USB / HI-FI upgrade

Chris320 · 04-22-2008, 03:49 PM

Hi all,

I have had a pretty good hunt through the forum but am still a bit unclear as to the correct answer to these two questions...

1. Is there a way to retrofit a USB connection to the standard 'Professional Radio'? I'm not bothered about IPOD, just the ability to play MP3s off a flash drive.

2. Is the 'HI-FI option' something that can be retrofitted? From what I can tell it's basically just a case of adding some speakers (or maybe changing some too).

Thanks in advance!

Chris.

gIzzE · 04-22-2008, 05:13 PM

USB not yet.

Add a Blaupunkt plug and play amp and the Logic 7 tweeters. This is then as good as the L7 system.
Add the earthquake subs and you now have something far better.

Amp from £180 and takes 10 minutes to install, if you want to add subs, you need the £270 amp and £150 subs, the subs take an hour t install.

Chris320 · 04-22-2008, 07:24 PM

Thanks for the advice!

I do actually think that the standard speaker system is pretty "ok" just as long as you tweek the treble and bass up a bit. Obviously not having any tweeters pretty much kills anything above about 12khz and the small bass drivers will not have a very low response either.

What exactly is the difference between the standard system and the BMW HIFI option? Does this include a seperate amp or is it just different speakers?

Shame about the USB. BMW really needs to sort out the 6FL for retrofit ASAP. Loads of people would jump at the chance to have it fitted!! Me included of course.

matlough · 04-23-2008, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

USB not yet.

Add a Blaupunkt plug and play amp and the Logic 7 tweeters. This is then as good as the L7 system.
Add the earthquake subs and you now have something far better.

Amp from £180 and takes 10 minutes to install, if you want to add subs, you need the £270 amp and £150 subs, the subs take an hour t install.

How easy is this amp to install? Does it install in the boot?

Also, where can you buy the Logic 7 tweeters?

gIzzE · 04-23-2008, 03:47 AM

Dealer will sell you tweeters. £15 each, and the trim for the door to give you grilles to mount them are also £15. They just plug into the midrange you have in the car now.

If you buy the 4 or 5 channel amp it needs to go in the boot really, there is a 4 channel on ebay with the right cable, says it is for a 1 series but it is the same.
The 2 channel amp will fit under the trim beneath the glovebox, takes 10 minutes to install.

The hi-fi option is an amp in the boot, but only 25w, plus you get tweeters. Really not a good option, not great sound and makes adding something afterwards a nightmare.

matlough · 04-23-2008, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

Dealer will sell you tweeters. £15 each, and the trim for the door to give you grilles to mount them are also £15. They just plug into the midrange you have in the car now.

If you buy the 4 or 5 channel amp it needs to go in the boot really, there is a 4 channel on ebay with the right cable, says it is for a 1 series but it is the same.
The 2 channel amp will fit under the trim beneath the glovebox, takes 10 minutes to install.

The hi-fi option is an amp in the boot, but only 25w, plus you get tweeters. Really not a good option, not great sound and makes adding something afterwards a nightmare.

I guess by dealer you mean a BMW dealer not just a car stereo shop?

I only have the basic audio system so is the wiring already in the door for the tweeters (near the wing mirror)?

Don't suppose you have any pics of your install?

gIzzE · 04-23-2008, 04:13 AM

yeah BMW dealer.

The speaker in the door has a connector for the tweeter, you just plug it in.

The finished install??

It looks completely stock.

I have picks of the 5 channel amp install in the boot, I will upload it soon.

Chris320 · 04-23-2008, 10:06 AM

I assume the two channel amp only amplifies the two front door speakers (and tweeters if you have them)??

The rears and the under seat subs are left at normal volume? Oh actually I bet the subs are driven from the front channels too so maybe they are also amplified?

gIzzE · 04-23-2008, 10:59 AM

Yeah, it amplifies the front speakers and the subs.

I personally don't like rear speakers, unless of course the system is crap and then you need some rear fill, but on a good system that fills the car with sound I prefer just fronts and a sub.

TimsterC · 04-23-2008, 11:25 AM

So excuse me for being a noob about this, but can I just plug in the tweeters to the door/mirror?
I have the BMW Professional audio kit in the M-Sport and it lacks something from the Bose system I had in the Mazda 6.

gIzzE, can you provide us with an idiots guide to upgrading the audio?

Chris320 · 04-23-2008, 04:28 PM

Does the "official bmw hi-fi option" actually upgrade any of the existing speakers? I know you can fit some better under seat subs and door speakers. Any suggestions on makes / models to replace the existing speakers?

Oh, also do you have the model number of that plug and play amp gizze?

Thanks for all your suggestions by the way!!

gIzzE · 04-23-2008, 04:39 PM

Amp is THA-555 pnp for the 5 channel one.

