RS5 – Exhaust Recommendations

[AuDD99]

I recently purchased a RS5 (B8/4.2L) and I am – without a doubt – going to buy an exhaust, but I am having true "analysis paralysis." I spent a lot of time digging deep on the research before posting this topic again (e.g. reading all the threads, looking at all the YouTube videos, etc.).

In the case of videos, I’ve spent so much time watching RS5 exhaust clips with my headphones that – just after taking them off – I’ve been in the awkward position of having to apologize to people for screaming at them. And then when I read the various written opinions from the folks on the forum(s), those opinions range from “this system is the best” to something I can’t wrap my head around (e.g. like a person trying to explain subtle undertones in a fancy wine I’ve never tasted). Anyway, here’s where I am:

• Armytrix (Catback, or Catback + AWE resonated downpipes) – Seems to sound great, but loud with valves open; however, that is fine as long as with the valves-closed it is quiet. Big question, what specifically is the drone like on the highway with valves closed? I.e. how much louder is the cabin of the vehicle going to be at 55-85 MPH than with the stock exhaust? My current thinking is that the exhaust note of this system sounds great in videos, I believe I can get one at a decent price, I like that it retains the functionality of valve control, and I’m not aware of any major drawbacks. I could look to pair it with a resonated downpipe, probably AWE if that point is worth addressing. That being said, a somewhat scary (but funny) comment from one Audizine member was, “The wife hate it way to much drone quality does not compare to the Capristo or Akrapovic sound is just to loud and the tone is very unpleasant, but if you like it loud to stand out on a crowd and cops these is the exhaust for you.”
• AWE Touring (i.e. AWE catback + AWE resonated downpipes) – Is it really quieter on the highway than stock assuming no change in throttle? Price is very compelling, assuming drone isn’t a concern whatsoever. Essentially, same question as above. From the videos I’ve seen, I think it sounds great. Mainly, I am struggling with the loss of the valve control. Basically, if I compared stock exhaust versus AWE Touring on the highway with the cruise control set at 70 MPH, what is the measurable difference inside the front cabin?
• JHM – From the videos, they all sound good, but this is not my favorite among the group. Their highway video is highly compelling in terms of the no drone sales pitch, but then I saw someone on the forum complained about drone (not sure if they experienced it with non-res DPs though). I get that it’s 2.75” in diameter, but is the performance gain material to the discussion compared to others?
• Capristo – I’ve read over-and-over that “it’s the best,” which it absolutely should be for the price. Look, it’s not out of the question, but right now the price feels pretty hard to justify to my parents as a reward for successfully attaining a B+ average throughout my online degree in art history. But, whatever – and like this exhaust – you can’t put a price on art. In any event, I’ve also heard this is quieter than stock with the valves closed, but I cannot seem to confirm that is actually true.
• Tubi – this exhaust (which is also valved) apparently exists; however, I couldn’t find any (reliable) videos, nor user experiences on the internet. Regardless, I recently heard in the news that a few people all over the world are starting to experience supply chain issues related to some flu-like virus, so I’m a little worried that could spill into my ability to obtain this system in a timely manner.
• Others Systems – l would love to hear the arguments for (or against) them, to the extent you have them.

In general, this engine obviously needs an exhaust, but the question is which one. I want to highly minimize any highway drone for the reasons mentioned above and I need to be able to control the valves and/or my right foot such that I can take phone calls in the vehicle without it sounding like I am on the tarmac of an airport – it really upsets my art professor.

If you live anywhere on the eastern seaboard from DE to CT, especially in the Philly area, and own an RS5 with an exhaust system, then I’d love to hear it in person. In addition, if you currently own a system that you would consider selling me, please PM me so I can find out why and then potentially buy it. Finally, if you write a well-written response that is presumably helpful in curing my “analysis paralysis,” I’ll send you a gift card or do something to thank you for your help.

[nyca4tqm]

Are ypu sure you're an Art History major and not a law major? Your dilemma is real. No way to know unless you go to meets and ask for start ups and drives. Videos are as useless as trying to describe a wine you've never tasted.

