First and foremost, I'll start out by stating that by no means am I an audiophile! That and despite what otherssay, I actually like Bose equipment (I have 4 Bose systems in my home!). However, even I found the base reflex from the Bose sub-woofer in the A3 lame. So, like other systems in the car, I though if I could just get it to 'breath' a little better (like intake...), I might be able to improvethe performance of the stock system.
I decided to cut away the qrt trim liner in front of the sub-woof and install a grill over it for protection and aesthetics.

Total time to install: ~30min. Would havebeen quicker if I didn't have to search around for the d@mn spring clip that came loose from the qtr trim liner.
Total cost: the best part - FREE! I asked an installation tech at Best Buy if I could buy a speaker grill from him. He just handed me one and said not to worry about it.
So, here it is:

Mark hole to be cut out using grill base as template -

[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/0CF0F401680E4E70A8C70AF136D21E32.jpg[/IMG]

Pull qtr trim liner away from body -

[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/D467C75D27B94BEAB8EA7B1297F50998.jpg[/IMG]

Cut out hole. I used a Dremmel with a carbide tip -

[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/CA175BDC4B8D4F6E848313CD7676632A.jpg[/IMG]

Affix grill base to liner with fasteners -

[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/E02536652D9B407AAB98F8D2962F7D02.jpg[/IMG]

Snap on grill cover and re-assemble qtr trim liner -

[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/DD25CD66C72841738767390E6482FFA9.jpg[/IMG]

I've noticed a much improved base sound.Maybe not soimpressive for those of you determined todestroy your hearingbefore you're 40, but it's just fine for me![/align]

 

awesome post! I too am not an Audiophile, but when I feel that the '07 A3 sound is worse than my old '95 Integra with a blown out speaker, something is wrong. May just have to try this quick fix. Has anyone else done easy mods to the stock sound? I have NAV+Bose, not sure if that matters. (only settings are base and treble)

 

Damn,

I salute you! I bet bass has improved quite a bit as it can freely move more air volume. I know quite a few here wants more thump in the trunk and the way you did it looks like a viable option.

 

I've thought about that too. I think I would do just a black matte cloth to cover the opening to give it a more stealth like appearance. Too bad I'm not as good as A3Night at these sort of things.

Cheers!

 

Fantastic job man. I'm with chef on that matte black grill as well but since you got it for free what the heck

Here is what I did to my subwoofer:



Btw - Just because I added a 10" doesnt mean I am trying to lose my hearing! If I can't feel the bass then its weak.

 

Great suggestion A3guy! If it noticeable then you probably improved bass output quite a bit for not many dollars.

 

Thanx. On a few CD's with strong bass, I've actually had to adjust the bass input down a bit .
To Chef's comment about keeping it stealth, I too though about that. My original plan was to just drill a series of small holes in a pattern in front of the sub-woof. But I didn't know what that would end up looking like, didn't have the time to find outand so just I opted for the grill.
Overall, I'm pleased with the results. So is the dog...


[IMG]local://upfiles/26177/433AA516A1A44E839D89D72CC1254978.jpg[/IMG]

 

When you say that the sound has improved do you mean power-wise or sound quality? I think the draw back of the stock sub for me at least, is that it can be a little muddy/boomy. I like a nice tight kick drum sound from my sub.

 

A3Guy;
Brilliant!! I'm gonna do it this weekend. What size speaker grill did you use?

 

Hey L7
Sorry to respond so late...hope it didn't keep you from doingyour speaker mod. I really am pleased with the 'new'sound.
Anyway, I used a 6" grill. I believe the stock sub-woof speaker is 5 1/2".
LMK know your opinion...