It appears there's quite a bit of discussion all around this topic, but not exactly what I need. I'm pretty sure you guys can give me a hand. I have an 2004 Audi A3 1.8T. It originally had the Audi Concert system in it. I recently had the head unit replaced with a JVC KDR-300. Since the install I've noticed that the rear speakers, and sub aren't as loud as the front speakers. I've managed to get by adjusting the fader to the rear speakers almost all the way. However, I'm unhappy with the overall sound. The place that did the install advised that since the factory amp and the head unit are on different voltages that's what's affecting the sound quality. They advised I'd need a 4 channel amp with at least 100 watts per channel. That seems a bit much for factory speakers. My first question (I know finally) is whether an new amp will indeed fix the problem. Also, what size of amp should I shoot for. Finally, I've yanked the cover in the trunk over the amp and it appears it just clips into it. Would I have to clip and splice the wires, or do I just buy a harness and wire the amp, and clip it in? Thanks in advance. I know this is a ton of info.

 

Just noticed that I typed A3 in the description. It's an A4. Damn you High Life.

 

I was worried about that too when I put in my Pioneer 90 HU and asked about that. My shop said it shouldnt be a prob cuz all speakers go thru the amp. I had the Audi symphony non bose stereo and afterwards all speakers worked great as far as volume goes. I would think that if the front are good then the back should be too if all are going thru the amp. I know mis matching ohms is bad news. But I too have been thinking of getting a stronger amp to see if the stock speakers will sound better. Im pretty sure the stock ones are only running about 15 rms and my system is only 140 watts max. So Im thinking of going 400 to 600 watts on the amp and hope the stock speakers actually have a higher rms and will do batter, if not then new speakers too. Im pretty sure your stock amp is a 4 channel maybe even a 5 channel one so all speakers should be going thru it.

 

Hey, Steve
Thanks for the response and the advice. Our cars sound a bit different as far as the amp is concerned. I unplugged the amp, and the front speakers still work, so they are not fed from the amp at all it appears. From the sounds of it, a new amp may not be a bad place to start though. The one question I still have is about wiring it. Can I just buy a harness, wire that to a new amp, and just clip it in place of the old one?

 

trying messing around with the options on your headunit. I have a 99 A6 that had the bose concert system in it. Im currently running stock speakers, sub, and amp with an Alpine headunit. Check on your headunit to see if you have subwoofer settings. Ive noticed on mine, that when the subwoofer system is off, it sounds pretty much the same as when its switched on(due to all speakers going through the same amp), only the fade sounds much different when adjusted. when the "subwoofer system" is turned off, adjusting the fade all the way to the front makes any sound go away completely... but works fine when its turned on.. so idk

Dont know if that will help at all, but its worth a try

 

Thanks for the response. I've played with the out channel on the HU and changed it from "subwoofer" to "rear speakers" and that had made a difference. I think I may have found a solution, but we'll see. I talked with a rep from Crutchfiled.Com who advised on a Blaupunkt amp that would work with my system. There was also a "plug and play" harness kit so I don't have to run any new wires. I can just clip it in to where the old amp is. It's due to be delivered tomorrow, so I'll update and let you know how it works out. Thanks.

 

nice... I may have to look into something similar. The Bose speakers dont sound terrible, and the sub does decent for its size.... just want something a little more, without having to rewire the whole stereo lol

 

Well, I'm back to square one now. The amp arrived yesterday along with the wrong harness. I've found the "right" harness, but it's actually designed to plug into the factory deck. Obviously they didn't pay attention to what I was asking for. I have an amp I strongly considering returning now. My question now is whether there is an adapter that will allow me to connect the factory amp harness to the Blaupunkt amp. Anyone have any suggestions?

 

go to the web site dynanicsounds.co.uk and email them your situation and see if they have anything. When I bought from them they had all the stuff for the different cars to match the different brands.

 

Thanks for the advice. I've just sent them an email, and we'll see if they have any ideas.