[nickm]

Can anyone direct me to a place where I can find a stealth sub box that can be mounted in the back left corner of my 2012 Treg in the little cut out storage area? Thx

JL Audio made one for the previous gen...I'm not sure if they have one for the current gen. I'm sure someone with a Touareg/Cayenne has had this issue and the vehicles are similar enough that you can cross pollenate solutions.

My own limited stereo experience has been: 1. upgrade speakers, 2. get an amp in line 3. get a different head unit...I've found once you get into sound processors and the like its just esoteric high end crap that ends up being a money pit.

My Ford's stereo sounded terrible, I bought a set of polk speakers (on sale) and replaced the stock speakers...I CANNOT believe how much better it sounds.

So if I were you I'd just replace the speakers and see where I am at.

 

[justa4banger]

Really Rastta and justa4banger? If I was looking for smart ass comments I'd say, " hey forum, I'd like to here all of your smart ass wise cracks!" But I didn't.
4 banger, I'm a Neurologist not a box builder which is why I'm trying to out source.
Rastta, of course I listened to it and assumed I'd be able to upgrade with aftermarket equipment and save myself the 6k up charge from the lux to the executive. Only problem is I'm finding that the vast majority of the local people I've spoke to in the aftermarket world like to think there proficient and educated in their craft, but in reality they are FAR from it. Probably like yourselves.

Was i being a Smartass of Course i was, it's funny....Was i also being serious, Yes i was....Did you get BUTT HURT, YES YOU DID!......Did i go off and insult you and your Profession...... NO....

Tell you what buddy, you figure out how to spend your money on "fixing" your stereo, I'll Just sit my A$$ over here in Iraq, still defending your right to be a Jackass on the inter webs...

One day when i get my butt back to "Civilization" it will be interesting to see how well i work with people, like yourself, with such THIN SKIN.

 

[rasTTa]

Really Rastta and justa4banger? If I was looking for smart ass comments I'd say, " hey forum, I'd like to here all of your smart ass wise cracks!" But I didn't.
4 banger, I'm a Neurologist not a box builder which is why I'm trying to out source.
Rastta, of course I listened to it and assumed I'd be able to upgrade with aftermarket equipment and save myself the 6k up charge from the lux to the executive. Only problem is I'm finding that the vast majority of the local people I've spoke to in the aftermarket world like to think there proficient and educated in their craft, but in reality they are FAR from it. Probably like yourselves.

LOL - guess i'm not surprised that a neurologist can be that retarded then....I generally assume nothing but then again i'm not a neurologist thank god. If I was I could get on the interwebz and whine like a little girl about my car stereo.

Hope you get more BASE in your stereo - LOL

 

[Jdsmooth]

In an effort to put this train back on the tracks, here is what I have accumulated so far for my planned install in my 2012 TDI:

1. Audiocontrol LC6i processor
2. JL Audio powered 10" sub (amp is actually piggybacked onto the sub enclosure)
3. Parrot wiring harness
4. Amp wiring kit
5. 4 gauge power "T" splitter (so I can power a potential second amp as well)

Here is my plan:
I will tap the existing radio wiring at the module in the rear compartment. I will need to run 2 sets of speaker leads (eight wires total 4 channels with 1 input and output each) from the compartment to wherever the processor ends up. I would really like to get the processor under the rear seat, but haven't looked to see the viability yet.

I also need to decide if I should install another amp for the existing door speakers. If I do, it will run off the processor and then go right to the existing wiring. If I don't, I'll tap the speaker leads together at the processor inputs.

I'm worried about blowing the factory speakers with an amp hooked to them. I'm also apprehensive about getting to the battery and running the power leads. I'd rather be dealing with a firewall access issue.

So thats my plan. What does everyone think. Any advice? Anyone know if the space under the rear seat is enough for the processor and one of those rockford BRT amps?

Thanks.

 

[nickm]

Alright folks lets settle down...our tolerance on this board for any sort of back-and-forth is very limited. Lets stop on the extra curricular noise.

Yes we are a grumpy group of moderators :drunk:

 

[Jonmedic]

Alright folks lets settle down...our tolerance on this board for any sort of back-and-forth is very limited. Lets stop on the extra curricular noise.

