A8 4.2TDI Facelift Audio Upgrade
 

So clearly not happy with the audio and I have what seems to be a common rear shelf vibration. I tried in vain to get the parcel shelf out today. Just found the manual that shows how it is done, will go at it again next weekend.

I am to install the following to start:-

Line in to DLS A7 amp to see if I can at least bypass the crappy woofer and install my boxed CDT 10inch Sub.
After this the plan is to get a BitOne or similar and pickup highlevel outputs from the deck somewhere. The remaining two channels will then feed either my current CDT 5.25 inch speakers or newer speakers as I think these will be too small.

I do own a mill, so will likely make myself some custom alu plates for the speakers.

Will also do some sound deadening, still have left over material from a previous car install.

Thanks

Is your system MOST-Bus based like the BOSE & BO?
If so, do you plan to keep the existing amp in place to act as a DSP from MOST to analogue?

I don't know, still researching. Does anyone know if the base audio has an amplifier at all and/or is MOST used?

The MMI is MOST based. The head unit, sat nav, radio, pop up screen, Tv, DAB, Cd changer, Music interface, buttons by the cup holder, and then which ever amp you have.

I admire your determination to 'improve' the audio with aftermarket components, but in my opinion, if you succeed, you will likely be the first...

I'm not aware of any analogue line ins. It is digital all the way to the amp. There's a good chance the only analogue you will see is from the speaker out.....

If you're as handy with audio kit as you sound, I'd seriously consider just retrofitting a Bose setup. It really is very good, and will enhance the eventual resale value rather than affect it.....

Thanks. First day at the new job and still at work (03h15). I would then take it from the speaker output and then find a way to equalise the sound using a BitOne/BitTen unit or similar.

Is there an amp in a non Bose / B&O car and if so, where?

Try this for help +++
Page 37 and page 40 of the 03 document show you whats in the standard and bose packages

Thanks. Checking.

So also MOST based. Amplifier in the left rear. At least this means I can pickup on the speaker wires going to each of the locations if I wanted to replace the amp. I suspect the only option is to leave the existing amplifier in place to act as a convertor from MOST to 'analog' and then using something like a BitONE unit, try and clean this signal up and then push that back into a new amplifier.

Actually, looks like there is a product to do conversion from MOST to Digital or similar.

http://www.mobridge.us/compatibility...13119/13120/29

Yep, problem solved, albeit at a £625 cost.

http://www.caraudioexpress.co.uk/pro...&cat=29&page=1

All I need additional to this is a set of 6.5 inch components and sorted. Ill try and use my 5.25 inch units initially.

This any good to you? I found it on ebay, complete Bose D3 amp, sub, speakers. £160

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291570894293

Thanks. I spotted that too and was going to ask, could I fit with as a straight 'hot swap' without coding or anything like that?

If so, I might do this instead as an interim measure.

The Amp will need Component Protection removed so it can be used in your car. Main Dealer may do this, or a specialist with the correct software. Price is around £60~£75

Here's some info on the differences between the systems.

Thanks. Appreciated.

Watching this with interest as mine has the standard system (ie non-Bose or B&O). I'd like to make it a touch better too. I wonder if there are better drive unit/s that can just be swapped for the original drive units? I can't be arsed messing with the amps and wiring etc, but swapping drive units out is do-able I guess.

Have you considered the almighty retrofit of B&O? If you're handy with the fiddly bits and willing to invest time and money. Recently on eBay there was a complete system in Germany for £1k

I've not heard the B&O from the D3, but it is arguably the finest audio set up in a production car. Where better to start?

If the B&O kit could have been retrofitted without what I imagine would be lots of specific interior dash, door trim I'd have bought the thing myself!!

I suspect I would although I currently have a very decent amp (DLS A7) and some CDT speakers, both of which should match or be better than the B&O stuff. As this is paid for already, 'all' I need is the Mosbridge unit. But as I know my front speakers are too small, I need to use them with spacers (which I can mill on my own machine) or buy 6.5 inch speakers, probably Audison Voce or Morels ..... then its a spending spree and could quickly add up to the cost of a 2nd hand B&O system.

Actually, perhaps I should listen to a B&O system, anyone near Ickenham, Middlesex that I could ask for a quick demo?

I think this should be the case. What I might do is retrofit the front speakers first but they are only 5.25inch and will need some work to make an adaptor for. I suspect they will want more power than the amp can produce, but happy to test this theory and give some feedback. If the weather is nice this weekend and I dont have such a hectic week like last week, I may have the energy to try this.

Off Topic, your steeringwheel upgrade, do you know if I can just add these to my 'normal' steering wheel?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Audi-A3-A4...QAAOSwKIpWE8ki

If so, where do the paddles attach to, cant feel anything except a hole which I believe will be for the wiring / cabling.

Thanks

Someone more qualified than me would be best to advise you mate. What wheel do you have just now? Replacing the wheel with the functionality you want is the conventional way to go. It's so quick and simple I was able to swap it, and code it!

A discoloured brown wheel with no paddles :-(

No brainer then, for similar money you can get yourself a MFSW with paddles. Learn from my mistake (I knew within minutes of buying the wheel) and get one with the same number of spokes as your current wheel so your existing airbag will fit it. Then if you have VCDS and a large enough (T55 I think it was) torx bit it really is a simple job.

Any suggestions on best / cheapest place to buy VCDS?

Thanks

The club can only recommend the official genuine software and cables, these cost about £300 I believe, and hold their value incredibly well. RossTech support these devices very well, you get what you pay for and there's frequent updates I hear.

I on the other hand may have a non genuine cable and software which may have been bought for about £10-15 on eBay or some such site.

Really, unless you want to be best friends with your local Audi stealership, having your own VCDS is essential.

One like this should float your boat?:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/281829383558

Yep, in brown however :-( Wished the car had black interior but sadly not.

Thanks

This:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/281404648750

Any good?

I cant remember how many spokes my wheel has. Will check later, thanks.

So, lots of vibrations.

Exhibit A.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqOuMtkcN0o

Add some sticky metal stuff.

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5655/2...9b78501c_b.jpg

https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5779/2...00a1cf59_b.jpg

Ah, that's better.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuCq1EpuR9Y

Less vibration. I also put some on the rear shelf itself and then from underneath as the rubber that touches near the sub vibrates too.

A comment to make.

This car's audio, for a standard system is semi decent.

Its not great but for a base system, it will satisfy most people's need.

There is a distinct lack of 'punch' and clarity and its way too harsh around the vocal frequencies but for 'stock standard', its not horrible.

I concur. My old A2 had the base system (fitted with the optional rear speakers would you believe) and it was a very good base system, as is the A8's.

Don't get me wrong, I'd kill for B&O, but stock is still pretty good

How's this all going Chaz? Have you got anywhere with this audio upgrade yet? +++