Upgrade from B+O sub to what?

[jamin_00]

Hey guys, any advice on which sub to switch too please?

Want one thats a simple swap over, take the old one out and slot the new one straight in and job done.

Thanks

[HotRod]

This may not be as easy as you think. There are a few good choices for free air or infinite baffle subs. I like JL and Image Dynamics myself. Do a little research and talk to a good installer, you might have other things to consider.

[ExhaustNote]

Someone posted a DIY on a5oc a while back. Here's a link to the same DIY on a different site:
https://snapguide.com/guides/audi-a4...oofer-upgrade/

I actually was going to do this a few years ago on my old S5 and bought the parts but never actually did it. I still have the brand new, unused sub as well as enough dynamat the line the deck. Let me know if you're interested and I'll give you a good deal.

[JamesRS5]

10" subs which are free air and 8 ohm impedance are pretty difficult to find. I believe JL no longer make the sub which used to be a direct fit into the B&O slot on the rear shelf.

[street sleeper]

Someone posted a DIY on a5oc a while back. Here's a link to the same DIY on a different site:
https://snapguide.com/guides/audi-a4...oofer-upgrade/

I actually was going to do this a few years ago on my old S5 and bought the parts but never actually did it. I still have the brand new, unused sub as well as enough dynamat the line the deck. Let me know if you're interested and I'll give you a good deal.

That's a good write-up. But I'm wondering if there would a noticeable sound improvement replacing one 8'' sub with another 8" sub (from BO to JL)?

I like the idea of not having to replace the amp or relocate anything. Looking just to swap the sub.

[jamin_00]

Getting advice on another forum too and I linked to this one. How about running this directly from the Alpine unit Im getting installed in a couple of weeks?

http://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/p...oxes45/swd-355

[JamesRS5]

That's a good write-up. But I'm wondering if there would a noticeable sound improvement replacing one 8'' sub with another 8" sub (from BO to JL)?

I like the idea of not having to replace the amp or relocate anything. Looking just to swap the sub.

The JL sub in that guide is a 10" so 2 extra inches of subness plus more travel on the cone so better all around.


Jamin,

I've never been a fan of boxes in the trunk and would much prefer a stealth install but you would get a better sound out of that box for sure.

I tried to read a review on the alpine head unit you're getting fitted, there's not much press on it, please write a review once you've had it installed as I've always wondered why Audi chose the very centre of the dash to have a useless flap with 2 memory card slots behind it.
I doubt alpine have Middle East maps in their system so it would be pointless me fitting it but I'd like to if it was an option.
Does it retain Audi Connect?

[jamin_00]

Will do James. No, there is not a huge amount of press on it as it has only just been released, a month or so ago I believe?

Not many sleeps to go now :)


I to didn't think I would want a box either but Im kinda leaning that way now. Its rare I need all my boot space, normally only when moving 4 x 20in rims do I use it all with seats down but other than that its never used so I might just do that now. Will speak to the guys this week and see what they advice and get it all sorted in one go. Yes, will do a write up once had it installed and got to play with it a little. There is a fair bit Im not sure about reading the instructions but I'm sure once its in and I have had a play it will all be quite clear.

[JamesRS5]

Great, I look forward to reading about it, good luck with the install.

[jamin_00]

Just spoke to Alpine and after asking my needs and wants they suggested this little wonder

http://www.talkaudio.co.uk/index.php...red-remo-r1381

I link to that site as its the best in depth review I could find, well within 10 mins off putting the phone down lol. Its supposed to be a massively popular unit as it far outperforms most 8in units and takes up very little space and the actual technician who installing everything for me has in in his Audi which he replaced the B+O sub with and said its night and day difference. I'll find out soon enough :)

I don't need the wired remote as the Alpine unit has all the controls onboard :)

[doug97gxe]

are you planning to use the BO Amp or Upgrade that will make a big difference on choice

[doug97gxe]

Hey guys, any advice on which sub to switch too please?

Want one thats a simple swap over, take the old one out and slot the new one straight in and job done.

Thanks

read this thread.. has some good info http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...et-Sound-Sytem

[jamin_00]

are you planning to use the BO Amp or Upgrade that will make a big difference on choice

Not using the B+O amp no, this little powered sub has a built in amp in the box.

read this thread.. has some good info http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...et-Sound-Sytem

OK, will read it in a bit :)

[jamin_00]

Some great info in that link and the others in that one :)

Im getting all my install done by Alpine when doing the replacement head unit so they will do the sub at the same time as they are running wires all the way to the back for the camera so can just do the sub at the same time :)

[Sgibb16]

Some great info in that link and the others in that one :)

Im getting all my install done by Alpine when doing the replacement head unit so they will do the sub at the same time as they are running wires all the way to the back for the camera so can just do the sub at the same time :)

What headunit are you going with?

