E93 Amp & Speaker Upgrade Advice

mattycook · 04-02-2015, 01:18 PM

There is a lot of info on here and having spent the last 4 weeks reading threads I'm still not 100% sure what upgrade to go for! I have recently purchased an E93 2009 and love the car, however my speakers are just dire. Options I've been thinking to date are

1) Gladen extreme kit with Mosconi 120.4 DSP amp
2) As above but with a JL 600/6 amp
3) Rainbow components with Alpine Amp (suggested by local company)

I have the HIFI system, as I understand it, this is the easiest to upgrade but would be interested in members views and thoughts. I am in no way an expert would also appreciate any advice on any harnesses needed I.e the quadlock supplied by monster audio or the technic harness that I've been reading about on here.

Also anyone recommend any professional installers in Bristol/South West

Thanks a lot

ctuna · 04-02-2015, 02:29 PM

mattycook · 04-02-2015, 02:41 PM

Thanks ctuna, I'll take a look through the links above to make sure I've not missed any of these before when searching around. Out of interest any knowledge of the rainbow il-8.3 kit?

And yes Bristol UK

Thanks

ctuna · 04-02-2015, 03:23 PM

Rainbow were popular when I got started here.
They were the next step down from Morels and Jehnerts
at that time but still considered pretty good.
They seemed do not get mentioned a lot in the last few
years here.
Its so hard to compare stuff when there are so few things
that fit in these cars and most shops don't stock them.
Makkan00 will have seen and heard a wider variety of
stuff so I would get his opinion if possible.
Try to find someone that knows these cars and has done them
before because a lot of people don't and will hack your car.

martinblair · 04-02-2015, 04:08 PM

I have the IL-C8.3 in my E91. I obviously haven't tried others in this same car like the Jehnerts or Morels and so can't compare directly, but I love the Rainbows. I know they're a lot more accessible over there than here, and would say you can't go wrong.

mattycook · 04-02-2015, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinblair

I have the IL-C8.3 in my E91. I obviously haven't tried others in this same car like the Jehnerts or Morels and so can't compare directly, but I love the Rainbows. I know they're a lot more accessible over there than here, and would say you can't go wrong.

Thanks Martin for your comment. Stuck what to do as dont know anyone local with an upgrade so trying to get as much advice as possible. Thanks mate. What Amp are you running with yours?

Matt

martinblair · 04-02-2015, 04:22 PM

At the moment I have them hooked up to an XD600/6 but have bought an Arc Audio to replace it. I decided to replace the 6 channel with two 4 channel amps. No complaints with the JL, but wanted extra channels to run the rears as well as a sub in the back. If you're talking the PDX amp for alpine, I would think you would be very happy with the result.

martinblair · 04-02-2015, 04:24 PM

For what it's worth, the kit comes with absolutely everything needed to hook them up, not a single additional connection or accessory needed. Couldn't believe how easy they were to install. Only other thing I bought was some dynamat for the doors and sub enclosures.

mattycook · 04-02-2015, 04:26 PM

Cheers Martin for your speedy reply. First time on this forum and made more progress today than I have in the last 8 weeks!

mattycook · 04-02-2015, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinblair

At the moment I have them hooked up to an XD600/6 but have bought an Arc Audio to replace it. I decided to replace the 6 channel with two 4 channel amps. No complaints with the JL, but wanted extra channels to run the rears as well as a sub in the back. If you're talking the PDX amp for alpine, I would think you would be very happy with the result.