Chris320 · 04-23-2008, 11:14 PM

Ok so I will probably try the following:-

L7 tweeters
THA-275 amp
8" earthquake subs.
May see about fitting tweeters in the rear too if possible??

Does anyone know the best place to get the SWS-8's in the uk? I assume these will drop straight in and replace the 6" versions currently fitted?

Cheers.

Chris.

gIzzE · 04-24-2008, 03:30 AM

Don't put tweeters in the rear!! Worst thing you can do, why pull the soundstage back??
People spend thousands on time alignement to get the soundstage up front.

Have a look at the sub upgrades in teh main audio forum.
In fact don't bother, they are all doing it wrong.

You need to remove the factory driver and put some quick drying silicon sealer round the edge, this lifts the driver so it fits the enclosuer, then put sealer in to actually seal all gaps.

You will need the 5 channel amp if you are upgrading the factory subs, these subs need at least 100w each to get going.

gIzzE · 04-24-2008, 03:31 AM

Ebay.com is the best place, new jersey audio will do a deal on 2 units and keep shipping costs down.

e92-320d · 04-24-2008, 03:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

The 2 channel amp will fit under the trim beneath the glovebox, takes 10 minutes to install.

Do you still need to run power cables to the battery with the 2 channel amp?

Miles

gIzzE · 04-24-2008, 03:57 AM

No, you can run it off the adpater cable.

As I said, really is a 10 minute install.

e92-320d · 04-24-2008, 05:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gIzzE

No, you can run it off the adpater cable.

As I said, really is a 10 minute install.

Will definitely be added to my "to do" list

Miles

Chris320 · 04-24-2008, 09:18 AM

Hi Gizze,

So you mean don't bother changing to the 8" sub, just seal the existing 6" ones better?

The only reason I mentioned the rear tweeters was because the BWM HI-FI option adds these but I see what you mean about keeping the "highs" towards the fron of the car.

gIzzE · 04-24-2008, 09:22 AM

Just leave the 6" as they are, they are already sealed.

You could add the L7 subs at some point if you felt the need, buy the drivers off one of the guys on here who upgade, these go down to about 40hz, the standard ones around 55hz.

Chris320 · 04-24-2008, 09:26 AM

I see so what you're saying is that for most the standard 6" ones are fine, they just need a little bit more power and that's where the THA-275 comes in... So...

L7 tweeters
THA-275

That's all you really need to upgrade the standard system to a "decent level"?

Chris320 · 04-24-2008, 09:29 AM

Oh, if you can get the L7 tweeters direct from the dealer can you not also just get the 8" subs from them?? Does this cost a lot?

