What's the Best Budget Car Audio System?
Audio Intensity What's the Best Budget Car Audio System? Maximum performance per dolla...
Read Article →Rainbow
Matrix Line 16mm Silk Dome Tweeter for AUDI A6
The Rainbow ML-TW16S AD/A6 represents the pinnacle of German automotive audio engineering, specifically designed for the Audi A6. This premium 16mm silk dome tweeter delivers audiophile-grade high-frequency reproduction with a plug-and-play installation that preserves your factory aesthetic. Rainbow Audio's legendary Matrix Line combines decades of precision manufacturing expertise with vehicle-specific integration, offering 1800Hz – 20kHz frequency response and 89 dB sensitivity for natural, fatigue-free sound reproduction.
Unlike universal aftermarket tweeters requiring custom fabrication and wiring modifications, the ML-TW16S AD/A6 integrates seamlessly into factory Audi A6 tweeter locations using OEM-compatible mounting hardware and direct-fit electrical connectors. This handcrafted German speaker transforms factory audio systems with silk dome technology that delivers smooth, detailed highs without harshness or distortion—ideal for audiophiles demanding factory integration and premium sound quality without visible modifications.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Number | ML-TW16S AD/A6 |
| Part Number | 280030 |
| Manufacturer | Rainbow Audio (Germany) |
| Tweeter Size | 16mm (0.63 inch) Silk Dome |
| Peak Power | 40 Watts |
| RMS Power Rating | 20 Watts |
| Sensitivity | 89 dB/W/m |
| Frequency Response | 1800 Hz – 20,000 Hz |
| Impedance | 3.6 Ohm |
| Dome Material | Japanese Silk (Hand-selected) |
| Vehicle Compatibility | Audi A6 (C7: 2012-2018, C8: 2019+) |
| Installation Type | Plug & Play (Factory Location Replacement) |
| Manufacturing | Handcrafted in Germany |
| Warranty | 2 Years Manufacturer Warranty |
| Sale Price | $999.99 USD |
Hand-selected Japanese silk diaphragm delivers smooth, natural high-frequency reproduction with exceptional detail retrieval. Silk material provides superior damping characteristics compared to metal domes, eliminating harshness and ringing for fatigue-free listening during extended drives. The 16mm compact design maintains wide dispersion characteristics essential for automotive soundstage imaging.
Vehicle-specific engineering ensures direct-fit installation into factory Audi A6 tweeter locations without cutting, drilling, or soldering. Includes OEM-compatible mounting brackets and factory electrical connectors for professional-grade integration that preserves resale value. Compatible with C7 (2012-2018) and C8 (2019+) A6 generations.
Handcrafted in Germany by Rainbow Audio artisans with over 35 years of car audio expertise. Each tweeter undergoes rigorous quality control testing to ensure ±1.5 dB frequency response tolerance and long-term reliability. Premium materials and construction techniques guarantee consistent performance in automotive temperature extremes (-40°C to +85°C).
Engineered with 1800 Hz high-pass frequency response for seamless integration with factory Audi mid-range drivers. This carefully selected crossover point ensures smooth tonal transition and eliminates beaming effects common in higher-mounted tweeters. Works optimally with factory amplifiers or aftermarket DSP systems for active tuning flexibility.
89 dB sensitivity rating ensures excellent performance with factory Audi amplifiers (typically 20-30W per channel). Efficient design maintains high output capability even with modest power input, preserving dynamic range and micro-detail retrieval. Compatible with both base audio systems and premium Bang & Olufsen configurations when properly integrated.
Precision-matched 3.6Ω nominal impedance optimizes power transfer efficiency with factory Audi amplifiers designed for 4Ω loads. Low impedance variation across the frequency spectrum ensures stable amplifier loading and prevents thermal protection triggering. Maintains consistent tonal balance across varying volume levels and source material.
C7 Generation (2012-2018): Direct-fit replacement for factory tweeter locations in A-pillar or dashboard positions depending on trim level. Compatible with base audio, Audi Symphony, and Bang & Olufsen systems when using appropriate installation kit.
C8 Generation (2019-2025): Engineered for latest A6 generation with updated dashboard geometry. Maintains plug-and-play compatibility with factory amplifier outputs. Professional installation recommended for Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System integration.
Tools Needed: Plastic trim removal tools, T20 Torx screwdriver, electrical contact cleaner, foam tape (included).
Installation Time: 45-60 minutes for experienced DIY installers. Professional installation recommended for customers without prior automotive audio experience to ensure proper polarity and mounting security.
Factory Amplifiers: Designed for 20W RMS output typical of Audi factory amplifiers. Works with base audio, Audi Symphony, and Bang & Olufsen systems. Verify power output compatibility before installation to prevent overdriving.
Aftermarket Amplifiers: Compatible with aftermarket DSP amplifiers up to 40W peak power. Recommended crossover: 1800Hz high-pass, 12dB/octave slope for optimal frequency integration with mid-range drivers.
Package Contents: (1) Rainbow ML-TW16S AD/A6 Tweeter, OEM-compatible mounting bracket, factory electrical connector, adhesive foam tape, installation manual with vehicle-specific diagrams, 2-year manufacturer warranty card.