[jamin_00]

This unit. http://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/a...5141/x701d-a4r

I had a demo at a show recently and was blown away by what it can do and its tech. All the usual features, DVD, rear camera etc but the little things make it awesome, like the rear camera has multiple angles from 1 camera with the special lens, if DAB signal goes out it will automatically go to FM. Add it all together with the tech and its amazing I think :) And the buttons actually fit the interior and defo do not look as bad as they do in the pics ;)

[doug97gxe]

This unit. http://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/a...5141/x701d-a4r

I had a demo at a show recently and was blown away by what it can do and its tech. All the usual features, DVD, rear camera etc but the little things make it awesome, like the rear camera has multiple angles from 1 camera with the special lens, if DAB signal goes out it will automatically go to FM. Add it all together with the tech and its amazing I think :) And the buttons actually fit the interior and defo do not look as bad as they do in the pics ;)

that's amazing.. so it looks like it plugs into the existing MMI interface and allows you to control it with the alpine software

[doug97gxe]

oh looks like its just Euro Audi's for now http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...lpine-X701D-A4

[14S4GWM]

This unit. http://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/a...5141/x701d-a4r

I had a demo at a show recently and was blown away by what it can do and its tech. All the usual features, DVD, rear camera etc but the little things make it awesome, like the rear camera has multiple angles from 1 camera with the special lens, if DAB signal goes out it will automatically go to FM. Add it all together with the tech and its amazing I think :) And the buttons actually fit the interior and defo do not look as bad as they do in the pics ;)

Isnt that only available if you dont have B & O option?

[jamin_00]

No, I have B+O. Its only if you have the CAN system and not MOST as I understand. the Most system is what you will have if you have the factory fitted Sat Nav I think?

[14S4GWM]

^ I do think that set up is pretty nice but I like using my controls in the center console. Does that leave everything in the center console useless? Im at work now and cant really read up on it.

Whats the price on that?

[doug97gxe]

^ I do think that set up is pretty nice but I like using my controls in the center console. Does that leave everything in the center console useless? Im at work now and cant really read up on it.

Whats the price on that?

its not available in North America

[Sgibb16]

^ I do think that set up is pretty nice but I like using my controls in the center console. Does that leave everything in the center console useless? Im at work now and cant really read up on it.

Whats the price on that?

Looks like it is for non-nav cars only

[jamin_00]

^ I do think that set up is pretty nice but I like using my controls in the center console. Does that leave everything in the center console useless? Im at work now and cant really read up on it.

Whats the price on that?

You get a replacement centre unit and its just over £2k with all the options, DVD and rear camera.

its not available in North America

I can find out if there are any plans to release a world wide product??

Looks like it is for non-nav cars only

As I mentioned above, its for CAN system cars and not MOST, which cars with the Sat Nav as standard come as, I believe?

[jamin_00]

It is available worldwide just Alpine USA are not currently selling it for some reason. You guys in the US can buy it from Alpine Europe LHD version and you will need to purchase the maps for the US from Naviextras.com for $60

Plus you guys won't pay VAT so if thats listed knock 20% off the price.

So for the US and you James, go here to see what the cost of the maps are to buy https://alpine.naviextras.com/shop/p...?selectedTab=2

[JamesRS5]

I'm not sure it would work with my car anyway, it has the full navigation kit with B&O but I'll have a look at it anyway as it looks a nice unit.

[doug97gxe]

support and warranty wise i will wait till Alpine US releases it

[jamin_00]

support and warranty wise i will wait till Alpine US releases it

Makes complete sense

I'm not sure it would work with my car anyway, it has the full navigation kit with B&O but I'll have a look at it anyway as it looks a nice unit.

B+O matters not however you have the nav option so your car will not be CAN based it will be MOST which won't work.

[autobahn86]

Not much point in just swapping a sub. You need an amp and a box.

[doug97gxe]

Not much point in just swapping a sub. You need an amp and a box.

i think he has that all in one

[autobahn86]

i think he has that all in one

I mean additional. I have the same B&O setup and added a box and amp on top of the existing components. Replacing stock sub alone won't be noticeable.

[jamin_00]

Not much point in just swapping a sub. You need an amp and a box.

i think he has that all in one

Yea, its a powered sub so comes with everything :) Difference will be night and day apparently. Alpine sorting it all out and setting it up for me so everything will be as spot on I hope :)
Well thats the plan anyway as there a lot of adjustment.

Instructions which list all its features etc.

http://www.alpine.co.uk/fileadmin/us...701D-Q5_EN.pdf

[GraniteBob]

Like others have said, I pulled out the cheapie B&O sub speaker and installed a seperate 300W sub amp and a JL 10" in its own box in the trunk. Yes, it takes up a little space but not much. The difference in sound is worth the real estate. I left the old B&O speaker out so the bass could "vent" through the grill opening. Now it sounds like a proper high end stereo, although it has to have a separate bass control up front, which is steadily hidden. Lots of examples out there of that being done. I would have loved to put it in one of the trunk wells, but I was quoted $2,400 for the equipment and manufacturing the fiberglass box to fit in the right side well. The manufactured JL box sounded pretty good after that! Good luck!

