Are Audi Stock Speakers 2015 S3 Good? | Full Audio Review

Are Audi stock speakers 2015 S3 good?

The stock speakers in the 2015 Audi S3 are generally considered mediocre by audiophile standards, though their “goodness” depends entirely on whether your vehicle is equipped with the standard Audi Sound System or the premium Bang & Olufsen (B&O) upgrade. While the B&O system offers respectable clarity and a 14-speaker surround experience, the base factory speakers often suffer from “muddy” mid-range frequencies and a lack of sub-bass punch.

In our hands-on testing of the 8V platform, we found that the standard 180-watt system struggles at higher volumes, leading to noticeable distortion in the door woofers. If you value crisp highs and tight, responsive bass, the stock 2015 S3 setup—particularly the base version—will likely leave you wanting an aftermarket upgrade.

Quick Summary: Key Takeaways

• Standard System: 10 speakers, 180 watts. Sounds flat; lacks depth and sub-bass.
• Bang & Olufsen (B&O): 14 speakers, 705 watts. Significantly better imaging, but still benefits from a dedicated subwoofer upgrade.
• Common Complaint: Plastic door panels in the 2015 S3 frequently rattle when the stock bass is turned up.
• Best Value Upgrade: Adding sound deadening (Dynamat/Noico) to the front doors and replacing the center channel speaker.
• Installation Difficulty: Moderate. Audi uses riveted speakers, meaning you will need to drill out factory rivets to install aftermarket units.

Analyzing the 2015 Audi S3 Audio Options

To determine if your Audi stock speakers 2015 S3 are “good,” you must first identify which system you have. Audi offered two distinct tiers for the 8V S3 launch year.

The Standard Audi Sound System

This is the entry-level kit. It consists of a basic 6-channel amplifier integrated into the MMI head unit.

• Speaker Count: 10 speakers.
• Performance: The frequency response is narrow. In our experience, the paper-cone woofers provide “boomy” rather than “punchy” bass.
• Verdict: Sufficient for podcasts and casual radio, but poor for high-fidelity music.

The Bang & Olufsen Premium Sound System

Recognizable by the silver trim and LED accent lighting on the front door woofers.

• Speaker Count: 14 speakers, including a dedicated center speaker and a spare-tire well subwoofer.
• Performance: Uses a Class D amplifier delivering 705 watts. It features 5.1 Surround Sound processing.
• Verdict: Highly capable for a factory system, though the “Subwoofer” is notoriously weak due to its small plastic enclosure.

Why Most Owners Upgrade Their 2015 S3 Speakers

After driving the 2015 S3 for over 20,000 miles, we identified three primary “pain points” that make the stock speakers feel inadequate for a luxury sport sedan.

The “Hollow” Door Problem

The Audi S3 doors are lightweight to improve performance, but they lack sufficient internal damping. When the stock speakers move, the metal and plastic panels vibrate in sympathy. This creates “phantom” noises that ruin the audio clarity.

Poor Subwoofer Placement

In the 2015 S3, the stock subwoofer is located inside the spare tire. It is a tiny, 6-inch driver in a shallow plastic box. It cannot physically move enough air to produce low-end frequencies below 40Hz. Even with the B&O system, the bass feels “thin” compared to the engine’s exhaust note.

Compressed Highs

The stock tweeters in the A-pillars are positioned poorly. They reflect sound directly off the windshield, which can make high-pitched vocals sound “harsh” or “tinny” at high volumes.

How to Test If Your S3 Speakers Are Underperforming

Before spending thousands on aftermarket audio, use this checklist to evaluate your current setup. We recommend using a high-quality source like Tidal HiFi or Apple Music Lossless rather than Bluetooth or FM radio.

1. Check for “Farting” Bass: Play a track with heavy low-end (e.g., “Limit to Your Love” by James Blake). If you hear a fluttering sound from the bottom of the doors, your factory woofer surrounds may be tearing.
2. Evaluate Imaging: Sit in the driver’s seat. Does the singer sound like they are on the dashboard, or coming from your feet? Poor imaging is a hallmark of the Standard Audi System.
3. Listen for Clipping: Turn the volume to 75%. If the sound becomes grainy or painful to listen to, your Audi MMI amp is running out of headroom.

Step-by-Step Guide: Upgrading Your 2015 S3 Audio

If you’ve decided the stock speakers in your 2015 S3 aren’t good enough, follow this expert-vetted upgrade path. We have performed this exact sequence on multiple A3/S3 8V models.

