The definitive stereo and subwoofer upgrade thread

[doug97gxe]

To be honest i had a nearly complete JL system, nearly 10 years ago and i was very impressed with how long everything lasted and performed. I bought everything at a massive sale from a local store, paid a $2-3K for everything in my car (all JL and Alpine) and lasted nearly 10 years. Was all sounding great and going strong when i sold the car.

Not sure what their product is like now though, things change all the time.

i had a full JL setup back in 1997 .. over time i learned it wasn't as great as i thought it was and it was over priced based on what else is out there

[will13k7]

lc2i ftw. previously I had the oem sub wires plugged into the high-level inputs of the amp, it sounded okay, but frequencies and base levels were all over the place, some songs sounded good, other songs sounded funny. lc2i brought all that missing sound back and even the songs that sounded okay before sounded better. definitely a must for this car.



... somewhat sloppy dgaf install

[SDV325]

i had a full JL setup back in 1997 .. over time i learned it wasn't as great as i thought it was and it was over priced based on what else is out there

True. Off the shelf pricing is retarded for what it is, especially now. Trouble is knowing the brands that are not in the "big box" stores like Best Buy etc.

Always though the BO system needed a little more help, just to clarify/cliff notes, the OEM BO amp is strong enough to power a decent sub? Doing this a new enclose is required to hold the larger sub, either drivers side/passenger side? Correct?

[USAF_Danny]

That's a B8.5 in the B8 it will be red row of fuses




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Did anyone else's outlets stop working after they tapped into the fuses? For some reason, none of my sockets work now.

[doug97gxe]

True. Off the shelf pricing is retarded for what it is, especially now. Trouble is knowing the brands that are not in the "big box" stores like Best Buy etc.

Always though the BO system needed a little more help, just to clarify/cliff notes, the OEM BO amp is strong enough to power a decent sub? Doing this a new enclose is required to hold the larger sub, either drivers side/passenger side? Correct?

Depends on your taste in music if you're not into heavy bass the pioneer sub off the BO amp is perfect


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[miztahsparklez]

Did anyone else's outlets stop working after they tapped into the fuses? For some reason, none of my sockets work now.

Probably popped a fuse.


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[USAF_Danny]

Probably popped a fuse.


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Possibly, I think both 15a fuses are good though. I'm going to check regardless. My remote turn on for the amp works fine after tapping into the fuse. I wonder if I have to go into VCDS and reactivate them.

[miztahsparklez]

Possibly, I think both 15a fuses are good though. I'm going to check regardless. My remote turn on for the amp works fine after tapping into the fuse. I wonder if I have to go into VCDS and reactivate them.

Check the fuse holder/tap itself. Some are kind of cheap/crappy and don't touch the metal contacts.

I would also be mindful which direction you install the tap. They are directional.


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[white fish]

That's a B8.5 in the B8 it will be red row of fuses




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So I have B8 non B&O
I dont plan on using the LC2i
I was just going to use the sub output (which is adjustable in the EQ setting on non B&O) tapped in the the high input of my amp

but the remote I confused with
it looks like maybe the second fuse in the Red row you are tapped into
does that turn on the non B&O amp
thanks

[doug97gxe]

So I have B8 non B&O
I dont plan on using the LC2i
I was just going to use the sub output (which is adjustable in the EQ setting on non B&O) tapped in the the high input of my amp

but the remote I confused with
it looks like maybe the second fuse in the Red row you are tapped into
does that turn on the non B&O amp
thanks

not my car.. those red row of fuses are for an aftermarket amp/LOC to get a turn on lead.. all stock amplifiers BO and Non BO already have that worked out elsewhere

[white fish]

So I just put a meter on those fuses and I dont get 12v when radio is on just when car is on

tested the wires going into the amp and when the car "wakes" I can get 5volts on a couple wires

I want my Sub am to be switched on when my radio turns on not the car

[miztahsparklez]

So I just put a meter on those fuses and I dont get 12v when radio is on just when car is on

tested the wires going into the amp and when the car "wakes" I can get 5volts on a couple wires

I want my Sub am to be switched on when my radio turns on not the car

You can't. You can either use a LOC with remote turnon output or if you have b&o you can use a device like the mobridge to get what you want.

The cheap workaround is to use those fuses and ignition must be on.


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[doug97gxe]

You can't. You can either use a LOC with remote turnon output or if you have b&o you can use a device like the mobridge to get what you want.

The cheap workaround is to use those fuses and ignition must be on.


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U can if there is a separate fuse for the radio


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[miztahsparklez]

U can if there is a separate fuse for the radio


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It doesn't work that way. The fuse doesn't turn on and off with the radio. It's only constant and ignition.


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[doug97gxe]

It doesn't work that way. The fuse doesn't turn on and off with the radio. It's only constant and ignition.


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Ahhhh it use to be that way in my maxima I think


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[miztahsparklez]

Ahhhh it use to be that way in my maxima I think


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All cars I know of have stereos that have either constant and/or switched power at the fuse box.

Some cars have amp turn on wires or antenna wires. In either case, you won't find these in the fuse box. They would be behind the stereo. The maxima likely had this.


