Audio systems

[Jrunr]

Originally Posted by Alos

I used regular tool box liner which was 10 bucks in Home Depot and it doesn't rattle at all. The only thing that might rattle is the clip that flips down when you close that compartment.

it looks like the suspension piece for the cover is hitting your speaker grill. Is it?

[Alos]

Originally Posted by Jrunr

it looks like the suspension piece for the cover is hitting your speaker grill. Is it?

Nope completely clear on space from what I notice, dimensions of box is

23-3/5"W x 15-1/4"H x 4-4/5"D (without grille)

And the grill prob add an inch or so total if prob 6in and the clearance is 9

[TMR]

Getting ready.

[bmwx1sq]

Originally Posted by TMR

Getting ready.

Are you using the SMs? Are you going tweeterless?

[trlengle]

Originally Posted by bmwx1sq

Replacing the only the 4" won't do much. You need to replace the oem amp or change the cross over point to improve the sound. It's a lot more complicated then just adding an amp and replace 1 set of speakers.

Originally Posted by bmwx1sq

Replacing the only the 4" won't do much. You need to replace the oem amp or change the cross over point to improve the sound. It's a lot more complicated then just adding an amp and replace 1 set of speakers.

Could I use the amp I'm powering the sub with to power the 4" speakers?

[bmwx1sq]

Originally Posted by trlengle

Could I use the amp I'm powering the sub with to power the 4" speakers?

1. You will need to find the signal for the 4" speakers in the front doors. So basically bypassing the oem amp.

2. The 4" speakers have a 1" tweeter connected to them. Meaning one set of signal wires to a pair. So you will need some kind of component set when you replace them. There are many different brands that directly fit in the stock locations.

This all can be done if you want to tackle it. Bavsounds has a video on how to take off the doors and change the speakers. Has for the aftermarket wiring harness sent and email to them asking which wires are for those speakers. I would check if you can run those "high level" signals into the JL amp, if not you will need a line level converter. There are many different one, and FYI don't cheap out and get a good. I.e wavtech or audiocontrol.

[michaeltam2k]

no not yet

[fantaxp7]

Looks like Parts Express caries a line of BMW drop in speaker replacements.

https://www.parts-express.com/bmw

I wonder if it would be worth while to upgrade my B&O subwoofers.

[bmwx1sq]

Originally Posted by fantaxp7

Looks like Parts Express caries a line of BMW drop in speaker replacements.

https://www.parts-express.com/bmw

I wonder if it would be worth while to upgrade my B&O subwoofers.

I doubt you will tell a difference. That's a $300 maybe. The B&O is a pretty good system. I suggest just and a sub for the lower end.

[fantaxp7]

Originally Posted by bmwx1sq

I doubt you will tell a difference. That's a $300 maybe. The B&O is a pretty good system. I suggest just and a sub for the lower end.

I do enjoy the B&O for the most part. I have noticed the lack of bass like others have mentioned though, so the though of replacing the under seat sub is intriguing. Your probably are correct though adding a real sub would be worth while.

In any case I thought this link was worth sharing for those with a more base system. People seem to crap on the bav sound setup. Seems like a cheaper alternative.

[Jrunr]

Any updates to this? Anyone have any new installs?

[bmwx1sq]

Originally Posted by Jrunr

Any updates to this? Anyone have any new installs?

I m waiting on my new sub to come so I can build a box and cover panels for my amps.

[TMR]

Originally Posted by bmwx1sq

I m waiting on my new sub to come so I can build a box and cover panels for my amps.

And so it begins. Hopefully done by next weekend.

[Jrunr]

Any updates? More pics?

[Jrunr]

I am REALLY trying to figure out if the BavSound stage 1 is really that much of an upgrade for $1K, or stage 2 for $1.5K... there are also focal speakers that should just drop right in as well... any difference between the BavSound and that Focal?

There has to be someone here who has heard more that one system and can give advice on the best way to upgrade the HK system.

Thanks in advance.

[trlengle]

Originally Posted by fbuzila

you may want to double check that info; based on that amp's specs it supports:
high-level inputs — up to 8 volts RMS (about 16 watts)

I believe the BMW line is higher than 8 volts...but I'm not 100% sure;
on my car I installed a LOC just to be sure

Yes, I got an email from JL and it supports up to 8 volts. I'm now trying to research if that's enough but based on JL's assumption it probably is not enough.

