BMW 1 Series Coupe Forum / 1 Series Convertible Forum (1M / tii / 135i / 128i / Coupe / Cabrio / Hatchback) (BMW E82 E88 128i 130i 135i)
 





 

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      10-28-2008, 06:04 PM   #23
Timbo
First Lieutenant
Australia
4
Rep
302
Posts

Drives: BMW 135
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

for an amp and four speakers? Yeah I think so
Appreciate 0
      10-28-2008, 10:48 PM   #24
BBK
Banned
87
Rep
3,070
Posts

Drives: A boring one...
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 135i  [5.76]
All the dealer fitted stereos are going to be more expensive and usually not as good as an aftermarket setup. For $1800 you could get a very nice amp and speakers plus a proper sub going aftermarket.
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 12:52 AM   #25
busyguy8
Second Lieutenant
United_States
14
Rep
280
Posts

Drives: '11 Black Saphire/Black 135 6M
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: Bay Area, CA

iTrader: (3)

what about using something from BSW?
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 01:02 AM   #26
BBK
Banned
87
Rep
3,070
Posts

Drives: A boring one...
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 135i  [5.76]
BSW?
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 02:09 AM   #27
chookcooker
Enlisted Member
1
Rep
32
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Jun 2008

iTrader: (0)

BSW= Bavarian Sound Werks (not 100% sure of the spelling)
Its a US company that makes aftermarket audio for BMW's. Last I looked they were still in development of speakers for the 1

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 05:10 AM   #28
OzBMW84
Private First Class
Australia
49
Rep
105
Posts

Drives: 340i M Sport Limited Edition
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Brisbane

iTrader: (0)

I think I'm going to get some Focul speakers and a good quality amp and sub. That should give me the results I am looking for.

I've heard the Focul speakers and compared them to the Alpines. Both excellent, but the Foculs were better. The sound was outstanding. The standard speakers in the car are POS in comparison.

Problem is the sub is going to eat into boot space. And I don't really like the idea of an after market component being so visible. It will however be completely removable (when I need to). The sub's built into the car will be completely overwhelmed by the 4 Focul speakers.

Has anyone had much experience with sound deadening? The guy I am talking to, who is supposed to be an expert, swears by sound deadening. Apparently to get the best out of your speakers and capture all the sound within the car you should install sound deadening.

What do you guys think?
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 05:15 AM   #29
Kris
Colonel
No_Country
123
Rep
2,295
Posts

Drives: m3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: USOFA

iTrader: (0)

Focal you mean I use them (JM Lab) at home and they are fantastic. Their BE tweet is amongst the finest in the world. Some say its bright, but I've also found it to be very neutral.

Yes, they are far superior to Alpine. I would go with acoustic matting also.. If you're got the doors apart you may as well spend the time and money getting them right.
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 05:24 AM   #30
OzBMW84
Private First Class
Australia
49
Rep
105
Posts

Drives: 340i M Sport Limited Edition
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Brisbane

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kris View Post
Focal you mean I use them (JM Lab) at home and they are fantastic. Their BE tweet is amongst the finest in the world. Some say its bright, but I've also found it to be very neutral.

Yes, they are far superior to Alpine. I would go with acoustic matting also.. If you're got the doors apart you may as well spend the time and money getting them right.
Hehe yes. Focal. They did sound amazing!

By acoustic matting, you mean the sound deadening I asked about?

Cheers Kris!
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 05:40 PM   #31
BBK
Banned
87
Rep
3,070
Posts

Drives: A boring one...
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 135i  [5.76]
Sound deadening is well worth it. Will improve the mid bass response. But depends on how much they are going to charge for it, and what exactly they will be deadening.

Kris, Be tweets very nice! But also very pricey...
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 05:50 PM   #32
Kris
Colonel
No_Country
123
Rep
2,295
Posts

Drives: m3
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: USOFA

iTrader: (0)

Sorry! yes m01lim...

BBK yeah thats the issue ..Just about to pull the trigger on a Linn Klimax Twin 500 amplifier. Can't wait to hear them with the JB's
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 06:09 PM   #33
bfi2906
Captain
Australia
34
Rep
685
Posts

Drives: 135 Coupe
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Recommend Focal

Have a look here - http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/

I've had Focal equipment in a number of cars, and it's always been good. It's a little more expensive, but it's worth it. They have amps from $449, and speakers from $169.

I'm not suggesting that those particular models will either fit, or satisfy, just showing that they aren't necessarily stratespheric in price. That said, for the price, I'd be pretty confident that they'd be better than most others at the same price.

Mind you, you can also spend $4649 for a Utopia Be set up, and $2399 for an amp. So they're more than able to take as much money from you as you want.