Silk dome delivers smooth, natural high frequencies with exceptional detail retrieval and zero listening fatigue. Ideal for acoustic, jazz, classical, and vocal-focused genres.
16mm compact size and wide dispersion characteristics create precise stereo imaging with natural instrument placement. Optimal for front-stage audio system configurations.
89 dB sensitivity ensures high output capability even with factory amplifier power. Maintains dynamic range and micro-detail retrieval at all volume levels.
Plug-and-play design with OEM connectors enables DIY installation in under 1 hour. No cutting, drilling, or soldering required for factory integration.
Automotive-grade materials withstand -40°C to +85°C temperature extremes. German manufacturing quality ensures 10+ years of reliable performance.
1800Hz – 20kHz response captures complete high-frequency spectrum with natural roll-off. Seamlessly integrates with factory mid-range drivers for coherent sound reproduction.
Audi A6 Owners Seeking Factory-Invisible Upgrades: Customers demanding premium sound quality without visible modifications or dashboard alterations.
Audiophiles Prioritizing Sound Quality: Listeners who value smooth, natural high-frequency reproduction over artificial brightness or exaggerated treble.
Professional Installation Customers: Buyers willing to invest in proper installation and system tuning for optimal performance.
German Engineering Enthusiasts: Customers appreciating handcrafted quality and precision manufacturing heritage.
Non-Audi A6 Vehicles: This model is exclusively engineered for Audi A6. Owners of other vehicles should explore universal or vehicle-specific alternatives.
Budget-Conscious Buyers (<$500 Budget): $999.99 premium pricing reflects German engineering and vehicle-specific design. Universal tweeters offer lower-cost alternatives.
SPL/Competition Applications: 20W RMS power rating is optimized for sound quality, not maximum volume. High-SPL enthusiasts should consider higher-power alternatives.
DIY Novices Without Automotive Experience: Dashboard panel removal requires trim tool proficiency. Professional installation recommended for first-time installers.
Price: $999.99
Integration: Plug & Play (Audi A6 Specific)
Installation Time: 45-60 minutes
Sound Quality: Audiophile-Grade Silk Dome
Aesthetic: Factory-Invisible
Warranty: 2 Years
Price: $100-$400
Integration: Custom Fabrication Required
Installation Time: 3-5 hours (wiring/mounting)
Sound Quality: Varies by Brand
Aesthetic: Visible Modifications
Warranty: 1 Year (Typical)
Analysis: The Rainbow ML-TW16S AD/A6 commands a $600-$900 premium over universal alternatives, justified by plug-and-play Audi A6 integration, German handcrafted quality, and factory-invisible installation. Universal tweeters require custom mounting, wiring fabrication, and dashboard modifications—increasing installation complexity by 4-6 hours. For Audi A6 owners prioritizing OEM aesthetic preservation and professional-grade sound quality, the ML-TW16S delivers unmatched value. Budget-conscious buyers may accept universal alternatives' installation complexity and visible modifications for cost savings.
A: Yes, the ML-TW16S AD/A6 is compatible with all C7 Audi A6 models (2012-2018), including base audio, Audi Symphony, and Bang & Olufsen systems. Factory amplifier power (typically 20-30W) is sufficient for optimal performance. Verify tweeter mounting location in your specific trim level before purchase.
A: The plug-and-play design enables DIY installation for customers with automotive trim removal experience. You'll need plastic pry tools, T20 Torx screwdriver, and 45-60 minutes. However, professional installation ($150-$250) is recommended to prevent dashboard trim damage and ensure proper electrical polarity verification.
A: Silk domes deliver smoother, more natural high frequencies with superior damping characteristics that eliminate harshness and ringing common in metal domes. Factory metal tweeters often exhibit artificial brightness and listener fatigue during extended drives. Rainbow's Japanese silk material provides exceptional detail retrieval without treble fatigue—ideal for audiophile listening.
A: Yes, the ML-TW16S integrates excellently with aftermarket DSP amplifiers for active tuning. Recommended settings: 1800Hz high-pass crossover, 12dB/octave slope. Maximum 40W peak power input. DSP time-alignment and EQ optimization unlock full audiophile potential. Professional tuning recommended for best results.
A: Rainbow's German manufacturing quality ensures 10+ years of reliable performance under normal operating conditions. Automotive-grade materials withstand temperature extremes (-40°C to +85°C) and humidity variations. The 2-year manufacturer warranty covers defects; proper installation and power management prevent premature failure.
A: Yes, installation is completely reversible. Retain factory tweeters and mounting hardware for future reinstallation. The plug-and-play design leaves no permanent modifications to dashboard or electrical system. Reinstallation takes approximately 30 minutes. Document upgrade with photos for resale transparency.
Experience the legendary Rainbow Audio sound signature with plug-and-play simplicity engineered specifically for your Audi A6. Handcrafted in Germany with premium Japanese silk dome technology for audiophile-grade high-frequency reproduction.
Manufactured in Germany • Part No. 280030 • Compatible with Audi A6