S4 B6 Milltek Resonated vs Non-Resonated

[Ptolemy]

Hallo the PH massive, or I guess really that should be the PH Well Built.

I've just simultaneously scratched that V8 itch while buying my first 'sensible' (it's got 4 doors and it's an estate) family car. I knew beforehand that with the stock exhaust the noise is a bit muted, to say the least. So I'd budgeted for a Milltek exhaust too. The time to make that purchase has arrived.

What I'm here to ask is, which do I want - the Resonated or Non Resonated? To my simple mind 'Resonated' means 'made quiet', so that leaves me thinking there's really no decision to be made. However I'm left with an inkling that there's more to it than that.

I'd like a rumble on idle, I appreciate it's not going to sound like an American Big Block, but I'd like to know it's there, if you see what I mean, but, and perhaps this is the clincher, without annoying my neighbours with something that sounds like 4 cylinder with a drain pipe for an exhaust. Above 3 to 4,000 revs it can go as loud as, I really don't care. I'm not really concerned about 'drone' either on the motorway.

So, I ask you - which is it to be?

Thanks for taking the time.

[billywhizzzzzz]

Mine has the non res - incredible sound that really scratches the v8 itch and makes the mpg worthwhile. For a while I thought I should have gone res, but am really pleased now I didn't. Can be subtle if you're careful, and no one bats an eye lid (including passengers), but can also, in anger sound like a nascar. Go non res...

[billywhizzzzzz]

ps - what spec did you get.. ie model year/mileage...?

[Adrian E]

If its an auto a non-res will drive you nuts with drone on the motorway

If manual it just depends how much of an issue pee-ing off the neighbours might be

Get to an Audi meet and try both if you can but bare in mind you can swap out the relevant section of pipework for relatively sensible money if you don't like your choice

[JohnP68]

I went for resonated. Very nice v8 burble when ticking over, but suitably loud when I open the throttle. All down to personal preference I think, try to hear both types before you decide, if possible.

[Dr G]

I find the drone in a non-res system a bit too much (and I doubt my neighbours would love me for it either). The resonated system is what I usually reccomend, lets you know it's there when you're just bimbling around but still does a very competent blood and thunder when you're on it.

[Digger]

Adrian E said:

If its an auto a non-res will drive you nuts with drone on the motorway

If manual it just depends how much of an issue pee-ing off the neighbours might be

Get to an Audi meet and try both if you can but bare in mind you can swap out the relevant section of pipework for relatively sensible money if you don't like your choice

Which is nearly what i did. In fact i went from Non-Res to Res, back to Non-Res again! Milltek only charged me half price for the Res sections due to my indecision.

[Dr G]

...and it's easy to re-sell the centre section on ebay/forums if you need to. Lots of other people are in the same position.

[Ptolemy]

Thanks to all who responded. I think Res is the way forward for me now, I was concerned I'd be replacing a quiet exhaust with another, but it doesn't sound (no pun intended) like that. Thanks to all who weighed in with an opinion, I'm heartened to learn that this decision won't be irrevocable.