BMW X5 and X6 Forum 2014-Current
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read


Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      02-16-2019, 04:49 PM   #1
FenixMike
Captain
448
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5 Competition
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (1)

Bavsound Stage 1 initial impressions...

Well I was skeptical on this purchase, and I've been fighting it since I got my X5 and missed the sound of the B&O my M5 had, where as I have the HK now and regardless of how much time I spent tuning it, there was vocal distortion, sharp highs and a lack of low end. Reading mixed reviews on the Bavsound stage 1, I got a $100 off coupon last week and figured with the try it or return it policy, what the hell.

With basically zero break in and setting the EQ to flat, I played the usual random music I normally listen to via bluetooth, and via USB (currently putting songs on a USB drive for fun to see if I can notice a difference. My music taste varies from country, to rock, to things like Zedd or Ariana Grande... its all over the place. ALL media I tried sounded better with the Bavsound upgrade as far as the mids and highs are concerned! The vocal distortion on the high end I experienced with the factory HK is gone, the mid range is SIGNIFICANTLY stronger, and the lows are cleaner, but not really any more bass at this point. Im going to let it all break in and do some more playing with it, and maybe try downloading some new music as well.

Install was easy... id call myself quite experienced with over 20 years of mechanical experience, but there wasn't anything difficult about the install as it was very straight forward, the Bavsound kit included everything necessary. I bought some extra sound deadening material, but with how well the BMW is put together and sealed, I really didn't want to tear apart things to install it, so I just used the small kit I bought from bavsound on the speakers themselves. The only gripe I had is the ghost subs don't fit under the factory plastic retention covers from the HK subs. I got the ol die grinder out and opened them up a bit, but just disappointed everything else fit so well except for that one component. I checked for videos to see if maybe I was supposed to do something else, but there were none for my specific application, so if you buy their kit for the X5 with HK, expect the same.

I will report back as I have more time to test!
__________________
2014 M5 Competition with ESS Tuning Flash

Gone but never forgotten...2015 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 550i M-Sport, 2015 M3, 2014 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 435i M Sport, 2011 550i, 2011 535i
Appreciate 4
Russmov1328.00
alphaod1148.00
r33_RGSport12803.00
DuSh2112.50
      02-17-2019, 12:07 AM   #2
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12803
Rep
18,627
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Told you so!!!
I've been telling people and they won't believe it until they have it.
I could've give you some good deal too.
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2019, 01:43 AM   #3
turboawd
Banned
1635
Rep
2,995
Posts

Drives: 2015 X5 35i
Join Date: May 2015
Location: United States

iTrader: (0)

So you changed the amp and subs, and the bass is the same?
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2019, 03:54 AM   #4
IndyJer
Second Lieutenant
United_States
111
Rep
256
Posts

Drives: '17 F15 MSport
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Indianapolis

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
'16 F15 XLine  [0.00]
'17 F15 MSport  [0.00]
I’ve enjoyed the BAVSound upgrade in both the X5’s I’ve owned. I didn’t experience any issues with the ghost subs not fitting, totally plug and play for me. I did dynamat the door panels, made a big improvement in eliminating rattles when cranking up the volume.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2019, 03:57 AM   #5
IndyJer
Second Lieutenant
United_States
111
Rep
256
Posts

Drives: '17 F15 MSport
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Indianapolis

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
'16 F15 XLine  [0.00]
'17 F15 MSport  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by turboawd View Post
So you changed the amp and subs, and the bass is the same?
It’s tighter, much more punch, but not lower frequency. If you want more low end, you need to add a true sub - only so much air you can move with 8” cones.

And Stage 1 is just speakers, no need to change the amp if you have H/K.
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2019, 07:12 AM   #6
FenixMike
Captain
448
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5 Competition
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Told you so!!!
I've been telling people and they won't believe it until they have it.
I could've give you some good deal too.
I didnt know you sold it, I would have bought it from you...
__________________
2014 M5 Competition with ESS Tuning Flash

Gone but never forgotten...2015 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 550i M-Sport, 2015 M3, 2014 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 435i M Sport, 2011 550i, 2011 535i
Appreciate 1
r33_RGSport12803.00
      02-17-2019, 07:13 AM   #7
FenixMike
Captain
448
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5 Competition
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by turboawd View Post
So you changed the amp and subs, and the bass is the same?
They dont have an amp for my vehicle, so just subs and speakers. I will get the amp if/when it becomes available.
__________________
2014 M5 Competition with ESS Tuning Flash

Gone but never forgotten...2015 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 550i M-Sport, 2015 M3, 2014 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 435i M Sport, 2011 550i, 2011 535i
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2019, 09:11 AM   #8
Wardman
First Lieutenant
89
Rep
398
Posts

Drives: F15 X5d
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

I upgraded the base stereo to BAV - pisses me off you can buy a Ford with better sound as standard than a BMW - right up there with RFT's :-)

But sound was much more crisp. Bass was better. I did not do anything to the amp, and it could probably be louder if I upgraded that (someone can confirm). No additional subs either. So far more happier!


