aftermarket subs but do i need new components too?

[snAXkrew.GRAVE]

hey guys,

i'm really new to the aftermarket car scene. I've just ordered my 128i jet black with boston red leather, sports package and xenon headlights! it should be comin in early september and i know that i want to put in aftermarket subs, since i've already got some from my brother. I also wanted to save money and learn something new by doing it myself. If i add some bass to my car, is it worth putting in new component speakers too? and if i do all of this will i need a new head unit? can someone with some knowledge help explain to me a little bit about this process while i do some more research on my own? I'd really appreciate it.

-snax

[AussieRacer]

:

:wink:

[atr_hugo]

Start here: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=12916

[wa128]

snax - I just went through an audio upgrade myself recently. Did you order the base stereo or the premium hi-fi? Did you get a chance to listen to any of the stereo options while at the dealer? The mids and highs in the base system are not concert-sound quality but are decent. The bass, in my opinion, needs to be dealth with.

Some things you should consider:
- If you change headunits whether in the base or premium system, you will lose the use of the function buttons on your steering wheel.
- If you ordered the premium system and kept the headunit I heard it may be a little harder to integrate new components because of the system's digital signal processing.
- If you want subs that hit hard for listening to rap/hip hop for example, then it's best to add at least a 10" sub in the trunk powered by a separate mono amp. You will lose trunk space however.
- If you decide to change the 8" subs under the seats instead of adding a sub in the trunk, you will need to take into account clearance issues. The maximum mounting depth is about 2-3/8". There are not many choices in the aftermarket scene at the moment. The closest fit are Earthquake sws8 subs that 3 series car owners have successfully installed with slight modifications. You will also need a more powerful amp.

I have the base system and what I did was to change to new components (mid and tweeters in the doors), add a new amp to power the new components and the factory subs, kept the factory headunit and kept the factory amp to power only the rear speakers. What a difference it made to hook up the subs to the new amp! Deeper, fuller, richer bass. Not the car shaking bass for hip hop but good enough for me. Heart's Barracuda never sounded so good (I'm an old guy)!

Good luck to whatever you decide.

[Mad Dragon]

Originally Posted by wa128

- If you change headunits whether in the base or premium system, you will lose the use of the function buttons on your steering wheel.

You'll lose a lot more than that. I really recommend not replacing the head unit.

[snAXkrew.GRAVE]

here's my deal. I have 2x12 JL Audio subs and an amp to power it. I listen to mostly trance music and am considering changing my component speakers so that i can hear more crisp his and mids to go along with my boom. i also would prefer to not change the HU because it's not the standard HU size and that would be a lot of work for me to make my own filling to replace it.

now that you have a little bit more background on my plans for the car, are there any other considerations that i need to worry about?

[NinTenTom]

Originally Posted by snAXkrew.GRAVE

here's my deal. I have 2x12 JL Audio subs and an amp to power it. I listen to mostly trance music and am considering changing my component speakers so that i can hear more crisp his and mids to go along with my boom. i also would prefer to not change the HU because it's not the standard HU size and that would be a lot of work for me to make my own filling to replace it.

now that you have a little bit more background on my plans for the car, are there any other considerations that i need to worry about?

+1 for another tranceaddict

[woodman650]

wa128, what amp did you put in?

[Temple]

Zapco i-Force 450

[black135]

i've installed an Alpine 4 channel amp to drive the standard 4 x 4 inch speakers. This made a difference straight away but still lacks bass response. I've booked in for a Alpine PDX 1000 mono amp and sub. Will let you know the results.

[Temple]

When you did your first upgrade did you also add better power to your subs under the seats?

My plan is the get a 4ch amp and use it for the fronts and subs and re-purpose the stock amp for the rears...

[Monaco35Dream]

i added 2 memphis 10" subs and a 500w amp. the bass is great, while it hits hard, its not going to set off car alarms. i lost just about half of my truck space though
i you do put a box in the trunk make sure it is tilted up a tad. the back of the truck slopes up, and if the box isnt level or secured, it will tip forward.

[wa128]

Temple, I sent you a PM.

[black135]

Originally Posted by Temple

When you did your first upgrade did you also add better power to your subs under the seats?

My plan is the get a 4ch amp and use it for the fronts and subs and re-purpose the stock amp for the rears...

Shallow mount subs just can't get enough air to move but it does depend what you're looking for. You might get a little more power to the subs but they are just there to give a little fill in the lower freq's.