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      10-05-2010, 08:16 PM   #1
csmith7393
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How to increase sound quality?

I'm tired of bmw's stock stereo system in my 135. I cant turn the volume all the way up with out the bass distorting. I was wondering what I could do to make the sound quality better, and allow me to listen to music louder. Im not trying to get a whole new system, but maybe some subs. Let me know what you think...
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      10-06-2010, 08:16 AM   #2
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Talk to Ken @ Musicar Northwest (VP Electricity on the boards here). Tell him which audio system you have and what you want to get out of it. While he is in OR, he works with shops around the country.
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      10-06-2010, 08:43 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by gnat View Post
Talk to Ken @ Musicar Northwest (VP Electricity on the boards here). Tell him which audio system you have and what you want to get out of it. While he is in OR, he works with shops around the country.
+1
couldn't have said it better.
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      10-06-2010, 08:49 AM   #4
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Please explain why you need the volume turned all the way up?

No 1, you might be causing yourself serious hearing damage.

No. 2 - you might not be able to hear noises such as trucks, motorcyles, sirens etc that are part of your sight and sound driver inputs.

No. 3 - no stereo system should ever be turned all the way up, that is where maximum distortion happens. There is plenty of volume on the standard stereo at 30% to hear music while driving and remain safe while doing so.

There is nothing more ridiculous then hearing a dork in a boom car blasting his eardrums while annoying everyone else on the street.
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      10-06-2010, 09:24 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lester View Post
There is plenty of volume on the standard stereo at 30% to hear music while driving and remain safe while doing so.
No, there is not "plenty" of volume in this particular case.

What the OP describes apply to the MY2010-2011 standard OEM sound system: the radio severily distorts at anything over half the max volume, and at less than half volume there is not enough "headroom" to really enjoy the music, IMO. Which then forces the listener to raise the volume until it distorts, in an useless cycle.

This is a design limitation/technical issue with this particular system that BMW corrected from MY2011.5 (09/10 production)-on.
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      10-06-2010, 09:26 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by csmith7393 View Post
I'm tired of bmw's stock stereo system in my 135. I cant turn the volume all the way up with out the bass distorting. I was wondering what I could do to make the sound quality better, and allow me to listen to music louder. Im not trying to get a whole new system, but maybe some subs. Let me know what you think...
Definitely you need to replace the front OEM speakers with a component set and add an aftermarket amp, at least. Then you can decide if you want a sub in the trunk, upgrade the underseat woofers or doing both.

Your budget will tell you what to do.
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      10-06-2010, 09:41 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mineo77 View Post
+1
couldn't have said it better.
Ha! It's your threads/comments that put me on to him. Very knowledgeable guy and seems to be happy to help. I'm looking forward to doing business with him when I have a car to install something in.
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      10-06-2010, 12:50 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lester View Post
Please explain why you need the volume turned all the way up?

No 1, you might be causing yourself serious hearing damage.

No. 2 - you might not be able to hear noises such as trucks, motorcyles, sirens etc that are part of your sight and sound driver inputs.

No. 3 - no stereo system should ever be turned all the way up, that is where maximum distortion happens. There is plenty of volume on the standard stereo at 30% to hear music while driving and remain safe while doing so.

There is nothing more ridiculous then hearing a dork in a boom car blasting his eardrums while annoying everyone else on the street.

sorry, i completely disagree...there is NO volume in our cars. driving with the windows down you cant hear anything (at least with my old base system). You dont need to be booming down the road, but a nice crystal clear BALANCED system with amble decibals is a nice thing to have...thanks MusicarNW for giving that to me!
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      10-06-2010, 01:00 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lester View Post
Please explain why you need the volume turned all the way up?

No 1, you might be causing yourself serious hearing damage.

No. 2 - you might not be able to hear noises such as trucks, motorcyles, sirens etc that are part of your sight and sound driver inputs.

No. 3 - no stereo system should ever be turned all the way up, that is where maximum distortion happens. There is plenty of volume on the standard stereo at 30% to hear music while driving and remain safe while doing so.

There is nothing more ridiculous then hearing a dork in a boom car blasting his eardrums while annoying everyone else on the street.
You don't need dynamic head room when you listen to talk radio
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      10-06-2010, 02:08 PM   #10
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My 2009 came with the mid level system but I think it will play plenty loud. I too get tired of listening to what others consider music. Mine will play loud enough it will drown out all but the loudest external noise sources - which is probably too loud.
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      10-06-2010, 02:39 PM   #11
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How nice would it have been if these were like the Pontiac G8's where you just had to dig around in the back and find the OE amp. Then just turn up the gain a little bit. LOL

-Jeff
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      10-06-2010, 07:18 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by maxnix View Post
So true! Or techno, hip hop, most pop and most radio stations. If the studio hasn't compressed it enough for you, the radio stations will.

