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Audi A4 B8: Stereo Upgrades and Modifications

The Audi A4 offers several sound system options direct from the factory, as well as a variety of aftermarket systems and add-ons to get that pumping stereo you have always wanted.

By Charlie Gaston - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A4 B8 (2009-2016).

One could argue that having a quality sound system in a car makes all the difference in the world. With the right audio equipment, your driving experience could go from ho-hum, to a sonic paradise. To achieve such an experience in the Audi A4 B8, you'll first need to consider which options are available to you direct from the factory, and which aftermarket options you can purchase from a local car audio installation expert. Here are our top picks!

Audi A4 Sound System

Figure 1. The Bang and Olufsen sound system is the top factory option in the A4.

Factory Bang and Olufsen Sound System

DIY Cost – $1,500+

Professional Cost – $2,000 to $3,000+

Skill Level – Retrofit is only suggested by professional, and may not be possible.

If you want your A4 with the best system, right off the showroom floor, then the Bang and Olufsen sound system is your best option. The engineering on this sound system is evidenced in the quality of sound that can be achieved without the installation of additional aftermarket accessories. It features 19 speakers, and specially engineered amps and other parts from B and O, one of the leaders in high end audio. Where the system falls short, according to many Audi forum members, is the bass response. Overall, the system sounds great and has also been described as one of the best sounding audio systems ever installed in an automobile. Unfortunately, it may not be possible to retrofit the system in your car if it was not built with it, as it requires special wiring, amps, speakers, sound insulation, microphones, and other parts, which alone may run over $2,000. Recommended for drivers who want a factory install that delivers on performance and innovation.

JBL MS-8 System

DIY Cost – $250+

Professional Cost – $500+

Skill Level – Easy; one of the closest aftermarket options to a "plug and play" you'll find.

If you are set on keeping your stock head unit and MMI setup, but still want to experience a significant boost in sound quality while you drive, the JBL MS-8 is your best bet. This digital signal processor was designed to make any existing sound system sound better. For added power, install a new amplifier and subwoofer. You'll experience extreme 5.1 or 7.1 sound without breaking the bank. Recommended for drivers who want to upgrade the sound of the existing factory setup, without loosing any factory functionality.

Audison and/or Hertz Speakers

DIY Cost – $80+ per speaker

Professional Cost – $100 for labor, plus at least $80 per speaker

Skill Level – Easy - plug and play options are available.

This is the cheapest way to improve the sound quality in your B8 Audi A4, particularly if you want to improve the mid-range/mid-bass response you're currently achieving on your stock setup. For many Audi drivers, brands such as Audison and Hertz are the preferred players in speaker manufacturing. With just an afternoon's worth of work and less than $100, you can upgrade your in dash or in door speakers, with better performing versions in the stock sizes. For added punch, invest in Hertz or Audison amps and subwoofers as well, and add them to the mix. Recommended for drivers who don't want to throw a stack of cash at a professional install, but who still want a boost in sound quality.

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