JL XD400/4

joelc73 · 11-28-2012, 03:49 PM

Does anyone know if I can send a speaker level signal from my 2010 Base HU directly into a JL XD400? I realize it won't be a flat signal but is there a technical reason I need any other device inbetween?

Thanks

alexwhittemore · 11-28-2012, 04:37 PM

The manual, page 6: http://mediacdn.jlaudio.com/media/mf...pdf?1346971846

It doesn't have convenient speaker level inputs, but you can probably get away with splicing the speaker level wires onto RCA plugs. Radioshack sells a few different kinds.

EDIT: A better question is, why bother? Your stock amp is in the trunk, presumably where you're mounting the new amp, thus giving you access to both line level and speaker level signals.

ctuna · 11-28-2012, 04:46 PM

He has no stock amp if he has a 2010 base system.
You could get a cleansweep and run it into that then to the amp or try to recode to Hi Fi.

alexwhittemore · 11-28-2012, 04:48 PM

I was under the impression that the most basic audio system you could get in US E90s was Hifi - was that only true for a subset of E90 years?

Technic · 11-28-2012, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelc73

Does anyone know if I can send a speaker level signal from my 2010 Base HU directly into a JL XD400? I realize it won't be a flat signal but is there a technical reason I need any other device inbetween?

Thanks

Use a LOC -the XD400/4 accepts up to 5.6V peak. Your OEM HU outputs 8V peak.

For about $65 extra (over a new eBay XD400/4) I would get a Zapco DC200.2 for the a front component set and a RF P300-2 for a pair of woofers. The DC200.2 can correct the signal and keep the gongs OEM-level. It really works in the Stereo system: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=767449

ctuna · 11-28-2012, 05:49 PM

US 2010's and some early 2011's got the base system.
The worldwide base system with no amp .
There were a lot of people pretty upset about this.
BMW reinstated the Hi Fi as lowest level US system around sept of 2010 in 2011 builds
but still a month or two of base system slipped through to 2011 .
They are easily identifiable by the lack of tweeters in the front doors.
The reinstated Hi Fi and L7 system now does not have tweeters in the rear area's.
Also they dropped the pre wiring for a lot of stuff that year like for
the alarm system.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...Stock+Amp+2010

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970

alexwhittemore · 11-28-2012, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

Use a LOC -the XD400/4 accepts up to 5.6V peak. Your OEM HU outputs 8V peak.

Eh, even so, with the sensitivity cranked all the way down, the speaker volume will be unbearably loud before you hit a level potentially damaging to the amp. The only real reason to use a level shifter is to recover some of the volume control resolution on the head unit, but I find there to be plenty of notches to play with as is.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

2010's and some early 2011's got the base system.
The worldwide base system with no amp .
There were a lot of people pretty upset about this.
BMW reinstated the Hi Fi as base system around sept of 2010 in 2011 builds
but still a month or two of base system slipped through .
They are easily identifiable by the lack of tweeters in the front doors.

Interesting.

makkan00 · 11-28-2012, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelc73

Does anyone know if I can send a speaker level signal from my 2010 Base HU directly into a JL XD400? I realize it won't be a flat signal but is there a technical reason I need any other device inbetween?

Thanks

Use a LOC -the XD400/4 accepts up to 5.6V peak. Your OEM HU outputs 8V peak.

For about $65 extra (over a new eBay XD400/4) I would get a Zapco DC200.2 for the a front component set and a RF P300-2 for a pair of woofers. The DC200.2 can correct the signal and keep the gongs OEM-level. It really works in the Stereo system: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=767449

Or
HU coded to Hi fi and Xd 600/6 for all the drivers.

Technic · 11-28-2012, 06:10 PM

In this particular situation, a LOC is a must.

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexwhittemore

Eh, even so, with the sensitivity cranked all the way down, the speaker volume will be unbearably loud before you hit a level potentially damaging to the amp. The only real reason to use a level shifter is to recover some of the volume control resolution on the head unit, but I find there to be plenty of notches to play with as is.

ctuna · 11-28-2012, 07:28 PM

there have been issues with programming the 2010 HU
Most have said it can't be done (at least to the base unit setup)but I thought taibanl was successful at it.

joelc73 · 11-28-2012, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

In this particular situation, a LOC is a must.

Thanks guys.

Just so I'm clear, I can't run speaker cables in using RCA adapters? I need an LOC first?

Technic · 11-28-2012, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by joelc73

Thanks guys.

Just so I'm clear, I can't run speaker cables in using RCA adapters? I need an LOC first?

As stated before, the OEM HU peak outputs exceed the XD400/4 peak input sensitivity. You can try and find out what would happen without a LOC, it is up to you. But the correct way is using a LOC.

joelc73 · 11-29-2012, 07:55 AM

I really appreciate the help all. This forum is a lifesaver.

I'll pick up an LOC. The JL should be a temporary fix while I'm gitting my Zapco fixed.

galx999 · 11-30-2012, 12:03 AM

i wonder how amplified oem signals would sound at 75w per channel. why not get a cleansweep?

joelc73 · 11-30-2012, 01:38 PM

I ended up bringing the JL back. I have a DC360.4 that I was having a problem with but it's at Zapco now and I'm just going to wait for it. It's a great amp -- seems crazy to ditch it.

Technic, I would love to know what frequency (and at what Q) you are notching that gong out at if you don't mind sharing.

11-28-2012, 03:49 PM	#1
joelc73 Private First Class 7 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	JL XD400/4 Does anyone know if I can send a speaker level signal from my 2010 Base HU directly into a JL XD400? I realize it won't be a flat signal but is there a technical reason I need any other device inbetween? Thanks
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11-28-2012, 04:37 PM	#2
alexwhittemore Lieutenant Colonel 110 Rep 1,951 Posts Drives: 2009 Crimson 328i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	The manual, page 6: http://mediacdn.jlaudio.com/media/mf...pdf?1346971846 It doesn't have convenient speaker level inputs, but you can probably get away with splicing the speaker level wires onto RCA plugs. Radioshack sells a few different kinds. EDIT: A better question is, why bother? Your stock amp is in the trunk, presumably where you're mounting the new amp, thus giving you access to both line level and speaker level signals.
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11-28-2012, 04:46 PM	#3
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	He has no stock amp if he has a 2010 base system. He has no stock amp if he has a 2010 base system. You could get a cleansweep and run it into that then to the amp or try to recode to Hi Fi.
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11-28-2012, 04:48 PM	#4
alexwhittemore Lieutenant Colonel 110 Rep 1,951 Posts Drives: 2009 Crimson 328i Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	I was under the impression that the most basic audio system you could get in US E90s was Hifi - was that only true for a subset of E90 years?
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11-28-2012, 05:49 PM	#6
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	2010's and some early 2011's got the base system US 2010's and some early 2011's got the base system. The worldwide base system with no amp . There were a lot of people pretty upset about this. BMW reinstated the Hi Fi as lowest level US system around sept of 2010 in 2011 builds but still a month or two of base system slipped through to 2011 . They are easily identifiable by the lack of tweeters in the front doors. The reinstated Hi Fi and L7 system now does not have tweeters in the rear area's. Also they dropped the pre wiring for a lot of stuff that year like for the alarm system. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...Stock+Amp+2010 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 Last edited by ctuna; 11-28-2012 at 07:32 PM..
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11-28-2012, 07:28 PM	#10
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,101 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	there have been issues with programming the 2010 HU there have been issues with programming the 2010 HU Most have said it can't be done (at least to the base unit setup)but I thought taibanl was successful at it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-29-2012, 07:55 AM	#13
joelc73 Private First Class 7 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	I really appreciate the help all. This forum is a lifesaver. I'll pick up an LOC. The JL should be a temporary fix while I'm gitting my Zapco fixed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-30-2012, 12:03 AM	#14
galx999 Private 0 Rep 92 Posts Drives: F10 535XI M Sport Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Baltimore iTrader: (0)	i wonder how amplified oem signals would sound at 75w per channel. why not get a cleansweep? __________________ 2010 335xi M Sport Blk Sapphire Metallic 2013 535xi M Sport Alpine Wht
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11-30-2012, 01:38 PM	#15
joelc73 Private First Class 7 Rep 109 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	I ended up bringing the JL back. I have a DC360.4 that I was having a problem with but it's at Zapco now and I'm just going to wait for it. It's a great amp -- seems crazy to ditch it. Technic, I would love to know what frequency (and at what Q) you are notching that gong out at if you don't mind sharing.
	Appreciate 0 Quote