From JL: "More than likely, your OEM Harman/Kardon audio signal strength will exceed the input capability of the XD500/3v2, indicating the need to introduce a line-output converter to the signal path before inputting into the amplifier."

[trlengle]

Originally Posted by bmwx1sq

Replacing the only the 4" won't do much. You need to replace the oem amp or change the cross over point to improve the sound. It's a lot more complicated then just adding an amp and replace 1 set of speakers.

The new amp I'm installing for the sub can also power the new 4" speaker versus the stock amp. Will this new power source plus an upgraded 4" speaker (thinking Focal) not sound better in the front cabin?

[trlengle]

Originally Posted by trlengle

The new amp I'm installing for the sub can also power the new 4" speaker versus the stock amp. Will this new power source plus an upgraded 4" speaker (thinking Focal) not sound better in the front cabin?

This all may be for not as I was researching 4" options and Crutchfield told me the following: "The factory speakers in the doors of your BMW are a non-standard size. The closest fit are 4” speakers but brackets must be fabricated to replace the woofers & tweeters. Also, you are severely limited by the depth available in the doors with only .765” and we do not have any speakers that are a recommended fit. "

Looks like I can't just swap in a new 4" speaker.

[Jrunr]

Originally Posted by trlengle

Yes, I got an email from JL and it supports up to 8 volts. I'm now trying to research if that's enough but based on JL's assumption it probably is not enough.

From JL: "More than likely, your OEM Harman/Kardon audio signal strength will exceed the input capability of the XD500/3v2, indicating the need to introduce a line-output converter to the signal path before inputting into the amplifier."

I just wish that JL would develop a stealthbox for the newer X5’s and then possibly make a 4” separates set... could be nice.

——

But I really want to decide what the best options for the speakers are before I start building a complete system with a subwoofer in the trunk to round it out. Does that even make any sense? LOL

All of these options between Focal, Eton, and BavSound have me really confused As to what the differences would be between them…

[Feelin Nauti]

Here is a replacement for the 4" in Focal. I can say that Focal kevelar/power line of speakers (also known as K2 or K2Power) are far superior to what BMW offers.

I actually used all Focal in a vehicle some years back where I took 3rd place in the World Finals IASCA sound quality competition. Not to mention 3 times state champion in a couple states and Midwest USA points champion.

I used these 4" as part of my front stage but I swapped out the tweets for the Utiopia line TN-52. The TKM tweeters that come in the kit are good I just wanted a bit more.

So yes focal is a superior speaker if you get the right line. Just like most things they have cheaper versions so if you are looking at lower lines of Focal I cant speak much for those.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Focal-4-Com...53.m1438.l2649

[Jrunr]

Originally Posted by Feelin Nauti

Here is a replacement for the 4" in Focal. I can say that Focal kevelar/power line of speakers (also known as K2 or K2Power) are far superior to what BMW offers.

I actually used all Focal in a vehicle some years back where I took 3rd place in the World Finals IASCA sound quality competition. Not to mention 3 times state champion in a couple states and Midwest USA points champion.

I used these 4" as part of my front stage but I swapped out the tweets for the Utiopia line TN-52. The TKM tweeters that come in the kit are good I just wanted a bit more.

So yes focal is a superior speaker if you get the right line. Just like most things they have cheaper versions so if you are looking at lower lines of Focal I cant speak much for those.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Focal-4-Com...53.m1438.l2649

Wow. Awesome setup!!

Are you using the stock amp to power it all? Do you have the HK system?

Lastly, Do you have a write up about this install/set-up anywhere here or on the forums?

Thanks!!

[Silververtu]

Originally Posted by Feelin Nauti

Here is a replacement for the 4" in Focal. I can say that Focal kevelar/power line of speakers (also known as K2 or K2Power) are far superior to what BMW offers.

I actually used all Focal in a vehicle some years back where I took 3rd place in the World Finals IASCA sound quality competition. Not to mention 3 times state champion in a couple states and Midwest USA points champion.

I used these 4" as part of my front stage but I swapped out the tweets for the Utiopia line TN-52. The TKM tweeters that come in the kit are good I just wanted a bit more.

So yes focal is a superior speaker if you get the right line. Just like most things they have cheaper versions so if you are looking at lower lines of Focal I cant speak much for those.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Focal-4-Com...53.m1438.l2649

Since no one sits in the back, do you suggest to swap to Focal on all 4 doors, center and trunk or just the front doors, and keep the stock HK speakers as "support"?