2016 Audi SQ5 - audio upgrade options??

[ttrssanjay]

Just picked up a 2016 Audi SQ5 last week - after test driving BMW and Mercedes counterparts. Somehow everything about this car just felt right - except the audio which I plan to fix. The car has Audi Concert with no navigation or backup car support.

What I am already doing/done:
1. I had a 12" spare tire Subwoofer from Cervin-Vega in my 2015 Q7 which I am in the process of transferring to the SQ5. This will improve the bass quite a bit.
2. I ordered a "Road Top Wireless Carplay Android Auto Module Receiver Box for Audi" from Amazon which will offer Android Auto support and also make it ready to accept backup camera signal
3. Once I open the trunk handle and measure exact handle dimensions, I will order a replacement handle with backup camera (there are several listed on amazon - no sure which one goes) and that will fix the lack of backup camera issue.

Now the main audio part - that's where I need the help with. Should I just replace the speakers and continue to use the existing amp (less money, less work, most bang for the buck)? Or should I install a 4-channel amp and get new door speakers? (more money, but better sound)?

If I go with option 1 (continue using existing amp), I am looking at replacing:
- the 3 speakers in the dash (suggestions)?
- the door speakers (has to be a brand that doesn't need much power, like Hertz)?

If I go with option 2 (separate amp), the options open up tremendously:
- Probably an alpine 4 channel amp which will sit in trunk
- I have done morel and focals in the past (great success). I could get the same, or try dynaudio. If I go this route, I won't use dash speakers. Just components in the front and coaxials from same brand in the back doors.
- Will leave Cervin-Vega in place for now. if I need more bass in future, can install a dedicated amp and sub box in place of spare tire.

Thoughts? Opinions?

[Bobby Kinstle]

The way I look at it is, replacing speakers is pretty easy and will get you the biggest improvement for the least effort. If you wind up using an amp later, well, you were going to buy the speakers to go with it anyway, so why not start there and see how you feel about it? I made a guide for the B9 S4 which isn't identical but your SQ5 is technically a B9 so it probably shares most of the same components. This could get you started for the least.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ftkRt8rz1ZgtTtAs-NRYAIkHbtRuhX2cu702CeuqhVs/edit?usp=sharing

[ttrssanjay]

The way I look at it is, replacing speakers is pretty easy and will get you the biggest improvement for the least effort. If you wind up using an amp later, well, you were going to buy the speakers to go with it anyway, so why not start there and see how you feel about it? I made a guide for the B9 S4 which isn't identical but your SQ5 is technically a B9 so it probably shares most of the same components. This could get you started for the least.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ftkRt8rz1ZgtTtAs-NRYAIkHbtRuhX2cu702CeuqhVs/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks! I am already on that path. Replaced all three of the dash speakers with Daytons. I can already feel a big difference in sound quality. Next on order are Faitals for the rear surround. Finally I will just replace the door speakers (in my SQ5 it's 6.5" in the front doors). That should give it enough boost for now to keep me going. I have already replaced the spare tire sub with 12" cervin Vega powered sub - it's not great but better than stock. I think my next step would be do get a sub amp and boxed JL sub to replace the cervin vega sub. As you said, I can live with that for a while, and next step will be to get a separate amp and probably comps for all the speakers.

[Bobby Kinstle]

If any of the speakers in your car are different than mine, and you are willing, can you send pictures and measurements of them?