My approach to car audio has always been that it's a very difficult envirnment to get premium sound - as opposed to loud. A car is a metal and glass box, which is way less than ideal. So you hit the "law of deminishing returns" pretty quickly. The difference between a $1500 set up and a $2000 set up is marginal to most ears.

Just my thoughts.
Appreciate 0
      10-29-2008, 07:00 PM   #34
Wraith
Captain
13
Rep
814
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Jun 2008

iTrader: (0)

An ICE thread, don't know how I missed this one until now... :smile:

I've been involved with ICE installs for over 20 years now and one of my cars took 3 years to complete, please don't ask what it's all worth

Have only read some of the tail end posts here, but as far as componentry goes, the skies the limit, what you have to do is set yourself a budget and go from there...

If you don't mind spending a buck, then I recommend you start with an all Alpine set up - you simply won't get a better end result for the money !

For those wanting better and willing to pay for it, there's a plethora of upper end brands and all have there specific areas of prowess in particular hardware components.

As for automotive speakers, for those wanting the best, I suggest - CDT Audio, MB Quart and JL in that order...

AND for any ICE install, ALWAYS use 'high quality' wiring !!! this is something alot of people neglect and can turn top shelf hardware into a mediocre sounding end result :smile:
Appreciate 0
      10-30-2008, 04:09 PM   #35
OzBMW84
Private First Class
Australia
49
Rep
105
Posts

Drives: 340i M Sport Limited Edition
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Brisbane

iTrader: (0)

So I got the qoute back and I'm a bit in shock as to how expensive it really is:

ALPINE PDX4100 4 CHANNEL 100WRMS 579 $ 579.00
FOCAL 130KR 5" K POWER SPLIT $ 679.00


FOCAL 130KRC 5" K POWER COAXIAL
$ 579.00
DEI 55020 LINE LEVEL CONVERTOR * 2 $ 90.00
DEI WIRING MISC WIRING $ 120.00
DYNAMAT EXTREME SOUNDEADNING MATERIAL (Front doors and rear shelf) $ 350.00
INSTALLATION OF SPKRS $ 440 00
INSTALLATION OF AMP $ 275.00
TOTAL INCLUDING DISCOUNT $2900

$2900 without a sub! WOW. Is it the focal components that are so pricey?

What do you guys think. The OEM system being offered by BMW (2 high range Alpine, 2 mid range Alpine, Alpine Amp) for $1800 installed seems like a bargain. This ofcourse misses out on the sound deadening though and its very difficult to verify the quality as not many details are given by BMW about the amp and speakers. But since its an Alpine set up endorsed by BMW it should be pretty good no?

What do you guys think? The guy I spoke to for the qoute really seemed to know what he was on about. I'm lost! :iono:


Appreciate 0
      10-30-2008, 05:48 PM   #36
Wraith
Captain
13
Rep
814
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Jun 2008

iTrader: (0)

LOL ^^^^

Welcome to the World of high end ICE (in car entertainment) my friend :smile:

Did I not mention something along those lines in my post above, to repeat, skies the limit - those prices you have there are nothing of an expenditure in the real high end ICE installs :wink:

I say go for it, it'll be a good investment for the improved sound you'll have and will be better than most if not all factory offered higher stereo options which cost alot more than that also...
Appreciate 0
      10-30-2008, 06:07 PM   #37
BBK
Banned
87
Rep
3,070
Posts

Drives: A boring one...
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 135i  [5.76]
Quote:
Originally Posted by m01lim View Post
So I got the qoute back and I'm a bit in shock as to how expensive it really is:

ALPINE PDX4100 4 CHANNEL 100WRMS 579 $ 579.00
FOCAL 130KR 5" K POWER SPLIT $ 679.00


FOCAL 130KRC 5" K POWER COAXIAL
$ 579.00

DEI 55020 LINE LEVEL CONVERTOR * 2 $ 90.00
DEI WIRING MISC WIRING $ 120.00
DYNAMAT EXTREME SOUNDEADNING MATERIAL (Front doors and rear shelf) $ 350.00
INSTALLATION OF SPKRS $ 440 00

INSTALLATION OF AMP $ 275.00
TOTAL INCLUDING DISCOUNT $2900

$2900 without a sub! WOW. Is it the focal components that are so pricey?

What do you guys think. The OEM system being offered by BMW (2 high range Alpine, 2 mid range Alpine, Alpine Amp) for $1800 installed seems like a bargain. This ofcourse misses out on the sound deadening though and its very difficult to verify the quality as not many details are given by BMW about the amp and speakers. But since its an Alpine set up endorsed by BMW it should be pretty good no?

