Best Audio Upgrade?

[sbottum622]

What are your guys' experiences with aftermarket speaker options?

The standard ones are decent, but could be better.

Best options?

As a side note, because it doesn't need another thread, is there a guide somewhere on here about painting caliper covers?

 

[Cavey1638]

Hi,

I have gone for an Alpine head unit, Hertz amp and hertz component 3 way speakers. The bass unit fits in both foot wells, the mid range fit in the doors and the tweeters with a little work will go in the A posts as the originals. I also have a pair of 3 ways behind the seats and a sub in the boot. (Removable)

The sound is 500% better than the BMW stock stuff.

The Hertz amp powers the components in the doors and the sub whilst the head unit powers the speakers behind the seats.


Regards

Cavey

 

[Fast3000]

That's one nice setup! @Cavey did you do it yourself?

 

[Disca]

+1 to the above. Would love to do this to mine, but would end up paying to have it done as am useless with anything to do with car modification

Not sure if I would like the non-OEM headunit though..

 

[NeilP]

Personally I'd recommend a 2 way set-up and dump a lot of power through them if you're going for an aftermarket set and would just leave the rear speakers as they are.

However, given that the oem drivers aren't as bad as some out there, you might even find just opting for an aftermarket amp be sufficient for your needs.

Hertz/Audison are a little dearer over on your side of the pond.

JL Audio's XD line of amplifiers would work well for your application (and are designed and engineered in the US!)

But it all starts of with how much are you willing to spend...

 

[Cavey1638]

Hi All,

I have to say that NeilP is right in relation to the JL Audio equipment but in the end you get what you pay for. I dissagree re the two way set up. The car lends itself very well for a three way system. I listened to numerous speakers and subs before settling for the Hertz 3 way components. The car was easy to engineer for the woofers of the 3 ways. I wanted seperate squawkers fitted in the original door positions and to utilise the A post tweeters position also.

The amp powers the front 3 ways and the sub in the boot whilst the head unit powers the 3 ways fitted behind the seats.

I do agree with NeilP in that the speakers behind the seats are not that necessary as the bass extension and clarity from the front components is good. The fronts give plenty of power and are excellent.

The sub was another issue being in a soft top. I lent 4 enclosures before finally deciding on a 12 inch Hertz.

The head unit has two custom settings for hood up and down.

The system was set up with slight audio delay on the drivers side.

Having now had this for 6+ months I am really pleased and would recommend to anyone. The speakers are expensive but well worth it.

Regards

Cavey

Forgot to mention the kit was installed in Sheffield. Not sure what Forum rule are on naming businesses so if you want to know PM me.

 

[goon]

Hi,

I have gone for an Alpine head unit, Hertz amp and hertz component 3 way speakers. The bass unit fits in both foot wells, the mid range fit in the doors and the tweeters with a little work will go in the A posts as the originals. I also have a pair of 3 ways behind the seats and a sub in the boot. (Removable)

The sound is 500% better than the BMW stock stuff.

The Hertz amp powers the components in the doors and the sub whilst the head unit powers the speakers behind the seats.


Regards

Cavey

What facia adaptor is that it looks so much better than mine?

 

[Cavey1638]

Goon,

The front plate was from Source Audio Sheffield.

Regards

Cavey

 

[sbottum622]

That actually looks pretty good!

What head units should I be looking at in terms of keeping the face of the radio looking somewhat normal.

 

[NeilP]

That actually looks pretty good!

What head units should I be looking at in terms of keeping the face of the radio looking somewhat normal.

It depends on what you're trying to achieve.

If you're after a little more oomph then consider just swapping out the factory amp for an aftermarket one.

If you've a little more to spend, a processor such as an audison bit ten/tenD/one, rockford's 3.sixty.3 will allow you to really gain control of your system, all whilst the appearance of a completely untouched interior.

 

[Cavey1638]

The latest is Audisons Bit Play - This is my next aquisition if possible. Solid state HD. Also plays vertually any sampling rate so you can use music from places like HD Tracks, FLAC files etc. This unit I believe uses Blue Tooth to upload. Available with both Android and OIS software although the installer I use (Source Sounds Sheffield) state the Android interface is better.

No more connecting ipods and rubbish badly compressed files. Also the Bit Play can take up to a 2TB SSHD. Cost.... I bet silly money at present!

Regards

Cavey