Amp Recommendation

exclusivo · 09-19-2013, 11:22 AM

I dont know why, but I've been accumulating audio equipment over the past year when I see it available for cheap.

I have a 12" Alpine Type R in box, Logic 7 speakers (no center yet) and 2 SWS-8 underseat subs.

What are some good amps I could use to get everything running right? I have no idea about how many channels I need, or amps, or ohms.... I currently have a hifi system.

Would I need any additional parts regarding power?

ctuna · 09-19-2013, 12:24 PM

Jl xd600/6 is the standard here (enough channels for all speaker,
compatible with BMW Head Unit , Fits in the stock position is a quality
unit best bang for the buck)
They now have some more variations on this with more channels
such as the xd 800/8 see the Jl site.

Power depends on what you expect and buy the way which BMW system
did you start out with or did I miss that.

exclusivo · 09-19-2013, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Jl xd600/6 is the standard here (enough channels for all speaker,
compatible with BMW Head Unit , Fits in the stock position is a quality
unit best bang for the buck)
They now have some more variations on this with more channels
such as the xd 800/8 see the Jl site.

Power depends on what you expect and buy the way which BMW system
did you start out with or did I miss that.

Yea, I was thinking about the xd600/6 since that seems to be very popular here. I have the hifi system, with the amp in the trunk.

bmw325i · 09-19-2013, 12:43 PM

If that is one of the older type r's that are rated at 500 or 600 watts rms, I'd recommend a PDX V9 and leave the rears disconnected or get a seperate 2 channel amp for the sws.

A PDX V9 + a PDX F4 bridged for the underseats would be nice, but expensive too.

ctuna · 09-19-2013, 12:47 PM

People seem to get mixed results from the pdx line.
More noise and interface issues are reported with them.
Don't know which models are most susceptible.

bmw325i · 09-19-2013, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

People seem to get mixed results from the pdx line.
More noise and interface issues are reported with them.
Don't know which models are most susceptible.

From what I've seen it was an issue on some of the older units, but I'm not sure. If you get one thats noisy exchanging it should solve the problem. The PDX V9 is fairly new not sure if there has been any issues with that.

kaigoss69 · 09-19-2013, 01:02 PM

I'd recommend getting a corner enclosure for the Alpine. Run the rears off of the OEM amp. Then the front HU outputs into a 5-channel amp that can take a balanced signal. I think inofficially the above Alpine unit will do that but not 100% sure. You'll need Technic's harness.

bmw325i · 09-19-2013, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

I'd recommend getting a corner enclosure for the Alpine. Run the rears off of the OEM amp. Then the front HU outputs into a 5-channel amp that can take a balanced signal. I think inofficially the above Alpine unit will do that but not 100% sure. You'll need Technic's harness.

Yes the pdx v9 takes balanced inputs, but there is no way to power the rears with the stock amp easily.

exclusivo · 09-19-2013, 01:59 PM

Does is matter if I have the 2 or 4 ohm sws-8s if I'm using an aftermarket amp?

Fooljam · 09-19-2013, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

Yes the pdx v9 takes balanced inputs, but there is no way to power the rears with the stock amp easily.

Are the rear shelf speakers not connected to the stock amp already?

ctuna · 09-19-2013, 03:53 PM

Read these this will give you most all the info available .
There are block diagrams of the wiring and specs.
Most people do not leave the stock amp in with a Hi Fi upgrade.
10th link is Hi Fi block diagram.

BMW stereo types
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138949
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323
http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865
http://www.bawarec.ru/manuals/3er/e9...3er-e90-12.pdf
http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872

Yes the rears are connected. The stock speakers are 2 ohm . This means whatever amp you use must be 2 ohm stable and will output wattage at the
2 ohm spec. Doesn't matter that much if you use 2 ohm or 4 ohm for an aftermarket amp with decent power . However the stock speakers are not really designed for aftermarket power , do people leave them in and not upgrade them , yes

Fooljam · 09-19-2013, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

I know they are..that was my point.

bmw325i · 09-19-2013, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fooljam

Are the rear shelf speakers not connected to the stock amp already?

In order to plug in technics hifi harness you need to unplug the amp.

bmw325i · 09-19-2013, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

His rear speakers now are 4 ohm (hifi). The logic 7 speakers he is putting in are 2 ohm. Another reason why the rear speakers can't be powered with the stock amp.

Fooljam · 09-19-2013, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

His rear speakers now are 4 ohm (hifi). The logic 7 speakers he is putting in are 2 ohm. Another reason why the rear speakers can't be powered with the stock amp.