What do you guys think? The guy I spoke to for the qoute really seemed to know what he was on about. I'm lost! :iono:


He's only giving you a discount of $200?

a) Forget the rear speakers
b) Forget deadening the rear shelf
c) Not sure why he is charging you $275 to install the amp...
d) Not sure why he is charging you $440 to install TWO sets of speakers?!?! :iono:

I think he has seen your nice new BMW and wants to take you for a ride...
Appreciate 0
      10-30-2008, 06:11 PM   #38
bfi2906
Captain
Australia
34
Rep
685
Posts

Drives: 135 Coupe
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Sydney

iTrader: (0)

Here's the Focal Australian price list as at 1st May, 2008 - so prices may have changed with the currency.

http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/Foc...%20onepage.pdf

On face value, he appears to be charging you over list for the 130KR's.
Appreciate 0
      10-30-2008, 09:00 PM   #39
chookcooker
Enlisted Member
1
Rep
32
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Jun 2008

iTrader: (0)

Regards to the upgrade - will the hi end speakers be utilised with the stock head unit? My understanding is that the head unit is lacking in power which means any amp used will have to be good quality to amplify the signal cleanly.
Suppose my question is " With the stock head unit is it really worth the extra big bucks in speakers? or are you better off going for a decent mid range set and good amp, and live with the compromise.
Appreciate 0
      10-30-2008, 09:50 PM   #40
BBK
Banned
87
Rep
3,070
Posts

Drives: A boring one...
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 135i  [5.76]
Depends what kind of sound you are after. Getting a more powerful amp will allow you more headroom for volume. Getting a better 'quality' amp most likely will just eat your cash with little benefit.

The idea of bypassing the standard head unit, and using an map is so you can have more power/volume.

You will hear a bigger difference in sound quality by using better speakers, but you will have louder sound with less distortion using a more powerful amp.
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2008, 05:23 PM   #41
OzBMW84
Private First Class
Australia
49
Rep
105
Posts

Drives: 340i M Sport Limited Edition
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Brisbane

iTrader: (0)

Thanks for the input guys! A lot of much appreciated advice.

I have considered ditching the rear speakers, but for some reason I just don't seem to like the idea of having two great speakers upfront and two mediocre ones at the back.

The BMW OEM Alpine system actually seems good value if I could negotiate a bit off the $1800 asking price.

BBK should I not be paying for installation?

Wraith, you're in the industry, does that honestly seem like good value? No problem with spending the $$ as long as I'm sure I'm getting every penny's worth. As BBK said, I don't want to be taken for a ride.

More to think about I guess.
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2008, 06:53 PM   #42
black135
Private
black135's Avatar
2
Rep
98
Posts

Drives:
Join Date: Mar 2008

iTrader: (0)

Try a progressive approach. An amp for the standard 4 inch speakers will make more difference than upgrading them.

Check some of my other threads.
__________________
------------------------------------
I don't like eucalyptus trees
Appreciate 0
      10-31-2008, 08:09 PM   #43
BBK
Banned
87
Rep
3,070
Posts

Drives: A boring one...
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2009 BMW 135i  [5.76]
Quote:
Originally Posted by m01lim View Post
Thanks for the input guys! A lot of much appreciated advice.

I have considered ditching the rear speakers, but for some reason I just don't seem to like the idea of having two great speakers upfront and two mediocre ones at the back.

The BMW OEM Alpine system actually seems good value if I could negotiate a bit off the $1800 asking price.

BBK should I not be paying for installation?

Wraith, you're in the industry, does that honestly seem like good value? No problem with spending the $$ as long as I'm sure I'm getting every penny's worth. As BBK said, I don't want to be taken for a ride.

More to think about I guess.
Even though the BMW system is Alpine, it will be a 'cheap' Alpine system. I used to deal in Alpine and had an all Alpine system in an old car, and there is a big difference between cheap and good Alpine. (if that makes sense! )

Aftermarket systems for the same price will pretty much always be better than car manufacturer spec. For $1800 you don't even get a sub? :iono:
Appreciate 0
      11-01-2008, 10:01 AM   #44
OzBMW84
Private First Class
Australia
49
Rep
105
Posts

Drives: 340i M Sport Limited Edition
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Brisbane

iTrader: (0)

Black135, I see you've installed a 12 inch sub in your boot. I'm really hesitant to do this as I don't want an 'aftermarket' look. Are there really no other solutions?

Do you mind me asking what the components are costing you and installation, for comparison sake?

BBK. Yeah I've been told that the OEM Alpine upgrade probably isn't nearly as good as a nice aftermarket set up. I don't understand why manufacturer install such crap in the cars. Surely with their economies of scale a nice set up could be had for a reasonable cost. Especially for a 'premium' vehicle. I'm sure many owners value the quality of the sound system.
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 04:11 AM.




1addicts
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