B7 A4 audio upgrade

[Dirty Harry101]

I would like some opinions on what options I have please.

I recently acquired a 3l tdi B7 A4. I think it is a base model type thing(not sure on the different specs) as the bumpers are pretty much standard, boot(trunk) lid doesnt have the little lip and the sound is symphony 1 I think.

I have seen a few guys do a tablet install which I have taken a liking to. Been toying with the idea, would like to find out if there's any other avenues I could consider?
How would the stock head unit with tablet play vs an Alpine head unit?

I have an Infinity Kappa perfect 10" sub I would like to add with either a mono block and put the standard speakers on an Infinity 4ch amp. Any tips on getting this setup sorted? any adapters etc I need?

If I do need to replace the stock head unit with an aftermarket one(pref Alpine), how could I get the steering control to work?

Thanks

[fbg111]

Look at the OEM 193 model RNS-E that is an upgraded version of the 192 model that B7's with the Navigation Package came with. I considered the Android units too but decided I didn't want my ECU and other stuff connected to the Internet:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/141361963631

PS - to upgrade to RNS-E you'll need a few accessories:

1. A harness like either of these two:
- http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_SRWH_AUD3_HILO.html
- https://www.kufatec.de/shop/en/audi/...ter-unlock-key

2. AM/FM antenna adapter
- (see Kufatec link above, it's the cables in the bottom left of their pic. Enfig may have these too, not sure).

3. A GPS antenna if your car is not factory equipped with GPS
- https://www.kufatec.de/shop/en/car-h...-8m-spark-plug

4. Optional - AUX-In cable
- Can't find a pic of one atm, but RNS-E has an AUX-In connector on the back that lets you connect a standard stereo jack to the unit and feed your portable music through the car stereo.

[Dirty Harry101]

Thanks.

I did not think about that part. However, surely it cannot connect via the tape deck aux adapter?

That unit it quite pricy, works out to about R15 000, quite a bit. Is it better though? Hows the sound quality? For that kind of cash, might as well go for an Alpine?
What about the maps and updates etc?

[naiku]

Skip the RNS-E unless you are desperate to retain the multi function display and OEM look, it provides no advantages to an aftermarket unit and costs more than most of them.

If you decide to go with a tablet, you can ditch your stock head unit altogether, unless you want to retain it for playing cassettes. The tablet is fairly straight forward to install, to hook it up to your amplifiers you could pick up a USB DAC which will provide a pair of RCA out that you can connect to your 4 channel amplifier, which assuming it has a pass through function, you can then run a pair of RCA cable from there to your mono amp for your sub.

If you get an Alpine aftermarket unit, then you make life a little easier in that with the right adapters it will be fairly simple to install. More than likely any unit you buy will have enough pre-outs that you can run 2 sets of RCA, one to your 4 channel and 1 to the sub amplifier and you are good to go. I am not sure what you have available in SA, but this page should give you a list of what you need, might be worth calling or sending Christian a PM on here to ask if they ship to your location, they can also confirm everything you would need:

http://enfigcarstereo.com/RADIO_AUDI_A4_07.html

Steering wheel controls are not an issue with aftermarket head units (nor with a tablet, just a bit more involved in setting them up). Regardless of which route you take you won't need anything special to install the amplifiers, power wire from the battery, ground location and RCA cables to the amplifiers. The most difficult piece will be if you decide to run new speaker wire into the doors as it is a pain to get the wire through the molex plug. Other than that it is not difficult at all.

[Dirty Harry101]

Thanks naiku

I am not too stressed about the display, actually turned mine off to see if it will affect me, nothing. Surely there is something we can use it for? Mine is the red and orange LED display, not the color one.

With this info, I can atleast choose the best possible route. What I am also looking at though is the quality that I can get from the unit that provides the signal. I know Alpine to be of, if not, the best. I have also experienced the difference with it. But if a tablet type setup will work then I don't see why not. I must just see what it is I want form the system.

I think the amp and wiring is the easiest part, its just a matter of what media device I would like to use.
Only reason I was looking at keeping the stock radio is thats what I saw in the one video install. Now that I know better, it opens up more options.

[naiku]

Surely there is something we can use it for? Mine is the red and orange LED display, not the color one.

You can install a VFIZ which will let you display boost, fuel etc. in the display but it's a couple hundred I believe so unless you really wanted something in there, just leave it showing nothing!

What I am also looking at though is the quality that I can get from the unit that provides the signal. I know Alpine to be of, if not, the best. I have also experienced the difference with it. But if a tablet type setup will work then I don't see why not. I must just see what it is I want form the system.

