Stereo Lab
Today's European vehicles are heavily integrated with OEM audio systems complete with navigation and numerous electronic functions and features tightly intertwined. Vehicle manufacturers have made it virtually impossible to install aftermarket car audio systems due to the need to modify, carve up, or destroy dashboards to accommodate new head units. Furthermore, some vehicle electronics will disable vital functions should any wire tampering take place. This condition is present in almost every European vehicle made today (Audi, BMW, Porsche, Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and so on), but a solution exists for those wanting more punch out of their audio systems.
The 2006 Audi A6 shown in this article demonstrates how Rockford Fosgate has solved the problem of enhancing a factory audio system without completely replacing it. The Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty Interactive Signal Processor is a powerful tool in a little box. It allows aftermarket car audio amplifiers and speakers to connect seamlessly with existing OEM audio equipment by utilizing artificial intelligence signal processing. The entire Audi audio system remains undisturbed and fully functional to include the steering wheel volume and mode controls, the center gauge cluster digital display, the in-dash color screen, and the console-mounted Audi control knob, offering complete control of the OEM CD, AM/FM, phone and navigation controls. The 3Sixty also offers an auxiliary input for an iPod (or other MP3 players) as a bonus.
The 2006 Audi A6 Avant Rockford Fosgate audio system includes the following aftermarket equipment: Rockford Fosgate 3Sixty Interactive Signal Processor; two (2) Rockford Fosgate Punch amplifiers; one (1) Rockford Fosgate dual voice-coil 12-inch woofer in a custom fiberglass enclosure; new Rockford Fosgate component speakers replacing all stock door speakers.
The average Audi owner will most likely be satisfied with the factory-installed system. But audiophiles are worse than horsepower junkies-too much seems to be just the right amount of performance.