Q5 base stereo is BAD

[dngrmse]

Im not an audiophile, but the stock system is actually pretty good. Much better than other cars I've owned, and even better than some I've upgraded the speakers and amps on. Have you listened to other stock q5 systems for comparison? Maybe there is something wrong with your car's system. Either way, shouldn't be too difficult too upgrade, there are plenty of specialty audio places that will be happy to take your money. Support your local businesses!

[manup]

Originally Posted by awryexperiment

I like the stock system.

Me too!

[jjonesx86]

I'm not trying to be difficult but how much an upgraded system will cost depends entirely on your needs and how much you want to spend. I would expect it to breakdown like this:

Interface with factory head unit (I'm assuming you don't want to screw around with replacing this) - $200 or $300 including the labor to install

Good 5 channel amp - $600 to $1200 plus another $200 for install/parts

Front 3-way separates - Huge range but I'll assume $500 since you seem to be a critical listener. Probably another $200 for install.

Rear 2-way separates - $400 plus $100 for install

Sub - So many ways to go here but I'll assume you want a good sub in a custom enclosure, maybe some fiberglass work involved. $1000

So total package about $3200 to $4000. When I put a system in my old 4runner it was a similar setup (retaining the factory head) and it cost me ~ $5K out the door but there was a lot of custom install work.

Jeff

PS - I hate to say it but I honestly think that my B&O system in the Q5 sounds just as good as the old custom system I had. Not nearly as much bass of course and it can't go as loud but it was the best $850 I've ever spent on audio.

[vwtoys]

It isn't a stellar system, but more than enough for the majority of people. I listen to a pair of JBL Professional 4425 Mk2 on my spare time. While it isn't quite the most exquisite pair of speakers, it's certainly the best that I've had. But on the road, I could care less. I rarely blast music in the car to cover up road noise or surrounding noise. I'm enjoying the car not for the stereo alone, but the practicality and a nice blend of features. And the Q5 has just all the right stuff to make it work. OK, there are days that I wish the trunk was a tad bigger. The B&O is nice, but that just wasn't enough for me to pay extra for. And a lot of people can live without the B&O. Myself included. :P

[D_Frost]

The stock system is more than adequate for most people. I do notice that the stock system could use some more EQ adjustability (1 to 2 more bands would be nice).

If you're looking for a little more bass, I believe some folks have replaced the sub in the trunk before... although you're kinda limited in choices due to size of the enclosure (inside the spare tire well).

Of course, a full system is doable (at a price)... changing the head unit might be the best way to improve SQ, though with the MMI, it's probably something I would avoid. If you have the doors apart for speaker replacement, might as well add dampeners/isolators (like Dynamat/RAAMmat + Ensolite)... Really depends on how far you want to go

[desert_q5]

Originally Posted by jjonesx86

I'm not trying to be difficult but how much an upgraded system will cost depends entirely on your needs and how much you want to spend. I would expect it to breakdown like this:

Interface with factory head unit (I'm assuming you don't want to screw around with replacing this) - $200 or $300 including the labor to install

Good 5 channel amp - $600 to $1200 plus another $200 for install/parts

Front 3-way separates - Huge range but I'll assume $500 since you seem to be a critical listener. Probably another $200 for install.

Rear 2-way separates - $400 plus $100 for install

Sub - So many ways to go here but I'll assume you want a good sub in a custom enclosure, maybe some fiberglass work involved. $1000

So total package about $3200 to $4000. When I put a system in my old 4runner it was a similar setup (retaining the factory head) and it cost me ~ $5K out the door but there was a lot of custom install work.

Jeff

PS - I hate to say it but I honestly think that my B&O system in the Q5 sounds just as good as the old custom system I had. Not nearly as much bass of course and it can't go as loud but it was the best $850 I've ever spent on audio.

Jeff - Thanks for the feedback. I'll be the first to admit that it was very foolish of me to not do the upgrade. In my living room I have a 7.1 system with 2 Paradigm Studio 20's, a Paradigm Studio CC590, and 4 Paradigm PV-60R in-ceilings, and that system is fairly adequate (sound quality is limited by the geoemtry of the room and my unwillingness to pay $1000's for sound dampening material). I guess I didn't realize how good Acura's ELS system is - was spoiled by it for 6 years. Guess I'll start saving my cheddar.

[desert_q5]

BTW I have the non-nav Audi Concert that comes standard with the Premium Plus

[gheffty93]

Originally Posted by mirekmal

I have MMI 3G Plus and Audi Sound System and I do not think it sounds bad. Definitely the best sound out of all cars I had so far (all with stock audio). But well, I'm not audiophile (though not enjoying sound of stock earbuds coming with iPhone either).
Before complaing would you give some more info about equipment you do have installed in your car? Having or not B&O is not the only option:
Is it MMI 2G, 3G or 3G Plus?
Is it standard radio Chorus, Concert, Symphony?
Do you have Audi Sound System installed (I think yes, if you have 10 speakers)?
This info would be way more practical as advise for someone who would consider to follow your choice...

HOW ON EARTH do you have 3G plus on a Q5?? Please enlighten me, I didn't think there was a way until the 2013s come out.

[gheffty93]

By the way thanks "havebull" very much for the editing advice, I posted on that thread.

[mirekmal]

Originally Posted by gheffty93

HOW ON EARTH do you have 3G plus on a Q5?? Please enlighten me, I didn't think there was a way until the 2013s come out.

Well, this might be naming convention being different between countries/regions:
2G is with monochrome (red) display and is very rare, not offered any more, but exists.
3G is with color 6 inch display and is DVD based
3G Plus is color 7 inch display and is HDD based
...at least this is how we call it in Poland :-)