Base Audio Upgrade Maybe?

BMW33 · 12-20-2021, 05:31 AM

Hi All hope you are well

I have a a base audio system in my LCI 3 series which I am not impressed having previously come from the likes of B&O Bose & Logic 7.

I upgraded the speakers in the front doors with two JL Audio speakers 2 way with tweeters on them I initially did this assuming I have a blown speaker because each time a window is open whilst driving about say 50 60mph you can hear a really nasty crackling sound as the beat drops. This made no difference to this issue whatsoever, so I learned to live with it by not cranking up the volume when any of the windows are open.

So recently having read the threads on here most people code the HU to HIFI after adding tweeters, so I went ahead and now the sound is alot more quiter cant crank it up as loud, I've lost some of the bass produced by the underseat subs.( The crackle as the beat drops is still there) Although the high notes do seem a little clearer but the Bominess from before is not there.

Now my question is where do i go from here.. i have been tempted many times to install an amp do the speakers & underseat subs. Will it be worth it? Would it get rid of or amplify the crackle? That's the last thing I'd want after doing an install.

So now that the headunit is coded to HIFI isit just a case of getting an amp and the required speakers & under seat subs?

Help & Advice would be appreciated

Thanks

ctuna · 12-20-2021, 11:52 AM

This has to be the most asked question here did you try some searching.
(Start with the Last link then read bmw stereo types)
I would get one of the Helix audiotec Fisher amp dsp's 86dsp or BMW7
Jehnert xe 200 underseats are the best.
Morel doors if you can afford them and if you don't have a coupe as the doors are thin,

Lack of a decent amp or amp/dsp is the weakest point and you need to split the parallel connection
between the doors and floors.

The 4/6 harness runs all hi fi positions it is essentially a Hi Fi harness.

https://technicpnp.com/product-categ...-3-series-e9x/

He does explain this .

Stereo 4/6 harness

$135.00 – $175.00

The Stereo 4/6 is used with a 6-channel amp to power the front, rear and underseat woofers individually (one channel per speaker). Remote turn on included. Removal of the OEM HU/iDrive unit is required.

Stereo 4/6 harness kit includes:

Quadralock harness for OEM HU interface
(2) 15′ long input/output cables with remote turn on signal
(4) OEM speaker connectors
(2) OEM woofer connectors
(2) OEM woofer connector jumpers (separate woofers from front speakers)

"The OEM Stereo system is:

– OEM HU/iDrive powering front, rear and underseat woofers
– 4 channel output split into 6 speakers: front speakers connected in parallel with underseat woofers
– front outputs are full range, rear outputs are high passed
– (4) 4″ mids and (2) 6.5″ woofers. No tweeters
– 15W x 4 (Professional Radio)/25W x 4 (iDrive) max power high level outputs

The Stereo 4/6 is used with a 6-channel amp to power the front, rear and underseat woofers individually (one channel per speaker). Remote turn on and woofer jumpers included. Removal of the OEM HU/iDrive unit is required.

The Stereo 4/6 harness requires a processor to flatten/de-EQ the iDrive/OEM HU outputs or component speakers than can lower the built-in treble boost of the OEM signal. Coding of the OEM HU/iDrive to output HiFi (balanced, low level outputs) would not require a processor/de-EQ, but it will require balanced-inputs aftermarket amps and RCA termination.

The Stereo harness is designed for experienced DIYer’s and/or professional installers. Ordering of the Stereo harness does not include install support of any aftermarket equipment. Support is limited to problems or/and warranty with the harness "

this is right from his web sight.

Program head unit to Hi Fi to get around eq problems and to use low level inputs.
This bypasses the need for an eq flattening device.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...5&d=1493273253

Base system upgrades
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003810
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366
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...ht=amp+upgrade
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1378833
base system wiring pre/post 3/09
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904

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/attach...1&d=1209780865
http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/
http://technicpnp.com/menuDiagrams/d...e90_92_93.html
http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...3&d=1169133185
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673
https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/e...n-752.1275694/
base system wiring pre/post 3/09
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...tDpLJPcGkw_ui_
Base System Guide
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...5&d=1493273253

bmw335ie90 · 12-20-2021, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMW33

Hi All hope you are well

I have a a base audio system in my LCI 3 series which I am not impressed having previously come from the likes of B&O Bose & Logic 7.

I upgraded the speakers in the front doors with two JL Audio speakers 2 way with tweeters on them I initially did this assuming I have a blown speaker because each time a window is open whilst driving about say 50 60mph you can hear a really nasty crackling sound as the beat drops. This made no difference to this issue whatsoever, so I learned to live with it by not cranking up the volume when any of the windows are open.

So recently having read the threads on here most people code the HU to HIFI after adding tweeters, so I went ahead and now the sound is alot more quiter cant crank it up as loud, I've lost some of the bass produced by the underseat subs.( The crackle as the beat drops is still there) Although the high notes do seem a little clearer but the Bominess from before is not there.

