[Pavlo]

Hey B33M3R, I’m trying to pick an amp for my set-up, and I have hit a wall. My set-up is very similar your yours, apart from Im doing everything stealth by hiding the amp and MS-8, thought maybe you or anyother guys could help me out in picking something out.

This is my current set-up:
•2 x Focal 100KRS (RMS 50w, 4ohm)
•2 x 4" theloudest.com (RMS 90w, 4ohm)
•2 x SWS-8XI (RMS 150w, 2ohm)
•and a MS-8

So I need a amp to run the Focals and the SWS-8XI on four separate channels, the 4" loudest.com mids will be run from the MS-8 (I hope the MS-8 is powerful enough to run them). The other issues apart from matching RMS and ohms, is it needs to be no bigger than 8" wide x 10" long and 2.5" deep, as it’s all going under the trunk.

The only perfect amp I’ve found is the JL HD600/4 with R.I.P.S technology which is perfect as I won’t need to worry about battery voltages (as I have a European E87) and load impedance. This means I would receive the same power output at 4 ohms as at 1.5 ohms each time. But its pricey around £500 here in the uk.

The other choice which is both cheap, small and powerful is the VIBE LiteBox Stereo 4 which looks like it would be perfect:
4 ohms: 90 watts x 4 chan.
2 ohms: 125 watts x 4 chan.
But I wonder if the SWS8 maybe alil underpowered at 125w each.

Any recommendations or advise on another amp what to do would be much appreciated.

[VP Electricity]

The SWS won't be underpowered. They aren't rated for more than 150 RMS anyway. You could use the 600/6 and stagger it 150x2 if you didn't already have 2 ohm woofers.

[B33M3R]

Hi, VP's going to be the man to listen to in regards to what will work best but from what I've read the Vibe gets good reviews and is very well priced. Almost went for one myself instead of the JBL. Ideally I wanted to go stealth with the JL XD600/6 but had to reign the budget in a little bit as it's a good £500+ over here. My next upgrade will be a trunk sub of some description, replacement amp and either all stealth or visible but sexy !

[BWT]

Originally Posted by B33M3R

Thanks, hope it assists! You are quite correct, the re-coding is just to flatten the EQ on the 'base' system and this is being done externally by the MS8. It is not being used as a signal summing device as the 'base' doesn't require this (MS8 can do this if required though)

Another thing the bare in mind is that apparently later cars can't be recoded despite them appearing to take the changed coding their output signal has remained unchanged. This was a factor in my decision to use a processor.

There are no errors displayed because as far as the car is concerned nothing has changed.

It's only the 'base' that has this tweaked EQ though, 'Hi Fi' and 'Logic 7' need as slightly different approach so make sure you know your starting point before you commit to buying your equipment. Have fun!

Thanks heaps

[Pavlo]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

The SWS won't be underpowered. They aren't rated for more than 150 RMS anyway. You could use the 600/6 and stagger it 150x2 if you didn't already have 2 ohm woofers.

Originally Posted by B33M3R

Hi, VP's going to be the man to listen to in regards to what will work best but from what I've read the Vibe gets good reviews and is very well priced. Almost went for one myself instead of the JBL. Ideally I wanted to go stealth with the JL XD600/6 but had to reign the budget in a little bit as it's a good £500+ over here. My next upgrade will be a trunk sub of some description, replacement amp and either all stealth or visible but sexy !

Ahh ok VP, So should I be thinking about bridging 4 of the 6 channels on the 600/6 as they are only 90 watts per channel at 2 ohm, meaning 4 channel bridged it would be pushing out 180 watts per two channels bridged, and the remaining 2 channels (un-bridged) straight to the Focals at 60 watts (4ohm).
But what do you mean VP about "If I dont already have 2 ohm woofers" My sws8 are 2 ohm....

Thanks B33M3R, so why did you go for the JBL over the Vibe? Would you say the JL XD600/6 is better then the Vibe? I've found a few XD600s for under £300 on ebay... Would the JL work better with the MS-8, then the Vibe?

[VP Electricity]

Pavlo, I don't want to go off topic in a post about the OP's install, but I will say that like MOST amps (not all), the XD600/6 is not rated to handle a 2 ohm load on a pair of channels that are bridged. When we run the 600/6 in staggered 4-channel mode (4 channels bridged to two, two channels left in stereo), we use 4-ohm woofers.

If you'd like advice on your system, you might want to start your own thread.

[Pavlo]

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

Pavlo, I don't want to go off topic in a post about the OP's install, but I will say that like MOST amps (not all), the XD600/6 is not rated to handle a 2 ohm load on a pair of channels that are bridged. When we run the 600/6 in staggered 4-channel mode (4 channels bridged to two, two channels left in stereo), we use 4-ohm woofers.

If you'd like advice on your system, you might want to start your own thread.

Ahh yes very true, sorry B33M3R, getting carried lol.... I do... thanks for the the pointers VP, ill PM you if thats ok, with my post link so you can give me a hand if that cool

Nice one guys though.....

[kaigoss69]

Pavlo,

The Vibe supposedly is the same amp as the Arc Audio. It has good reviews, but the controls are underneath it, so it may be difficult to adjust it once mounted. The JL HD amps are awesome in every respect. I would say go for the HD if you can afford it, if not go for the Vibe.