[jamin_00]

Im not too worried by the loss of space. This sub comes with a remote but the Alpine unit has all of that built in so luckily I do not need to install the remote and have to worry about the wiring and where to put it :)

Cant wait now tbh. Everyone else I have spoken to said the system will sound much better with a much better unit up front controlling it all. They sent me the new facia mounting kit which gets installed to bring the touch screen much closer so you can reach it as I need to get this dipped CF to match my interior trim. Dropped that off yesterday so all good to go for next week.

[jamin_00]

Ready for install tomorrow :)

[jamin_00]

So first thoughts are wow, very very impressed. The looks are superb, they really have got that part bang on. Everything is so smooth and the transitions between screens and inputs is very nice. My god there are some options in the setup off the sound. So much can be tuned for your individual taste and each unit is pre programmed with sound characteristics for your car. So for us with the A/S/RS5's it comes preset for that shape car and they even have a different file for the 4dr! Different files for the A4's and so on. You get a really nice splash screen to, in my case it says S5 and its graphically stunning. So much better than any off the MMI options imo and so glad I went for this rather than the more expensive, less tech and worse looking latest MMI from Audi via HazyDayz.
Sat Nav was a pleasure to use for a change. Just worked and with the 3d settings which shows 3d buildings etc it looks great. DVD works, not much else to say lol. Rear camera, there are 2 options I think, the standard 1 view and the mutliview one I go. Very good even in the pitch black as I reversed out of the building.
But so much to play with, will take a while to get fully acquainted with it all but for now, very happy.

Price was £1850 for the unit with DVD and £315 I think for the rear camera which comes with in a housing which is also the button to open the boot. They take the exiting button out completely and put this whole set up in its place.

But, man that sub is incredible for a 8in powered job. The base vibrates the seats and really gives the system what it is so lacking for the B+O system. Overall the system sounds more clear, still not like the Alpine A5 with the Alpine speakers but it is very good. On the way home I loaded up some Junglelisitic massive old skool tunes to test it out and OMG, I not had bass like that in a car for some time lol. Awesome :) Strongly recommend this little sub and its only £140 or something and based on the reviews the guys at Alpine were right in that would be perfect in the 5 as I even said about the bigger more expensive units and was told that this will be more than up to the ob and they were not wrong lol, well they wouldn't be hey ;)

Edit, Done the pics ;)

Will get more tomorrow in the daylight of more of the screens. Still can't believe I was at Alpine having a system fitted :)

[Sgibb16]

Looks great. Can you confirm that steering wheel controls are retained?

[jamin_00]

Confirmed.

Although, when I press the mode button now I don't think it goes on to the telephone section no more. I don't recall seeing that on the drove home as I did only use the telephone from the screen as its so much better and easier to do. But everything else is as it was, volume, skipping tracks etc, Nav button the lot yet.

[joshuamoore]

Can't wait for a US version for the RS5. This is a much needed upgrade.

[doug97gxe]

So first thoughts are wow, very very impressed. The looks are superb, they really have got that part bang on. Everything is so smooth and the transitions between screens and inputs is very nice. My god there are some options in the setup off the sound. So much can be tuned for your individual taste and each unit is pre programmed with sound characteristics for your car. So for us with the A/S/RS5's it comes preset for that shape car and they even have a different file for the 4dr! Different files for the A4's and so on. You get a really nice splash screen to, in my case it says S5 and its graphically stunning. So much better than any off the MMI options imo and so glad I went for this rather than the more expensive, less tech and worse looking latest MMI from Audi via HazyDayz.
Sat Nav was a pleasure to use for a change. Just worked and with the 3d settings which shows 3d buildings etc it looks great. DVD works, not much else to say lol. Rear camera, there are 2 options I think, the standard 1 view and the mutliview one I go. Very good even in the pitch black as I reversed out of the building.
But so much to play with, will take a while to get fully acquainted with it all but for now, very happy.

Price was £1850 for the unit with DVD and £315 I think for the rear camera which comes with in a housing which is also the button to open the boot. They take the exiting button out completely and put this whole set up in its place.

But, man that sub is incredible for a 8in powered job. The base vibrates the seats and really gives the system what it is so lacking for the B+O system. Overall the system sounds more clear, still not like the Alpine A5 with the Alpine speakers but it is very good. On the way home I loaded up some Junglelisitic massive old skool tunes to test it out and OMG, I not had bass like that in a car for some time lol. Awesome :) Strongly recommend this little sub and its only £140 or something and based on the reviews the guys at Alpine were right in that would be perfect in the 5 as I even said about the bigger more expensive units and was told that this will be more than up to the ob and they were not wrong lol, well they wouldn't be hey ;)

Edit, Done the pics ;)

Will get more tomorrow in the daylight of more of the screens. Still can't believe I was at Alpine having a system fitted :)

niceeeeeeeeeeee