Speakers/amp/etc

Completely different car (megane) but I had the same issue, wanting better sound but not wanting to turn over my boot to a sub. Ended up with a small sub, 4 channel amp hidden down by the spare wheel and upgrading the front speakers. Completely transformed the sound to something that makes me grin. Its held back by the head unit now but I don't want to change that as it draws attention to the car plus I really don't think they can do the interface between the satnav and the head unit properly yet, its all too sketchy for me.
So in conclusion, don't be afraid of a sub, a compact one will transform your sound experience.

Amp Hidden down with the spare

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Sub in my boot

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Link for the sub.

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/jlaudio-cp108lg-w3v3.html at £237

I got mine done by a local company because I hate running wires, although the worse is power through the bulkhead which you won't have to deal with you will still need to find the harness behind the head unit and get from that to your boot.
 
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hurfdurf said:
I question the need for a sub. I have a pair of these at home http://www.avreview.co.uk/news/images/Monitor-Audio-RX1_big.jpg[IMG]

And don't need a separate sub, so why do people feel the need for one in a car? In fact, when ever I have demo'd music systems it has always been with 2 speakers and an amp, with a subwoofer only being added for movies.[/quote]

Cars have the same acoustic behaviour as your living room?

Also, don't hotlink. I expect better from an elite tier poster. Thank you.

Adding a sub is usually the cheapest and easiest way of filling in the lack of bass, yeah replacing all the speakers and amping them would be ideal but with the limited budget I reckon a sub OR upgrading the 6x9s. I think you can buy 6x9 subwoofers but I don't know if they'll give the desired result.
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Ev0 said:
I've used them in the past and they did the job nicely for what I wanted them for.

As said my approach would be speakers first, then amp if you're not happy with that, with a sub following that if again not satisfied :)
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This is pretty much the route I went down!

New HU - Much better, but when I turn it up the sound is distorted.
New Speakers - Much better, but the head unit doesn't go loud enough for them.
Put an Amp in - This is awesome! But it needs deeper bass.
Put Sub in - Perrrrfect.

I only spent about £250 in total and it was well worth it when all the insulation etc. was in. It took me a few weekends to do which was quite enjoyable in the summer with some beers to keep cool.

Also, I didn't really want a subwoofer to start with due to the chavvy image and I thought I wouldn't need one, but when you listen to something at home then get in the car and hear it you really do miss the lower end that only a sub can do.

And don't need a separate sub, so why do people feel the need for one in a car? In fact, when ever I have demo'd music systems it has always been with 2 speakers and an amp, with a subwoofer only being added for movies.
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Car speakers don't have thick wood behind them, plenty of space for the sound to travel and they are by your feet rather than level with your ears. I know what you mean, my stereo amp and speakers are fine without a sub but in the car, the compact speakers are in a completely different environment and can't produce the same range of sound.
 
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Hi Fox,

Although it's still the honeymoon period, I'm quite impressed by the audio in my 'new' E39. Although having said that I would agree that the bass is maybe lacking - my tone control has almost the full bass lift on and it certainly isn't very bassy. I don't want booming or thumping - just solid. So I can see where you're coming from.

I have the DSP audio and I really dont know if that is any better than yours in terms of speakers/amplification, or whether it's just those stupid 'church', 'concert hall' effects that nobody surely can really like. I have a big box strapped under my parcel shelf visable from the boot - maybe that's full of the DSP amp and other bits? Do you have that box? My Omega has something like that too and it contains the Bose amp and two little subs (mid range and tweeters for the rear are actually in the rear doors) and I have to say it sounds pretty good as far as bass goes. Maybe you could have a sub or subs in that location either replacing (but then you have no mid or hiogh in the rear) or together with the existing 6*9s? Or maybe just relacing the 6*9s with better versions and an extra amp would be a good improvement? You could even use the same box I have to hold the bits for a total OEM look. :)

Like you I'd struggle to bring myself to install a 'proper' boot mounted sub box. There must be a way you can keep it looking OEM!
 
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phil675 said:
This the pretty much the route I went down!
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I'd say it was a good way to do it as whilst it means you don't get it all done at once it allows you to stop when you're happy with it, possibly saving you money/time/effort.

Downside is if you do go the whole hog you could have just done it all in the first place, or you might be happy with a middle setup but if you did go that extra step the improvement may seem even better and worth it.
 
when i did mine i kept all the original speakers and added a 2 channel amp and 2 6x9's to the parcel shelf. so had 6 speakers in total with the 6x9's adding enough bass and extra loudness to keep me happy.
sounds like its what you want too.
 
Fox, may have already been said, but there are OEM direct replacement packages which need no amps or subs installed, plug and play. Can't be specific on the E39 but I've heard the Rainbow package for the E46 with std headunit and it sounded so much better than OEM. here's think link to the E39 package: http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/product/380/174/BMW-Speakers-Upgrade-E39-5-Series-M5/

Seems to be plenty of Google info from folk who have done the upgrade.

Won't be up to the quality of a tailored aftermarket system but will retain the full OEM look, which we know gives you a wee stiffy.
 
the bavariansoundworks package is extremely overpriced for what it offers.

If you want to go with minimal fuss get yourself a decent set of front components, unplug the rear speakers and buy one of these:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Focal-Sol...Technology&hash=item27c6079505#ht_6027wt_1113

or new for £250.

Focal is a reputable manufacturer, much better than the typical Alpine/JBL/Pioneer/marketing ****

It has a built in amplifier for the sub AND an additional amplifier for 2 speakers.
 
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