fraserbottomley
Member
Hi Guys,
Managed to complete my new audio install last weekend so thought I'd post up a quick review!
I went for the following to replace the standard six speaker system...
SPL Dynamics SD-6.2 components
JBL GTO 75.2 amp (2 x 100w rms)
Silent coat sound deadening
DICE Mediabridge iPod/Bluetooth system
I started off by installing an amplifier output adaptor from newministuff (designed for the mini but works on the Z4 also) - This gives a set of phono output cables and a remote turn on lead for the amplifier. The old speakers (and associated trim) were removed and the footwell area was then sound deadened and sealed up using the silent coat deadening. The new components went in the stock footwell and tweeter locations, with the woofers mounted on MDF baffles for extra rigidity, and sealed up with some silicone around the base of the baffle (the silicone sealing was done 24hrs before the speakers were installed as the fumes can damage the speaker's voice coil.). The amp went in the boot under the floor panel, and the wiring all hidden away neatly.
The system sounds significantly better than stock. Much better sound quality with excellent bass response (the SPL dynamics components are known for being very bassy - they're highly regarded over on TalkAudio and only £80!) and, with the amp gains set correctly, no distortion at high volumes. I'm thinking about sticking a pair of 6.5" subs in the cubby's behind the seat for some extra grunt low down, this would allow me to take the crossover up to 80ish Hz for the front components aswell which might even bring a further increase in sound quality (not that it's needed). To be honest though the front components alone are bassy enough - the punch from them can be felt quite significantly in your chest
The DICE Mediabridge is also rather good, full iPod control through the stock headunit, it shows ID3 tags on the screen, no lag, bluetooth works well etc. - I was very impressed for £180.
For anybody thinking about an upgrade I'd highly reccomend the kit I've used, take the time to add some sound deadening etc and I very much doubt you'll be dissapointed.
I was in abit of a rush when installing so didn't bother grabbing any photo's (unless you want some pics of the amp in the boot, and speakers behind the grills), but If anybody wants any advice about a new system install I'd be glad to help
.
Cheers.
Managed to complete my new audio install last weekend so thought I'd post up a quick review!
I went for the following to replace the standard six speaker system...
SPL Dynamics SD-6.2 components
JBL GTO 75.2 amp (2 x 100w rms)
Silent coat sound deadening
DICE Mediabridge iPod/Bluetooth system
I started off by installing an amplifier output adaptor from newministuff (designed for the mini but works on the Z4 also) - This gives a set of phono output cables and a remote turn on lead for the amplifier. The old speakers (and associated trim) were removed and the footwell area was then sound deadened and sealed up using the silent coat deadening. The new components went in the stock footwell and tweeter locations, with the woofers mounted on MDF baffles for extra rigidity, and sealed up with some silicone around the base of the baffle (the silicone sealing was done 24hrs before the speakers were installed as the fumes can damage the speaker's voice coil.). The amp went in the boot under the floor panel, and the wiring all hidden away neatly.
The system sounds significantly better than stock. Much better sound quality with excellent bass response (the SPL dynamics components are known for being very bassy - they're highly regarded over on TalkAudio and only £80!) and, with the amp gains set correctly, no distortion at high volumes. I'm thinking about sticking a pair of 6.5" subs in the cubby's behind the seat for some extra grunt low down, this would allow me to take the crossover up to 80ish Hz for the front components aswell which might even bring a further increase in sound quality (not that it's needed). To be honest though the front components alone are bassy enough - the punch from them can be felt quite significantly in your chest
The DICE Mediabridge is also rather good, full iPod control through the stock headunit, it shows ID3 tags on the screen, no lag, bluetooth works well etc. - I was very impressed for £180.
For anybody thinking about an upgrade I'd highly reccomend the kit I've used, take the time to add some sound deadening etc and I very much doubt you'll be dissapointed.
I was in abit of a rush when installing so didn't bother grabbing any photo's (unless you want some pics of the amp in the boot, and speakers behind the grills), but If anybody wants any advice about a new system install I'd be glad to help
.Cheers.
, however I do love music and like a nice quality system. I use the boot quite abit though so need the space, and quite like to keep everything looking stock these days 
.