My .02....save your money for the impending transmission....

Sent from my SM-G970U using Audizine Forum mobile app

[AuDD99]

Are ypu sure you're an Art History major and not a law major? Your dilemma is real. No way to know unless you go to meets and ask for start ups and drives. Videos are as useless as trying to describe a wine you've never tasted.

My .02....save your money for the impending transmission....

Sent from my SM-G970U using Audizine Forum mobile app

Ha, I'm glad my jokes/sarcasm weren't lost on you – Haven't been a student for quite a while and didn't study anything close to art, but I'd like to think I am somewhat of a Picasso in PowerPoint.

Anyway, my #1 concern is ensuring the interior noise on highway (with the valves closed) will be very close to the OEM decibel-level at all lower RPM ranges. In essence, other than for the purpose of avoiding excess cabin noise while I’m laying low on the highway, I don't intend to have the valves closed very often (e.g. the occasional instance where I might need to take an important phone call or want to avoid waking up someone's neighbor). Not sure if this is helpful criteria for my fellow Audizine members to give feedback which could potentially help me eliminate any exhaust systems from those considered in the above list.

Also, what is the story with Meisterschaft? From what I think I know of them, this probably isn’t the direction I want to go, but I figured I’d ask to see if anyone has an opinion, since there’s one which just came up for sale on eBay. https://www.ebay.com/itm/25532414253...gAAOSw8hFh3Fu1

Honestly, I would love to hear all these exhausts in-person and will definitely be joining meet-ups, but I probably will pull the trigger fairly soon (with or without hearing them in-person).

[Mrads]

This is purely subjective. What you like is not what others like. For instances I love my JHM exhaust on my RS5 and it was your least preferred.

Don't waste your time asking for Subjective opinions about exhaust sound in a forum. Go to local meets and hear as many as you can for yourself. I did and disliked many on your list.

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

[tylong12]

I recently purchased a RS5 (B8/4.2L) and I am – without a doubt – going to buy an exhaust, but I am having true "analysis paralysis." I spent a lot of time digging deep on the research before posting this topic again (e.g. reading all the threads, looking at all the YouTube videos, etc.).

In the case of videos, I’ve spent so much time watching RS5 exhaust clips with my headphones that – just after taking them off – I’ve been in the awkward position of having to apologize to people for screaming at them. And then when I read the various written opinions from the folks on the forum(s), those opinions range from “this system is the best” to something I can’t wrap my head around (e.g. like a person trying to explain subtle undertones in a fancy wine I’ve never tasted). Anyway, here’s where I am:

• Armytrix (Catback, or Catback + AWE resonated downpipes) – Seems to sound great, but loud with valves open; however, that is fine as long as with the valves-closed it is quiet. Big question, what specifically is the drone like on the highway with valves closed? I.e. how much louder is the cabin of the vehicle going to be at 55-85 MPH than with the stock exhaust? My current thinking is that the exhaust note of this system sounds great in videos, I believe I can get one at a decent price, I like that it retains the functionality of valve control, and I’m not aware of any major drawbacks. I could look to pair it with a resonated downpipe, probably AWE if that point is worth addressing. That being said, a somewhat scary (but funny) comment from one Audizine member was, “The wife hate it way to much drone quality does not compare to the Capristo or Akrapovic sound is just to loud and the tone is very unpleasant, but if you like it loud to stand out on a crowd and cops these is the exhaust for you.”
• AWE Touring (i.e. AWE catback + AWE resonated downpipes) – Is it really quieter on the highway than stock assuming no change in throttle? Price is very compelling, assuming drone isn’t a concern whatsoever. Essentially, same question as above. From the videos I’ve seen, I think it sounds great. Mainly, I am struggling with the loss of the valve control. Basically, if I compared stock exhaust versus AWE Touring on the highway with the cruise control set at 70 MPH, what is the measurable difference inside the front cabin?
• JHM – From the videos, they all sound good, but this is not my favorite among the group. Their highway video is highly compelling in terms of the no drone sales pitch, but then I saw someone on the forum complained about drone (not sure if they experienced it with non-res DPs though). I get that it’s 2.75” in diameter, but is the performance gain material to the discussion compared to others?
• Capristo – I’ve read over-and-over that “it’s the best,” which it absolutely should be for the price. Look, it’s not out of the question, but right now the price feels pretty hard to justify to my parents as a reward for successfully attaining a B+ average throughout my online degree in art history. But, whatever – and like this exhaust – you can’t put a price on art. In any event, I’ve also heard this is quieter than stock with the valves closed, but I cannot seem to confirm that is actually true.
• Tubi – this exhaust (which is also valved) apparently exists; however, I couldn’t find any (reliable) videos, nor user experiences on the internet. Regardless, I recently heard in the news that a few people all over the world are starting to experience supply chain issues related to some flu-like virus, so I’m a little worried that could spill into my ability to obtain this system in a timely manner.
• Others Systems – l would love to hear the arguments for (or against) them, to the extent you have them.