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[doug97gxe]

All cars I know of have stereos that have either constant and/or switched power at the fuse box.

Some cars have amp turn on wires or antenna wires. In either case, you won't find these in the fuse box. They would be behind the stereo. The maxima likely had this.


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Now that u mention it maybe it was the antenna wire


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[fmzip]

Went with the Pioneer free air. Wasn't a direct fit so I built a spacer. Happy with the tighter bass!

[doug97gxe]

Went with the Pioneer free air. Wasn't a direct fit so I built a spacer. Happy with the tighter bass!

Sweet install


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[cspcrx]

Nice job. How difficult was it to get the rear shelf tray cover off?

[14S4GWM]

^ Two extensive threads on the complete install

[Audi403]

Thank you so much for this! You're the man. I was looking for something like this and it answered every question I had!

[fmzip]

Nice job. How difficult was it to get the rear shelf tray cover off?

Very easy. Followed this thread here:
https://www.audiworld.com/forums/s4-...guide-2790664/

If I had the ring, it would have saved me a bit of time. Here's a cheap solution:
https://www.amazon.com/Atrend-Univer.../dp/B0013NWD0S

Easiest way, mount the sub to the spacer first. Then attach the MDF by drilling from underneath on the trunk side, securing screws into the mdf through the rear shelf

[cspcrx]

Thanks, sometimes looks easier than does. Removing interior panels always make me nervous, fear of breaking them or tabs that hold them in place.

[fmzip]

No need to worry about breaking them. Once you have all the screws removed fro the rear shelf, you do need to pull pretty hard up on the rear shelf to unclip it.

As far as the speaker grilles, use an interior trim pry tool that is wide like this to minimize the stress while prying up on them. Start by prying on the left hand corner of each grill and work your way to the right. There are no pry clips on the rear of the speaker grilles closet to the glass

[xxdunnxx]

For anyone interested: I put in an Image Dynamics IDQ 10" w/ a Rockford Fosgate PBR500X1 amp. Be prepared to widen the hole a bit and cut the cover to fit over the subwoofer.

It sounds AMAZING.

[fmzip]

To be honest i had a nearly complete JL system, nearly 10 years ago and i was very impressed with how long everything lasted and performed. I bought everything at a massive sale from a local store, paid a $2-3K for everything in my car (all JL and Alpine) and lasted nearly 10 years. Was all sounding great and going strong when i sold the car.

Not sure what their product is like now though, things change all the time.

Same here. I was very pleased with all the JL gear that I purchased a decade ago, never an issue.

[Strong Man]

Hi fmzip,

Did you connect Pioneer in application of 8 Om? Is original amp have enough power to push the sub ?

[cspcrx]

Thanks FMZIP.

[fmzip]

Hi fmzip,

Did you connect Pioneer in application of 8 Om? Is original amp have enough power to push the sub ?

EDIT:

I am all about sound quality. I think it sounds very good. My music style is DMB, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Norah Jones, Jazz Sambe, Classic rock. I'm an old dude at 51. No techno here. For the bass heads, this is likely insufficient.

The sensitivity is very accurate. My sweet spot with the volume at about 20-23 while jamming out, it's plenty of bass for me. For less than $100 and a few hours of time, I am a happy camper.

For reference, my last car had a $3K system in it with the likes of Focal speakers and JL Audio gear and a seperate box for a JL Audio 10w6. This will never compare to a sub in a box, but for sound quality, it's great. Since there is no playing lossless audio with the stock system on my MY2015, I don't feel it's necessary to invest any further into the sound.

My home audio setup is all high end with the likes of Anthem and B&W Nautilus 804's. I mention that to give people a point of reference as everyone's expectations and ears are quite unique. I think with age also comes different desires in a car. I still like to go fast, I still like to enjoy the drive. However I don't want to feel every bump in the road. It's a balance of refinement without getting jarred around. Same mentality with audio. I think if people posted with the age attached it would help others with what they are trying to accomplish. What you like at 23 won't likely be what you desire at 53.

Thanks FMZIP.

You're very welcome

[Strong Man]

I connected it plus to plus of voice coil1, then plus from that to plus of voice coil2 same with the negative to negative to negative. I'm not sure if this is correct or not. Was planning on posting that here, is this the correct way to wire it?

So , you connected two coils in parallel , and basically right you're running the sub in application of 2Om - http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/St...nual092216.pdf .
It's possible , but as I know Audi has 8 Om sound system and amplifier was calculated to work for 8 Ohm impedance. It's not really "healthy" for amp.

I am all about sound quality. I think it sounds very good. My music style is DMB, Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz, Norah Jones, Jazz Sambe, Classic rock. I'm an old dude at 51. No techno here. For the bass heads, this is likely insufficient.

same here

The sensitivity isn't ideal, but for my sweet spot with the volume at about 20-23 while jamming out, it's plenty of bass for me. At low volumes the sensitivity isn't where it needs to be to engage the bass enough. For less than $100 and a few hours of time, I am a happy camper.

I see...how does it sound around volume 12-16 ?!