What I wonder is if one can get a better system than the HK for the same price.
Actually, you do... it is called the JBL MS-8, from the same people that made the OEM HK/Logic7 system.
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      10-07-2010, 05:13 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lester View Post
Please explain why you need the volume turned all the way up?

No 1, you might be causing yourself serious hearing damage.

No. 2 - you might not be able to hear noises such as trucks, motorcyles, sirens etc that are part of your sight and sound driver inputs.

No. 3 - no stereo system should ever be turned all the way up, that is where maximum distortion happens. There is plenty of volume on the standard stereo at 30% to hear music while driving and remain safe while doing so.

There is nothing more ridiculous then hearing a dork in a boom car blasting his eardrums while annoying everyone else on the street.
thats a bit boring though?

csmith7393 do you drive a convertible?
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      10-07-2010, 03:34 PM   #14
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unfortunately there are not many ways (if any)...you pay for what you get
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      10-07-2010, 06:02 PM   #15
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Does any have any photos for this JBL MS-8 installed on their cars? The dash display unit is kinda weird looking and wonder whether it can be hid in the glove box compartment. I guess I have the standard stereo system in my car which really sucks... Would I need to upgrade my existing speakers as well?? I was considering BSW upgrade but I have a lot questions about their capabilities and whether it's worthwhile.. Many thanks...

Cheers...
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      10-14-2010, 03:49 PM   #16
csmith7393
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mineo77 View Post

sorry, i completely disagree...there is NO volume in our cars. driving with the windows down you cant hear anything (at least with my old base system). You dont need to be booming down the road, but a nice crystal clear BALANCED system with amble decibals is a nice thing to have...thanks MusicarNW for giving that to me!
I was wondering what I could expect to pay for a new system like that.
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      10-15-2010, 11:50 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by csmith7393 View Post
I was wondering what I could expect to pay for a new system like that.
Well thats hard to answer directly cause their are a few packages developed from Ken Ward at MusicarNW specifically for our cars which vary in cost. First off expense it the equipment, but dont forget to budget for install which will vary pending on where you live.

I would strongly suggest that you give Ken @ musicarNW a call 503.208.6246
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      10-15-2010, 03:30 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by mineo77 View Post
Well thats hard to answer directly cause their are a few packages developed from Ken Ward at MusicarNW specifically for our cars which vary in cost. First off expense it the equipment, but dont forget to budget for install which will vary pending on where you live.

I would strongly suggest that you give Ken @ musicarNW a call 503.208.6246
+1 for Ken. that guy def knows his stuff. Thanks for the recommendation Mineo! I think i may end up with a similar system as you....just takes me forever to decide. haha
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      10-15-2010, 03:54 PM   #19
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Originally Posted by J-Sud View Post
+1 for Ken. that guy def knows his stuff. Thanks for the recommendation Mineo! I think i may end up with a similar system as you....just takes me forever to decide. haha
Well I can pretty much guarantee u will be very impressed with it! I love it
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      10-28-2010, 11:08 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lester View Post
Please explain why you need the volume turned all the way up?

No 1, you might be causing yourself serious hearing damage.

No. 2 - you might not be able to hear noises such as trucks, motorcyles, sirens etc that are part of your sight and sound driver inputs.

No. 3 - no stereo system should ever be turned all the way up, that is where maximum distortion happens. There is plenty of volume on the standard stereo at 30% to hear music while driving and remain safe while doing so.

There is nothing more ridiculous then hearing a dork in a boom car blasting his eardrums while annoying everyone else on the street.
are you using your sonic earz while driving?
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      10-29-2010, 02:13 AM   #21
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I have the BMW Professional headunit and a pair of Lightning Audio 4" Mids in the doors. Plays decent enough. Nice tight low range and clear and crisp mid to high.

I'm a bit of a basshead, so my next upgrade will probably be an RF 12" with a 500W amp (still deciding on brand).

Bottom line, replacing the mids is a start. See if you're happy with the results. If you think you need more oomph, add on a woofer and the amp.

Not a pro or anything, just giving my advice based on experiences.
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      01-24-2011, 11:32 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Technic View Post
No, there is not "plenty" of volume in this particular case.

What the OP describes apply to the MY2010-2011 standard OEM sound system: the radio severily distorts at anything over half the max volume, and at less than half volume there is not enough "headroom" to really enjoy the music, IMO. Which then forces the listener to raise the volume until it distorts, in an useless cycle.

This is a design limitation/technical issue with this particular system that BMW corrected from MY2011.5 (09/10 production)-on.
I have this exact issue with my car it is absolutely ridiculous.... Is there a solution that doesn't involve new speakers?
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