crankTT

I passed on the sound system upgrades, thinking that a $60k car would have a decent base system. I was wrong. The sound quality is something I would expect from a car half the price. Even at about 30% volume I can notice distortion.

Does anyone have any suggestions on upgrading components? Start with amp or speakers? I believe there's a small sub in the back but doesn't seem to be very effective.

calvinyhobbes

I don't have any specific suggestions as to what equipment you should get, but if you really wanted to upgrade your speakers I would try to find a highly regarded automotive stereo shop/installer in your area.
Tell them what kind of sound you are looking for. I would personally go for a stealthy install. Any high quality installer should be able to swap out stock parts with similarly shaped equipment but with a much better sound. Good luck

Ferrari27

Hmmm. I have the B & W in my '13 S8, but went with the Bose 3D for the '17 Q7.

I find the Bose to be terrific listening to Symphony station on Sirius.

What is your source? If Bluetooth, I am certain you know you will lose some fidelity.

discogone

I think the OP was referring to the non-upgraded system, not even the Bose one.

Ferrari27

You are correct, of course. Additionally , I referred to B & W rather than B & O.

For what is is worth, the Bose 3D that comes standard in the Prestige is really good.

jmike52

I'm an audio snob (LOL) and once dialed in, the Bose 3D system provides a very good sound experience. Pleasantly surprised, in fact! I have no idea if it can retrofitted.

Paradox

I'm quite pleased with Audi's base system. It was the only thing I didn't upgrade on my Premium plus and I am glad I didn't, I find the base system just fine. I actually find it better than the upgraded Bose system in a previous QX60. And this is from someone who has the Bowers and Wilkins in their XC90. It is superb and of course better than the base Q7 system, but still, I personally don't find the base system in the Q7 poor. Of course everyone's 'mileage WILL vary' when it comes to audio systems.

crankTT

I typically listen to a mixture of sirius and (usually higher bit rate) mp3. Thanks for the feedback. I'll investigate options for a 'stealth' upgrade at some point, or if retrofitting is an option at some point.

jaywagenaar

@CrankTT - I am in agreement with you. I absolutely love my Q7 but I am disappointed in the base sound system. I didn't even think about testing it out when I bought my Q7 assuming that Audi would have kept everything in the car top notch. My bad.

I contacted Audi USA today, not sure what I wanted to get out of it, and told them that I am disappointed with the sound system. They asked if I have taken it to the dealer to have it checked out. I told them I have not and that I do not believe that it is defective but rather a sub-standard sound system which I would not have expected from Audi. They said that they would document my complaint so that it can be shared with the appropriate internal resources.

bootnet

I agree the bose system in my experience on my current A7 and other audi I have had is lacking.. (q7 on order but I expect the same)

Solution is to tap into one of the speakers get a line converter to give you a line out. Put that through an amp and add a subwoofer .
that allows you to turn the bass down to a relatively low level and increase the volume without distortion and still have bass .

thats been the only solution Ive seen work however problem is it takes up trunk space for a box/woofer.