Now I am looking at this : https://www.bavsound.com/BMW-Amplifier-Upgrade
Appreciate 0
      02-17-2019, 09:17 AM   #9
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12803
Rep
18,627
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FenixMike View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by r33_RGSport View Post
Told you so!!!
I've been telling people and they won't believe it until they have it.
I could've give you some good deal too.
I didnt know you sold it, I would have bought it from you...
Haha. No worries.
Just keep in mind that I sells good stuff, haha.
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 0
      02-20-2019, 02:41 PM   #10
FenixMike
Captain
448
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5 Competition
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (1)

Bavsound got back to me today... basically told me that’s just an issue some models have, and the fix is to remove the steel protective cover on the woofer, or grind the plastic cover like I did. So for $600, there’s a chance you’re going to have to modify one of the components... so much for plug and play. So far I still haven’t noticed any real difference (at least not $600 worth) on the subs, so those might be going back. I may replace them with another brand such as the fosgate and see if they work better, or just stick with the factory subs. On the upside, the mids and highs are better and have more mid bass, so I will be keeping those!
Appreciate 0
      02-21-2019, 11:44 AM   #11
Wardman
First Lieutenant
89
Rep
398
Posts

Drives: F15 X5d
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: Philadelphia

iTrader: (0)

Have you asked if their AMP would help with sound (punch of the bass)? INterested in what they would say...
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2019, 03:03 AM   #12
Kewl X5
Private First Class
53
Rep
105
Posts

Drives: X5
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Earth

iTrader: (0)

The Ghost Subs take several hours to break-in...at least 8-12 hours. I would keep them. I definitely can tell the difference. Have had the Ghost Subs for over 2 years (got one of the first batches).

Good luck.


Quote:
Originally Posted by FenixMike View Post
Bavsound got back to me today... basically told me that’s just an issue some models have, and the fix is to remove the steel protective cover on the woofer, or grind the plastic cover like I did. So for $600, there’s a chance you’re going to have to modify one of the components... so much for plug and play. So far I still haven’t noticed any real difference (at least not $600 worth) on the subs, so those might be going back. I may replace them with another brand such as the fosgate and see if they work better, or just stick with the factory subs. On the upside, the mids and highs are better and have more mid bass, so I will be keeping those!
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2019, 08:42 AM   #13
r33_RGSport
General
r33_RGSport's Avatar
United_States
12803
Rep
18,627
Posts

Drives: G09 XM, G05 X5 40, 991.2 T
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: So. Cal

iTrader: (6)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kewl X5 View Post
The Ghost Subs take several hours to break-in...at least 8-12 hours. I would keep them. I definitely can tell the difference. Have had the Ghost Subs for over 2 years (got one of the first batches).

Good luck.


Quote:
Originally Posted by FenixMike View Post
Bavsound got back to me today... basically told me that’s just an issue some models have, and the fix is to remove the steel protective cover on the woofer, or grind the plastic cover like I did. So for $600, there’s a chance you’re going to have to modify one of the components... so much for plug and play. So far I still haven’t noticed any real difference (at least not $600 worth) on the subs, so those might be going back. I may replace them with another brand such as the fosgate and see if they work better, or just stick with the factory subs. On the upside, the mids and highs are better and have more mid bass, so I will be keeping those!
Agree.

You'll need to break in the speakers and woofers first.
It will take about 24 to 48 hours of play time at 75% volume.
__________________
Email:sales@rgsport.com | IG:RGSport_USA | Web:RGSportShop.com
March SALES!! Evolution Racewerks - Until 04/01 | PM for DEALS
MSS • iSweep • RaceChip • Sterckenn • AutoTecknic • Akrapovic • Vossen Wheels • Eventuri
Active Autowerke • KW • H&R • Ohlins • Remus • and more...
Appreciate 1
F15GorDe261.00
      02-22-2019, 04:44 PM   #14
bmwx1sq
Second Lieutenant
bmwx1sq's Avatar
United_States
145
Rep
277
Posts

Drives: BMW X1 35i
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: South Carolina

iTrader: (0)

You can use the bimmertech amp/dsp. You just need the adapter for the MOST system. The adapter gives you a digital toslink signal to plug into the amp/dsp. If you changed out the speakers you can change out the and install both of these.
Appreciate 0
      02-22-2019, 09:47 PM   #15
spierce
Private
22
Rep
76
Posts

Drives: X5 35i
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Frozen North

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwx1sq View Post
You can use the bimmertech amp/dsp. You just need the adapter for the MOST system. The adapter gives you a digital toslink signal to plug into the amp/dsp. If you changed out the speakers you can change out the and install both of these.
Can somebody link an adapter for that?
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2019, 07:36 AM   #16
bmwx1sq
Second Lieutenant
bmwx1sq's Avatar
United_States
145
Rep
277
Posts

Drives: BMW X1 35i
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: South Carolina

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by spierce View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwx1sq View Post
You can use the bimmertech amp/dsp. You just need the adapter for the MOST system. The adapter gives you a digital toslink signal to plug into the amp/dsp. If you changed out the speakers you can change out the and install both of these.
Can somebody link an adapter for that?
https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/h...ssories/sdmi25
Appreciate 0
      02-23-2019, 07:39 AM   #17
bmwx1sq
Second Lieutenant
bmwx1sq's Avatar
United_States
145
Rep
277
Posts