04-22-2008, 03:49 PM	#1
Chris320 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 320i MSport ED Saloon Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK - Manchester iTrader: (0)	USB / HI-FI upgrade Hi all, I have had a pretty good hunt through the forum but am still a bit unclear as to the correct answer to these two questions... 1. Is there a way to retrofit a USB connection to the standard 'Professional Radio'? I'm not bothered about IPOD, just the ability to play MP3s off a flash drive. 2. Is the 'HI-FI option' something that can be retrofitted? From what I can tell it's basically just a case of adding some speakers (or maybe changing some too). Thanks in advance! Chris.
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04-22-2008, 05:13 PM	#2
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	USB not yet. Add a Blaupunkt plug and play amp and the Logic 7 tweeters. This is then as good as the L7 system. Add the earthquake subs and you now have something far better. Amp from £180 and takes 10 minutes to install, if you want to add subs, you need the £270 amp and £150 subs, the subs take an hour t install.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-22-2008, 07:24 PM	#3
Chris320 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 320i MSport ED Saloon Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK - Manchester iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the advice! I do actually think that the standard speaker system is pretty "ok" just as long as you tweek the treble and bass up a bit. Obviously not having any tweeters pretty much kills anything above about 12khz and the small bass drivers will not have a very low response either. What exactly is the difference between the standard system and the BMW HIFI option? Does this include a seperate amp or is it just different speakers? Shame about the USB. BMW really needs to sort out the 6FL for retrofit ASAP. Loads of people would jump at the chance to have it fitted!! Me included of course.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2008, 03:47 AM	#5
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	Dealer will sell you tweeters. £15 each, and the trim for the door to give you grilles to mount them are also £15. They just plug into the midrange you have in the car now. If you buy the 4 or 5 channel amp it needs to go in the boot really, there is a 4 channel on ebay with the right cable, says it is for a 1 series but it is the same. The 2 channel amp will fit under the trim beneath the glovebox, takes 10 minutes to install. The hi-fi option is an amp in the boot, but only 25w, plus you get tweeters. Really not a good option, not great sound and makes adding something afterwards a nightmare.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2008, 04:13 AM	#7
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	yeah BMW dealer. The speaker in the door has a connector for the tweeter, you just plug it in. The finished install?? It looks completely stock. I have picks of the 5 channel amp install in the boot, I will upload it soon.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2008, 10:06 AM	#8
Chris320 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 320i MSport ED Saloon Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK - Manchester iTrader: (0)	I assume the two channel amp only amplifies the two front door speakers (and tweeters if you have them)?? The rears and the under seat subs are left at normal volume? Oh actually I bet the subs are driven from the front channels too so maybe they are also amplified?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2008, 10:59 AM	#9
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	Yeah, it amplifies the front speakers and the subs. I personally don't like rear speakers, unless of course the system is crap and then you need some rear fill, but on a good system that fills the car with sound I prefer just fronts and a sub.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2008, 11:25 AM	#10
TimsterC Private 6 Rep 80 Posts Drives: '12 E91 318d & '16 F46 220d Xd Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Surrey, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 220d xDriv ... [0.00] 2005 Kawasaki ZX-10R [0.00]	So excuse me for being a noob about this, but can I just plug in the tweeters to the door/mirror? I have the BMW Professional audio kit in the M-Sport and it lacks something from the Bose system I had in the Mazda 6. gIzzE, can you provide us with an idiots guide to upgrading the audio? __________________ TimsterC 2012 E91 318d ///MSport : Titanium Silver : Towbar : Privacy Glass 2016 F46 220d xDrive Sport Gran Tourer B47 2.0d : Medeterranian Blue : Towbar : Privacy Glass
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04-23-2008, 04:28 PM	#11
Chris320 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 320i MSport ED Saloon Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK - Manchester iTrader: (0)	Does the "official bmw hi-fi option" actually upgrade any of the existing speakers? I know you can fit some better under seat subs and door speakers. Any suggestions on makes / models to replace the existing speakers? Oh, also do you have the model number of that plug and play amp gizze? Thanks for all your suggestions by the way!!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-23-2008, 04:39 PM	#12
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	Amp is THA-555 pnp for the 5 channel one.
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04-23-2008, 11:14 PM	#13
Chris320 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 320i MSport ED Saloon Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK - Manchester iTrader: (0)	Ok so I will probably try the following:- L7 tweeters THA-275 amp 8" earthquake subs. May see about fitting tweeters in the rear too if possible?? Does anyone know the best place to get the SWS-8's in the uk? I assume these will drop straight in and replace the 6" versions currently fitted? Cheers. Chris.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2008, 03:30 AM	#14
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	Don't put tweeters in the rear!! Worst thing you can do, why pull the soundstage back?? People spend thousands on time alignement to get the soundstage up front. Have a look at the sub upgrades in teh main audio forum. In fact don't bother, they are all doing it wrong. You need to remove the factory driver and put some quick drying silicon sealer round the edge, this lifts the driver so it fits the enclosuer, then put sealer in to actually seal all gaps. You will need the 5 channel amp if you are upgrading the factory subs, these subs need at least 100w each to get going.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2008, 03:31 AM	#15
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	Ebay.com is the best place, new jersey audio will do a deal on 2 units and keep shipping costs down.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2008, 03:57 AM	#17
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	No, you can run it off the adpater cable. As I said, really is a 10 minute install.
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04-24-2008, 09:18 AM	#19
Chris320 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 320i MSport ED Saloon Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK - Manchester iTrader: (0)	Hi Gizze, So you mean don't bother changing to the 8" sub, just seal the existing 6" ones better? The only reason I mentioned the rear tweeters was because the BWM HI-FI option adds these but I see what you mean about keeping the "highs" towards the fron of the car.
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04-24-2008, 09:22 AM	#20
gIzzE Major General 363 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: F11 + 911 C4 Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Norfolk, UK. iTrader: (2)	Just leave the 6" as they are, they are already sealed. You could add the L7 subs at some point if you felt the need, buy the drivers off one of the guys on here who upgade, these go down to about 40hz, the standard ones around 55hz.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2008, 09:26 AM	#21
Chris320 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 320i MSport ED Saloon Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK - Manchester iTrader: (0)	I see so what you're saying is that for most the standard 6" ones are fine, they just need a little bit more power and that's where the THA-275 comes in... So... L7 tweeters THA-275 That's all you really need to upgrade the standard system to a "decent level"?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-24-2008, 09:29 AM	#22
Chris320 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 43 Posts Drives: 320i MSport ED Saloon Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: UK - Manchester iTrader: (0)	Oh, if you can get the L7 tweeters direct from the dealer can you not also just get the 8" subs from them?? Does this cost a lot?
	Appreciate 0 Quote