Hi all..

I have a couple questions about the Bose stereo in my A6 4.2 (2001).

Assume that I am for sure replacing the head unit with something superior..an aftermarket CD/Tuner/amp...along with a DIN sized MP3 player. So two DIN sized head units will replace factory head unit.

I went to a hi end car audio shop yesterday. They wanted $1400 + tax to install my already paid for MP3 player (standard DIN sized) and aftermarket head unit(also stanard DIN sized), which included interfacing this aftermarket equipment with the factory Bose amps/speakers). That essentially amounted to over $700 in labor, which I can't understand what would cost so much.

In order to upgrade the speakers to Focals and to put in a Kicker 10" sub, they wanted $8000! Yes, that's what I said. $8000 installed. That would include the fact that none of the car would be cut and the sub would fit into the storage cupboard in the back where the factory sub is now with a very custom enclosure. The Amps would either be under the CD changer or hanging down about 2 inches from the roof of the cargo area. Still, $8000 is WAY out of my budget. I am looking for much less expensive alternatives that will improve my audio.

1 - In order to mount two aftermarket head units into my Audi A6 4.2, I will need to pull out the factory Bose head unit..and pull out the plastic tricm that fills this area of the dash to replace it with something that will fit two standard DIN sized head units. (one is MP3 player and one will be replacement CD/Tuner/Amp). Does anyone have any suggestions for how I can do this inexpensively? Are there any ready-made parts for this application out there?

2 - Does anyone know what the exact Bose model numbers are for the speakers and amps? I'm wondering if a small upgrade to better Bose components would render some better audio without spending a fortune on a complete upgrade to new amps/speakers.

3 - Can anyone give a detailed explanation of line levels, inputs and outpus and wiring of the various factory Bose components and how they talk to each other?

4 - Does anyone know about converters available to interface the Bose speakers with aftermarket amps, or to use the Bose amps with aftermarket speakers, or to use aftermarket head units with the Bose Amp/Speakers? Ditto on the Subwoofer system in the back. How Can i use the factory sub with aftermarket head/speakers, or vica versa.

Thanks for any and all detailed comments.

 

in the Bose head unit? It might help you achieve a more suitable sound for your tastes, that not necessarily have to be better or worse quality than the original. Remember that the Bose Stereo and its amplifier were custom designed to fit the acoustics of your car, and they're an investment not worth losing. Give it a try, so you won't be sorry later with a new $$$$ head unit that doesn't sounds the "way" you like it.

Just my 2 cents.

Said J. Macias

 

I will be changing the hidden EQ settings as a temoprary solution, but I am absolutely intent on installing my MP3 car audio player, so the head unit has to be replaced by an aftermarket head unit. The aftermarket head unit does include its own EQ unit...which may help some as well.

The thing is, I'm told my the installer that i have to purchase a number of converter widgets to be able to use the aftermarket head unit with the Factory Bose amp/speakers. So.. I am just trying to weigh all the advantages/disadvantages and costs of getting aftermarket amp/speakers to compliment my aftermarket head unit.. or whether to stick with Bose speakers. And.. Maybe I should find a less expensive installer.

 

... when I want to listen MP3's on my car, I use my CD-Burner, along with Nero 5.5 as the recording applet, which allows me even to re-equalize my CD's and make them sound really great (to my tastes, of course). I know that you might have 150 songs burnt as MP3's on ONE CD, but to me, you get more flexibility and better sound, the ability to equalize, add CD-Text and compilate music by type with the standard format rather than with the so-compromised MP3's.

 

Thanks for the MP3 comments. I have a Rio car player, which holds ~750 hours of music at 192 kpbs on a hard drive and fits into a DIN sized space. It truly is the best car MP3 in production today.

 

...and wish you the best luck in achieving the kind of sound and features you're after.

Warmest Regards,

Said J. Macias

 

What I think I want to do is

1 - kind of focals to replace bose speakers

2 - Some kind of 10 inch replacement sub

3 - my MP3 player and aftermarket head unit.

I'm assuming I have to ugprade AMPS to suppor the Focals.

What I still don't know is

1 - What is inexpensive way to mount 2 DIN sized
head units into my A6 and still look good?

2 - What do I need to do to install the Focals
into my doors? what kind of amp. how much
$$$ ?

3 - What is involved with aftermarket sub.

I went to a hi end shop. They quoted me $8000 just to upgrade amps/speakers. Hello! Way too high.

 

where do you live ???

 

Redmond, WA