Are you hooking up a sub because the rainbows lack a little bit of bass?? I'm not after car rattling bass, but will the rainbows on their own be ok? Sorry to keep asking you questions mate!

martinblair · 04-02-2015, 04:38 PM

I'm quite shocked actually how good the bass from just the underseats is, I really doubt you'll be disappointed. Why add a trunk sub? Because I can, and already had a sub kicking around. I'm not entirely sure it was worth the extra expense yet to change out the amps, but I can say it wasn't needed, just some fun. As most people on here will say, the underseats aren't meant as true subwoofers (< ~ 50Hz), but these ones do handle the lows quite well.

mattycook · 04-02-2015, 05:07 PM

I have to say you've been a great help, thanks again. Im almost convinced this is the way to go with this set up, rainbow il-c8.3's and a JL XD600/6, but probably leave the rears for the time being. Just got to find someone to help me instal it now. If only you were local to lend a hand!!!!!!!!!!!

martinblair · 04-02-2015, 05:09 PM

If you haven't done so yet, did you touch base with user on here named Technic? You can save yourself a world of headache by getting his PnP harness, makes the install much easier and you (or your installer) won't have to cut any factory wires at all. If you ever want to return the car to stock then it's very easy.

mattycook · 04-02-2015, 05:28 PM

New on here so don't think I can pm him yet, but will be doing so as soon as I am able too. With the harness does it also mean I do not need to remove the headunit? Any idea of approx cost to ship to the UK?

ctuna · 04-02-2015, 08:00 PM

martinblair · 04-02-2015, 10:20 PM

ctuna's link above is great for showing the process. Basically what I had done. As he said, no need to touch the head unit at all, works quite well as is and the harness is set up to plug in right where the OEM amp is. I don't know what Technic charges for shipping; he shipped to me in Canada no problem. Whatever the charge, it likely would pay for itself in time/cost saved during install.

mattycook · 04-03-2015, 03:49 AM

Thank's both for your advice, I've pm'd technic regarding a harness so will keep you posted with developments

mattycook · 04-03-2015, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinblair

ctuna's link above is great for showing the process. Basically what I had done. As he said, no need to touch the head unit at all, works quite well as is and the harness is set up to plug in right where the OEM amp is. I don't know what Technic charges for shipping; he shipped to me in Canada no problem. Whatever the charge, it likely would pay for itself in time/cost saved during install.

Have been in contact with technic, so hopefully harness order will be placed very shortly. Ctuna or Martinblair will the harness mean I do not need to run new wiring from the amp to the new underseats or doors? I.e the existing oem amp wiring will simply just plug into the harness and then the harness into the new amp?

martinblair · 04-03-2015, 03:26 PM

That's exactly right. The harness has the wires all labelled so you just plug the correct ones into the amp. You utilize all the factory wiring.

mattycook · 04-03-2015, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinblair

That's exactly right. The harness has the wires all labelled so you just plug the correct ones into the amp. You utilize all the factory wiring.

Cheers Martin, you're a massive help. I wasnt planning to upgrade the rear speakers, I assume this would mean they are also connected to the new amp. Hmmmm maybe I need to upgrade them as well or can I keep them connected to the oem amp? I assume that makes it more complicated as I would have to somehow modify the harness. Think I'm almost there on all my questions

martinblair · 04-03-2015, 04:24 PM

You probably don't have to upgrade the rears, just run them off the new amp as is. You could eliminate the rears like a lot of people do, and in this case bridge channels 3/4 and 5/6 for the underseats. I had mine left as the OEM in the rears until just this week, they worked fine as they're only rear fill.

bmw325i · 04-03-2015, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinblair

You probably don't have to upgrade the rears, just run them off the new amp as is. You could eliminate the rears like a lot of people do, and in this case bridge channels 3/4 and 5/6 for the underseats. I had mine left as the OEM in the rears until just this week, they worked fine as they're only rear fill.

+1 just set the gain really low on the rear speakers or leave them out all together.

