[Drill]

Looking to upgrade sound system
Has anyone had experience with audio installers in Melb?
Any recommendations

For those trying to figure out what system they have I came across this

Base Stereo
The six-speaker Stereo system has no tweeters and no amp. The speakers are powered by the head unit. The mesh tweeter grilles inboard of the side mirrors are missing.

HiFi
The HiFi system has front tweeters and an amp. (While 2006-2009 had ten speakers, many 2010-2011 had 8 speakers – the rear tweeters were deleted.) There is no graphic equalizer setting in the head unit’s menu – just bass and treble – and no “Surround On-Off” setting. There is no center-channel dash speaker.

Premium Sound
Premium Sound (also knownto BMW internally as “Top HiFi”) is branded as:
— Logic 7
— harman/kardon
— Individual Audio
— Enhanced Premium

All these systems share a similar architecture – speaker size, count, location, and amplifier channel complement are all identical.

Premium Sound systems will always have graphic equalizer settings in the head unit’s menu, as well as a “Logic 7 On/Off” or “Surround On/Off” option.

The E9x 3-series will also a have center-channel dash speakers and two sets of rear speakers (side and rear deck).

The E82/7 1-series will not have center speaker or the second set of rear speakers (so check the head unit menu for the equalizer).

[sjf430]

i have the base and it sucks balls. ive looked into upgrading, mostly at the alpine upgrade:
http://www.schmiedmann.com/en/bmw-e9...5-41-0-445-684
but cbf

[aiball]

I have the premium, sounds alright I guess. It's much better than stock sound systems I've had in my previous cars.

I used the equaliser settings found on this site in the audio section and it seems to work well.

[Mayuri Krab]

Can anyone confrim that AU spec 335i(s) all have 'HiFi' spec sound system by default?

Because it looks like I have this one (I can see the tweeters near the front), but I know the previous owner didn't select any options (no M-sport, no sun roof, no radar CC or sunroof) on this car besides comfort acess.

[Scotty89]

I have hifi on my 335i as well, and I think it sounds pretty darn good for a factory stereo.

[donR]

Mine is an 08 and it is meant to have 10 speakers. I think it sounds ok but not as good as the Bose 10 speaker system in my 2001 Audi which I think sounds really good.

I'm not sure what the speakers are in the BMW?

I'd be tempted to upgrade if I had the time to swap all the speakers.

I think Bose is renown for getting a lot out of small speakers.

[Scotty89]

Bose is known for over emphasising the bass and treble, which sounds "good" to the average listen.

Bose do not generally give a transparent reproduction of the audio though.

[ATTN]

I have an iPE full exhaust, music to my ears

[donR]

Originally Posted by Scotty89

Bose is known for over emphasising the bass and treble, which sounds "good" to the average listen.

Bose do not generally give a transparent reproduction of the audio though.

Personally I've always liked how Bose systems reproduce classical and high notes. It sounds quite crisp in my Audi, there is a woofer for bass I believe so there is enough dynamic range for driving. Though I am not really a fan of all that doof doof.

I had a look at one of the speakers in the BM under the steering column and it said "Made in Hungary" but no branding. The position & number of speakers is similar to my Audi but definitely does not sound as good.

Though I agree for the audiophile Bose is not a choice and gets a hard wrap. I would not choose it for home but they have got it right in my audi. I have some old original Boston Acoustics Lynfield VR series mains and Jamo rears at home which sound great. I had some Dali Blue Series before which were also nice.

I'm sure I could probably get some nice peerless drivers or something like that for the BM which might sound better as I think it is the speakers that let it down not the amplifier, tuner or player.

[sbce90]

I've got the Alpine upgrade + upgraded H/K subs too (Mismatched brands I know but BMW offered it). Sounds a lot better than stock that's for sure.

[lemonpark]

mines Hi-Fi and its a POS compared to the Mark Levinson from my Lexus' but oh well. needs moar bass

[mazaa93]

Had the base sound system (6 speaker system) consisting of 2 front, 2 rear and 2 underseat subs... It was a clean sound, but not loud enough and distorted even with litte bass.

New sound system installed;
- Focal K2 Power 100KRS front & rear - hole cut out for tweeters in front pillars like factory.
- Alpine Type S 10" Subwoofer 500W.
- Alpine hybrid amp/mono (can't recall specific model)

Now it's crazy loud

[Drill]

Originally Posted by mazaa93

Had the base sound system (6 speaker system) consisting of 2 front, 2 rear and 2 underseat subs... It was a clean sound, but not loud enough and distorted even with litte bass.

New sound system installed;
- Focal K2 Power 100KRS front & rear - hole cut out for tweeters in front pillars like factory.
- Alpine Type S 10" Subwoofer 500W.
- Alpine hybrid amp/mono (can't recall specific model)

Now it's crazy loud

Whats the focal speakers like???

[Drill]

Anyone looking to install a great sound system... check this out....
Only $27K for a set of 6 speakers

http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/shop/ultima/

[donR]

Focal is French and audiophile quality. I've heard they are very good. A friend of mine has some Focal Mains. Says they sound good. I'd imagine there automotive speakers would also be top notch.

[Drill]

Originally Posted by liteonled

Focal is French and audiophile quality. I've heard they are very good. A friend of mine has some Focal Mains. Says they sound good. I'd imagine there automotive speakers would also be top notch.

Yep they have some specially designed BMW plug an play upgrades from $489 with some 8 inch under seat subwoofers for $379 each

http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/pro...icle-specific/

[essex_lad]

I have HIFI with earthquake subs under seats powered by a vibe lite air amp. Lots of bass and sounds ok. I think i could do with a pair of tweeters one day though.

[donR]

Originally Posted by Drill

Yep they have some specially designed BMW plug an play upgrades from $489 with some 8 inch under seat subwoofers for $379 each

http://www.focalaustralia.com.au/pro...icle-specific/

That's really impressive and nice that they plug straight in without any modification. Nice video demonstration.

Would be good to have a listen but I might have to wait for Santa to get me these ones.

[Drill]

Originally Posted by liteonled

That's really impressive and nice that they plug straight in without any modification. Nice video demonstration.

Would be good to have a listen but I might have to wait for Santa to get me these ones.

Do you think Santa would be open to a group buy???

[mazaa93]

Originally Posted by Drill

Whats the focal speakers like???

Literally perfect. More than loud enough with beautiful quality - makes your ears buzz if you play close to max volume for a just a couple of songs haha.

Definitely recommend them.

[donR]

Originally Posted by Drill

Do you think Santa would be open to a group buy???

You know Santa always likes to buy in bulk

[bmshez]

With the base sound system, is there much point in upgrading the speakers without upgrading the amp? I'd personally love to go with a staged setup - start with speakers, see how satisfied I am with them and then upgrade the amp if necessary. The issue is the doubling up of some labour time.

That Focal option looks good although I wonder if there are purchasable wing mirror trims that are suitable for the tweeters that we can buy instead of having to drill a hole in them?

Another plug & play setup is by BAVSound but my feeling is that the Focal setup will naturally be better.

EDIT: mazaa93 - how much did installation set you back or did you do it yourself?