New Mod Sunday: Alpine Stereo Install

A4darkness · 01-06-2008, 06:02 PM

Just installed a new Alpine CDA-9559. Got it from Crutchfield with the removal tools, adapters, and dash kit.

Goals were to have full iPod control from the HU, match the red interior lighting, retain stock wiring and get some decent sound out of the non-Bose Symphony system [till I upgrade the rest of course].

Turns out I got all that and then some. The sound is spectacular compared to the stock system. Install was fairly painless.

Getting the unit out was pretty easy [just try to pull from the tape deck as much as possible].

Right after snapping this pic, I noticed my hand was all bloody. Turns out cheap removal tools are thin and about as sharp as a letter opener.

Wiring everything wasn't too difficult with the adapters... far easier than rewiring the whole car back in the day.

However, when I had everything hooked up and reconnected the battery to test things... nothing worked. Called Crutchfield and they said I had to run the switched power directly to the fuse #36. [Thanks guys.] So, with the help of trusty coat hanger, I was up and running.

Actually getting the Alpine unit installed required some trickery. Had to remove the HU from the new plastic face and install that first, then pop the HU in. Gotta say, I love having the little pocket below the HU now. And, it pops in and out really easily in case I need to adjust any of the wiring . And there's tons of room back there [even more so going from a double to single din] so it was really easy to place all the adapters.

Now for the color match. And I gotta say, it's about as close as you can get.

No lights

Wish I would have taken more pics of the internals but I'm sure you guys get the idea.

Sound with the stock system is really good. The wiring is as follows... Crutchfield sent two adapters to match the Symphony system. The HU powers the front speakers and the stock amp still powers the rears and sub.

iPod integration with the 9885 is flawless and I loved the ease of use and the giant screen.

For what I'm looking for in terms of sound, it's well on it's way. Next, I'd really like to swap out the stock rear-deck sub with something aftermarket but I've been unable to confirm the size and ohm [STFA, found 7.5" but that's unconfirmed]. I'd rather not add another sub and amp cause I use my trunk a lot. Any suggestions?

Bottom line, very happy with the new setup.

Tgr_Clw · 01-06-2008, 06:11 PM

Merkin · 01-06-2008, 06:44 PM

A4darkness · 01-06-2008, 06:50 PM

and I have an old amp so that might be the answer. Had a feeling I'd need to go this route.

heateris · 01-06-2008, 07:19 PM

A4darkness · 01-06-2008, 07:26 PM

A4darkness · 01-06-2008, 07:27 PM

AvantMnkyA4 · 01-06-2008, 07:43 PM

seencats · 01-06-2008, 08:30 PM

diagnosticator1 · 01-06-2008, 08:56 PM

More power is key to clean sound.

01-06-2008, 06:02 PM	#1
A4darkness Member Account #: 55993 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,065	New Mod Sunday: Alpine Stereo Install Just installed a new Alpine CDA-9559. Got it from Crutchfield with the removal tools, adapters, and dash kit. Goals were to have full iPod control from the HU, match the red interior lighting, retain stock wiring and get some decent sound out of the non-Bose Symphony system [till I upgrade the rest of course]. Turns out I got all that and then some. The sound is spectacular compared to the stock system. Install was fairly painless. Getting the unit out was pretty easy [just try to pull from the tape deck as much as possible]. Right after snapping this pic, I noticed my hand was all bloody. Turns out cheap removal tools are thin and about as sharp as a letter opener. Wiring everything wasn't too difficult with the adapters... far easier than rewiring the whole car back in the day. However, when I had everything hooked up and reconnected the battery to test things... nothing worked. Called Crutchfield and they said I had to run the switched power directly to the fuse #36. [Thanks guys.] So, with the help of trusty coat hanger, I was up and running. Actually getting the Alpine unit installed required some trickery. Had to remove the HU from the new plastic face and install that first, then pop the HU in. Gotta say, I love having the little pocket below the HU now. And, it pops in and out really easily in case I need to adjust any of the wiring . And there's tons of room back there [even more so going from a double to single din] so it was really easy to place all the adapters. Now for the color match. And I gotta say, it's about as close as you can get. No lights Wish I would have taken more pics of the internals but I'm sure you guys get the idea. Sound with the stock system is really good. The wiring is as follows... Crutchfield sent two adapters to match the Symphony system. The HU powers the front speakers and the stock amp still powers the rears and sub. iPod integration with the 9885 is flawless and I loved the ease of use and the giant screen. For what I'm looking for in terms of sound, it's well on it's way. Next, I'd really like to swap out the stock rear-deck sub with something aftermarket but I've been unable to confirm the size and ohm [STFA, found 7.5" but that's unconfirmed]. I'd rather not add another sub and amp cause I use my trunk a lot. Any suggestions? Bottom line, very happy with the new setup. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The switch to vB = FAIL I am now at: q u a t t r o w o r l d . c o m Installs: Alpine Head Unit \| Blackout Grills \| RS4 Rear Sway Bar \| Strat Short Shifter \| Delsa Rear Spoiler \| Retro Solutions HIDs \| * Comments may be peppered with sarcasm which are only intended for good times, never maliciousness.