In general, this engine obviously needs an exhaust, but the question is which one. I want to highly minimize any highway drone for the reasons mentioned above and I need to be able to control the valves and/or my right foot such that I can take phone calls in the vehicle without it sounding like I am on the tarmac of an airport – it really upsets my art professor.

If you live anywhere on the eastern seaboard from DE to CT, especially in the Philly area, and own an RS5 with an exhaust system, then I’d love to hear it in person. In addition, if you currently own a system that you would consider selling me, please PM me so I can find out why and then potentially buy it. Finally, if you write a well-written response that is presumably helpful in curing my “analysis paralysis,” I’ll send you a gift card or do something to thank you for your help.

AWE, and JHM are a great option. I have the same engine with a custom pipe fit after the cats and it sounds amazing.

[BuyTheWarranty]

If your #1 priority is absolutely positively ZERO drone, the AWE touring catback is a good option. I had this on my 2012 S5. Once adding non resonated downpipes you will induce a little more noise.

Depending on your second goal, if you’d like a slight increase in noise with more power, IMO (Im a little biased) the JHM catback only is what you’re looking for. Don’t get the downpipes if you’re concerned about noise. JHMs catback keeps 4 resonators so there is no drone and it’s 2.75” so it’s a deeper tone.

This is with all with VALVES OPEN. With valves closed JHM is like 10% louder than stock.

100 bucks says after 6 months you’ll want more noise and will get downpipes though…

[Mrads]

The AWE system is not valved.

The JHM, which I have, is valved. With the down pipes and the valves open the JHM is loud. With the valves closed the system is considerably louder than the OE system with the valves closed. With the valves closed it is slightly louder than the OE system with the valves open.

I cannot stress enough the value of hearing exhaust systems in person. Even better if you can hear it and get the owner to take you for quick drive. These systems sound different under load and also you can hear whether they drone and if that drone it tolerable for you.

I can't tell you how many times guys in our local community haven't followed this advice and have regretted it.

Sent from my SM-T720 using Tapatalk

[Cs123s]

I have a Meisterschaft system and I’d say it’s not for the faint of heart. You need to really enjoy the increased volume when you go valves open. And cold starts are pretty insane as well so you might have to apologize to neighbors if you leave the house early haha

[AuDD99]

I have a Meisterschaft system and I’d say it’s not for the faint of heart. You need to really enjoy the increased volume when you go valves open. And cold starts are pretty insane as well so you might have to apologize to neighbors if you leave the house early haha

Appreciate the good info. If I were to be the one waking someone up in the morning on any given day, it's more likely than not that they slept through their alarm and or we have a major problem.

Jokes aside, with valves closed, how is it cruising on the highway in terms of drone / excess cabin noise? By cruising I mean that you should assume I am using cruise control or going with the flow of traffic in a <10mph plus/minus average range over distance (as if I were trying to maximize my MPG efficiency). My understanding is the Meisterschaft system is on the "insane" end of the volume spectrum with valves open, I am just usure how much of a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" it is....someone else on this forum used that term, but I like it and like the idea of it. I just don't have a good perspective of how much noise variation is possible between open and closed valves in the various aftermarket exhaust applications. The AWE systems for the 4.2L RS4 and RS5 are the only ones which I have good degree of familiarity. Purely in terms of noise, my view is that the AWE system with stock (or AWE resonated) downpipes is pretty compelling, but if there are other brands that retain the functionality of the values and can also offer a closed-valve experience which is quieter than the AWE touring, then I am highly interested in those. If there is a system which is relatively civilized with the valves closed, then I am not worried about my ears bleeding when the valves are open.