Yes we are a grumpy group of moderators :drunk:

Oh come on. This was just starting to look like fun. I mean really. A neurologist that can't even spell bass?? I'm just a lowly Paramedic and even I know that one.kaboom

 

[nickm]

Sorry to be the fun police.....

 

[Goofen]

Jdsmooth, there is limited space under the rear seats, but I am sure you could sqeeze the rockford amp, but the processor might be a sqeeze. This space is limited due to the back seats beoing able to shift forward and backwards. There is a space in the trunk (top right in the pic, where the foam is) where you could take out the foam and make a "amp rack" and install the processor there, and try mount the amp under the seat.

These BRT amps are tiny, you could even incorporate the amp in the sub box.

 

[ConservativeConsumer]

The statement about VW Touareg audio system being of poor quality is just a plain false. It is of decent quality. The volume is more than enough for normal folks. The range of frequencies is perfect for the vehicle. The quality of music is what makes a difference… Yes, there are people driving around with so much of audio equipment installed on their rigs that their car’s roof is almost blowing out from the vehicle frame. But ability to rattle 3 blocks of the street around you is not a quality indicator. Why are these people won’t listen their music just themselves? Ah, because it is not about music and not about quality of sound, it is about satisfying their ego. It is funny to see how these folks are always scanning around and checking if anyone/everyone pays attention how cool they are. As far as music choice of the aforementioned category of drivers, it leaves a lot of room for thinking about cave age and rumbles of war drums…There should be a separate forum for ego boosters – imagine how the ground for bragging will be widened if there would be not one brand of vehicles involved, but many? Oh, that would be an awesome thing! No thanks needed for pitching an idea!

 

[nickm]

I keep seeing audio threads popping up everywhere on here about the T3s audio system...most of them seem a bit less ambitious than setting off car alarms as they drive by. Does anyone have specific feedback on what "sucks" about the stock basic system?

 

[Thermalup]

Nickm, sorry about the smack talk, I actually posted the smack and about a half hour later tried to delete it but I got a note from the forum indicating that after a post has been submitted you only have a half hour to edit or delete.

Conservitive consumer, I don't completely disagree with you statement but for me (mostly jazz and rock fan) the stereo, unless you have the dynaudio is not that great......for me and most others on this board.

Justa4banger. All the US troops left Iraq last week, why are you still there? Miss your flight?

Medic, you got me, I am definitely not a neurologist, today I am a professional bass fisherman.

I'm going over to my local car audio shop today and will absolutely report any positive or negative results on my attempt to upgrade. I am aware that a lot of folks have heartburn with this same issue and faced with spending hard earned cash I only won't to do it one time and for it to be done correctly.
Joe
True profession
I am a PM iron worker, for 25 years and counting and a veteran.

 

[jasong70]

I've found the stock system to be pretty decent. I've got a '12 and it is pretty balanced at moderate levels. I'm not blasting it so I can't tell you what it sounds like, but for most music from my iphone, CD/DVD, A2DP, etc seems to be good. Even the Sirius seems ok.

To compare I had a Volvo XC60 which was pretty aweful, and I have a 2010 Golf and it isn't bad...

When I was younger I of course had a stupidly loud system, not I value the quality at low volumes as opposed to headache inducing sound. Besides my wife would hate it.

 

[Str3t]

I keep seeing audio threads popping up everywhere on here about the T3s audio system...most of them seem a bit less ambitious than setting off car alarms as they drive by. Does anyone have specific feedback on what "sucks" about the stock basic system?

Basic sound is decent...up to about mid-volume. For most TReg buyers, assuming 40+ yrs of age, that should suffice most of the time.

Pushing volume > 50% either creates some distortion or some have reported that 50% is already max volume and going higher did relatively nothing. Either way, if you want to crank it or "rock" out...this ain't your vehicle of choice (read, Sport or Lux).

Bottom line on a $50k vehicle, the sound system is the weakest part of a really otherwise stallar car and most feel VW dropped the ball w/ the base sound.

Did they do this intentionally to push more into the $6k Dyn? Who knows, but if they did, they should've made more Exec's available. I tried to get one a year ago and 3 dealers had trouble getting one into my area so I settled on Lux. I was looking at flying and driving one back ~800 miles when I settled on a Lux my dealer found.

I listen to a lot of talk radio on Sirius, so I'm not in a big rush to upgrade. It's more than sufficient for "talk". But if I was still mainly listening to music, I would've held out longer for the Exec/Dyn or looked to upgrade the stock system right after delivery.