Drives: BMW X1 35i
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: South Carolina

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by spierce View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwx1sq View Post
You can use the bimmertech amp/dsp. You just need the adapter for the MOST system. The adapter gives you a digital toslink signal to plug into the amp/dsp. If you changed out the speakers you can change out the and install both of these.
Can somebody link an adapter for that?
https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F153384470230


I would offer him 300 for it.
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2019, 12:49 PM   #18
FenixMike
Captain
448
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5 Competition
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wardman View Post
Have you asked if their AMP would help with sound (punch of the bass)? INterested in what they would say...
They dont have one for my year
__________________
2014 M5 Competition with ESS Tuning Flash

Gone but never forgotten...2015 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 550i M-Sport, 2015 M3, 2014 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 435i M Sport, 2011 550i, 2011 535i
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2019, 12:49 PM   #19
FenixMike
Captain
448
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5 Competition
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kewl X5 View Post
The Ghost Subs take several hours to break-in...at least 8-12 hours. I would keep them. I definitely can tell the difference. Have had the Ghost Subs for over 2 years (got one of the first batches).

Good luck.
I drive to work every day and in town... the mids and highs sound great, just no low end. I had debated giving the 4 ohm Fosgates a try since they would load the amp up a bit more.
__________________
2014 M5 Competition with ESS Tuning Flash

Gone but never forgotten...2015 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 550i M-Sport, 2015 M3, 2014 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 435i M Sport, 2011 550i, 2011 535i
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2019, 06:43 PM   #20
bmwx1sq
Second Lieutenant
bmwx1sq's Avatar
United_States
145
Rep
277
Posts

Drives: BMW X1 35i
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: South Carolina

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FenixMike View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kewl X5 View Post
The Ghost Subs take several hours to break-in...at least 8-12 hours. I would keep them. I definitely can tell the difference. Have had the Ghost Subs for over 2 years (got one of the first batches).

Good luck.
I drive to work every day and in town... the mids and highs sound great, just no low end. I had debated giving the 4 ohm Fosgates a try since they would load the amp up a bit more.
What year is your model? I would recommend a sub if you are looking for more low end. The design of the mid bass is not ideal for low end like a door mounted midbass would be.
Appreciate 0
      02-24-2019, 09:51 PM   #21
FenixMike
Captain
448
Rep
844
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW M5 Competition
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Tulsa, OK

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwx1sq View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by FenixMike View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kewl X5 View Post
The Ghost Subs take several hours to break-in...at least 8-12 hours. I would keep them. I definitely can tell the difference. Have had the Ghost Subs for over 2 years (got one of the first batches).

Good luck.
I drive to work every day and in town... the mids and highs sound great, just no low end. I had debated giving the 4 ohm Fosgates a try since they would load the amp up a bit more.
What year is your model? I would recommend a sub if you are looking for more low end. The design of the mid bass is not ideal for low end like a door mounted midbass would be.
2015 with the hk system. I don't need a ton of bass, just equivalent to how my m5 or m3 sounded is great (I know, smaller vehicle so they were louder). I had considered something small in the storage in the back since I'm good with fiberglass boxes, but the last couple vehicles I installed systems in, I had the bass all the way down anyway... just want a little more. The big issue might be with rock and country as it inherently doesn't have a ton of bass anyway, but I'd like some more oomph
__________________
2014 M5 Competition with ESS Tuning Flash

Gone but never forgotten...2015 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 550i M-Sport, 2015 M3, 2014 X5 50i M Sport, 2015 435i M Sport, 2011 550i, 2011 535i
Appreciate 0
      02-25-2019, 07:02 PM   #22
bmwx1sq
Second Lieutenant
bmwx1sq's Avatar
United_States
145
Rep
277
Posts

Drives: BMW X1 35i
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: South Carolina

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by FenixMike View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by bmwx1sq View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by FenixMike View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kewl X5 View Post
The Ghost Subs take several hours to break-in...at least 8-12 hours. I would keep them. I definitely can tell the difference. Have had the Ghost Subs for over 2 years (got one of the first batches).

Good luck.
I drive to work every day and in town... the mids and highs sound great, just no low end. I had debated giving the 4 ohm Fosgates a try since they would load the amp up a bit more.
What year is your model? I would recommend a sub if you are looking for more low end. The design of the mid bass is not ideal for low end like a door mounted midbass would be.
2015 with the hk system. I don't need a ton of bass, just equivalent to how my m5 or m3 sounded is great (I know, smaller vehicle so they were louder). I had considered something small in the storage in the back since I'm good with fiberglass boxes, but the last couple vehicles I installed systems in, I had the bass all the way down anyway... just want a little more. The big issue might be with rock and country as it inherently doesn't have a ton of bass anyway, but I'd like some more oomph
If you search for the audio system thread there is all the info/link for adding a sub and amp to a hk system. I agree with the a difference in models the x5 has smaller back spacing under the mid bass then the other bmws.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:07 PM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST