[Ao1]

Hi, my 325i (2009 E92, non I-Drive) has the following fitted:

• Loudspeaker system - BMW Advanced
• Enhanced Bluetooth phone functionality
• USB audio interface
• BMW Prof Radio/CD

I think that equates to the HiFi-System (option 676) as I don't have a centre speaker in the dash or speakers on the parcel shelf. In the boot on the left hand side it looks like there is an amp, but I could not see much after removing the inspection cover. At the rear end of the boot there is a large module with a bluetooth symbol on it.

The sound is not that bad, but maybe that is because I previously owned an E46

What are my options for a sound upgrade? Where does DAB fit in?

Thanks.

[Cero ceto]

BMW E90 speakers/setup are known to be one of the worst available in the auto trade. The complete system is set up and wired incorrectly, so,your best option is to look after market if you have the funds available. My car is currently at audio file for the next two days having their stage 2 fitted. This consists of a complete rewire, new Focal 100 KRS speakers including tweeters and a JBL AMP. It's not cheap, however the results are outstanding. We'll worth a visit as they have a great show room and the owner has the same upgrade in his car which he demo's for those interested. Do not waste your money on the BMW Alpine upgrade as you will regret it!

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by SSIIJAR

BMW E90 speakers/setup are known to be one of the worst available in the auto trade. The complete system is set up and wired incorrectly, so,your best option is to look after market if you have the funds available.

Care to elaborate that please?
Have they connected +ve of the battery directly to the speakers

Originally Posted by SSIIJAR

My car is currently at audio file for the next two days having their stage 2 fitted. This consists of a complete rewire, new Focal 100 KRS speakers including tweeters and a JBL AMP. It's not cheap, however the results are outstanding. We'll worth a visit as they have a great show room and the owner has the same upgrade in his car which he demo's for those interested. Do not waste your money on the BMW Alpine upgrade as you will regret it!

Because you are upgrading to Focal stuff, it does not mean that Alpine retrofit is inferior or not worth of money. It is the best kit for its money.
You cannot get anything decent at that price.
So three benefits of Alpine retrofit kit;
1- OEM approach
2- Best value for money
3- Easy to resale

Now by upgrading to whatever you are going for, you will have non OEM approach, not the best value for your money and you may struggle to sell it.
The only benefit I see is better sound quality (if you installer knows the sound dynamics of BMW and sets it appropriately). Mind you half of the installers fails to understand the sound algorithm for BMW.

Just my 2P!


PS: If OP has hi-fi sound system then alpine retrofit kit is not applicable anyway. So I do not know why you brought alpine kit into this discussion.
And No, I am not running Alpine kit in my car.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Ao1

Hi, my 325i (2009 E92, non I-Drive) has the following fitted:

• Loudspeaker system - BMW Advanced
• Enhanced Bluetooth phone functionality
• USB audio interface
• BMW Prof Radio/CD

I think that equates to the HiFi-System (option 676) as I don't have a centre speaker in the dash or speakers on the parcel shelf. In the boot on the left hand side it looks like there is an amp, but I could not see much after removing the inspection cover. At the rear end of the boot there is a large module with a bluetooth symbol on it.

If you have tweeters in the door and no central speaker then you may have hi-fi sound system.
Or Use BMW VIN decoder to see if your car has 676 (hi-fi).

The sound is not that bad, but maybe that is because I previously owned an E46

Originally Posted by Ao1

What are my options for a sound upgrade?

If you have hi-fi then the best amp (which fits in oem location and replaces oem amp would be JL XD 600/6). Your under seats are getting 40W at the moment and as soon as they get 75W, you will see considerable difference.

There are many other options, but this would be more than enough IMHO.

If you are true audiophile and wants more then look into amp with DSP or DSP + amp.

Originally Posted by Ao1

Where does DAB fit in?

Thanks.

