neis

Have 2001 a6 avant. Luv the car. Only complaint, stock radio. Any suggestions Thanks. (It sounds cheap and tinny)

mpuzach

I'd be interested to know what your point of reference is. I, too, have the standard audio system and while its sound quality isn't of audiophile quality, I find it to be far better than the words "tinny and cheap" suggest.

Assuming that you have the non-Bose system, the speakers and amplifier are easily upgradeable. Personally, I'd start with the amp; you may find that once you do, you'll be happier with the speakers.

For more specific ideas, you might try checking with the folks at the audio forum.<p>mpuzach
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/audiworldpics/2000/SigPicA6.jpg">
2000 A6 2.8Q Tip
Racing Green/Tungsten Gray
Conv Pkg/Cold Wthr/Xenons

Audiablo

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Pete RD

it's very easy to up-grade the speakers and add a real good amp if you don't have the BOSE speakers. That's what I did as I really like the look of the stock head unit vrs after-market "double-DIN" units, and I wanted to keep the steering-wheel audio controls. I also replaced the sub, and the whole system sounds so much better. I'm very picky about sound systems in cars, so I didn't order BOSE, as I knew I would be changing everything.<p>Peter R Dieckerhoff

Ajnz

I went with MB Quart 5 1/4 separates in each door and a JL 10 IB4 sub mounted
in the rear shelf firing up into the passenger compartment. Amp is an ADS 640 which has plenty of power for my needs. I kept the stock head unit with trunk mounted CD changer.

The stock system is set up such that you lose the front to rear fade feature when going to an aftermarket amp. Also, a line to low level output adapter is required for the front channels. Best to get a competent installer to do the work.

The result is worth it IMO. Much better sound from classical to reggae. A set-up
like mine will run about $2,000 installed

Bollinger

Perhaps you should get a competent installer to do the work. The stock (non-Bose) system does use the internal amp in the head unit to run the front speakers.

So your installer grabbed those wires and converted them down to line level, then split them and put amps on that.

THIS IS LAME!

Go to Audizone's Bose upgrade page (see below). Click on the 'pinout' link.

(Note that all head units are the same, Bose or not, so this applies to all of us. Only difference is the Bose system will not have anything running from the internal amps, and the other will.

See in the lower right. There is a common ground, 4 line outs, and an output to switch your amp on and off. At worst, you need a common to separate converter, and you are good to go. And you keep the fader operation.

I wouldn't except everyone to be able to figure out, but it is complex. However, for $2000, I'd expect my installer to get it right. In fact, I'd go back and make him rewire it correctly.<ul><li><a href="http://www.audizone.com/info/bose/boseupgrade.htm">http://www.audizone.com/info/bose/boseupgrade.htm</a</li></ul>

Bollinger

That if you upgrade the amps and not the speakers, your system will sound worse than before. He thinks there is equalization for the speakers in the amps.

Too bad, because I'm unimpressed with the amps.<ul><li><a href="http://www.audizone.com">http://www.audizone.com</a</li></ul>

mpuzach

The system he was writing about was the Bose, not the standard one. There is definitely equalization provided by the Bose amps. That's why it's recommended to those intending to perform mods that they NOT order the Bose. They'd need to change speakers AND amps, which make up the entire Bose upgrade.

With the standard system, there is no equalization. As a result, the speakers and/or amp can be upgraded with positive results.<p>mpuzach
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/audiworldpics/2000/SigPicA6.jpg">
2000 A6 2.8Q Tip
Racing Green/Tungsten Gray
Conv Pkg/Cold Wthr/Xenons