[xPETEZx]

Hey All,

Been reading a lot about possible upgrades for the audio in my e90, and the one that keeps cropping up is the Alpine upgrade.

I just wanted to ask if anybody knows if this will work with a Parrot bluetooth kit?
I have an MKi9100 and it intercepts the wiring coming out the back of the radio so when a call comes it mutes the radio and uses its own amp to drive the speakers.
Would this still work with the Alpine kit?

Is the install something a novice could do?

Thanks!

[Jedimindtrix]

It took my brother around 3-4 hours to fit the Alpine kit in his E90 and he commented on how easy it was to do, the upgrade is worth it though as it sounds amazing.

Definitely something a novice can do as long as you have the correct tools.

I have a Pioneer 3200bt unit in my Alpina and the parrot system work with that perfectly.

[The_Bear_Yid]

The RMS of the speakers I thought was shockingly low for the money so I never bothered.

[xPETEZx]

Did you go with anything else or just stay stock?

I am still not 100% my Parrot kit would carry on working. Looking at an install guide, it looks like the front speakers no longer attach to the HU, but to the amp.
If I placed a call, would this signal be amplified by the Alpine amp too?

Last question, is there any point me doing this?
Almost 98% of the time I listen to music from my phone through A2DP streaming from my phone.
The Parrot kit is connected to the AUX in of the radio so for Bluetooth streaming the audio is passed via Line ou of the parrot to the AUX in on the radio.

My MP3's on my phone range between 128K up to 320k (not many)

Would the improved amplification just highlight the short comings of my source?

What source do most of you guys use with this? CDs? Or just radio? (I very rarely use the radio tbh, and when I do its normally LBC anyway)

[macck]

HI

No this wont cause you any issues. I had a parrot kit fitted to my car then installed alpine kit. You dont need to go near the head unit wiring to install alpine kit that wiring is located at the sills and battery.

[xPETEZx]

awesome!

What do you primarily listen to? Radio / CD?

Now just concerned my A2DP MP3's are not going to see a benefit from this.

[macck]

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

awesome!

What do you primarily listen to? Radio / CD?

Now just concerned my A2DP MP3's are not going to see a benefit from this.

I have changed from the alpine kit since then. I now have a Denison Gateway fitted allows you to charge iphone and control it through steering wheel etc.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

I just wanted to ask if anybody knows if this will work with a Parrot bluetooth kit?
I have an MKi9100 and it intercepts the wiring coming out the back of the radio so when a call comes it mutes the radio and uses its own amp to drive the speakers.
Would this still work with the Alpine kit?

Don't hold me responsible for it, but looking at alpine kit installation guide and Parrot kit, it should work.

Since alpine kit takes the signals from the HU near the underseat drivers, so during the call those signals will go to alpine amp and get amplified.

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

Is the install something a novice could do?

Thanks!

If you can understand the alpine kit installation manual, then yes you can install it.
Most people break few clips. However if you cannot follow the manual then in worst case scenario you can brick your HU or Alpine amp.

Originally Posted by The_Bear_Yid

The RMS of the speakers I thought was shockingly low for the money so I never bothered.

It is a decent kit IMO, if not true audiophile kit.
Best part is its resale and most people only loose £100 when it comes to resale.
Whereas with aftermarket kits, you loose 40-50% of their original price.

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

If I placed a call, would this signal be amplified by the Alpine amp too?

99% chanes are that they'll get amplified.

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

Last question, is there any point me doing this?

Only you can answer that.

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

Almost 98% of the time I listen to music from my phone through A2DP streaming from my phone.
The Parrot kit is connected to the AUX in of the radio so for Bluetooth streaming the audio is passed via Line ou of the parrot to the AUX in on the radio.

My MP3's on my phone range between 128K up to 320k (not many)

Would the improved amplification just highlight the short comings of my source?

I always use iphone ---> Aux in and signals are 90% clear and good.

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

awesome!

What do you primarily listen to? Radio / CD?

Now just concerned my A2DP MP3's are not going to see a benefit from this.

Technically, it should work.

[The_Bear_Yid]

Originally Posted by makkan00

It is a decent kit IMO, if not true audiophile kit.
Best part is its resale and most people only loose £100 when it comes to resale.
Whereas with aftermarket kits, you loose 40-50% of their original price.

I think the Speakers are 40w and Tweeters 25w, you don't need to be an audiophile to know that they aren't great figures.

I hear your point, but buying audio equipment because it holds it's value second hand seems kind of silly.

You could probably spend half as much new for a better set up, and only lose the same £100 as you would with the Alpine.

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by The_Bear_Yid

You could probably spend half as much new for a better set up, and only lose the same £100 as you would with the Alpine.

I'd appreciate if you can point me in the right direction as it may helps many others.

[gIzzE]

Originally Posted by The_Bear_Yid

I think the Speakers are 40w and Tweeters 25w, you don't need to be an audiophile to know that they aren't great figures.

What has that got to do with anything??

I don't get what you mean??



One of my favourite amps is the Genesis ST50, 25wpc.
Seriously potent and sounds sublime.

I went from a Cinepro 3k6 at 1500wpc at home to a pair of Meridian DSP5200s with 75wpc and the Meridians are in a different league.


I would take a 25wpc Genesis amp over a 100wpc JL Audio XD amp every time.




The Alpine kit is fine, does a job, means you can sell the car on with an approved BMW modification and is pretty easy to install.

You could add a better 4 channel amp and some tweeters for less money, but you have aftermarket stuff in there and that can be a pain when selling.

[mob17]

Something to take note of (mainly your budget). Most people, after doing the Alpine upgrade, upgrade the underseat woofers to L7 ones, as the Alpine Kit doesn't replace the underseats and there isn't enough low end.

Edit: Try your best to hear one set up first.

[xPETEZx]

Thanks for all the tips.

I had a look at an install guide I found through Google, and the install does not look too bad.

Where is the best place to buy this?
Found it on eBay for about £350. Thats without replacement door bits though.

[The_Bear_Yid]

Originally Posted by makkan00

I'd appreciate if you can point me in the right direction as it may helps many others.

Right direction how? I don't claim to be knowledgeable in audio. There are many options out there.

My point is that I don't think it's value for money for what you get.

Originally Posted by gIzzE

What has that got to do with anything??

I don't get what you mean??



One of my favourite amps is the Genesis ST50, 25wpc.
Seriously potent and sounds sublime.

I went from a Cinepro 3k6 at 1500wpc at home to a pair of Meridian DSP5200s with 75wpc and the Meridians are in a different league.


I would take a 25wpc Genesis amp over a 100wpc JL Audio XD amp every time.




The Alpine kit is fine, does a job, means you can sell the car on with an approved BMW modification and is pretty easy to install.

You could add a better 4 channel amp and some tweeters for less money, but you have aftermarket stuff in there and that can be a pain when selling.

My point is as above, I don't think it's good value for what you get. Simple.