[s vier]

@powerpointpicasso

Don't let the occasional drone-on-the-phone stop you from loving a system if you experience it. Simply put the car in "S" if you're cruising while on the phone and it will raise the revs but get you out of the resonance. Seems counter productive but it works. I only get drone if I'm absolutely chugging in 7th gear like I'm driving a prius full of cinderblocks.

One idea that may help a little but is very practical (cheap and easy) is ask to FaceTime or speaker phone call each person with an exhaust you are interested in. Yes....its not the same as in person but you could spend years trying to hear them all any other way. PM me if you want an extreme cold start of an Akropovic with AWE non res. dps. I'm due to warm it up and move it back a few feet over winter.

[Cs123s]

Appreciate the good info. If I were to be the one waking someone up in the morning on any given day, it's more likely than not that they slept through their alarm and or we have a major problem.

Jokes aside, with valves closed, how is it cruising on the highway in terms of drone / excess cabin noise? By cruising I mean that you should assume I am using cruise control or going with the flow of traffic in a <10mph plus/minus average range over distance (as if I were trying to maximize my MPG efficiency). My understanding is the Meisterschaft system is on the "insane" end of the volume spectrum with valves open, I am just usure how much of a "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" it is....someone else on this forum used that term, but I like it and like the idea of it. I just don't have a good perspective of how much noise variation is possible between open and closed valves in the various aftermarket exhaust applications. The AWE systems for the 4.2L RS4 and RS5 are the only ones which I have good degree of familiarity. Purely in terms of noise, my view is that the AWE system with stock (or AWE resonated) downpipes is pretty compelling, but if there are other brands that retain the functionality of the values and can also offer a closed-valve experience which is quieter than the AWE touring, then I am highly interested in those. If there is a system which is relatively civilized with the valves closed, then I am not worried about my ears bleeding when the valves are open.

With valves closed it’s pretty easy to deal with. Drone isn’t bad and normal driving should be pretty comparable to the sport exhaust (at least it doesn’t bother me much). So I’d say the Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Hyde comparison is actually pretty accurate haha cause a soon as you go valves open, it’s an absolute animal. Especially with the downshifts. To be fully transparent I’ve received a ticket with valves open in normal drive mode, so it was loud enough to warrant that kind of attention and I wasn’t driving aggressively. It’s also notable that if you get on the throttle it’ll naturally open the valves up without your control which can make for some uncomfortable spurts of loudness if you weren’t prepared for it. Same thing with cold starts as you probably already know…it starts with the valves open until it can pull enough vacuum to close them which makes for always aggressive and loud start ups.

[hahnmgh63]

I got a chance to ride in an RS5 with a full JHM setup (Downpipes w/X-pipes, and rear resonated & valved section). It sounded great, maybe a touch loud but not really. Well I purchased the whole setup but in my case I also installed Catless headers so on my car it still sounds great and I get a lot of compliments but it is a touch on the louder side. No droning but a little loud. Removing the Cats does make a sizeable difference in the noise. I had first purchased but never installed the AWE system but then JHM came out with their 2.75" exhaust and if anyone watches "Engine Masters" on Motor Trend TV they may have seen the episode where they tested normal, straight, X-pipe, and H-pipe exhausts. After that episode I would never install an exhaust without an X-pipe on a normally aspirated "V" engine. Improves the sound but also makes a slight bump in HP & TQ everytime. It's like free power. An Internet search of many reptuable engine builders will back up all of the Dyno stuff that was on Engine Masters so it is a fact, not a myth of more power like most Cat Back exhausts are. You can purchase an X-pipe separately and have it welded in almost any exhaust but most all results show that it needs to far forward, just at the end of the Downpipe area.