I think you can't really go wrong with any of the manufacturers like Alpine and it essentially comes down to personal preference and budget. I would just read a few reviews of any unit I was interested in to make sure there are no issues and that it had the features I wanted. It does not sound like you are interested in running a DSP, so make sure what you pick has enough pre-out's, some EQ and time alignment. The Alpine INE-W960 looks pretty decent specification wise and not hugely expensive either.

Only reason I was looking at keeping the stock radio is thats what I saw in the one video install. Now that I know better, it opens up more options.

I am not sure yet why people retain the stock radio with tablet installs to be honest, I know in some newer vehicles the stock unit is tied into things like the HVAC, so in those instances it makes sense. But, in our vehicles there is no need for it at all.

In the tablet vs head unit I will say that while the tablet overall is a cheaper and more flexible solution. There are a lot more things that you need to be aware of when picking equipment and installing it as opposed to virtually plug and play with an aftermarket head unit and the right harness. They both have their pros and cons and you need to decide which way you want to go. Good luck.

[Christian@enfig]

I would install this radio. With carplay and android auto it's a no brainer VS an OEM upgrade. Plus detachable face and a much nicer display and function.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...EX/AVH-4200NEX

This is a picture if a similar radio installed using our dash kit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/jNqWuiyH...arstereo&hl=en


Assuming you have the Symphony II radio here are the parts needed.

Wiring harness - Connects to your cars original harness and terminates into Blaupunkt style connector. (We also have PNP adapters that convert the Blaupunkt style connector into radio specific connections)
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_SRWH_AUD2_HILO.html Fixes low rear audio and does steering wheel controls with a SWCL.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_SRWH_AU2.html This DOES NOT FIX audio issues but is cheaper.
We were going to make a no steering wheel control HILO but decided to bring the price of the HILO with steering down to the no steering price.
We did the same with the non HILO units and got rid of the SRWH-AUD2-NS. Its still on the site but if you order it we just send you the SRWH-AUD2-B

Adds steering wheel controls to the boxes above.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_SWCL_PIO.html

Converts the Blaupunkt style connection into a connection specific to your radio.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_PNP_PIO0237.html

Antenna adapter - This converts your 2 antenna connections into the universal connections most radios need.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_AAA_VWAUD2.html

This is out dash kit. It matches the factory dash pretty close to perfect. We do not have a cheap kit for this because they all look bad in our opinion.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_RMK8_A4B67.html

This mic makes replaces the aftermarket mic for better sound goes in the factory location.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_MIC_AUD4.html

Keys to take out the radio.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_RRK4...OOLS_KEYS.html

l

[naiku]

But.... will you ship all that to the OP in South Africa?

Question on that Pioneer unit, does the Android Auto / CarPlay allow you to run your smartphone navigation through the head unit? Otherwise that's a $350 add on to get navigation on that Pioneer unit. I like that it has FLAC support built in though!!

[Dirty Harry101]

You can install a VFIZ which will let you display boost, fuel etc. in the display but it's a couple hundred I believe so unless you really wanted something in there, just leave it showing nothing!
.

Yeah for now it can stay blank.

I think you can't really go wrong with any of the manufacturers like Alpine and it essentially comes down to personal preference and budget. I would just read a few reviews of any unit I was interested in to make sure there are no issues and that it had the features I wanted. It does not sound like you are interested in running a DSP, so make sure what you pick has enough pre-out's, some EQ and time alignment. The Alpine INE-W960 looks pretty decent specification wise and not hugely expensive either.

I'm just hell bent on Alpine as I have heard and experienced the quality difference. That INE-W960 does look very nice. Would need to sort the maps out though, otherwise pretty much perfect.
Excuse the noob q, what is DSP? Digital sound processing?

I am not sure yet why people retain the stock radio with tablet installs to be honest, I know in some newer vehicles the stock unit is tied into things like the HVAC, so in those instances it makes sense. But, in our vehicles there is no need for it at all.

In the tablet vs head unit I will say that while the tablet overall is a cheaper and more flexible solution. There are a lot more things that you need to be aware of when picking equipment and installing it as opposed to virtually plug and play with an aftermarket head unit and the right harness. They both have their pros and cons and you need to decide which way you want to go. Good luck.

Well if I can do without it then even better.

Well the component side is pretty much sorted as listed above. Now its just deciding what head unit or media unit option is better vs what it will cost.

