subwoofer wiring question

[ekkthree]

i have a 2013 a6 with the bose system and want to install an amp and box. nothing crazy, prolly just do the minimum to have bigger sound. thinking i'll wire in the amp and install it upside down under the rear deck (left side has a single sub, there's a port and grill, but no sub on the right). planning on using the wire to the factory sub as my line-in source.

question is, that factory wiring looks awefully tight without much room to work in. is that my best source or can i tap in somewhere else? also, thoughts on leaving that one connected while also using my aftermarket sub? i'm thinking i'll have to pull it out occasionally to haul stuff and i'd like to at least be able to hear the factory set up at those times.

[Aviator6]

I just finished this exact project that you are referring to. I just wanted to improve the low bass, but not cause the mirrors to shake! I installed an 8", Kicker competition, fully enclosed subwoofer with a Sony amp. You are right, not much room to splice into the stock sub connection, so I tapped into the Bose sub by using small, male, spade connectors into the connector that comes from the Bose amp. Ran that connection to the Hi level inputs on my amp. And, like you, I wondered what the sound would be like with both the stock sub & the Kicker sub playing together. So I tapped into the wires feeding the Sony amp(connection from the plastic connector that was plugged into the stock sub), then connected them to the stock sub using small, female, spade connectors. On these wires, I included a plastic connector that can be easily disconnected. After listening with only the Kicker sub, then with both subs playing, I went with allowing both subs to play. Exactly the increase in bass that I wanted, and easy to return to stock. Used the connection from the accessory socket in the trunk for the amp turn-on lead. It is switched power; therefore the amp turns off when car is turned off. I didn't take any pics of the install, but willing to try to get some, if it would help you.

[ekkthree]

Yes some pics would be great. Especially the source leads from the bose system. Where is your amp located?

[Aviator6]

Okay, got a few pics, but probably should have taken some while doing the work. Basically, just tapped into the Bose amp output to the sub, ran those 2 wires to my amp, but also connected back to the stock subwoofer. Connection to the stock sub is thru the white, plastic connector & can be unplugged if you don't want to power the stock subwoofer. You need 2 mini, spade connectors(male), and 2 mini, spade connectors(female), and a 2 wire connector plug(if you want to enable the stock subwoofer). Radio shack should be able to provide the necessary hardware. I was able to scrounge enough part from my collection of Crutchfield speaker & head unit adapters. Any questions, I'll try to help.
http://s13.postimg.org/em2fngfxz/Sub1.jpg
http://s9.postimg.org/68avkzp2n/Sub2.jpg
http://s3.postimg.org/dby5pp8g3/Sub3.jpg

[ekkthree]

thanks for the pics. do yo happen to know where the bose amp is located?

[Aviator6]

Not 100% sure, but I believe it is in that side compartment on the driver's side of the trunk.

[okmike]

Here is a link to my instillation on Audi World

http://www.audiworld.com/forums/s6-c7-platform-discussion-199/subwoofer-installed-2868300/

[ekkthree]

thanks for that. it helps.

[VVG]

thanks for that. it helps.

Does the A6 have a "fake" exhaust sound like the S6. From what I have heard, adding a sub to the S6 will cause the exhaust to sound really bizarre and bassy since the sound symposer exhaust sound augmentation gets all messed up. Anyone know if this is true or not?

[okmike]

Not sure about the A6 but in my S6 Bose system I have had no problems with the an aftermarket sub and "bizzare" bass sounds. I do have an AWE exhaust however. Maybe that covers up any weird sounds.

[Delurker]

Where did you guys replacing the sub tap for remote turn on? I've got the aftermarket system I pulled out of my last car and I'm thinking of putting the sub & sub amp from that setup in my S6 if I don't get a wild hair and decide to go the Mobridge route & replace everything.

[Aviator6]

Where did you guys replacing the sub tap for remote turn on? I've got the aftermarket system I pulled out of my last car and I'm thinking of putting the sub & sub amp from that setup in my S6 if I don't get a wild hair and decide to go the Mobridge route & replace everything.
Used the connection from the accessory socket in the trunk for the amp turn-on lead. It is switched power.

[Delurker]

Nice, thanks!