DAB:
1- On pre-LCI cars it may sit where alpine retrofit kit amp sits. If you wish to install that you will have to buy DAB module. Dab module retrofit kit, or somebody to create custom kit for DAB retrofit.
DAB diversity antenna if you have E90/92. Or after market antennas if you wish to save some money (though reception may not as good as oem).
You will require somebody to code your car and HU to enable DAB as well.

2- Second option and cheaper than first option would be to buy a HU with built in USB (which you already have but via a module in your boot) and built in DAB module. (one for sale in classified)
So by adding that to your car, you will only require DAB antenna and possible a cable to run from your central arm rest to new HU.
If you calculate the prices, 2nd option will cost you less in long run as it will be easier to remove and resell when it comes to selling the car.

HTH.

[Cero ceto]

Most people I know who have fitted the Alpine system have been very very disappointed and hanker for more!

I would strongly recommend getting it correct the first time, which in the end actually works out more cost effective rather than purchase a poor system which they are not happy with and end up spending yet more to improve it even further. I did a lot of research and visited AUDIO FILE numerous time before deciding what to purchase. Don't take my word for it go and visit their website or give them a call or better still drop in and see what they offer and hear their demo vehicle.

[IanS100]

Originally Posted by SSIIJAR

Most people I know who have fitted the Alpine system have been very very disappointed and hanker for more!

I would strongly recommend getting it correct the first time, which in the end actually works out more cost effective rather than purchase a poor system which they are not happy with and end up spending yet more to improve it even further. I did a lot of research and visited AUDIO FILE numerous time before deciding what to purchase. Don't take my word for it go and visit their website or give them a call or better still drop in and see what they offer and hear their demo vehicle.

I'm guessing that most people that took the Alpine upgrade path did it on the basis of OEM & Price which are very restricting factors, I doubt many would've been prepared to spend more than double the price for your AUDIO FILE system

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by SSIIJAR

Most people I know who have fitted the Alpine system have been very very disappointed and hanker for more!

I would strongly recommend getting it correct the first time, which in the end actually works out more cost effective rather than purchase a poor system which they are not happy with and end up spending yet more to improve it even further. I did a lot of research and visited AUDIO FILE numerous time before deciding what to purchase. Don't take my word for it go and visit their website or give them a call or better still drop in and see what they offer and hear their demo vehicle.

Completely agree with you on getting it correct first time.
Approx 70-80% of BMW owners go for Alpine retrofit kit due to the reasons mentioned earlier.

I know many (at least 20 forum members) who are very happy with alpine retrofit kit.


Lastly, have you benchmarked their system to others? I guess not.
Sorry bud, but since you have not heard other systems so audio file system may be the best you have heard so far. Hence your comments reflect that they are best.

I always say and I repeat. Before you make your mind, please consider every possibly option and listen to the car with those systems. Meet the owners and get the feedback first hand.

If I was in the market for a decent sound system, I would be starting a thread requesting forum members if I can hear their sound systems and few examples to consider

1- Alpine retrofit kit
2- Gladen kit without DSP based amp
3- Gladen kit with DSP based amp
4- MS-8 based sound systems
5- Audison bit ten/ one based sound system.
6- After market based HU with DSP built in (Pioneer P88rs, P99rs)

I have had first hand experience with all these sound system and most of the forum members are very happy with the first three kits.

Only true audiophile go for the option 4-6 and they are expensive but personal preferences. Sort of heart over head thing.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by IanS100

I'm guessing that most people that took the Alpine upgrade path did it on the basis of OEM & Price which are very restricting factors, I doubt many would've been prepared to spend more than double the price for your AUDIO FILE system

Very true.

[Efficiently dynamic]

I had audiofile fit my system a few months back and while I can't fault their quality of install, I am somewhat underwhelmed by the sound quality. My system is the equivalent of their 2 plus system, but with an alpine pdx 100 amp, jbl ms8 processor, centre vibe slick 4 speaker added and focal krs 100s in the doors with sound deadening. I had hoped they would tune it all and it would be a system to show off, but find I am now looking for new underseat woofers (currently using bmw standard ones) and someone to properly tune my system.