04-02-2015, 01:18 PM	#1
mattycook Private 7 Rep 70 Posts Drives: BMW E93 - 2009 White Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Bristol iTrader: (0)	E93 Amp & Speaker Upgrade Advice There is a lot of info on here and having spent the last 4 weeks reading threads I'm still not 100% sure what upgrade to go for! I have recently purchased an E93 2009 and love the car, however my speakers are just dire. Options I've been thinking to date are 1) Gladen extreme kit with Mosconi 120.4 DSP amp 2) As above but with a JL 600/6 amp 3) Rainbow components with Alpine Amp (suggested by local company) I have the HIFI system, as I understand it, this is the easiest to upgrade but would be interested in members views and thoughts. I am in no way an expert would also appreciate any advice on any harnesses needed I.e the quadlock supplied by monster audio or the technic harness that I've been reading about on here. Also anyone recommend any professional installers in Bristol/South West Thanks a lot
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04-02-2015, 02:29 PM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	If you have the base system the Mosconi/Gladen dsp If you have the base system the Mosconi/Gladen dsp You will need the DSP with the base system to flatten the eq or a recode to Hi Fi Also this is just a excellent kit it you don't care about rear speakers and a lot of us don't. some example systems which also include a review of the mosconi/gladen Best System examples Logic 7 upgrades http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826683 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590420 Base System Upgrades http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266 http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/ http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957 The following two are Mosconi Gladen reveiws http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003810 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581379 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451941 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540954 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=Dotech http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494299 http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...morel-jbl.html http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=amp+upgrade http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771 HI Fi upgrades http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=level http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540446 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=technic http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532585 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833581 http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=443043 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=324214 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=level+3 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=processor http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=BSW http://www.bilstereoforum.se/showthread.php?t=2356 http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...creations.html The following link to Makkan00 for somewhat local help I am assuming Bristol UK, He may be able to point you to someone more local if needed. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=704363 Also Jehnert 3 way speaker set and Jl600/6 would be a good setup. Yes you will need a harness the Technic Harness is an easy install with this setup as it plugs right into the BMW amp harness connector at stock amp location. This is a some what easy DIY system. Last edited by ctuna; 04-02-2015 at 02:39 PM..
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04-02-2015, 02:41 PM	#3
mattycook Private 7 Rep 70 Posts Drives: BMW E93 - 2009 White Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Bristol iTrader: (0)	Thanks ctuna, I'll take a look through the links above to make sure I've not missed any of these before when searching around. Out of interest any knowledge of the rainbow il-8.3 kit? And yes Bristol UK Thanks
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04-02-2015, 03:23 PM	#4
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Rainbow were popular when I got started here. Rainbow were popular when I got started here. They were the next step down from Morels and Jehnerts at that time but still considered pretty good. They seemed do not get mentioned a lot in the last few years here. Its so hard to compare stuff when there are so few things that fit in these cars and most shops don't stock them. Makkan00 will have seen and heard a wider variety of stuff so I would get his opinion if possible. Try to find someone that knows these cars and has done them before because a lot of people don't and will hack your car.
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04-02-2015, 04:08 PM	#5
martinblair Private First Class 31 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2010 328i Touring Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 328i xDrive To ... [0.00]	I have the IL-C8.3 in my E91. I obviously haven't tried others in this same car like the Jehnerts or Morels and so can't compare directly, but I love the Rainbows. I know they're a lot more accessible over there than here, and would say you can't go wrong.
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04-02-2015, 04:22 PM	#7
martinblair Private First Class 31 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2010 328i Touring Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 328i xDrive To ... [0.00]	At the moment I have them hooked up to an XD600/6 but have bought an Arc Audio to replace it. I decided to replace the 6 channel with two 4 channel amps. No complaints with the JL, but wanted extra channels to run the rears as well as a sub in the back. If you're talking the PDX amp for alpine, I would think you would be very happy with the result.
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04-02-2015, 04:24 PM	#8
