Hey guys, it's been a while since I last posted on this forum hoping to get a little clarity on upgrading my stereo. 5 Years into owning this car I still love it as much as the day I got it but after 5 years the speakers are showing their age. I've done stereo installs before, last was on my B6 S4 but that was 7 years ago, and at the time I removed the factory radio for an aftermarket Kenwood, it' was a pretty straightforward install. I want to keep the factory look this time around and the RCD-330 offers that as well as get rid of the sh*t nav of the RNS-315 (I already find myself using google/or apple maps more than what the RNS-315 offers)Below is a break down of my current stock setup and where I am looking to go.
Current Stock Setup
2013 GTI - 2-Door (non-dynaudio)
RNS-315 Headunit
New System
RCD-330
Rockford Fosgate T16s (front & back)
5 - Channel Amp (Manufacturer TBD)
Line-out Converter (unsure if the LC7i is necessary here)
I listen to a wide range of music, everything from metal/rock, and rap to House, Jazz, and Classical. But I'd definitely say my taste for higher-end audio quality has increased over the years. I understand that the Fosgate T16s have a tendance to produce great mids and highs and not enough bass but I am going to hold off on adding a sub unless I feel like it's necessary after I power the T16s. I like bass but I don't need a massive bottom end, and I feel like for how small the interior of our cars is that powered speakers and a sub may be overkill.
My question revolves around the proper line-out converter setup. Because I don't have a factory amp, is it really necessary to go with the LC7i or would I be fine running a basic 4-Channel line-out converter behind the RCD-330 and running 9-wire back to the amp? Or does the RCD-330 separate the signal enough that summing the LC7i does is a necessary part of using the RCD-330? I am trying to avoid running new speaker wire, but depending on what speakers I end up with if their RMS is 100 or above I'll run new 16 gauge wire.
Additionally, if I do have to go the route of using the LC7i will that signal processing mess with the external crossovers of the T16s, or I am I just plain wrong on that assumption?
On the speaker front, is anyone else running the Fosgate T16s, if not why, and what would you recommend, again I know I am going to picky about the sound. I am ok spending between $400-$600 on the speakers but a great case to be made for me to drop $600 on speakers alone. Also, if anyone is running T16s that are properly powered let me know if you think adding a sub is necessary, if not I'll just go with a smaller 4-channel amp.
I've also looked into these speakers
Kenwood Excelon XR-1700P
Polk Audio DB 6502
Kicker 44KSS6504 (no experience with Kicker, not sure how they match up)
Memphis Audio PRX50C (no experience with Memphis either)
Thanks for your help guys!
Current Stock Setup
2013 GTI - 2-Door (non-dynaudio)
RNS-315 Headunit
New System
RCD-330
Rockford Fosgate T16s (front & back)
5 - Channel Amp (Manufacturer TBD)
Line-out Converter (unsure if the LC7i is necessary here)
I listen to a wide range of music, everything from metal/rock, and rap to House, Jazz, and Classical. But I'd definitely say my taste for higher-end audio quality has increased over the years. I understand that the Fosgate T16s have a tendance to produce great mids and highs and not enough bass but I am going to hold off on adding a sub unless I feel like it's necessary after I power the T16s. I like bass but I don't need a massive bottom end, and I feel like for how small the interior of our cars is that powered speakers and a sub may be overkill.
My question revolves around the proper line-out converter setup. Because I don't have a factory amp, is it really necessary to go with the LC7i or would I be fine running a basic 4-Channel line-out converter behind the RCD-330 and running 9-wire back to the amp? Or does the RCD-330 separate the signal enough that summing the LC7i does is a necessary part of using the RCD-330? I am trying to avoid running new speaker wire, but depending on what speakers I end up with if their RMS is 100 or above I'll run new 16 gauge wire.
Additionally, if I do have to go the route of using the LC7i will that signal processing mess with the external crossovers of the T16s, or I am I just plain wrong on that assumption?
On the speaker front, is anyone else running the Fosgate T16s, if not why, and what would you recommend, again I know I am going to picky about the sound. I am ok spending between $400-$600 on the speakers but a great case to be made for me to drop $600 on speakers alone. Also, if anyone is running T16s that are properly powered let me know if you think adding a sub is necessary, if not I'll just go with a smaller 4-channel amp.
I've also looked into these speakers
Kenwood Excelon XR-1700P
Polk Audio DB 6502
Kicker 44KSS6504 (no experience with Kicker, not sure how they match up)
Memphis Audio PRX50C (no experience with Memphis either)
Thanks for your help guys!