2016 Audi S6 SQ build

O

olys6

Noob
Hi everyone- I thought I'd share my project of the past few years with you. I bought the car towards the end of 2016, and in addition to performance mods, I wanted to learn more about car audio. I started with a simple aftermarket sub, line controller, and amp in the trunk, and have been 'going down the rabbit hole' ever since.

Current build: OEM headunit, with Navtv Zen-V digital preamp for OEM integration. Helix Ultra DSP, which feeds 2 JL HD 900/5 amps and one JL HD 600/4 amp. I have 3 pairs of Hybrid Audio Legatia X tweeters and mids up front, with Hybrid audio Legatia X6 woofers in the front doors. I have Focal KX3 woofers in the rear doors for rear fill. I have a JL 10W3 sub firing into the rear deck, and an Audiofrog 8" shallow sub under the glove box.

I've done all the installation, wiring, and tuning myself over the years (learning quite a bit along the way). Pods and boxes were fabricated at AudioNorthwest in Lacey WA (they do awesome work!). Upholstery was done in Valcona leather to match the rest of the interior by MLW upholstery in Olympia WA.

Now for pics!

First, tearing out the interior to lay sound deadening in the trunk and in the entire interior floor.

View attachment 16900View attachment 16901View attachment 16902
 
Last edited:
On to the rear sub! Well, after not being happy with a simple box in the trunk, I had a box fabricated out of mdf, and then a fiberglass shroud that was later upholstered in valcona leather. I had an extra set of Audi rings laying around, so that was painted black and installed on the box. The rear deck was reinforced with plywood, and sound deadening was applied to the underside and the topside of the rear deck as well. Thankfully, no rattles!

View attachment 16913View attachment 16914View attachment 16915
 
For years, I prided myself on keeping the trunk 'clean' by keeping all my gear stuffed in the driver's side rear cubby. It was a huge pain any time I wanted to access or change anything. I started with a DM810 DSP, but later learned about parametric equalization in tuning, so wound up going with the Helix Ultra. Plus, it can actively manage 12 channels. I really like this DSP. I'm just not sure how to use it to my advantage for a 2 seat tune, but I'm still working on my tuning skills for a single seat tune.
I decided that I needed a better trunk setup. Before:

View attachment 16921View attachment 16922View attachment 16923
 
I decided to get rid of the spare tire in the trunk and use that space for a proper trunk build. I went with an mdf panel with a steel frame that connects to the trunk on a hinge. The panel is covered with acrylic that is painted black underneath. It took me quite awhile to figure out spacing and wire routing, but I was finally able to get a clean setup with all the wiring routed underneath the panel in order to give the topside a clean look once the display panel is completed. All cables are finished with quick disconnects so that the entire panel and all components can be easily removed and taken to a workbench as needed.

View attachment 16924View attachment 16925
 
edouble said:
Amazing work. I’m sure that you are very happy with what you accomplished.
Click to expand...

Thanks- it was (and is) a dream car for me, and is still a work in progress. Still trying to learn as much as I can regarding tuning and always looking at ways to make the car sound better.
 
I'll tell you what.....the S6 is just...an amazing car. Congrats on the purchase and enjoy that system..it looks incredible and well done.

Maybe i'll fulfill my dream and be able to put an incredible system in an S8.

olys6 said:
Thanks- it was (and is) a dream car for me, and is still a work in progress. Still trying to learn as much as I can regarding tuning and always looking at ways to make the car sound better.
Click to expand...
 
BenevolentDictator said:
I'll tell you what.....the S6 is just...an amazing car. Congrats on the purchase and enjoy that system..it looks incredible and well done.

Maybe i'll fulfill my dream and be able to put an incredible system in an S8.
Click to expand...

Thanks. S8 is a sweet ride! Best of luck in your pursuits.
 
Amazing car and build! I'm curious, since you have a front and rear sub, do you have any issues aligning the sound between the two?
 
mumbles said:
Amazing car and build! I'm curious, since you have a front and rear sub, do you have any issues aligning the sound between the two?
Click to expand...

I have been having issues with some muddiness in the midbass, especially around 80-90hz. I'm currently playing with crossovers to try to keep the 4 different speakers that can provide bass signal from stepping all over each other. Right now I have my JL10W3 in the rear crossed 25hz-50hz, the front 8" Audiofrog sub crossed 60hz to 110hz, and my front door woofers crossed from 125hz to 300hz. I'd appreciate any constructive input on approaching this problem, whether it be advice or pointing me to any links. I've been really happy with the front sub bringing the bass up front, although my sub-bass seems to pull to the rear a bit regardless of me playing with phase angle or time alignment (different issue, but all part of the bass reproduction).
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top