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kphonik · 02-12-2008, 03:42 PM

I've done this twice now and the most recent (in January) was the alpine iDX. Works great. You'll need-

1) A shop familiar with installing over audi+bose soundsystems. This is huge. There is a trick to turning on the amp that involves the left front speaker. Wish I knew more but frankly to me it's worth the $65 to have a shop do the install.

2) Audi symphony wiring harness. Not sure if this is compatible with the Concert, but a little research should tell you. This harness will map the audi cable harness (there are two, one for the head unit, one for the speakers) so you dont need to cut any oem wires. I bought my last one on ebay for $4.00 I believe.

3) An aerial amplifier. This is a powered amplifier for your radio antennae. It's built into the bose headunits, but aftermarket units require a line amplifier. This is about $15 at any audio shop.

4) Turbokit. You can find these on ebay for your specific model. This is the trim piece and cubby tray that match the stock plastic. These can be fun at times to try and fit right but the shop installer should be completely familiar with them. Some turbokits include a wiring harness (Metra makes harnesses as well as the trim pieces for audis)

That's about all! Not sure what problems the other guy had with sound quality. I'm not an audiophile, but I guarantee you it will sound better than the stock HU if installed correctly. You may need to add some preamp wires with the magnets on them (sorry, dont know the term) to cut out any engine whine.

The big thing is finding the right shop with someone who knows what they're doing. I'm normally a DIY'er but why fight with it for hours when a decent installer can knock it out in 30 min?

Best of luck!

02-12-2008, 03:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
kphonik Newbie Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 7 Gallery: (0)	I've done this twice now and the most recent (in January) was the alpine iDX. Works great. You'll need- 1) A shop familiar with installing over audi+bose soundsystems. This is huge. There is a trick to turning on the amp that involves the left front speaker. Wish I knew more but frankly to me it's worth the $65 to have a shop do the install. 2) Audi symphony wiring harness. Not sure if this is compatible with the Concert, but a little research should tell you. This harness will map the audi cable harness (there are two, one for the head unit, one for the speakers) so you dont need to cut any oem wires. I bought my last one on ebay for $4.00 I believe. 3) An aerial amplifier. This is a powered amplifier for your radio antennae. It's built into the bose headunits, but aftermarket units require a line amplifier. This is about $15 at any audio shop. 4) Turbokit. You can find these on ebay for your specific model. This is the trim piece and cubby tray that match the stock plastic. These can be fun at times to try and fit right but the shop installer should be completely familiar with them. Some turbokits include a wiring harness (Metra makes harnesses as well as the trim pieces for audis) That's about all! Not sure what problems the other guy had with sound quality. I'm not an audiophile, but I guarantee you it will sound better than the stock HU if installed correctly. You may need to add some preamp wires with the magnets on them (sorry, dont know the term) to cut out any engine whine. The big thing is finding the right shop with someone who knows what they're doing. I'm normally a DIY'er but why fight with it for hours when a decent installer can knock it out in 30 min? Best of luck!