Sound System Improvement Stage One

Originally Posted by Evlengr

Although I have covered this "ad nauseum" here we go again.

First as the original post says. Change the speaker. Agreed the originals are completely garbage and are worse than entry level Ford vehicles. The Alpine sps-400 fits perfectly, Boston Acoustic S45, and some of the Infinity Kappa reference series.

Buy an interface module like this: http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...-Gray-LC6.html

You can keep the mid subs under the seat and just add power and tune the xover.

Add a low profile 10" sub in a closed cabinet.

The subs under the seats are 2 ohm.

Here's where I would start.

Speakers first, then see what you think. If not enough then continue with processor and amps, and finally 10" sub.

Pm me for more details.

Hi Evlengr,

Thanks for the response, but did you read my entire post?!
I'm not really wanting to settle for a basic speaker upgrade with rubbish Alpine coaxials! I would've left the standard head unit in - if I just wanted that!
I don't want a LOC, as I have already fitted an Alpine CDA-117E.
I also have an RE Audio XT1600.4 amp - already installed!
I don't want a low profile 10" sub, as I already have a high quality Rainbow Hammer in a 0.5 cu ft sealed enclosure - with a tuning close to the ideal Q of 0.7.
I'm aware I can keep the under-seat woofers, I am after advice on how people have integrated/ wired them with a 2 way split speaker upgrade up front.
Also curious how difficult it is to run new cables into the front doors!?

Daz.

Hi Evlengr,

Thanks for the response, but did you read my entire post?!
I'm not really wanting to settle for a basic speaker upgrade with rubbish Alpine coaxials! I would've left the standard head unit in - if I just wanted that!
I don't want a LOC, as I have already fitted an Alpine CDA-117E.
I also have an RE Audio XT1600.4 amp - already installed!
I don't want a low profile 10" sub, as I already have a high quality Rainbow Hammer in a 0.5 cu ft sealed enclosure - with a tuning close to the ideal Q of 0.7.
I'm aware I can keep the under-seat woofers, I am after advice on how people have integrated/ wired them with a 2 way split speaker upgrade up front.
Also curious how difficult it is to run new cables into the front doors!?

Daz.

Originally Posted by deafwish

Hi Evlengr,

Thanks for the response, but did you read my entire post?!
I'm not really wanting to settle for a basic speaker upgrade with rubbish Alpine coaxials! I would've left the standard head unit in - if I just wanted that!
I don't want a LOC, as I have already fitted an Alpine CDA-117E.
I also have an RE Audio XT1600.4 amp - already installed!
I don't want a low profile 10" sub, as I already have a high quality Rainbow Hammer in a 0.5 cu ft sealed enclosure - with a tuning close to the ideal Q of 0.7.
I'm aware I can keep the under-seat woofers, I am after advice on how people have integrated/ wired them with a 2 way split speaker upgrade up front.
Also curious how difficult it is to run new cables into the front doors!?

Daz.

First off, no need to run new cables into the doors. All the talk of zero oxygen cables and such is rubbish. And unless you plan on running cables 50 ft or more there is no benefit offered running expensive cable as the resistive load change is barely measurable at .001.

If you are looking for some real high grade speakers get the low profile MB Quartz or Focals.

Actually run a 3 way xover, but most people have no idea what I am talking about when I go there.

I ran:

20-180 Hz on sub my sub is set for .74 cu/f closed
200- 800 HZ on mid sub
800-20kHz on full range

The real pain was running a proper cable from H/U to the back. I used twisted pair on everything to avoid inductive coupling and everything is grounded to a 1 inch copper strap in back to avoid motor humm (there is none).

That help?

Some help, thanks!
Is both the 4" midrange and 8" under-seat woofer a 100% fullrange or is there an in-line capacitors to filter some frequencies?
I somehow doubt that BMW would have a full range frequency going to the 4" door mids?!
If there is a cap of some sort on the 4" mid's wiring, running a pre-filtered signal to the 2 way split's input would create a serious compromise to their performance!
p.s. The underseat woofers are 4 ohm - not 2 ohm.

