A3 Sound Upgrade?
 

First post here, but long time audi fan. I've owned two A4's and now looking to get an A3 to replace my Element. I tried to go cheap and practical but it's just not working. ;)

So I am looking at the specs for the 08 A3 and I have two questions about the sound system choices.
What comes with nav?
And if you have nav and whatever sound system that comes with it, can the sound be upgraded by replacing speakers and maybe adding an amp?
Not looking to do anything crazy, just wondering if it can be improved at all without making any visual changes, staying with a stock appearance. And without spending much $$.

Thanks!

RE: A3 Sound Upgrade?
 

There's a few ways to do this, but the short answer is it's going to be a project. Does the A3's navigation system have it's own speaker in the door?

I'd be surprised if the A3's radio doesn't have preamp level outputs on it. You can look at the sticker on the radio for the pin-outs, and make your own cables to carry that signal into your own amplifier. On the A4s, it's a 5 pin conector, the center being ground, and the surrounding 4 pins being FR, FL, RR, RL. Attach ALL 4 grounds to the center, then the positives to the corresponding pins. This will give you the best audio performance.

If there's no door speaker for the navigation, you can tap into the Audi's amplifier outputs, and use an amplifier with speaker/high level inputs, or use an LOC to bring them down to line level.

I wouldn't swap the speakers alone and expect great results. Do it "right", the first time...

RE: A3 Sound Upgrade?
 

Thanks for the reply!
I agree completely which is why I was thinking speakers AND an additional or replacement amp and crossovers.
I just don't understand enough about car audio to know what will work and what won't and the rest of your post is greek to me. haha!
Basically I just want to know if a local audio shop can make it sound better than stock. Cleaner, higher quality sound with nice mids, crisp highs and decent proportional bass. Ya know?
But yeah, i have no idea about how the nav is setup especially since i don't even have the car yet.

Thanks!

RE: A3 Sound Upgrade?
 

Where are you located? I'll put the word out with the guys that would be the experts - and know how to get the results you want...

RE: A3 Sound Upgrade?
 

I'm in houston.

RE: A3 Sound Upgrade?
 

http://www.livewireav.com/ - does great work, and have countless referrals...

Give Eddie at River Oaks Car Stereo in Houston a call.
(713) 626-7627

Give Aaron @ http://www.innovativerides.com a call as well

I hope that helps!
Matt

RE: A3 Sound Upgrade?
 

Thanks!!
I'm familiar with ROCS and I'll check out the other two once i have an A3 to work on.