Question Regarding Amp + Sub Install

[ActivS5]

Has anybody tried to tackle this themselves?

I have heard working with our head unit is a pain. I have not called to try and get a quote yet, on all my past vehicles I easily did the install myself. Anyway, does anybody have an amp + sub set up and would like to share how they went about doing it and how much it cost them?

Thanks.

EDIT: Found this on A5OC..super super helpful

http://kmarei.homeip.net:8000/files/...%20Install.pdf

[Solution Six]

Do you have the B&O system? For mine, I disconnected the leads to the B&O sub in the rear deck, and ran a par of wires from there to the line level inputs of my amp. After that I just ran a positive and negative from the battery in the trunk and a turn on from the bundle that goes to that fuse block behind the panel in the passenger side of the trunk. Sounds surprisingly good for a line level input setup.

It was probably one of the easiest sub installs I've ever done. As far as cost goes, I think it probably ran me around $350 for a single 10" and 250 watt mono amplifier, both from JL.

[ActivS5]

Do you have the B&O system? For mine, I disconnected the leads to the B&O sub in the rear deck, and ran a par of wires from there to the line level inputs of my amp. After that I just ran a positive and negative from the battery in the trunk and a turn on from the bundle that goes to that fuse block behind the panel in the passenger side of the trunk. Sounds surprisingly good for a line level input setup.

It was probably one of the easiest sub installs I've ever done. As far as cost goes, I think it probably ran me around $350 for a single 10" and 250 watt mono amplifier, both from JL.

Thanks for the response, I do have the B&O system. Your technique sounds great. Right now I have a 1000w Kenwood amp and a Kicker 12", I might need to tone it down. It used to be in the big 4Runner.

[Solution Six]

I worked at an install shop when I was in college so I still hold a place for aftermarket car audio mods, but not nearly to the scale that I use to. I'm usually content with a single 10 now, but thats purely a matter of preference. If you have done previous installs, I think you'll find installing in this car very easy, especially if you use the line level inputs or line output converter to get the signal from the the factory sub lead. More power is always better, and you can always turn down the gain if you use your larger setup, but I just wanted to keep the weight and cost of the stereo down, while just adding enough oomph to make a difference.

I will say that thankfully that the frequency that the factory sub was limited to is pretty high, so I believe you get enough frequency out of the filtered input for your typical sub capped at 80-120Hz.

[ActivS5]

How is the sub response with your guy's technique?

[elf_cruiser]

I did the same as these guys - definitely a pretty easy install. I'm using a Kenwood 900w mono amp, and started with a Kenwood 12" but I blew it up, so I just got an Infinity Kappa to replace it. Sounds very good at about 50% gain, it just really rounds out the rest of the B&O system. The factory sub is a joke and a very half-assed approach. They could easily sacrifice a cu ft of cargo space and put a real factory sub with an enclosure. Hanging it on the rear deck is just silly. OK - rant off...

[ActivS5]

My A5 comes in today so I will be tackling this tonight! Can't wait

[FastMoneyPlaya]

anybody have any pics of their installs?

[ActivS5]

anybody have any pics of their installs?

Yes, pictures would be very helpful. Thanks!

[ActivS5]

DIY B&O sub swap

http://kmarei.homeip.net:8000/files/...%20Install.pdf

[confinedz]

this is a little over the top but this might give you guys some different ideas, this is my Audi

http://caraudiomag.com/articles/audi-a5-show-vehicle

[elf_cruiser]

http://forums.audiworld.com/showthre...&highlight=amp

Cross-post ...

[ActivS5]

Perfect, thanks a bunch

[FastMoneyPlaya]

this is a little over the top but this might give you guys some different ideas, this is my Audi

http://caraudiomag.com/articles/audi-a5-show-vehicle

Nice setup. That's the ultimate way to go. But even without going totally crazy, one thing I picked up from reading this article is that it seems like the best way to go if you are going to replace the stock amp and speakers is to run the stock MMI head unit into the Mobridge DA1000/2000 preamp. It looks like you can run the digital feed from the head unit right into that preamp and then into an amp/amps. So a simpler setup than what is in the article might be to run the preamp into a multi channel amp with two channels to the front, two channels to the rear, and a subwoofer channel to a box in the trunk. And the beauty of the system, besides the great sound, would be keeping the stock MMI.

Thanks

[chrissurfr]

anyone tried out bazooka tubes? I don't care about a crazy custom install.....

[ActivS5]

Just installed my 1000w kenwood and 12" kicker, really easy install. Elf_crusier's write up was a great asset to the install and made it super easy. I ran a high/low converter from the stock B&O input then male male RCA's to the amp line in's. I reccomend this to anyone who lacks bass support. Thanks elf_crusier!

[elf_cruiser]

Right on bro! Congrats on getting rid of that weak factory "subwoofer". Enjoy the new tunage!

[ActivS5]

I need to dynamat some areas though. The map light fixture and parts of the rear deck rattle pretty bad when the right tone hits. Has anyone else had rattling issues too?

[elf_cruiser]

For me the biggest rattles were coming from the carbon fiber inserts in the doors. I popped them off and put some foam strips in there which helped alot. I've noticed it from the map light pod as well but it's minimal so I haven't messed with trying to dampen it...

[ActivS5]

Carbon fiber inserts? As in your interior door trim? Also, rattling in the foam in the rear bumper I believe. Anyway, nothing that can't be solved. Thanks for the write up, couldn't have completed the set up without it

[rico89]

I am interested in installing a dedicated amplifier for a sub too, did the JL 10" factory replacement mod but its just not enough oomph for me when at lower volume.

could you send me the install guide perhaps, i am looking to replicate a set up that has been done already.


thanks