Originally Posted by deafwish

Some help, thanks!
Is both the 4" midrange and 8" under-seat woofer a 100% fullrange or is there an in-line capacitors to filter some frequencies?
I somehow doubt that BMW would have a full range frequency going to the 4" door mids?!
If there is a cap of some sort on the 4" mid's wiring, running a pre-filtered signal to the 2 way split's input would create a serious compromise to their performance!
p.s. The underseat woofers are 4 ohm - not 2 ohm.

Weird, mine are 2 ohms I measured them in the shop and even says 2 ohms on them. Maybe a different set up because of EU?

I essentially by passed all things BMW except the speaker wires. I measured them with a fluke meter that gave both resistance and length. I then took a high end monster cable of equal length and measure resistive load. No difference.

The xover I used was home brew to give control on band pass. I took a xover from an old threeway speaker and put potentiometers to give adjustment control.

Some great news though. Focal has finally put out a nice set of 4" 100 mm that should fit based on depth and other measurements. The two I checked out ran $180 and $250 US dollars. Think I may go for a set and see how they work out.

I'll let you know. It will probably be about two weeks before Install them.

I'm thinking we do have country specific components!
Your small gague speaker cable will show little resistance with no load on it.
Put 100Wrms through it & it will fail dismally - compared to the larger gague Monster Cable.
I have just bought some Hertz Energy components (ET20 tweeters & EM100 mid's) along with a custom made crossover.
I'll put up some install pic's when they arrive.

Originally Posted by deafwish

I'm thinking we do have country specific components!
Your small gague speaker cable will show little resistance with no load on it.
Put 100Wrms through it & it will fail dismally - compared to the larger gague Monster Cable.
I have just bought some Hertz Energy components (ET20 tweeters & EM100 mid's) along with a custom made crossover.
I'll put up some install pic's when they arrive.

Should have been more specific. That was tested with a 1kHZ from a frequency counter at 30 watts.

Chances are I will never see anything above 50 watts so no point in the added work.

Fair call & no need to upgrade it, then!
Cheers for the advice, mate.

Originally Posted by deafwish

Fair call & no need to upgrade it, then!
Cheers for the advice, mate.

Not familiar with the items you mentioned.

Always interested in new toys. Can you link them?

And if you plan on running that hot and have the time, sure why not upgrade the wiring

Had a crossover modified from a Focal 2 way split system to accommodate these:

Hertz ET20 Tetolon soft dome tweeter & Hertz EM100 neo magnet with V Cone (search under 'Energy' and then 'Comp'):
http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com/default_en.htm
I never really like the sound of Focal's gear & I attribute it to their harsh metallic tweeters.
Up loud, I reckon they fatigue your ears - but sound is always a personal thing...
Keen to see how the Hertz gear sounds, once installed!

Originally Posted by deafwish

Had a crossover modified from a Focal 2 way split system to accommodate these:

Hertz ET20 Tetolon soft dome tweeter & Hertz EM100 neo magnet with V Cone (search under 'Energy' and then 'Comp'):
http://www.hertzaudiovideo.com/default_en.htm
I never really like the sound of Focal's gear & I attribute it to their harsh metallic tweeters.
Up loud, I reckon they fatigue your ears - but sound is always a personal thing...
Keen to see how the Hertz gear sounds, once installed!

Argh,

did not know Focals were "bright" sounding speakers. Got rid of my Infinity's for that reason. Even with all the hearing damage I have done in my music career I still don't like that sizzling high sound. I have a set of Boston 6.5 Components I wish I could install in this car. They are the most smooth sounding speakers I have ever owned. Unfortunately, they dont make a 4 inch that will stand up to what I do so no love there. I'll check them out--thanks,

EE

Originally Posted by Quizzle23

Great info Evlengr, have you or anyone else tried installing a 10 inch sub in the driverside rear storage thing (where the main Bluetooth componat is)? I have seen it done once on cardomain but I was not able to get any info on how it was done. I like the system how it is now just looking to get a little more bass without changing much, any ideas?

I did an install into this gap area.