For reference, my last car had a $3K system in it with the likes of Focal speakers and JL Audio gear and a seperate box for a JL Audio 10w6. This will never compare to a sub in a box, but for sound quality, it's great. Since there is no playing lossless audio with the stock system on my MY2015, I don't feel it's necessary to invest any further into the sound.

Woow...my favorite speakers are Focal ...I used to sound focal speakers in cars for almost 10-12 years and in home sound system too.

My home audio setup is all high end with the likes of Anthem and B&W Nautilus 804's. I mention that to give people a point of reference as everyone's expectations and ears are quite unique. I think with age also comes different desires in a car. I still like to go fast, I still like to enjoy the drive. However I don't want to feel every bump in the road. It's a balance of refinement without getting jarred around. Same mentality with audio. I think if people posted with the age attached it would help others with what they are trying to accomplish. What you like at 23 won't likely be what you desire at 53.




You're very welcome

Not bad....my current home setup includes Focal front and rear speakers , Sub Jamo , Front speaker from JBL , Denon pream + Quad power amp , Meridian DAC etc... :)))

[fmzip]

So , you connected two coils in parallel , and basically right you're running the sub in application of 2Om - http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/St...nual092216.pdf .
It's possible , but as I know Audi has 8 Om sound system and amplifier was calculated to work for 8 Ohm impedance. It's not really "healthy" for amp.

I see the err of my wiring. Edited the above post to not confuse anyone.

[fmzip]

Wired for 8 ohms:



This is my settings and the music quality sounds excellent at every volume. Plenty of accurate bass from a volume level of 15-28! 320KB MP3's sound great, CD's that much better.

[Strong Man]

fmzip , so you did connect at 8 Om which sounds more reasonable

BTW I noticed that you're running from SD card . Try (if you have this option) to run from iPod/iPhone wired connection. I'm using my old iPhone 4 for this, and sound quality is much better than SD Card.

P.S. Can you share your source where you got it in less $100 ?:)

[fmzip]

fmzip , so you did connect at 8 Om which sounds more reasonable

BTW I noticed that you're running from SD card . Try (if you have this option) to run from iPod/iPhone wired connection. I'm using my old iPhone 4 for this, and sound quality is much better than SD Card.

P.S. Can you share your source where you got it in less $100 ?:)

It's $45 now, was just $57 last week!:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Picked up the Dynamat here for $24:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10425-Dynama...72.m2749.l2649

And get one of these to save time for $6:

https://www.amazon.com/Atrend-Univer.../dp/B0013NWD0S

$75 and a few hours DONE!

Interesting on you mentioning the Iphone.....I have a spare one that I planned to run off the plug in the glovebox but everything I read said the audio quality was worse. I would think that would be true as it is going DA twice? Does the phone turn on by itself when you power up the car? I like the convenience of the 128GB card in the slot with playlists. If it's convenient as the SD card, I may give it a go

[jlaudio]

Interesting on you mentioning the Iphone.....I have a spare one that I planned to run off the plug in the glovebox but everything I read said the audio quality was worse. I would think that would be true as it is going DA twice? Does the phone turn on by itself when you power up the car? I like the convenience of the 128GB card in the slot with playlists. If it's convenient as the SD card, I may give it a go

i considered going the old iphone route until i remembered you have to deal with itunes. can't stand itunes. drag and drop with the SD card is the way to go.

[fmzip]

i considered going the old iphone route until i remembered you have to deal with itunes. can't stand itunes. drag and drop with the SD card is the way to go.

I read this regarding the conversion issue of the iphone and opted for the SD card with all my lossless files ripped to MP3's at 320Kb :

http://www.myaudiq5.com/index.php/to...sd-card-sound/

I never did a side by side comparison between both the Iphone and SD card for sound comparison though

[xxdunnxx]

This is my settings and the music quality sounds excellent at every volume. Plenty of accurate bass from a volume level of 15-28!

You don't notice distorted highs after around 20? I never push more than 24.

[Strong Man]

It's $45 now, was just $57 last week!:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Picked up the Dynamat here for $24:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/10425-Dynama...72.m2749.l2649

And get one of these to save time for $6:

https://www.amazon.com/Atrend-Univer.../dp/B0013NWD0S

Thank you...I've already found it too.

I would think that would be true as it is going DA twice? Does the phone turn on by itself when you power up the car? I like the convenience of the 128GB card in the slot with playlists. If it's convenient as the SD card, I may give it a go

No , It isn't correct . If you're using 30 pin connetor the audio from iPhone already comes after internal iPhone DAC - https://i.stack.imgur.com/39v15.jpg . The internal iPhone DAC is Cirrus Logic 338S0589 - it's the high quility DAC (http://soundexpert.org/news/-/blogs/...ty-of-iphone-4), much better than internal DAC of Audi system.

[waxxonMTL]

that is very interesting.. I'm using SD since day 1.. maybe I should buy myself a ipod just for that very reason. For me, all I did is sound deadener 80mil on door, trunk ( total of about 30sq feet) + JL IB10 ( one of the very few TRUE infinite baffle sub out there). I listen to hip hop and it's fine.

Sure it's not like my 3 amp Arc KS combo with CDT 12 in a custom sub, buuuut for ease of fitting/price/no trunk spakce taken, I'm very happy.