Yes sure ok I missed that part cheers...

ctuna · 09-19-2013, 07:25 PM

BMW pdf says all Hi Fi speakers are 2 ohm

And I measured my old doors at 2 ohm.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970
Hi fi speakers as per bmw pdf
6 channels
10 loudspeakers
• 2 treble loudspeakers, front 26 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm
• 2 bass loudspeakers, 217 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm
• 2 treble loudspeakers, rear 26 mm
Bandwidth: 40 Hz to 20.000 Hz
Max. acoustic pressure: 104 dB
Amplifier power:
2 x 40 W (2 Ω) Bass
4 x 25 W (2 Ω)

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865

Top-HiFi System (option 677) on E87
6 channels (7 channels simulated - Logic7)
10 loudspeakers
• 2 treble loudspeakers, front 26 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm
• 2 bass loudspeakers, 217 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm
• 2 treble loudspeakers, rear 26 mm
Bandwidth: 30 Hz to 20.000 Hz
Max. acoustic pressure: 104 dB
Amplifier power:
2 x70 W (4 Ω) Bass
6x40 W 40 (2 Ω)

bmw325i · 09-19-2013, 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

BMW pdf says all Hi Fi speakers are 2 ohm

And I measured my old doors at 2 ohm.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970
Hi fi speakers as per bmw pdf
6 channels
10 loudspeakers
• 2 treble loudspeakers, front 26 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm
• 2 bass loudspeakers, 217 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm
• 2 treble loudspeakers, rear 26 mm
Bandwidth: 40 Hz to 20.000 Hz
Max. acoustic pressure: 104 dB
Amplifier power:
2 x 40 W (2 Ω) Bass
4 x 25 W (2 Ω)

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865

Top-HiFi System (option 677) on E87
6 channels (7 channels simulated - Logic7)
10 loudspeakers
• 2 treble loudspeakers, front 26 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm
• 2 bass loudspeakers, 217 mm
• 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm
• 2 treble loudspeakers, rear 26 mm
Bandwidth: 30 Hz to 20.000 Hz
Max. acoustic pressure: 104 dB
Amplifier power:
2 x70 W (4 Ω) Bass
6x40 W 40 (2 Ω)

That's interesting I always thought hifi speakers were 4 ohm. They still wouldn't work off the stock amp though since there is no way to have the amp and technics harness plugged in at the same time.

ctuna · 09-20-2013, 12:30 AM

Agree you need to go totally aftermarket on the amp.
As there is only one plug with the Technic Harness also since
that amp is not very good I wouldn't see why you would want
to keep it.
Rechecked the old doors they actually measure 3 but the documentation
says 2 ohm.

bmw325i · 09-20-2013, 02:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Agree you need to go totally aftermarket on the amp.
As there is only one plug with the Technic Harness also since
that amp is not very good I wouldn't see why you would want
to keep it.
Rechecked the old doors they actually measure 3 but the documentation
says 2 ohm.

It could be useful for powering the rear speakers. You could use two channels for the mids and two for the tweeters if you had the right crossovers and plug.

kaigoss69 · 09-20-2013, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmw325i

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fooljam

Are the rear shelf speakers not connected to the stock amp already?

In order to plug in technics hifi harness you need to unplug the amp.

Ah, yes sorry. I was thinking of the L7 harness. I guess it would still be possible if you had the right additional connector.

gimmethemuumuu · 09-20-2013, 08:53 AM

I have a number of pieces for sale from a McIntosh system I had installed in a previous car. It includes a subwoofer and box, a head unit and a couple of amplifiers. If interested, PM me

Royalfire · 01-14-2015, 07:09 AM

As far as I am aware the JL XD600/6 fits in the stock amp area quite nicely, does anyone know whether the JL XD800/8 does too??