01-06-2008, 06:11 PM	#2
Tgr_Clw AudiWorld Uber User Account #: 88605 Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 43,102	I likes. __________________ 2003 Brilliant Black Audi A4 1.8T quattro Sorry. Can't handle vB. I am now at: q u a t t r o w o r l d . c o m

01-06-2008, 06:50 PM	#4
A4darkness Member Account #: 55993 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,065	Just read that the stock [non-Bose] amp can't really push anything more than the stock sub... and I have an old amp so that might be the answer. Had a feeling I'd need to go this route. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The switch to vB = FAIL I am now at: q u a t t r o w o r l d . c o m Installs: Alpine Head Unit \| Blackout Grills \| RS4 Rear Sway Bar \| Strat Short Shifter \| Delsa Rear Spoiler \| Retro Solutions HIDs \| * Comments may be peppered with sarcasm which are only intended for good times, never maliciousness.

01-06-2008, 07:19 PM	#5
heateris AudiWorld Senior Member Account #: 75221 Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 3,621	that's nice, i like the extra little storage shelf. __________________ GIAC FX ~ AWE exhaust ~ APR TIP w/ samco boost hoses ~ K&N ~ Koni/neuspeed suspension ~ 18" fliks/BF Gdrch SS A/S ~ APR snub mount ~ B&M SS ~ podi ~ RS4 pedals ~ 3.0 front brakes ~ hawk pads all around ~ european xenon headlights ~ black out grill trims ~ painted front bumper w/ zender add-ons ~ S4 door blades and rear bumper ~ ebay spoiler ~ 40% tint <a href="http://www.dvagonline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=507">the history of my car </a>

01-06-2008, 07:26 PM	#6
A4darkness Member Account #: 55993 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,065	Yah, it's pretty coo. I might route the iPod cable in there, but haven't decided yet. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The switch to vB = FAIL I am now at: q u a t t r o w o r l d . c o m Installs: Alpine Head Unit \| Blackout Grills \| RS4 Rear Sway Bar \| Strat Short Shifter \| Delsa Rear Spoiler \| Retro Solutions HIDs \| * Comments may be peppered with sarcasm which are only intended for good times, never maliciousness.

01-06-2008, 06:44 PM	#3
Merkin Member Account #: 31824 Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 34,572	make a stealth box __________________ 2003 A4 1.8 quattro manual Milwaukee I WILL DESTROY YOU

01-06-2008, 07:27 PM	#7
A4darkness Member Account #: 55993 Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 2,065	Forgot 2 mention, the removal tools, harnesses, and dash kit are free when you spend like, $200. __________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The switch to vB = FAIL I am now at: q u a t t r o w o r l d . c o m Installs: Alpine Head Unit \| Blackout Grills \| RS4 Rear Sway Bar \| Strat Short Shifter \| Delsa Rear Spoiler \| Retro Solutions HIDs \| * Comments may be peppered with sarcasm which are only intended for good times, never maliciousness.

01-06-2008, 07:43 PM	#8
AvantMnkyA4 Member Account #: 79977 Join Date: Aug 2004 Posts: 2,762	Nice install. I'm trying to find a double DIN radio, that matches our lights besides OEM Nav __________________ 03' Black A4 Avant Quattro Tiptronic/Sport suspension/S4 Sway/18" OZ Superleggera B5S4 Brakes/Hawk HPS/Stoptech SS Lines Tint: 20% rear / 35% front

01-06-2008, 08:30 PM	#9
seencats Audiworld Junior Member Account #: 106772 Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 708	does the radio readout still work above the on-board computer? __________________ <img src= Maya '02 1.8t QUATTRO 5spd sport/cold pkg Hardwired V1 Carbonio Intake, Forge Diverter APR snub mount

01-06-2008, 08:56 PM	#10
diagnosticator1 AudiWorld Super User Account #: 98458 Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 6,130	The stock sub amp can't drive the stock sub woofer properly to begin with. More power is key to clean sound.

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