[namvar]

I have an Akropovic exhaust. My personal preference was to accentuate accentuate the V8 sound and make it growl more. and not to make it "Louder". Exceptional quality and look as a cherry on top.

[xxxaudixxx]

My 0.02 start off with AWE non resonated downpipes and wait for someone to part out their Capristo. in any case you gonna want to have AWE non resonated downpipes anyway

I have AWE non resonated downpipes + Resonated Capristo - I got a bunch of videos on my IG

[Cs123s]

I should say sports exhaust in sport mode comparable haha the stock sports exhaust was absolutely pitiful in my opinion but I came from a Milltek system as my last exhaust and it was a good mix of loudness in sport mode and drive ability but had quite a bit of drone.

[ezridah]

I have the full catback JHM exhaust on my 2012 S5 - to the point others have made, I dig it but that’s subjective - what is not subjective is that there is zero drone. I’ve not seen complaints about the JHM system in that regard so I would not over rotate on a single comment. I take conference calls in the car all the time with no issues.

The resale value of exhaust systems are decent so if you get something and then decide to swap you won’t take the full $ loss…I’d recommend starting off with a reasonably priced system that is not known for drone or being epically loud (AWE touring, JHM), live with it for a while (they do take time to burn in) and then adjust if you feel the need / when you have a clear idea of how you want to change the setup.

[AuDD99]

Anyone have any experience with AWE downpipes mounted to a Capristo cat-back? I'm in touch with someone telling a Capristo cat-back and was thinking of purchasing AWE resonated downpipes at the same time, but wanted to make sure I don't end up with some compatibility mess on my hands. Seems like folks have done AWE non-resonated DPs to a Capristo before, so I think it should work, but wanted to confirm it's easy to install.

[NoggieRS5]

Anyone have any experience with AWE downpipes mounted to a Capristo cat-back? I'm in touch with someone telling a Capristo cat-back and was thinking of purchasing AWE resonated downpipes at the same time, but wanted to make sure I don't end up with some compatibility mess on my hands. Seems like folks have done AWE non-resonated DPs to a Capristo before, so I think it should work, but wanted to confirm it's easy to install.

@xxxaudixxx or IG @restless.rs5 has AWE downpipes paired with a capristo exhaust.

[AuDD99]

Anyone know if there is any difference between an exhaust for a convertible and coupe? Meaning, if someone is selling an exhaust that came off of a convertible, will it directly bolt onto a coupe?

[NoggieRS5]

I deleted the resonators on the stock system and it sounds great with my setup. Dead quiet with valves closed when you want it. 115db and above if you let it rip.

[GRRRS5]

I recently purchased a RS5 (B8/4.2L) and I am – without a doubt – going to buy an exhaust, but I am having true "analysis paralysis." I spent a lot of time digging deep on the research before posting this topic again (e.g. reading all the threads, looking at all the YouTube videos, etc.).

In the case of videos, I’ve spent so much time watching RS5 exhaust clips with my headphones that – just after taking them off – I’ve been in the awkward position of having to apologize to people for screaming at them. And then when I read the various written opinions from the folks on the forum(s), those opinions range from “this system is the best” to something I can’t wrap my head around (e.g. like a person trying to explain subtle undertones in a fancy wine I’ve never tasted). Anyway, here’s where I am:

• Armytrix (Catback, or Catback + AWE resonated downpipes) – Seems to sound great, but loud with valves open; however, that is fine as long as with the valves-closed it is quiet. Big question, what specifically is the drone like on the highway with valves closed? I.e. how much louder is the cabin of the vehicle going to be at 55-85 MPH than with the stock exhaust? My current thinking is that the exhaust note of this system sounds great in videos, I believe I can get one at a decent price, I like that it retains the functionality of valve control, and I’m not aware of any major drawbacks. I could look to pair it with a resonated downpipe, probably AWE if that point is worth addressing. That being said, a somewhat scary (but funny) comment from one Audizine member was, “The wife hate it way to much drone quality does not compare to the Capristo or Akrapovic sound is just to loud and the tone is very unpleasant, but if you like it loud to stand out on a crowd and cops these is the exhaust for you.”
• AWE Touring (i.e. AWE catback + AWE resonated downpipes) – Is it really quieter on the highway than stock assuming no change in throttle? Price is very compelling, assuming drone isn’t a concern whatsoever. Essentially, same question as above. From the videos I’ve seen, I think it sounds great. Mainly, I am struggling with the loss of the valve control. Basically, if I compared stock exhaust versus AWE Touring on the highway with the cruise control set at 70 MPH, what is the measurable difference inside the front cabin?
• JHM – From the videos, they all sound good, but this is not my favorite among the group. Their highway video is highly compelling in terms of the no drone sales pitch, but then I saw someone on the forum complained about drone (not sure if they experienced it with non-res DPs though). I get that it’s 2.75” in diameter, but is the performance gain material to the discussion compared to others?
• Capristo – I’ve read over-and-over that “it’s the best,” which it absolutely should be for the price. Look, it’s not out of the question, but right now the price feels pretty hard to justify to my parents as a reward for successfully attaining a B+ average throughout my online degree in art history. But, whatever – and like this exhaust – you can’t put a price on art. In any event, I’ve also heard this is quieter than stock with the valves closed, but I cannot seem to confirm that is actually true.
• Tubi – this exhaust (which is also valved) apparently exists; however, I couldn’t find any (reliable) videos, nor user experiences on the internet. Regardless, I recently heard in the news that a few people all over the world are starting to experience supply chain issues related to some flu-like virus, so I’m a little worried that could spill into my ability to obtain this system in a timely manner.
• Others Systems – l would love to hear the arguments for (or against) them, to the extent you have them.

In general, this engine obviously needs an exhaust, but the question is which one. I want to highly minimize any highway drone for the reasons mentioned above and I need to be able to control the valves and/or my right foot such that I can take phone calls in the vehicle without it sounding like I am on the tarmac of an airport – it really upsets my art professor.

If you live anywhere on the eastern seaboard from DE to CT, especially in the Philly area, and own an RS5 with an exhaust system, then I’d love to hear it in person. In addition, if you currently own a system that you would consider selling me, please PM me so I can find out why and then potentially buy it. Finally, if you write a well-written response that is presumably helpful in curing my “analysis paralysis,” I’ll send you a gift card or do something to thank you for your help.

I have the JHM on my 2015 4.2 cabriolet. Comes alive at 3500. Done multiple events with other RS owners. My exhaust always gets very positive comments. Another 2015 owner with AWE said he was planning to change over to JHM after hearing it. Totally quiet enough for daily driving if you are not mashing it all the time. Very little if any drone. Super loud on cold start tho. I have to close my door for 60 seconds in the AM so I dont piss off the neighbors. This is what it sounds like on idle. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tS4...ew?usp=sharing

[Mrads]

I have the JHM on my 2015 4.2 cabriolet. Comes alive at 3500. Done multiple events with other RS owners. My exhaust always gets very positive comments. Another 2015 owner with AWE said he was planning to change over to JHM after hearing it. Totally quiet enough for daily driving if you are not mashing it all the time. Very little if any drone. Super loud on cold start tho. I have to close my door for 60 seconds in the AM so I dont piss off the neighbors. This is what it sounds like on idle. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tS4...ew?usp=sharing

My neighbors HATE the JHM on my RS5 during cold start!

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[GRRRS5]

My neighbors HATE the JHM on my RS5 during cold start!

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

YUP. Its brutal.. I dont love my neighbor so once in a while I will let it rip on a Sunday morning. His bedroom faces my garage door. Payback for his lawn tractor in my ear when Im watching a game under the deck. LOL

[Mrads]

YUP. Its brutal.. I dont love my neighbor so once in a while I will let it rip on a Sunday morning. His bedroom faces my garage door. Payback for his lawn tractor in my ear when Im watching a game under the deck. LOL

Hahaha. I hate one of our neighbors (we call her resting bitch-face) so I have taken to parking it in front of their house and rattling their windows.