[Dirty Harry101]

I would install this radio. With carplay and android auto it's a no brainer VS an OEM upgrade. Plus detachable face and a much nicer display and function.

http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...EX/AVH-4200NEX

This is a picture if a similar radio installed using our dash kit.
https://www.instagram.com/p/jNqWuiyH...arstereo&hl=en


Assuming you have the Symphony II radio here are the parts needed.

Wiring harness - Connects to your cars original harness and terminates into Blaupunkt style connector. (We also have PNP adapters that convert the Blaupunkt style connector into radio specific connections)
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_SRWH_AUD2_HILO.html Fixes low rear audio and does steering wheel controls with a SWCL.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_SRWH_AU2.html This DOES NOT FIX audio issues but is cheaper.
We were going to make a no steering wheel control HILO but decided to bring the price of the HILO with steering down to the no steering price.
We did the same with the non HILO units and got rid of the SRWH-AUD2-NS. Its still on the site but if you order it we just send you the SRWH-AUD2-B

Adds steering wheel controls to the boxes above.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_SWCL_PIO.html

Converts the Blaupunkt style connection into a connection specific to your radio.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_PNP_PIO0237.html

Antenna adapter - This converts your 2 antenna connections into the universal connections most radios need.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_AAA_VWAUD2.html

This is out dash kit. It matches the factory dash pretty close to perfect. We do not have a cheap kit for this because they all look bad in our opinion.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_RMK8_A4B67.html

This mic makes replaces the aftermarket mic for better sound goes in the factory location.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_MIC_AUD4.html

Keys to take out the radio.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_RRK4...OOLS_KEYS.html

l

Thanks, that really does look like a nice unit. Slightly out of budget for the moment. But definitely something to work towards.

An idea, what if I start off with the components and a tablet for now, then when funds allow upgrade to a better headunit? Unless the tablet works out.

What would I need just to get the amp and sub to work on the stock setup? I'll start off there and work my way up. I have heard the amp runs the sub and rear speakers?

[naiku]

Excuse the noob q, what is DSP? Digital sound processing?

Yep, gives you a lot more flexibility in tuning. In the past I have used the Alpine PXE-H650, JBL MS8, Audison BitOne and now run a Helix.

An idea, what if I start off with the components and a tablet for now, then when funds allow upgrade to a better headunit? Unless the tablet works out.

Unless you are dead set on the tablet, save your money. Don't get me wrong, I love my tablet set up, but if I was even slightly not sure I would have put the money towards a head unit.

What would I need just to get the amp and sub to work on the stock setup? I'll start off there and work my way up. I have heard the amp runs the sub and rear speakers?

To get an amp and sub working you need to identify your stock amp and tap into the low level signal that the HU puts out (before the amp). You can splice RCA's onto there and then plug that into your amp, then just run power, ground and a remote turn on wire and you should be good to go.

[fbg111]

Thanks.

I did not think about that part. However, surely it cannot connect via the tape deck aux adapter?

That unit it quite pricy, works out to about R15 000, quite a bit. Is it better though? Hows the sound quality? For that kind of cash, might as well go for an Alpine?
What about the maps and updates etc?

Not sure what you mean about tape deck aux connector?

I should clarify that the main reason I bought the RNS-E was for the Nav capabilities. It's DVD-based meaning it doesn't have to download maps from the Internet like Android or Apple Maps, which is useful for exploring remote areas with spotty mobile signal coverage, which I may do. All RNS-E needs is the global satellite GPS signal, which is available everywhere, no mobile Internet required.

That said, Android (and I assume iOS but don't know) lets you download and cache map data so it's available offline and can then work with just the GPS signal too. But you have to 1) remember to do that and 2) know everywhere you're going ahead of time.

I also realized I don't really want my car connected to the Internet. I work in security and while odds of someone wardriving and pwning my car are low, I just don't want to have to think about that.

I love music but am not picky enough about the nuances of sound quality to catch the difference between a $750 Panasonic unit or the RNS-E, so can't speak much to that. However I am an engineer and noticed RNS-E is built with the QNX real-time operating system which is a good signal about the overall engineering quality of it.

RNS-E maps are current with the 2015/2016 DVD. The seller at the link I provided above includes that DVD with the unit, and you can buy it separately online too.

2006 B7 A4 S2.0T | S-Line | Sport

[Christian@enfig]

But.... will you ship all that to the OP in South Africa?

Question on that Pioneer unit, does the Android Auto / CarPlay allow you to run your smartphone navigation through the head unit? Otherwise that's a $350 add on to get navigation on that Pioneer unit. I like that it has FLAC support built in though!!