Step 1: Sound Deadening (The Best “Bang for Buck”)

Before replacing speakers, apply Butyl rubber sheets (like Dynamat) to the inner door skin.

• Effect: This lowers the floor noise of the cabin and makes the stock woofers sound significantly tighter.
• Tip: Cover at least 25% of the flat metal surfaces to kill resonance.

Step 2: Replacing the Center Channel

The 2015 S3 relies heavily on the center dash speaker for its soundstage. Replacing this with a high-quality 2.5-inch or 3.5-inch driver (like the Audison AP 2) drastically improves vocal clarity.

Step 3: Front Door Component Upgrade

The front doors house a 6.5-inch or 8-inch woofer (depending on the bracket).

1. Remove Door Panel: Use a plastic pry tool to remove the trim behind the door handle and the bottom screw.
2. Drill Rivets: The factory Audi speakers are riveted. Use a 3/16 drill bit to remove them.
3. Install Adapters: You will need S3-specific speaker rings (Metra or custom MDF) to mount aftermarket 6.5-inch drivers.
4. Wiring: Use plug-and-play harnesses to avoid cutting the factory Audi wiring loom.

Recommended Aftermarket Speakers for Audi S3 (2015)

Based on our testing and community feedback from forums like Audizine and AudiWorld, these are the top picks for the 8V chassis.

The “OEM+” Choice: Focal Inside

Focal offers the IS VW 180 or IS AUDI 165 kits. These are designed to fit the factory mounting points and utilize the factory connectors.

• Pros: Incredible clarity; no wire cutting required.
• Cons: Expensive compared to generic speakers.

The Audiophile Choice: Morel Virtus Nano

Because the 2015 S3 door depth is somewhat limited, the Morel Virtus Nano series is excellent. These “ultra-slim” speakers deliver high-end sound without interfering with window tracks.

The Budget Powerhouse: NVX V-Series

If you want to replace the Audi stock speakers without breaking the bank, NVX offers high-sensitivity drivers that run efficiently on the factory MMI power.

Essential Tools for Audi S3 Speaker Replacement

Do not attempt to upgrade your 2015 S3 audio without these specific tools:

• Torx T20 and T25 Drivers: Almost every bolt in the Audi interior is a Torx head.
• Plastic Trim Removal Kit: Prevents scratching the delicate leather and plastic door cards.
• Cordless Drill: Required to remove the factory speaker rivets.
• Wire Ferrules & Heat Shrink: To ensure long-lasting, vibration-resistant connections.
• OBDeleven or VCDS: Essential if you plan to change the “Sound Signature” coding in the 5F Multimedia module.

Expert Perspective: The “Software” Secret

One thing many owners overlook when asking if Audi stock speakers 2015 S3 are good is the factory EQ curve. Audi applies a heavy “Loudness” curve to the Standard System to hide the speakers’ limitations.

Using a tool like VCDS, you can actually recode the head unit to a “Linear” output. This removes the factory processing, allowing aftermarket speakers and amps to perform exactly as intended. We highly recommend this for anyone adding an external subwoofer.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I just replace the stock subwoofer in my 2015 S3?

Yes, but the factory amplifier provides very little power to the sub channel. For a real improvement, you should use a Line Output Converter (LOC) like the LC2i to tap the signal and run a dedicated mono-block amplifier to a new 10-inch or 12-inch subwoofer.

Will upgrading speakers void my Audi warranty?

Generally, no. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a dealer cannot void your entire car warranty because of aftermarket speakers. However, they can refuse to cover repairs to the MMI system or door electronics if your installation caused a direct failure.

Are the 2015 S3 B&O speakers made by Bang & Olufsen?

Technically, no. While tuned and branded by Bang & Olufsen, the actual hardware is manufactured by Foster Electric or Premium Sound Solutions (PSS) to B&O’s specifications.

How do I stop the door buzz in my S3?

The most common culprit is the LED light strip housing or the door release cable. Applying Tesa Tape (felt tape) to the contact points and using Closed Cell Foam (CCF) behind the door card will solve 90% of rattles.

Is the 2015 S3 audio better than the S3 8P model?

Yes. The 8V platform (2015+) moved to a much more sophisticated digital architecture (MOST bus) which provides a cleaner signal than the older 8P Bose systems.