to install an after market stereo in my A4 with bose, and am having trouble. I bouht the Metra wire harness and have connected it, but the new stereo is not getting any power. I know that the new stereo works, and obviusly the car is sending power. Has any one else had this problem? The audi wires are not the standard black, yellow, and red that came on the after market stereo. Can someone please help?

The radio is normally turned on using the canbus. You can tap other wires like the above poster did, or you can purchase the PAC SWI-CAN which will provide you with the standard red, yellow and black wires.