Now my question is where do i go from here.. i have been tempted many times to install an amp do the speakers & underseat subs. Will it be worth it? Would it get rid of or amplify the crackle? That's the last thing I'd want after doing an install.

So now that the headunit is coded to HIFI isit just a case of getting an amp and the required speakers & under seat subs?

Help & Advice would be appreciated

Thanks

Coding to HIFI should only be done if you are adding an amp. In base configuring, the head unit amplifies the signal going to the speakers. Coding to hifi removes head unit amplification (and equalization) dropping the signal voltage to a lower level "pre-amp" type. This pre-amp signal should not be used to directly drive a speaker, you will get a lot of distortion at higher listening levels since you now have to crank the volume up super high.

As ctuna motioned, upgrading the base system has been done countless times before and there are tons of resources (as he provided) to get you up to speed.

E92x7z · 12-26-2021, 06:29 PM

upgrading is mandatory ... this is not meets for this car brand ..

BMW33 · 06-19-2022, 12:48 PM

A while ago I went ahead and added an amp to my base audio vibe power box 65.4 along with the loom.

Replaced the door speakers to Ground zero 60rms speakers, the problem I'm having now is when I turn the gain up on the amp anything more than a quarter they seem to crackle or clip when the volume is cranked up (front).

I have not coded the hifi setting.. on the amp when I select hpf as opposed to full I can barely hear or even feel the subs playing. I haven't added any external tweeters or a cross over just going with the ones on the two ways speakers.

I have added rear 5.25 inch 2way speakers under the original grills on the shelf and they seem to be running fine even when I have the gain cranked up all the way no issues.

I have lived with it for a while by turning down the gain slightly and the clipping cracking noise has not been present.

I'm assuming there is an underlying issue and I would like to get to the bottom of this before I go ahead and replace the subs.

What have i done wrong?

ctuna · 06-19-2022, 01:09 PM

Did you split the parallel connection between the front doors and floors
such that one channel goes to one speaker location in the front.

Did you read the Base upgrade Gide.

Base System Guide
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...5&d=1493273253

BMW33 · 06-19-2022, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Did you split the parallel connection between the front doors and floors
such that one channel goes to one speaker location in the front.

Did you read the Base upgrade Gide.

Base System Guide
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...5&d=1493273253

That thread is not opening could you please re send

ctuna · 06-19-2022, 01:30 PM

Opens fine for me what are you opening it on.
Even on the link you re posted.

BMW33 · 06-19-2022, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Opens fine for me what are you opening it on.
Even on the link you re posted.

Managed to open it in the end. Thanks for that guide. I have read through it and that's a good install for sure maybe I should have gone down that route to save me all this hassle now.

I assumed with the loom I recieved from vibe with the amplifier would do all the work and I wouldn't need to split off any cables myself hence going down this route in the first place.

Would I be able to salvage the issue I had made now?

ctuna · 06-19-2022, 01:57 PM

If you can figure out the wiring .
The post I put up with all the links has more detail.
The other issue is the amp specs and especially the input specs.
The amp must accept low level differential signals for Hi Fi or
speaker outs for non Hi Fi .
low level differential signals are essentially reduced speaker outs
with no common ground.