Well I paid an installer to put a 10" stealth sub. He kept the same outer plastic housing and cut the rest out and turned it into a protective screen and then built a custom box. I was really impressed with it. Sounds amazing and the single 10" sub is such a great difference. Here is a few photos. The amp is a Rockford and it's beside the battery in the rear. Everything's hidden and appears like stock but sounds amazing.

EE?

Can I put 4" infinity kappa in the doors? Or do you suspect they are too deep.

I took a look at the alpine 400's yesterday and they were nice. Bit I've always had the kappa series in all my other cars.

Originally Posted by whiterasta

EE?

Can I put 4" infinity kappa in the doors? Or do you suspect they are too deep.

I took a look at the alpine 400's yesterday and they were nice. Bit I've always had the kappa series in all my other cars.

I had a set of kappa's in my doors but not so sure the newer ones will fit due to the diameter of their magnets. Here is are pics of the old ones.

Weird didn't upload

That's what I'm going to do then. You like the Alpine better than the kappa? I listened to the alpine last night. No problems with them in my opinion just thought the kappas may handle the power a little better. You have any opinions on this?

Thanks for the help.

PS any mods to install the kappas? Or are they like the alpine as well

Originally Posted by whiterasta

That's what I'm going to do then. You like the Alpine better than the kappa? I listened to the alpine last night. No problems with them in my opinion just thought the kappas may handle the power a little better. You have any opinions on this?

Thanks for the help.

PS any mods to install the kappas? Or are they like the alpine as well

This version of kappas went in with no issues, but not sure if the are still using the smaller neodymium magnets. That can present a problem. The metal behind the speaker (actual door) is sloped and doesnt allow for oversized magnets like MB Quartz and some others.

No more than 2 " depth and you are safe. Width I don't have an exact measurement, but the Alpines fit just right.

The Alpine sound better imo as they are not as tinny and harsh on the highs. I used the same amp to drive both and no issues with a 4 x 75, 1 x 300 watt split Alpine amp.

Plus at half the cost you can replace all 4 speakers ( I highly recommend matching them) for the price on 2 infinity.

I am still in search of a little bit warmer texture, but for the price they are my favorite since they sound better then most speakers double their price if powered correctly.

Ok that's perfect. Well then I do value your opinion here. I just might get me two pair of the alpine then. You are correct I can purchase both the the price of the one kappas.

Thanks EE

Originally Posted by whiterasta

Ok that's perfect. Well then I do value your opinion here. I just might get me two pair of the alpine then. You are correct I can purchase both the the price of the one kappas.

Thanks EE

Thanks appreciate that. This board has come a long way (so have I) since I first did a sound upgrade 4 years ago on my first X3.

People were ready to lynch me for the blasphemy of meddling with the electronics. Now more people do this every day.

I enjoy sharing my experience on the installs. Continuing my quest though on the best sound in a small 4 inch.




EE

It's just so maddening when I read people's replies to some of your posts. You are obviously very qualified and knowledgeable about what your speaking about. Your very clear that your providing the everyday consumer with a quality but cheap upgrade. Then people try to put you down on this. Every question asked of you is replied professionally. As well as high end questions. They have all been replied. Why do people always have something to say.

Anyway just thought I would say thanks.

New to X3...I am wondering where are my last 2 speakers which I can't find?

Crutchfield shows a selection for my car, 8 speakers or 10 speakers.
I know I have 2 in each front door and 1 in each rear door - that makes 6.

where are the last 2? I think the 10 speakers system is for the harman kardon which I don't have.

Thank you
Christian

You have an 8" midbass under each front seat - hidden by a black grill.
Pop your head under & take a look at an epic sound engineering flop - designed by BMW!

oh boy, never thought to look under there

When you replace the door speakers (alpine or others), is it worth it to replace these too?

It all comes down to how far you're willing to go in the upgrade path & what level of sound you will be happy with.
Potentially an $80 pair of Alpine coaxials will give you more than you were expecting!

you mean for the door speakers?
That is what I am looking at right now, I have a broken speaker that needs replacing - I was just wondering where the extra 2 speakers where and if it's worth doing at the same time.

I won't for now.

thank you