Audiotec Fischer Match Speaker Upgrade, Kicker KEY180.4 Amp and Kenwood KAC-M3004 Amp

[Stubbie Blue]

I couldn't stand listening to the standard Hi-Fi system (2 tweeters, 4 mids, 2 underseat subs and an amp) so I decided to upgrade it.

I already installed an Android headunit with front and rear RCA pre-amp outputs.
https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1510420

Next I installed the Audiotec Fischer Match MS 42C-BMW.1 mids and tweeters, and MW 8BMW-D subs ($420). They were pretty much direct fit but I did have to cut a slot out of their subwoofer connector to allow it to fit the factory connector.

At this point I tried out the speakers just connected to the factory amp and there was only a small improvement. I still had to use a lot of EQ on the headunit and the factory amp was too weak to power 4 ohm speakers, and I think it uses a crossover frequency that is not suitable for the Match subs.

So next I installed a Kicker KEY180.4 amp to power the 4 mids and 2 tweeters, and a Kenwood KAC-M3004 for the subs (150 W x 2 bridged).

I used this BMW Amp Connector Harness from ebay:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-E90-F10...s/162981689727

The Kicker Key amp has a built-in DSP and comes with a microphone to do Auto EQ (per speaker) and time alignment. This made a huge improvement in evening out the speakers, especially since I'm still using the stock rear speakers. The time alignment made the sound more focused and lifted the sound stage.

The Kenwood amp can push the subwoofers really loud but they get boomy if you set the crossover higher than 110 Hz.

In conclusion, I feel that upgrading the speakers alone would not be worthwhile. You should plan on upgrading the amp as well, and the Kicker Key amp made a dramatic improvement with its built-in Auto EQ.

[zx10guy]

Your observations have been what Nelson at Bimmer Tech and Tecknic has said. Upgrading the amp should be the first thing anyone does and then reassess if you want to take the extra step to do the speakers. Many times people are satisfied with just doing the amp upgrade keeping the stock speakers.

For me, I still wasn't satisfied with the sound after upgrading to the Bimmer Tech amp; even with the sound file for my car loaded into the DSP engine. So I embarked on upgrading the front speakers/subs with the Focal plug and play speakers. Between the new speakers and the sound file from forum member GeoffS, the sound is where I want it to be now.

[Stubbie Blue]

[Stubbie Blue]