The nice neighbors get the tamer TTRS cold start

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[GRRRS5]

Hahaha. I hate one of our neighbors (we call her resting bitch-face) so I have taken to parking it in front of their house and rattling their windows.

The nice neighbors get the tamer TTRS cold start

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

I think that old saying from the 1700s goes something like "good exhaust makes good neighbors".. or maybe it was fences?... nah.. definitely exhaust..

[Jake@JHM]

Hahaha. I hate one of our neighbors (we call her resting bitch-face) so I have taken to parking it in front of their house and rattling their windows.

The nice neighbors get the tamer TTRS cold start

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

LOL

[LostRacer]

Capristo Cold start non-res is LOUD. Let me know what you think with the resonated pipes. I may get those. I love the exhaust overall. I never realized how loud it was until I heard it on the dyno. OMG it was beautiful. lol.

[greezythumb]

Capristo Cold start non-res is LOUD. Let me know what you think with the resonated pipes. I may get those. I love the exhaust overall. I never realized how loud it was until I heard it on the dyno. OMG it was beautiful. lol.

I just joined the Capristo family. I couldn't be happier. Just a beautiful sound.

Sent from my Pixel 6 using Audizine Forum mobile app

[hahnmgh63]

My JHM Full resonated downpipes and exhaust with Catless Headers is loud on a cold start too, but I'd imagine the same exhuast with the OEM headers/Cats would be noticeably quieter. Loud, but it does sound Awesome.

[mkiii2.0jetta]

CATTED JHM full exhuast is loud on cold starts so I can only imagine how much louder it gets without cats.

[BuyTheWarranty]

JHM Headers, JHM Non-Resonated DP's and JHM Catback. 103dB on cold start, so relatively "loud" on that initial bark, but clean tone and not obnoxious as it settles into it's cold-start. I live on the corner so no complaints from my neighbors, but I do close the valves after 8pm when cruising in my area to be polite.

[NoggieRS5]

So, my cold starts with valves open on the stock sports exhaust spiked initially to 115db. The phone mic didn't capture how loud it truly was, but my GoPro footage does on my other video. You don't need an exhaust system. The stock one does the job pretty well. I do have a Magnaflow 11385 welded in now so it's very tame. Sounds like the JHM valves open but zero drone when cruising or on it. It sounds very good but could use some volume.
Here is before with no resonators:

Here is after the resonated x pipe from Magnaflow


If you want to start the car with valves open, you can turn the car to accessory mode, select dynamic while pushing down on the gas pedal and then start the car. The valves will not auto-close after you start, thereby full sequence will be with valves open.
If you just want more sound, you can retain everything and then purchase an ECS X Pipe to remove the stock resonator.

[Elote]

Also looking to hear how the decision worked out for you. I have AWE non-resonated downpipes but would like more of a rumble and have been struggling to make a decision. There aren't really any RS5's in Arizona and I've only ever heard the Armytrix which sounded amazing but definitely had some drone.

[greezythumb]

Also looking to hear how the decision worked out for you. I have AWE non-resonated downpipes but would like more of a rumble and have been struggling to make a decision. There aren't really any RS5's in Arizona and I've only ever heard the Armytrix which sounded amazing but definitely had some drone.

I installed a Capristo cat back with mid pipes on my 09 S5 4.2L. I can't tell you how happy I am. Believe me I tried for months to find something that cost less than the Capristo. You name the brand, I researched and compared them all. So I took the leap and spent money for the Capristo. My God, it's in a class by itself. I don't regret pushing out the 5.5 grand (price at the time I brought it for). With the flaps closed it's very tame but you do get a little rumble. Just enough to give you a hint. When you open those flaps, HOLY CRAP! It's another world. It's got a loud deep growl but exotic. It gurgles on the downshifts, sounding angry with a couple small pops. A custom tune will bring out the crackles and pops a lot more. The flap control is in a key fob and a cigarette lighter adapter that also includes two USB ports. There are also some programming options. When cruising at low or high RPMs, there is absolutely no drone.

If you haven't already brought it yet and you can afford it, BUY IT. You will not be disappointed.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/kmBN98yVtxUZo41BA

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