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Radio Recode vs. Mobridge/MS-8/360.3 etc For L7 Upgrades
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05-28-2012, 04:37 PM | #1 |
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Radio Recode vs. Mobridge/MS-8/360.3 etc For L7 Upgrades
So for us L7 folks, upgrading is an issue due to the L7 amp not having any preamp outputs, and the head unit only outputting on the MOST bus.
Some options are: Recode the radio to HIFI (done by Technic and some others). My understanding is this leaves you with balanced 4V preouts which, after running the RCA's to the back, can be used to power an aftermarket amplifier and power a system. Downsides are (correct me if I'm wrong) no factory EQ, so unless you run an aftermarket EQ, you're dealing with a flat response curve, which may or may not be ideal for your car. Use a mobridge DA2 (reported to be available for the E9x cars now, or very soon). This ~$500-600 gadget replaces the L7 amp as a MOST bus participant, allowing you to remove the stock L7 amp, and keep the factory EQ (the docs appear to indicate that it has a built in EQ as well). It supplies balanced preouts. JBL MS-8 - this one takes the speaker-level preouts and supplies you with balanced pre-outs, while also providing very nifty RTA/auto-balancing EQ features. You must keep the factory L7 amp, and the MS8, AND use your aftermarket amps if you so desire. The MS-8 has some power built in, 18w RMS per channel or so (and has 8 channels). JL Cleansweep - similar to the MS-8 without the RTA/auto-balancing magic. About half the price too. Now to my mind, the downsides of the MS-8/Cleansweep units are that it adds another layer of Analog/Digital/Analog conversion, and causes you to have to retain the stock amp. For packaging reasons, getting rid of the stock amp seems like a plus. The radio recode seems like a great idea, but it is entirely possible the Mobridge preamp is superior to the preamp in the head unit? No data on this one but it seems reasonable. The radio recode is also about $100 if done at the dealer (according to another thread) and gets you where you want to go with a minimum of fuss. Can always add an inline EQ if needed at some point. The Mobridge solution gets you where you want to go too, but allows you to use the factory EQ - downside appears to be cost and the need for another box in the car. Whats the forums opinion on the right/best way to go here? I'd like to do this once and properly. I'm probably going to do a 4-way system with components in the front, underseat Jehnerts, and a 12" Musicar sub, powered by a JL 700/5. Thanks for your input. |
05-28-2012, 04:58 PM | #2 |
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Recode and add a processor just make sure it takes balanced inputs. For about the same price as recoding at the dealer (or less) you can buy a cable and code it yourself it's actually fairly easy and you'll have the cable if you want to code something else.
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05-28-2012, 06:14 PM | #3 |
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The ms-8 substitutes for the existing amp
The ms-8 substitutes for the existing amp when you recode.
You still have simple treble and bass controls but the ms-8 allows you to tweak like a graphic equalizer to my understanding. So the OEM factory amp is removed and some people have tried running with just the ms-8 18 watts a channel but they end up amping the front doors and under seats most of the time. The trouble with the L7 is you have a lot of channels to fill if you want a channel to all the existing speakers. ( 9 of them) If you want a one stop solution then you should consider MusicarNW If have seen a few pictures of the L7 amp an its split into a logic and power amp board . If you were clever with electronics it looks like you could remove the power board and use the logic board as a preamp. Last edited by ctuna; 05-28-2012 at 06:30 PM.. |
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05-28-2012, 06:44 PM | #5 |
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You can have an absolutely awesome sounding system by just hooking up an MS8 between the OEM amp outputs and the OEM speakers. That would costs about $500 (Processor & Technic harness). Then get a 2-channel amp for the L7 underseats for around $250. You will not believe how good that will sound. You can build on this system later on, by replacing front speakers and adding another amp, and potentially a trunk sub.
The signal after the L7 amp is actually very clean with no audible noise floor and works great with the MS-8 inputs. If the DA2 ever comes out I will get it for sure, but I am not sure I will notice much of an improvement. However, I like the idea of replacing the L7 amp to make sure it'll last until I sell the car.
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05-28-2012, 06:52 PM | #6 | |
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05-28-2012, 07:25 PM | #7 |
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I could not find a local shop to do it. But I also do not like the thought of having to get it coded back to MOST output when selling the car. So I would have to pay for coding twice...
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05-28-2012, 07:54 PM | #8 | |
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05-28-2012, 07:59 PM | #9 | |
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05-28-2012, 08:16 PM | #10 |
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Personally for the price of recoding i dont see why someone wouldnt do it. Of course the da2 saves you from running analog wires to the back but not $600 worth of time.
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05-28-2012, 08:22 PM | #11 | |
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05-28-2012, 08:23 PM | #12 |
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You can sell the DA2 when you're done with it...
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05-28-2012, 08:34 PM | #13 | ||
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05-28-2012, 08:56 PM | #14 |
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ms-8 is used as a preamp with recode
ms-8 is used as a preamp with recode
Ok its not true preamp outputs but a lot of people add amps using speaker out levels to feed them, either with or without LOC's depending on the amp. It not elegant but its done. |
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05-28-2012, 10:33 PM | #15 |
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DA2 .. Simple and clean. If you feel the need to advance your setup further down the road Toslink it ( not for said 'superior SQ', but for simplicity) to a P-DSP.
DA2s have been available and shipping for a month or so now...
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05-28-2012, 10:51 PM | #16 | |
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I have a recoded radio piping into MS-8...no amp. point taken on DADA...but no issues to speak of. If you have money to burn, try the DA2, VP Elecricity had a buggy test bird so I am not sure if it has been ironed out. Not discounting any of the other options though. |
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05-28-2012, 11:05 PM | #17 | |
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05-28-2012, 11:07 PM | #18 | |
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As far as your configuration...I suppose it could have a simultaneous D and A out. |
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05-28-2012, 11:10 PM | #19 |
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Ahh. Well, I guess that's a reason. I guess it's too much to ask them to just put the stereo preouts on the L7 amp?
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05-29-2012, 12:00 AM | #20 | |
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As far as coding read this http://www.trevorloken.com/bmw/NCS_Changing_the_Vehicle_Order_CAS.pdf And you want to delete $677 and add $676 from both cas and frm(or nfrm depending on year) then recode rad2 with a blank man file Have a look at this thread it shows what cable is needed it has the software and a DIY on how to use it. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451145 If you want to learn more have a look at the coding forum since it's a little off topic here. |
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05-29-2012, 12:32 AM | #21 |
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Is there even one car company with pre outs?
Is there even one car company with pre outs?
They don't design these cars with aftermarket modders in mind though I wish they did. That some are compatible is just some kind of accident. |
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05-29-2012, 12:32 AM | #22 |
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Ive had my DA2 in my car for a few months now and replaced a DA1. Ive tried all the routes and the DA1/DA2 is the best option IMO. It just works, sounds great and can be returned back to stock just by plugging in the stock amp. With the technic harness, i can return back to stock system in a few hours without any issues.
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