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06-12-2008, 12:43 PM | #1 |
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Seems like the only difference between the premium and standard sound is power.
Looks like all the speakers are the same size (might be a difference speaker though) but the amplifier power is bumped up. How simple is it to just replace the OEM amp with an aftermarket amp to add more power to the system?
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06-12-2008, 03:54 PM | #2 |
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06-12-2008, 04:17 PM | #3 |
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Different speakers as well.
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06-12-2008, 04:55 PM | #4 | |
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As far as adding an amp, I can only speak for the E46, but I don't know of any BMWs that were different. The crossovers for the speakers are normally built in to the amp, so you can't do a simple swap of an amp. You either need to do an amp and new set of speakers with their own crossover network, or will need an amp with one channel for each speaker in the car, and add passive crossovers. (Good luck finding one of those at an affordable price.) I suppose you could buy an active crossover, as well. Any of those ways, tapping in to the proper source for audio is going to be another issue you'll need to deal with. Doing it correctly will not be cheap, unless you want it to sound cheap. I did a custom stereo in my E36 and E46, and don't want to be bothered on the E92. Having said all that, even if it was a direct swap, a stereo system is only as good as its weakest component. In most BMWs the two equally bad parts are the amp and speakers. Changing one doesn't do a whole lot. |
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06-12-2008, 05:51 PM | #5 | |
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I'm not really concerned about cost but more ease of swapping equipment. If the factory amp can be direct swapped with an aftermarket then that is a plus. Especially if no modifications are needed on the head unit side. Speakers are simple enough to swap one for one so I'm not too concerned there. I just don't want to have to have new wiring and a trunk full of equipment to get decent sound even if it's just a slight upgrade. I know it's going to be really hard to go from what I have now to a base OEM stereo but if the premium is only marginally better, that $1900 cost for the preimum upgrade can be spent more efficiently. |
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06-13-2008, 03:52 AM | #6 | |
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Whether this is satisfactory for the type of music you like to play or the way you like to play it is a different matter, but people who are rubbishing the premium audio are talking BS IMO. I know some people believe that good music means a system that can produce bass that would be loud enough to demolish small buildings. This is generally at the expense of the all round balance of the system. The BMW system will not do this, but it does pack a punch and sustains it at volume. It is a system that will play a wide range of music types very well, but if you are into bass overload hip-hop or whatever it might not be the best system for you. Mick |
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06-13-2008, 04:05 AM | #7 | |
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06-13-2008, 04:24 AM | #8 | |
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- speakers are different - type of speakers is different - number of speakers is different - connection between the OEM HU/iDrive and the OEM amp is different - vehicle active equalization (OEM amp output) is different - vehicle passive equalization (driver input) is different |
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06-13-2008, 09:04 AM | #9 | |||
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I guess I just get peeved when people dismiss the system as garbage or whatever. It clearly isn't, whether it satisfies a true audiophile is another matter, although harcore true audiophiles wouldn't even bother spending much time on a car as its not the best of listening environments anyway. Ciao Mick |
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06-13-2008, 12:24 PM | #10 | |
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Keeping in mind that the Subaru was like a tin can compared to the M3 (which influences bass reproduction and overall sound quality), it still sounded light years better than the M3's premium sound. This has been corroborated by many listeners who had heard my old setup. Yes, I've optimized the eq to my ears based on the suggested settings on this forum and it certainly helps (thanks guys), but it's still not in the same league as my relatively moderate aftermarket setup, installed in a much flimsier "cabinet". My advice to anybody grappling with this decision is to save the money, get the base stereo, and put your savings towards a decent aftermarket upgrade. |
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09-01-2008, 04:20 PM | #11 |
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Thanks. Exactly what I was looking for. Another expensive option I don't need - and I want to hear the engine mainly
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