dougw

I want to upgrade internal speakers and add a power amp to my 1997 A4, but don't want to change the stock (non-Base) stereo head. I've been hearing different and confusing things from different sales people. Can anyone help me with these questions:

1. Do you recommend installing an amp with the stock head? I've been told there may be problems with ignition interference and that the sound quality may not be good because I'll have to step-down the high-level input.

2. One place recommended an Xtant 404M amp because it works well with the stock head. Do I need to get a high-end amp like this because of the issue in question 1? Anyone have experience with the Xtant 404M?

3. What about just upgrading the front speakers (and not adding an amp)? Would that give me the most bang for the buck?

chris grant

Hi dougw

I am just about to go with your 3rd option.
I have been reading posts here and wondered quite what to do !
I have learnt a lot but am not into spending huge amounts but want something better than stock.
A dealer that I have used on and off over 10 years has told me that the concert head is ok and will drive a set of Alpine separates ( not sure of model)
I can upgrade the amp afterwards if I need /want to and get better staging etc
The speakers are costing £100 ( by the way I am in the UK fitting £50
an amp would be £150-£200 plus £50 fitting plus cables

Dealer could easily have sold me the lot in one go but suggested I did it bit at a time and stop when I am satisfied.
Also asked what type of music I listened to.

The car is actually an A3 T sport ( also have A4 1.8T quattro Sport) but the acoustics are similar and the front speakers are identical

Monday 4th December is the fitting day and I 'm happy to post the results for you to see.
I am not an audiophile just like to hear a reasonable system

dougw

yes, definitely let me know how it turns out -- thanks!

chris grant

The speakers are Alpine SCS 1356
50W RMS 89dB 50Hz - 22KHz

It will take a bit of time to break in I was told about a week or so but it must depend on how often they are used
They have a much clearer and cleaner sound
The base is also better 13 cms instead of 10cms obviously helps.
Staging is greatly improved the sound seems to be coming towards you as though you were in fromt of the band
They must take quite a lot of power from the Concert because the overal volume is not as loud as before ( Well I had to try it out didn't I !! )
In all honesty it is more than sufficient especially when wife is in the car !
The advantage is that I can still add an amp

I previously set the Concert on
Fader 2 or 3 to front (now on 0 or 1 but even 2 or 3 to fear still sounds ok)
Bass was 3 4 or 5 ( now 1 or 2 )
Treble was 3 or 4 ( now 2)

I think this must mean a much clearer sound
Total cost £175 ($ 225 approx) including fitting ( I wimped out !)
I am going to see how it sounds in the next couple of months before I consider whether I want an amp as well ( We need a new PC + I want a Koni adjustable suspension for the A3 lots of cash ! )
I hope the above is of some use, I am pleased so far and the big advantage is that it can be easily upgraded. Overall it is already better than the Bose in our A4 ,a £500 option in the UK, not ordering Bose next time !