I am also receiving mixed messages about whether the underseat woofers should be wired up as mono and set as subs in the Ms8 or wired as stereo and set as underseats??

My advice would be to listen to as many different set-ups as you can with your own music and then make a decision. Wish I could go back and do this myself.....

[Cero ceto]

Yes very true it's all down to budget and personal taste. The reason I picked audio file upgrade rather than Alpine one was the cost of a fitted system. The audio file upgrade was only slightly more expensive fitted than what BMW Charge for the Alpine one fitted. And the sound quality difference really is like night and day. Remember BMW charge £110 PH which takes the cost up to nearly £900 fitted (£370 to buy which does not include the tweeter mounts).

If you can fit it your self then why go with Alpine. Why not a better system which would almost be as cheap to purchase and fit that yourself. If you are concerned about looking original most tweeters including the Focal 100 KRS will fit in the BMW tweeter mounts!

[Ao1]

Originally Posted by makkan00

If you have hi-fi then the best amp (which fits in oem location and replaces oem amp would be JL XD 600/6). Your under seats are getting 40W at the moment and as soon as they get 75W, you will see considerable difference.

There are many other options, but this would be more than enough IMHO.

Thanks makkan00, I was hoping you would chip in Yes I have tweeters so it must be the 676. Is the JL XD 600/6 plug and play?

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Efficiently dynamic

I had audiofile fit my system a few months back and while I can't fault their quality of install, I am somewhat underwhelmed by the sound quality. My system is the equivalent of their 2 plus system, but with an alpine pdx 100 amp, jbl ms8 processor, centre vibe slick 4 speaker added and focal krs 100s in the doors with sound deadening. I had hoped they would tune it all and it would be a system to show off, but find I am now looking for new underseat woofers (currently using bmw standard ones) and someone to properly tune my system.

I am also receiving mixed messages about whether the underseat woofers should be wired up as mono and set as subs in the Ms8 or wired as stereo and set as underseats??

My advice would be to listen to as many different set-ups as you can with your own music and then make a decision. Wish I could go back and do this myself.....

BMW standard 6.5 under seat drivers are mid bass drivers and not subs. They struggle below 50-60Hz.

I am running vibe slick as central speaker. I rate it 3/10 and I will be upgrading it at some stage (being lazy).

MS-8 is known for L7 and central speaker is the spine. If you add vibe slick for that, you are ruining the sound stage. Change that to something decent.

Problem is that its very difficult to get 4 inch decent co-axials and they are very expensive (such as morels). But I have installed a focal co-axial in a car which was excellent.

Also, you will benefit from changing your under seats and take it to somebody who knows what they are doing.

MS-8 is American based product and hardly used in UK as most of the installers get decent profit margin on Audison stuff (compared to MS-8) and hence their choice is that. Another factor is that Audison is more for SPL and easier to setup whereas setting up MS-8 is difficult job. It is very easy to clip MS-8 channel compared to Audison, so clarity will get compromised.

I know hardly 2-3 tuners in whole UK who can setup MS-8 properly. I guess forum member 'mob17' is closer to you. You may wish to ask him to tune your system once you have changed your central speaker and upgrade your under seats.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Ao1

Thanks makkan00, I was hoping you would chip in Yes I have tweeters so it must be the 676. Is the JL XD 600/6 plug and play?

PNP if you buy compatible harness. Shot a pm to technic and ask him that you want hi-fi to XD 600/6 PNP harness.
He will sort you out and once it arrives, you replace your stock amp with XD 600/6.
Then its a matter of setting gains and xovers.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by SSIIJAR

Yes very true it's all down to budget and personal taste. The reason I picked audio file upgrade rather than Alpine one was the cost of a fitted system. The audio file upgrade was only slightly more expensive fitted than what BMW Charge for the Alpine one fitted. And the sound quality difference really is like night and day. Remember BMW charge £110 PH which takes the cost up to nearly £900 fitted (£370 to buy which does not include the tweeter mounts).

