MusicarNW Stage 2 w/ Sub Installed... REVIEW

[AKopp]

So after a very anticipated wait, I finally got my Level 2 set up delivered yesterday. This kit replaces the doors and tweets with Morel 4" components, Jehnert 8" sub/midbass speakers under the seats and a 10" Arc Audio (ARC10) sub in the trunk in MusicarNW's fiberglass enclosure.

First off, I'd like to say Ken has been an absolute pleasure to work with. Extremely knowledgable and will help you get what you want out of your car. They use top notch pieces of gear and the fact that everything comes completely plug and play, you can't beat it. You don't cut a single wire and can revert everything back to stock if need be. I decided to keep the stock rear speakers for the time being. Over the next few weeks, if I feel they need to be replaced, I may do so.

Installing everything was very straight forward. Pulling the doors cards off fought a little bit, but there's a reason our cars are so solid. Musicar preps the speakers and with rings to mount to the OEM location and like I said before, it's plug and play to the factory harness(s). The kit also includes OEM tweeter pods with the Morel tweeters pre installed. Everything snaps together and fits like a glove. The Jehnerts were intimidating at first, but once you get enough carpet out of the way, it's four screws and it's in. No unplugging seats or anything, they just lean back. The amps come with pre fabricated plates to mount to the stock locations. (I have Premium sound, no Logic7/HK). A JL 6 channel amp mounts in the factory location in the left rear of the trunk. The JL monoblock 600 watt amp mounts in the tray next to the battery. The harness that comes with it connects right into factory one. It doesn't get any easier than this. Total job took me about 8 hours with a few beer breaks. Doing the second side of the car took half the time, that I knew what to expect. The way the sub fits into the left rear cavity, BMW couldn't have done it better themselves.

As far as the sound, it absolutely kills. The stock set up was OK at best. The new set up has so much clarity and punch. I highly recommend the sub as well, it's so musical and with correct tweaking, you don't really know it's back there. What I mean by that is that with some setups I've had and listened to you have the drone of bass and it almost feels disconnected form the music. Not with this. It's tight, accurate and to the point. I've been driving around today listening to everything from hip hop to metal to Buddy Guy. I mention Buddy Guy not because he's awesome, but the sound in the car just makes you smile. So clear, precise and if you wan't it loud it's break up or lose anything. I can't wait to hear how the speakers break in. They sound great now! If you can't tell, I'm extremely happy with my purchase. If anyone is looking to upgrade their stock audio setup, this is the way to go. Easy, quality and makes you want to spend even more time in your car.

[tracer bullet]

Nice! Congrats. I dearly hope to get to this some day soon once I quite funneling money into my house.

[AKopp]

It's one of the best things I've done yet!

[guru_method]

Some pics!!!

[AKopp]

The only pics I really have... Sorry, I was busy!

Underseat Jehnerts installed.


Arc Sub in the trunk



Sorry for the crappy quality.

[tracer bullet]

Nice, the fitment of the sub looks perfect.

[135i OREO]

I'm so tempted to get this!

[1fastbmw]

which morel 4" speakers did you go with? I need to replace mine but heard they discontinued the Hybrid Ovation components.

[AKopp]

Originally Posted by 1fastbmw

which morel 4" speakers did you go with? I need to replace mine but heard they discontinued the Hybrid Ovation components.

Morel Virtus 402. So crisp and clear.

[AKopp]

Another thing I'd like to add is how easy the system is to listen to. The stock setup is very fatiguing to listen to for extended periods of time. I'm not insinuating that the MusicarNW system means less mid range, as those frequencies can be offensive in general, but this is just smoother across the whole spectrum.

[TheSt|G]

Any sort of guard for the trunk sub? I'm quite a liberal user of my trunk and would hate to punch through my sub cone.

I would love to hear this system in person. As a heavy headphone audiophile, the stock 1er sound system frankly disgusts me. I can't use it for anything other than spoken word.

[AKopp]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Any sort of guard for the trunk sub? I'm quite a liberal user of my trunk and would hate to punch through my sub cone.

I would love to hear this system in person. As a heavy headphone audiophile, the stock 1er sound system frankly disgusts me. I can't use it for anything other than spoken word.

I have a stock color fabric grille that goes with it, but I like to see the sub... I don't really haul anything besides an overnight bag occasionally.

[Adam135]

Originally Posted by TheSt|G

Any sort of guard for the trunk sub? I'm quite a liberal user of my trunk and would hate to punch through my sub cone.

I would love to hear this system in person. As a heavy headphone audiophile, the stock 1er sound system frankly disgusts me. I can't use it for anything other than spoken word.

To keep maximum trunk space I'd look at just replacing the under-seat 8" subs. With a spacer and proper amp you'll get tons of improved bass response. I'm happy with it and I've previously had 10" and 12" JL subs.

[TheSt|G]

Originally Posted by Adam135

To keep maximum trunk space I'd look at just replacing the under-seat 8" subs. With a spacer and proper amp you'll get tons of improved bass response. I'm happy with it and I've previously had 10" and 12" JL subs.

Yeah that's my current plan. I don't want the weight of a trunk sub either.

[AKopp]

All depends what you want out of the car. The 8 inch mid basses sound great, but that sub really just makes it for me. As far as weight, the small enclosure with the 10 doesn't really weigh much. Maybe 25 pounds all together if I'd guess. The sound is worth it.

[GarrettF]

Anyone know if this setup will fit a convertible?