09-19-2013, 11:22 AM	#1
exclusivo Lieutenant Colonel 126 Rep 1,893 Posts Drives: race car Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: queens, ny iTrader: (11)	Amp Recommendation I dont know why, but I've been accumulating audio equipment over the past year when I see it available for cheap. I have a 12" Alpine Type R in box, Logic 7 speakers (no center yet) and 2 SWS-8 underseat subs. What are some good amps I could use to get everything running right? I have no idea about how many channels I need, or amps, or ohms.... I currently have a hifi system. Would I need any additional parts regarding power? __________________
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09-19-2013, 12:24 PM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1920 Rep 13,119 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Jl xd600/6 is the standard here Jl xd600/6 is the standard here (enough channels for all speaker, compatible with BMW Head Unit , Fits in the stock position is a quality unit best bang for the buck) They now have some more variations on this with more channels such as the xd 800/8 see the Jl site. Power depends on what you expect and buy the way which BMW system did you start out with or did I miss that.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2013, 12:43 PM	#4
bmw325i Major General 223 Rep 5,120 Posts Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: United States iTrader: (8)	If that is one of the older type r's that are rated at 500 or 600 watts rms, I'd recommend a PDX V9 and leave the rears disconnected or get a seperate 2 channel amp for the sws. A PDX V9 + a PDX F4 bridged for the underseats would be nice, but expensive too.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2013, 12:47 PM	#5
ctuna Lieutenant General 1920 Rep 13,119 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	People seem to get mixed results from the pdx line. People seem to get mixed results from the pdx line. More noise and interface issues are reported with them. Don't know which models are most susceptible.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2013, 01:02 PM	#7
kaigoss69 Brigadier General 300 Rep 3,969 Posts Drives: '08 335i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: JAX iTrader: (6)	I'd recommend getting a corner enclosure for the Alpine. Run the rears off of the OEM amp. Then the front HU outputs into a 5-channel amp that can take a balanced signal. I think inofficially the above Alpine unit will do that but not 100% sure. You'll need Technic's harness. __________________ Mobridge DA2 > JBL MS-8 > ARC XDi 600/4 > JBL Gti 408 Mids & Vifa OT19 Tweeters; PG Ti2 1600.5 > Morel HCW-10 & IDMax 15
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09-19-2013, 01:59 PM	#9
exclusivo Lieutenant Colonel 126 Rep 1,893 Posts Drives: race car Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: queens, ny iTrader: (11)	Does is matter if I have the 2 or 4 ohm sws-8s if I'm using an aftermarket amp? __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2013, 03:53 PM	#11
ctuna Lieutenant General 1920 Rep 13,119 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Read these Read these this will give you most all the info available . There are block diagrams of the wiring and specs. Most people do not leave the stock amp in with a Hi Fi upgrade. 10th link is Hi Fi block diagram. BMW stereo types http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=352586 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=138949 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323 http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865 http://www.bawarec.ru/manuals/3er/e9...3er-e90-12.pdf http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872 Yes the rears are connected. The stock speakers are 2 ohm . This means whatever amp you use must be 2 ohm stable and will output wattage at the 2 ohm spec. Doesn't matter that much if you use 2 ohm or 4 ohm for an aftermarket amp with decent power . However the stock speakers are not really designed for aftermarket power , do people leave them in and not upgrade them , yes Last edited by ctuna; 09-19-2013 at 04:35 PM..
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09-19-2013, 07:25 PM	#16
ctuna Lieutenant General 1920 Rep 13,119 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	BMW pdf says all Hi Fi speakers are 2 ohm BMW pdf says all Hi Fi speakers are 2 ohm And I measured my old doors at 2 ohm. http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970 Hi fi speakers as per bmw pdf 6 channels 10 loudspeakers • 2 treble loudspeakers, front 26 mm • 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm • 2 bass loudspeakers, 217 mm • 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm • 2 treble loudspeakers, rear 26 mm Bandwidth: 40 Hz to 20.000 Hz Max. acoustic pressure: 104 dB Amplifier power: 2 x 40 W (2 Ω) Bass 4 x 25 W (2 Ω) http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780865 Top-HiFi System (option 677) on E87 6 channels (7 channels simulated - Logic7) 10 loudspeakers • 2 treble loudspeakers, front 26 mm • 2 mid-range loudspeakers, front 100 mm • 2 bass loudspeakers, 217 mm • 2 mid-range loudspeakers, rear, 100 mm • 2 treble loudspeakers, rear 26 mm Bandwidth: 30 Hz to 20.000 Hz Max. acoustic pressure: 104 dB Amplifier power: 2 x70 W (4 Ω) Bass 6x40 W 40 (2 Ω) Last edited by ctuna; 09-19-2013 at 07:33 PM..
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09-20-2013, 12:30 AM	#18
ctuna Lieutenant General 1920 Rep 13,119 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Agree you need to go totally aftermarket on the amp Agree you need to go totally aftermarket on the amp. As there is only one plug with the Technic Harness also since that amp is not very good I wouldn't see why you would want to keep it. Rechecked the old doors they actually measure 3 but the documentation says 2 ohm.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-20-2013, 08:53 AM	#21
gimmethemuumuu Captain 80 Rep 945 Posts Drives: '17 F80 M3, SO/Bk Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Indianapolis, IN iTrader: (15)	I have a number of pieces for sale from a McIntosh system I had installed in a previous car. It includes a subwoofer and box, a head unit and a couple of amplifiers. If interested, PM me Last edited by gimmethemuumuu; 09-20-2013 at 09:07 AM..
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01-14-2015, 07:09 AM	#22
Royalfire Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: E93 335i Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	As far as I am aware the JL XD600/6 fits in the stock amp area quite nicely, does anyone know whether the JL XD800/8 does too??
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