getting the best sound from a symphony head unit A6 '01

[mystic.bertie]

i have an audi A6 avant 2001, non bose, i think the symphony head unit is very smart and i am thinking i dont want to replace it as its looks great when its all lit up

the sound is ok from it just now but not great, turn it up and the speakers can hadle the volume.

has anyone changed speakers and added an amp and sub to the symphony and got good results ?

i also want to be able to play mp3's what the best option, using an aux input into the head unit or one of these phatnoise things, also how do you navigate a phatnoise is there a seperate display ?

i have 2 x 12" subs
1 rockford 800a4 amp which accepts high level inputs and rca leads
1 set focal 6.5" comps for front doors.

whats the best way to get a good sound keeping the syphony head unit?

cheers

 

[AndyMac]

All Audi HU's have both rear & front pre-outs (so no need to use hideous hi level inputs).
I'd run the new fronts and the sub from the amp. 2 x 12" subs is over the top IMO, a single 10" in a good enclosure is more than enough unless you drive a Saxo.
Phatnoise is a far superior option IMO and is driven via voice prompts.

 

[mystic.bertie]

All Audi HU's have both rear & front pre-outs (so no need to use hideous hi level inputs).
I'd run the new fronts and the sub from the amp. 2 x 12" subs is over the top IMO, a single 10" in a good enclosure is more than enough unless you drive a Saxo.
Phatnoise is a far superior option IMO and is driven via voice prompts.

cheers andymac

my 2x 12" subs i got a while ago, they were awesome but the box was huge, i would likely just use the one in a sealed enclosure.

would i be right in thinking i need some sort of adapter to use these lineouts from the head unit ? also could i use the rear chanel for the sub and then use the fader as some means of controling the sub level ?

do these headunits put out a respectable sound when amped and good speakers fitted

i have never looked into the phatnoise so i have no idea how it work, ill google it for more info.

 

[AndyMac]

Yes you'll need the RCA blaupunkt adapter:
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/blaupunkt-preout-lead-p-79.html

Yes, as the HU doesn't have a sub pre-out, your best option is to use the rear channels for just the sub, the front channels amped for the fronts then run the rears (if you want rears) directly off the HU's front channels. You can then use the fader to control the sub.
The only downside to sticking with the stock HU is lack of features, MP3, sub pre-outs, and EQ etc. The quality is OK but nothing special. If you want the best sound quality then I would install a Becker HU, which still looks totally stock, but has the features you really need.
http://www.sextonsdirect.co.uk/GP7992_becker-grand-prix-7992-cdmp3wma-tuner.html

 

[mystic.bertie]

Yes you'll need the RCA blaupunkt adapter:
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/blaupunkt-preout-lead-p-79.html

Yes, as the HU doesn't have a sub pre-out, your best option is to use the rear channels for just the sub, the front channels amped for the fronts then run the rears (if you want rears) directly off the HU's front channels. You can then use the fader to control the sub.
The only downside to sticking with the stock HU is lack of features, MP3, sub pre-outs, and EQ etc. The quality is OK but nothing special. If you want the best sound quality then I would install a Becker HU, which still looks totally stock, but has the features you really need.
http://www.sextonsdirect.co.uk/GP7992_becker-grand-prix-7992-cdmp3wma-tuner.html

thanks andy, all that sounds ok for me, cheers for the link to the cable i need.

i would like to change the head unit but i thing the double din symphony looks great, lot os red light buttons its nice

i have a newish double din pioneer head unit but i think it will look a bit plain when fitted and to be honest i dont watch any video and the touch screen is murder to operate when driving also i then need to spend £50 on a double din adapter.
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/pioneer-avhp4000dvd-p-6481.html