If you can fit it your self then why go with Alpine. Why not a better system which would almost be as cheap to purchase and fit that yourself. If you are concerned about looking original most tweeters including the Focal 100 KRS will fit in the BMW tweeter mounts!

In your case price difference is minimal and hence your rational to go for after market kit. It make sense.

I guess 7/10 forum members fit it themselves and save money or they get it fitted by BMW specialist for £200-250.

Another benefit of Alpine kit is that its PNP. No gains to set and no crossovers. So you can't go wrong if you try to fit it yourself.

Not trying to convince anybody that alpine kit is the best or defending it. But for most of the forum member it ticks most of the boxes.

[Efficiently dynamic]

Thanks for your advice Sam. Was that the focal 100ca1 speaker you fitted? To be fair audio file did say that the vibe slick was a big let down for my system.

I have my subsonic filter set at 60hz, but you're saying they should be wired in stereo then and configured as underseats in the ms8?

Which underseats would you recommend? What about Gladen HG-201BMW-3 subs?

Sorry didn't mean to hijack the thread, but am desperate for some answers from someone I trust.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Efficiently dynamic

Thanks for your advice Sam. Was that the focal 100ca1 speaker you fitted? To be fair audio file did say that the vibe slick was a big let down for my system.

I have my subsonic filter set at 60hz, but you're saying they should be wired in stereo then and configured as underseats in the ms8?

Which underseats would you recommend? What about Gladen HG-201BMW-3 subs?

Sorry didn't mean to hijack the thread, but am desperate for some answers from someone I trust.

You can change the subsonic filter to 50Hz but that is not going to make a lot of difference.

Which Alpine amp are you running and whats the watts?

If it gives you 100-120W, then yes Gladen underseats are the best.

[Rudz]

Originally Posted by Efficiently dynamic

Thanks for your advice Sam. Was that the focal 100ca1 speaker you fitted? To be fair audio file did say that the vibe slick was a big let down for my system.

I have my subsonic filter set at 60hz, but you're saying they should be wired in stereo then and configured as underseats in the ms8?

Which underseats would you recommend? What about Gladen HG-201BMW-3 subs?

Sorry didn't mean to hijack the thread, but am desperate for some answers from someone I trust.

Sam installed a focal center speaker in my car, it was a 100CA

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Rudz

Sam installed a focal center speaker in my car, it was a 100CA

Rudz has one of excellent SQ sound system. Only if he can change audison amps to JL so I can get his kit fitted to his new E92.

[Rudz]

Originally Posted by makkan00

Rudz has one of excellent SQ sound system. Only if he can change audison amps to JL so I can get his kit fitted to his new E92.

Audison FTW...JL is for the flash boys, Audison is true audiophile and u know that lol..U aren't installing my Audison VRX, I want to give that a serious go this time around, would request you spend some quality time with it mate...

[Efficiently dynamic]

Originally Posted by makkan00

You can change the subsonic filter to 50Hz but that is not going to make a lot of difference.

Which Alpine amp are you running and whats the watts?

If it gives you 100-120W, then yes Gladen underseats are the best.

Hi, it's the alpine pdx f4 amp which is 100w, so sounds like gladens would be my best bet.

Just one final question, is it worth coding my stereo to be hifi or would that be pointless seeing as I have the ms8?

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Efficiently dynamic

Hi, it's the alpine pdx f4 amp which is 100w, so sounds like gladens would be my best bet.

Just one final question, is it worth coding my stereo to be hifi or would that be pointless seeing as I have the ms8?

Gladen should do.

If you have MS-8 and you are not skipping the calibration at the start, you do not require hi-fi coding.
However if you are skipping the calibration, then it will benefit from coding to hi-fi.

[Soul_Glo]

with gladen you can opt for a gladen harness which would probably work out the same cost as the technic harness shipped. A bit more labour intensive to install though mind you.