[B33M3R]

Originally Posted by Pavlo

Thanks B33M3R, so why did you go for the JBL over the Vibe? Would you say the JL XD600/6 is better then the Vibe? I've found a few XD600s for under £300 on ebay... Would the JL work better with the MS-8, then the Vibe?

I would say the JL will be better undoubtedly but only from what I have read, can't give a back to back review. Yes, they have come down a bit by the looks of it but they were nearer £500 if I recall, when I was pricing up my equipment list. I just went JBL in the end to keep it uniform

[Pavlo]

Ermmm not to super odd or anything but... B33M3R what camera did you take those photos on, my ones just gone, but the quilty of yours looks awesome!!

[B33M3R]

Originally Posted by Pavlo

Ermmm not to super odd or anything but... B33M3R what camera did you take those photos on, my ones just gone, but the quilty of yours looks awesome!!

Why thanks, but alas I have no skills in photography. It's all down to this which I can highly recommend for complete amateurs like me.

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_G...trackInfo=true

The quality of it's movies are in my opinion broadcast quality and the still images put allot of dedicated cameras to shame

[Pavlo]

Originally Posted by B33M3R

Why thanks, but alas I have no skills in photography. It's all down to this which I can highly recommend for complete amateurs like me.

http://www.panasonic.co.uk/html/en_G...trackInfo=true

The quality of it's movies are in my opinion broadcast quality and the still images put allot of dedicated cameras to shame

Wow u took them from a camcorder that’s some good stuff.... I’m definitely going to look it up thanks.

Back to the post what did you think of your slick 4s..? And how did they compare with the sound quality of the Focals... Because the issue I have, are the rears feel like they are non-existent it’s like they are not working, so quiet and weak, don’t know if you had the same issue. So with these new Slick 4s did you get a better sound at the rear, and how did they sound powered by the MS-8?

[chris b.]

subscribed. just got my ms8 and this thread helped a lot!!

[zelyx]

Wow, what a great read this was, i recently got myself a e91 and im currently ready up on everything stereo.

Thanks to you i now know what to do.

Is it still possible to get the technics harnesses? I see he is a member on these forums, but i cannot send private messages yet

iwe allready ordered the focal component kit, alltho i am currently considering swapping the headunit for a pioneer HU with bluetooth.

Also for the rear speakers, the vibes are not available in norway afaik, but i guess any 4" will fit in the rear / center slot, been looking at focal for these aswell.

where did you get the different spacers ? for the sub bass and the door speakers ?

[vidoq]

How is the quality of the sound from the Vibe Slick 40? Are you happy with it?
I will upgrade the sound system of my E90 next week. I have :
***Helix AFC active frequency converter
***Helix DB Five Amp (4x60W + 1x250W RMS at 4Ohm)
***Individual High End front mid-bass
***DLS T25 Tweeters
***Crossovers from a JBL C608i mkii system
***Audio System X-ion AX 08 Subwoofers [80W RMS at 4Ohm, parallel wiring, will get 2ohm from the amp's 5th channel.]

And what has left to buy are the rear speakers... And i don't know what to choose.

Thanks for the answer!

[Fazy69]

I put morel dotech ovations in the front and they sound amazing to me. When I do the back I'll put some morel coaxial back there too. That's just my two cents.

[vidoq]

Originally Posted by B33M3R

Thanks, hope it assists! You are quite correct, the re-coding is just to flatten the EQ on the 'base' system and this is being done externally by the MS8. It is not being used as a signal summing device as the 'base' doesn't require this (MS8 can do this if required though)

Another thing the bare in mind is that apparently later cars can't be recoded despite them appearing to take the changed coding their output signal has remained unchanged. This was a factor in my decision to use a processor.

There are no errors displayed because as far as the car is concerned nothing has changed.

It's only the 'base' that has this tweaked EQ though, 'Hi Fi' and 'Logic 7' need as slightly different approach so make sure you know your starting point before you commit to buying your equipment. Have fun!

I have the professional cd player and the car is manufactured in 2007. I have searched all over the internet for the recoding of the player, but i didn't find any really useful information.
Do you know a topic where this problem is discussed?

Thanks a lot man!

[deadbeat son]

Great job on the install B33M3R! It looks like a well planned and well executed system.

Other than the following quote, I didn't read anything about your impressions of the sound quality.

Originally Posted by B33M3R

The difference in sound quality and volume is amazing so much so that I doubt there are any OEM systems that would come close to this. I still have some tinkering to do in regards to setting up my crossovers and levels via the MS8 but I am enjoying this part of it.

Now that you've been able to spend a bit more time in the car (assumedly), how are you enjoying it? What kind of music are you listening to? What seem to be some of the highlights of the system overall?

Again, great work!

[i2iSTUDIOS]

Wow very nice!

[winther1]

I just ordered the Vibe Slick 40's for the rear. How do I get hold of the connectors though?
I looked up the part number, but nowhere to purchase. I assume they are useless without the connectors?

[mob17]

Originally Posted by winther1

I just ordered the Vibe Slick 40's for the rear. How do I get hold of the connectors though?
I looked up the part number, but nowhere to purchase. I assume they are useless without the connectors?

for each speaker you need to buy 3 parts:

p/n 61138373583 x 1 (this is the plug/connector)
p/n 61130006664 x 2 (pin contact with 18" wire)

You buy them from your local BMW dealer.

[winther1]

Thanks - so do I need to change the entire wire?!? Any good plug & play speakers available? Not sure I'm up for this