It doesn't always have to be immense effort, as this manageable installation in the Audi A5 proves. ACR Osnabrück has installed the new Monolith components from Emphaser, and we're taking a look at that now.
The Audi A5 is a classic daily-driver, a vehicle that is used for the way to work and for everyday trips. Of course, this does not preclude making enormous efforts with the audio system. Nevertheless, in the case of a leased vehicle, or if you only drive the car for a few years, it makes sense to aim for a hi-fi solution that remains comprehensible. This is also the case here, even though the vehicle owner is virtually sitting at the source. Maik Neumann is a man of conviction and has worked at installation specialist ACR Osnabrück for no less than eleven years. This is impressive in that Maik is not even that old. He started at ACR Osnabrück when he was 16, so first he mastered the technology and then he got his driver's license. So it would have been easy to install lots of car entertainment for thousands of euros in the Audi. But that was not the point. The system should be one that makes you go "Oh!" when you get into the car, but doesn't make you fall out again when you hear the price.
Two amplifiers, speaker systems for front and rear and a small subwoofer are installed. That's all it takes to be happy. Thus, we are dealing with rather few components, but the quality is good. Modern amplifier technology makes its entrance with Emphaser's EA-M4X, whereby the "X" is already the top model of the new Monolith series. Here, at least for the front system, the little sister M4 could be used without tragic sound losses. Of course, both work according to Class-D and deliver more than enough power, in the case of the M4X there are 230 watts per channel, which is more than enough for a composite system.
The front and rear combo systems are identical, they are the ECP-M6 sets of 16, which, like the amplifiers, have already proven themselves in our test. The special feature are the separate crossovers for each individual speaker, which allow bi-amping operation. So, on the first EA-M4X, the front tweeters are on two channels and the front woofers are on the other pair of channels. Each driver is powered by its own crossover, which offers the advantage of being able to influence the sound by making individual adjustments to the passive crossover and power amplifier. The subwoofer from Emphaser's Monolith series is called EBR-M8DX and is still so fresh that we even had a pre-production sample in the car. It is a nobly made cabinet subwoofer that is "only" equipped with an eight-inch chassis, but it has it all. Emphaser attaches importance to the low tuning, we will find out.
Installation
The Audi system is basically installed in a fairly straightforward manner. The front and rear systems use the original installation locations. The tweeters were not installed in the A-pillars in the interest of an inconspicuous appearance, as is common nowadays. However, straightforward installation does not mean shirt-sleeved; even components with a manageable price tag are worth careful installation. That's why the doors are also more than adequately insulated. Several layers of Alubutyl make them acoustically dead, allowing the speakers to perform at their best. Most of the technology is located in the trunk, where the electronics find room under the cover of the double floor. To get the look right, the crossover housings and the power amplifiers are mounted so that their top edges are at the same height. Thus, the trunk floor, together with the suitably made trim, results in a perfect level. What's missing is the subwoofer, which is presented as an eye-catcher in the middle of the trunk. It sits on a small pedestal, which also compensates for the floor sloping upwards towards the rear seat.
Soundcheck
During the listening test, it becomes clear that this system is fun with any kind of music. And fun is written very, very large. The door speakers hammer out hard-hitting bass when needed, fluttering trouser legs are the rule here. It sounds extremely impulsive at all times and also super crisp in detail. Crisp highs provide the listener with plenty of detailed information, it plays damn well. And you also get along great with the spatiality "according to old fathers' custom". The reason is that the music comes off the speakers quite wonderfully, the singers don't "stick" in the speakers and there is a generous feeling of space. Furthermore, one can attest the system truly universal qualities. It also works without hammering basses, for example when Eric Clapton and JJ Cale pick up their guitars live. Perhaps the most impressive feature, however, is the subwoofer. It blends in well with the sound without humming from behind. Moreover, it delivers enough volume for a very cultivated music enjoyment. What we wouldn't have expected, however, is the enormous low bass, with which the only 20 centimeter bass driver spoils the listeners. In the Audi, the sub delivers a clean level down to the low bass, which is a pure joy. With Yello's snappily recorded electronics, the typical grin on the faces that is so characteristic for good sound spreads again.
Conclusion
With a clean, straightforward installation, ACR Osnabrück shows that they can conjure up a good system in the car without insane effort. This is fun and is hereby recommended for imitation!