12-20-2021, 05:31 AM	#1
BMW33 Private 5 Rep 90 Posts Drives: Bmw 3 series e90 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: lancashire iTrader: (0)	Base Audio Upgrade Maybe? Hi All hope you are well I have a a base audio system in my LCI 3 series which I am not impressed having previously come from the likes of B&O Bose & Logic 7. I upgraded the speakers in the front doors with two JL Audio speakers 2 way with tweeters on them I initially did this assuming I have a blown speaker because each time a window is open whilst driving about say 50 60mph you can hear a really nasty crackling sound as the beat drops. This made no difference to this issue whatsoever, so I learned to live with it by not cranking up the volume when any of the windows are open. So recently having read the threads on here most people code the HU to HIFI after adding tweeters, so I went ahead and now the sound is alot more quiter cant crank it up as loud, I've lost some of the bass produced by the underseat subs.( The crackle as the beat drops is still there) Although the high notes do seem a little clearer but the Bominess from before is not there. Now my question is where do i go from here.. i have been tempted many times to install an amp do the speakers & underseat subs. Will it be worth it? Would it get rid of or amplify the crackle? That's the last thing I'd want after doing an install. So now that the headunit is coded to HIFI isit just a case of getting an amp and the required speakers & under seat subs? Help & Advice would be appreciated Thanks Last edited by BMW33; 12-20-2021 at 09:35 AM..
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12-20-2021, 11:52 AM	#2
ctuna Lieutenant General 1926 Rep 13,134 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	This has to be the most asked question here did you try some searching. (Start with the Last link then read bmw stereo types) I would get one of the Helix audiotec Fisher amp dsp's 86dsp or BMW7 Jehnert xe 200 underseats are the best. Morel doors if you can afford them and if you don't have a coupe as the doors are thin, Lack of a decent amp or amp/dsp is the weakest point and you need to split the parallel connection between the doors and floors. The 4/6 harness runs all hi fi positions it is essentially a Hi Fi harness. https://technicpnp.com/product-categ...-3-series-e9x/ He does explain this . Stereo 4/6 harness $135.00 – $175.00 The Stereo 4/6 is used with a 6-channel amp to power the front, rear and underseat woofers individually (one channel per speaker). Remote turn on included. Removal of the OEM HU/iDrive unit is required. Stereo 4/6 harness kit includes: Quadralock harness for OEM HU interface (2) 15′ long input/output cables with remote turn on signal (4) OEM speaker connectors (2) OEM woofer connectors (2) OEM woofer connector jumpers (separate woofers from front speakers) "The OEM Stereo system is: – OEM HU/iDrive powering front, rear and underseat woofers – 4 channel output split into 6 speakers: front speakers connected in parallel with underseat woofers – front outputs are full range, rear outputs are high passed – (4) 4″ mids and (2) 6.5″ woofers. No tweeters – 15W x 4 (Professional Radio)/25W x 4 (iDrive) max power high level outputs The Stereo 4/6 is used with a 6-channel amp to power the front, rear and underseat woofers individually (one channel per speaker). Remote turn on and woofer jumpers included. Removal of the OEM HU/iDrive unit is required. The Stereo 4/6 harness requires a processor to flatten/de-EQ the iDrive/OEM HU outputs or component speakers than can lower the built-in treble boost of the OEM signal. Coding of the OEM HU/iDrive to output HiFi (balanced, low level outputs) would not require a processor/de-EQ, but it will require balanced-inputs aftermarket amps and RCA termination. The Stereo harness is designed for experienced DIYer’s and/or professional installers. Ordering of the Stereo harness does not include install support of any aftermarket equipment. Support is limited to problems or/and warranty with the harness " this is right from his web sight. Program head unit to Hi Fi to get around eq problems and to use low level inputs. This bypasses the need for an eq flattening device. http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...5&d=1493273253 Base system upgrades http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266 http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957 http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003810 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366 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...ht=amp+upgrade http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1378833 base system wiring pre/post 3/09 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904 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/attach...1&d=1209780865 http://bmwcoders.com/forum/3-er-8/bm...1-e92-e93-291/ http://technicpnp.com/menuDiagrams/d...e90_92_93.html http://www.musicarnw.com/page-2/ http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...3&d=1169133185 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323 http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...4&d=1278871872 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343673 https://www.bimmerfest.com/threads/e...n-752.1275694/ base system wiring pre/post 3/09 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...tDpLJPcGkw_ui_ Base System Guide http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...5&d=1493273253 Last edited by ctuna; 12-20-2021 at 12:06 PM..
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12-26-2021, 06:29 PM	#4
E92x7z Private First Class 21 Rep 129 Posts Drives: BMW e92 330 Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: Bulgaria iTrader: (0)	upgrading is mandatory ... this is not meets for this car brand ..
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06-19-2022, 12:48 PM	#5
BMW33 Private 5 Rep 90 Posts Drives: Bmw 3 series e90 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: lancashire iTrader: (0)	A while ago I went ahead and added an amp to my base audio vibe power box 65.4 along with the loom. Replaced the door speakers to Ground zero 60rms speakers, the problem I'm having now is when I turn the gain up on the amp anything more than a quarter they seem to crackle or clip when the volume is cranked up (front). I have not coded the hifi setting.. on the amp when I select hpf as opposed to full I can barely hear or even feel the subs playing. I haven't added any external tweeters or a cross over just going with the ones on the two ways speakers. I have added rear 5.25 inch 2way speakers under the original grills on the shelf and they seem to be running fine even when I have the gain cranked up all the way no issues. I have lived with it for a while by turning down the gain slightly and the clipping cracking noise has not been present. I'm assuming there is an underlying issue and I would like to get to the bottom of this before I go ahead and replace the subs. What have i done wrong? Last edited by BMW33; 06-19-2022 at 12:59 PM..
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06-19-2022, 01:09 PM	#6
ctuna Lieutenant General 1926 Rep 13,134 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Did you split the parallel connection between the front doors and floors such that one channel goes to one speaker location in the front. Did you read the Base upgrade Gide. Base System Guide http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...5&d=1493273253
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06-19-2022, 01:30 PM	#8
ctuna Lieutenant General 1926 Rep 13,134 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Opens fine for me what are you opening it on. Even on the link you re posted.
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06-19-2022, 01:57 PM	#10
ctuna Lieutenant General 1926 Rep 13,134 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	If you can figure out the wiring . The post I put up with all the links has more detail. The other issue is the amp specs and especially the input specs. The amp must accept low level differential signals for Hi Fi or speaker outs for non Hi Fi . low level differential signals are essentially reduced speaker outs with no common ground.
	Appreciate 0 Quote