We ship to South Africa all the time. But we don't sell radios unless we install them. Yes that radio has navigation through Android Auto and/or Apple Car Play from compatible phones.

I have it in my car and I love it. I usually waste the money and get the navigation version but the detachable face kept me with the 4200.

[Dirty Harry101]

Yep, gives you a lot more flexibility in tuning. In the past I have used the Alpine PXE-H650, JBL MS8, Audison BitOne and now run a Helix.



Unless you are dead set on the tablet, save your money. Don't get me wrong, I love my tablet set up, but if I was even slightly not sure I would have put the money towards a head unit.



To get an amp and sub working you need to identify your stock amp and tap into the low level signal that the HU puts out (before the amp). You can splice RCA's onto there and then plug that into your amp, then just run power, ground and a remote turn on wire and you should be good to go.

I see. Yeah i think unless I enter comps and what not I'll be fine without it. I will read up on it though still.
Nope, not dead set, was just looking whats out there and came across that, and that's why we have this here thread ha ha.
Ok cool, got a link possibly for me to read through and familiarise myself with what I am looking for?

Not sure what you mean about tape deck aux connector?

One of these jobbies
https://www.amazon.com/MP3-Cassette-...&node=13981611

however, if I get one of these, might as well just use my phone for the time being until I get a head unit of some sort.

[naiku]

We ship to South Africa all the time.

Awesome, OP I highly recommend buying from Christian as he will make sure you get everything you need to be up and running in the shortest amount of time.

Ok cool, got a link possibly for me to read through and familiarise myself with what I am looking for?

There was a good link at a4mods.com that went through the steps, but the site does not seem to be working right now. Read through some of the results here:

https://www.google.com/search?q=b7+a...hrome&ie=UTF-8

Essentially you need to identify which amp you have, determine which pins carry the signal from the head unit and tap into those in the trunk (easier than anywhere else). I have seen 3 different amps in the B7 depending on which options you have, some with 23 pin, some 25 and some 32.

[Christian@enfig]

If you want to add to the factory radio we also have those options.

1.AUX only
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_AU2_AUX.html

2.iPhone& Ipod through 30pin + AUX
http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GW1LAU2.html

3.iPhone& Ipod through USB + AUX
http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_AU2_IPDU_AUX.html

4.iPhone& Ipod through 30pin with song info in the cluster + Aux
http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GW17AC2.html
Adding this allows you to swap the 30pin cable that comes with the unit above for a female USB for apple products.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_LIA1GW0.html

5.USB for memory sticks + Bluetooth with option for iPod and aux
http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GBL3AU2.html
Adding this allows you to add a female USB for apple products.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_LIA1GW0.html
Adding this allows you to connect an aux to the unit above.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_CABL_AUX.html

For this last option the vehicle must have rolling steering wheel controls.
Or if it has the 3 on each site the bottom two must be left and right arrows.
6.USB + Bluetooth aux with option for ipod that shows text.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GWP1AC2.html
It is strongly reccomended that you get the item below with the item above. It has an aux and reset button. So when the unit needs a reboot you don’t have to pull the radio.
http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_EXT1CP2.html

http://enfigcarstereo.com/ENFIG_RRK4...OOLS_KEYS.html

[IronAudi]

in keeping with this theme are there any new open air subs that we can install into the factory sub location in our trunks, everything Ive found is a bit old and its the next thing on my list, just a stock upgrade nothing too powerful

[Luis_Heineken]

in keeping with this theme are there any new open air subs that we can install into the factory sub location in our trunks, everything Ive found is a bit old and its the next thing on my list, just a stock upgrade nothing too powerful

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_130TSS....html?tp=68848

[Paulck]

Ok this might be a stupid question but I am giving this a try. First I am installing an amp for my speakers. It's not very loud. The previous owner already installed a pioneer head unit. How do I know what amp to get for the speakers? 2,4,6 channel? Basically I am starting at making my speakers (might be stock idk non bose) louder.

[Luis_Heineken]

Ok this might be a stupid question but I am giving this a try. First I am installing an amp for my speakers. It's not very loud. The previous owner already installed a pioneer head unit. How do I know what amp to get for the speakers? 2,4,6 channel? Basically I am starting at making my speakers (might be stock idk non bose) louder.

You can use a 5 channel amp for the whole system. I have someting like this:

Front doors
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_107DB6...02.html?tp=106
Amp
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_613XR9...cc=01&tp=35808
Radio
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_613DDX...dx790&tp=20217


Good luck