I'm just in the process of ordering an A3 TDI 110 from Holland (I live in the UK). The Bose sound system costs the equivalent of 211 GBP, is the upgrade worth it and how good/bad are the standard speakers?

Yes well worth it especially at tha price.
My A3 was a stock vehicle and has the standard system.The speakers are not very good and tha upgrade on speakers will cost me about £300 and I still only have the standard wattage from the Concert head.
The Bose in our A4 is really brilliant more than enough power and plenty of quality tone, speach is much clearer and there is very little need to adjust the volumne as the speed increases.
I'm not an audiophile but I do like a nice sound.
What price the CD player? See the posts below about Panasonic CD players.
Hope this is of use.

Chris

Thanks for that - are you saying that the Concert head unit is upgraded as well as the speakers in the Bose system ? That would possibly explain why the CD changer (273GBP) is only available with the Bose upgrade.

Hi,

The BOSE system is obviously very good, and very loud! Tne test car I drove had it fitted.

I didn't choose it when I ordered my A3 because I didn't think it was worth it. Plus I'd already chosen climate control, cd changer & metalic paint, so...I'd picked enough really.

But, I was really surprised with the standard system. I think its pretty good. Plus, and I was really chuffed about this, you get a little active sub-woofer tucked away in one of the boot compartments! Nice one Audi!

I think, if like Chris you are used to a better system, going back to a lesser one, is probably a shock. But if you're not, you might be happy with the stock one.

My 2p's worth.

Cheers,

Alan
'99.5 A3 1.8T MS Silver

Hi Geoff,

Interestingly the audi concert head unit can be programmed to give a line level output for separate amps of amplified output for the standard system

The bose system uses separate amplifier(s) but the same head unit.

My view is buy the Bose over the standard - clearer mid range and much better treble - if you like the integrated system idea but beware - if you want to upgrade the system later, it must all be changed.

Better still if sound quality is paramount, get the standard system and replace it with better gear. Ultimately even a relatively inexpensive system from Alpine or the like will be leagues better in terms of pure quality.

I did not do this, although have done so in my previous cars. I like the integration and the fact that only a very dim theif would break in the steal non standard sized o.e.m. equipement. The sound of my standard A3 system does not come close to the setup in my previous car (Alpine head/CD changer and MBQuart speakers) but is not at all bad.

If you want a good sound, but don't rave about it - buy the bose.

Also, try to listen to both - nout better than your own ears and opinion!

Regards

David

`00 A3 1.8T Silver

BOSE is well worth the money, however you really need the CD unit to hear the best sound quality from it.

(S3 with BOSE and 6 CD changer)

Hi,
What active subwoofer? Where? Is it stock or part of a Bose installation upgrade that is under discussion here?
IJ
99A31.8T(190bhp)

...but BOSE Sound System has an active subwoofer below CD Changer in the boot

ravenx
'00 Black S3

Hi,

It is found in the left side of the boot behind the pull down panels- plastic box shaped around the wheelarch with a grill and speaker - admittedly it's effect is subtle but a nice touch from Audi. Oh yes, and this is with the standard system, I assume it is the same with the Bose.

David R

The bose system is worth having as it does look more intergrated, less knickable and sounds good, could do with better positioning of front tweeters as imaging isn't perfect, I have had my rear sub box changed on warranty though as it was rattling.

I have Bose and I have a two speaker sub under the cd changer, whereas the standard system has a single speaker sub, the box being about the same dimensions but the single driver being slightly bigger, I also noticed on the side of the Bose item it says it it for the A3 quattro.