martinblair Private First Class 31 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2010 328i Touring Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 328i xDrive To ... [0.00]	For what it's worth, the kit comes with absolutely everything needed to hook them up, not a single additional connection or accessory needed. Couldn't believe how easy they were to install. Only other thing I bought was some dynamat for the doors and sub enclosures.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2015, 04:26 PM	#9
mattycook Private 7 Rep 70 Posts Drives: BMW E93 - 2009 White Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Bristol iTrader: (0)	Cheers Martin for your speedy reply. First time on this forum and made more progress today than I have in the last 8 weeks!
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04-02-2015, 04:38 PM	#11
martinblair Private First Class 31 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2010 328i Touring Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 328i xDrive To ... [0.00]	I'm quite shocked actually how good the bass from just the underseats is, I really doubt you'll be disappointed. Why add a trunk sub? Because I can, and already had a sub kicking around. I'm not entirely sure it was worth the extra expense yet to change out the amps, but I can say it wasn't needed, just some fun. As most people on here will say, the underseats aren't meant as true subwoofers (< ~ 50Hz), but these ones do handle the lows quite well.
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04-02-2015, 05:07 PM	#12
mattycook Private 7 Rep 70 Posts Drives: BMW E93 - 2009 White Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Bristol iTrader: (0)	I have to say you've been a great help, thanks again. Im almost convinced this is the way to go with this set up, rainbow il-c8.3's and a JL XD600/6, but probably leave the rears for the time being. Just got to find someone to help me instal it now. If only you were local to lend a hand!!!!!!!!!!!
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04-02-2015, 05:09 PM	#13
martinblair Private First Class 31 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2010 328i Touring Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 328i xDrive To ... [0.00]	If you haven't done so yet, did you touch base with user on here named Technic? You can save yourself a world of headache by getting his PnP harness, makes the install much easier and you (or your installer) won't have to cut any factory wires at all. If you ever want to return the car to stock then it's very easy.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2015, 05:28 PM	#14
mattycook Private 7 Rep 70 Posts Drives: BMW E93 - 2009 White Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Bristol iTrader: (0)	New on here so don't think I can pm him yet, but will be doing so as soon as I am able too. With the harness does it also mean I do not need to remove the headunit? Any idea of approx cost to ship to the UK?
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04-02-2015, 08:00 PM	#15
ctuna Lieutenant General 1911 Rep 13,103 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	No need to remove the Head Unit on a Hi Fi install No need to remove the Head Unit on a Hi Fi install With Technic Harness. I have an install procedure that would be identical to what you need to do. http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...3&d=1329017429 I would get the factory connectors for the under seats. Install procedures http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ght=door+wires http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=911595 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showpo...9&postcount=19 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=571803 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=amp+install http://www.bimmerdiy.com/dir/e90 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...DIY+door+panel http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=553388 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=speaker Last edited by ctuna; 04-02-2015 at 08:09 PM..
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04-02-2015, 10:20 PM	#16
martinblair Private First Class 31 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2010 328i Touring Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 328i xDrive To ... [0.00]	ctuna's link above is great for showing the process. Basically what I had done. As he said, no need to touch the head unit at all, works quite well as is and the harness is set up to plug in right where the OEM amp is. I don't know what Technic charges for shipping; he shipped to me in Canada no problem. Whatever the charge, it likely would pay for itself in time/cost saved during install.
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04-03-2015, 03:49 AM	#17
mattycook Private 7 Rep 70 Posts Drives: BMW E93 - 2009 White Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Bristol iTrader: (0)	Thank's both for your advice, I've pm'd technic regarding a harness so will keep you posted with developments
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04-03-2015, 03:26 PM	#19
martinblair Private First Class 31 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2010 328i Touring Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 328i xDrive To ... [0.00]	That's exactly right. The harness has the wires all labelled so you just plug the correct ones into the amp. You utilize all the factory wiring.
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04-03-2015, 04:24 PM	#21
martinblair Private First Class 31 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2010 328i Touring Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Edmonton, AB iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 328i xDrive To ... [0.00]	You probably don't have to upgrade the rears, just run them off the new amp as is. You could eliminate the rears like a lot of people do, and in this case bridge channels 3/4 and 5/6 for the underseats. I had mine left as the OEM in the rears until just this week, they worked fine as they're only rear fill.
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