I'm not sure why VW can't offer the Dyn upgrade through the dealership...even at $2k or $2.5k for the Dyn upgrade, they'd sell a ton of 'em vs. folks gambling on random parts working out and not interfering w/ the electric system.

 

[grohgreg]

Bottom line on a $50k vehicle, the sound system is the weakest part of a really otherwise stallar car and most feel VW dropped the ball w/ the base sound.

Concur. I traded a 2006 E-class for this, and was immediately disappointed with the VW audio system. It doesn't hold a candle to the Harmon-Kardon Logic7 system in that 5 year old Mercedes

//greg//

 

[Thermalup]

str3t,
You've pretty much nailed it. I am 46 and listen to lots of talk radio but also like my jazz, occasional pink Floyd, or zeppelin, or whatever...but I won't it to sound "becoming of a 50,000 dollar car and the 2012 Touareg lux fails miserably. It's true that if you turn the volume up half power it's almost painful to listen to and anything past half doesn't produce anymore volume or anything. I like sound that "fills" the cabin with a warm, full sound that covers all sound spectrums, lows, mids, and highs. The lux struggles in accomplishing any of this. I rarely "crank it". I've found that if you have that "full, warm, hi-fidelity" sound, you rarely feel like cranking it up, I appreciate David Gilmours guitar rifts at a more moderate yet all encompassing volume level.
Now the problem has been my aftermarket install. I am finding there isn't a economical fix and I'm also finding it difficult to locate a competent installer. My first installer results have been, popping noise on vehicle start up, engine noise through speakers and loss of function allowing the stereo to play without the car engine running. This is after a amp only install. I've asked them to return everything back to factory specs and I'll go to my next shop after the first shp puts me back to factory. The only thing I can say from the first install is that a amp only install isn't going to satisfy me so I've decided to bite the bullet, open the wallet and commit to two sets of Focal polyglass 165 v30 and a new amp. I'll report progress. If anyone from VW engineering or management is reading this, WTF were you thinking with this stereo?

 

[rasTTa]

What is interesting is in 2010 you could get the Tech Package with Nav which came with an upgraded Audio System and 11 speakers and more powerful amp vs the standard non Nav stereo which featured 8 speakers and less power. Then the Premium Tech package added the Dynaudio. It's too bad that doesn't appear to be the case with the T3's.

I have to admit - the Tech Pac audio in my 2010 is outstanding for a factory radio and I have NEVER said that about any factory stereo in any VAG car i've ever owned. It's as good or better than the Pioneer, 600 watt JL Audio setup in my Cayman.

 

[jasong70]

So what is different about dynaudio in the T3? the head unit is the same....is it an amp and speakers? Any dsp or anything like that? Also, where do the extra speakers live?

 

[justa4banger]

I Didn't miss my plane...it hasn't shown up yet....

 

[rasTTa]

So what is different about dynaudio in the T3? the head unit is the same....is it an amp and speakers? Any dsp or anything like that? Also, where do the extra speakers live?

Here's a description of the T3 Dynaudio system. I have no idea what comes standard.

Dynaudio - Authentic Fidelity

 

[Thermalup]

I'm hopeful I finally have a shop that knows what the hell they're talking about. My advice to anyone out their who's looking to have ANYTHING done to there car, look for recurring training certifications, make sure they're insured and demand photos of the install. The first shop i went to i feel is lacking but I dropped my Treg today at another shop that seems to be more on top of it. I won't pick it up for a couple of days, outta town on a buisness trip. I scored two sets of Focal polyglass 165v30 and a Memphs audio MC4.75 amp. I decided on the Focals because the owner of the shop served 'em up for $360 a pair installed and the amp is 450 installed. They also have a few misc items that make everything work such as a SEOM T, spacers etc. all of this will cost about $1,400. Another shop quoted lesser equipment for $2,700. I'm not sure what the reason is for the killer deal on the Focals but I searched the Internet and the cheapest I saw them for was $489 a pair. That's not installed. I was told that with it being Christmas and the economy being in a slump the owner is just trying to keep his guys working. Anyway, I REALLY hope this works and I'll let you folks know as soon as I get to check out the install. I will also let you know who the shop is, provided they do a professional job. By the way has anyone experienced the Focals or Memphis amp.? Love to here your input