[bathdrummer]

Hi from a UK newbie!

After spending many days reading the Audio Upgrade sticky links, and doing a load of research, I have finally spent a wad of cash on Vibe Optisound components / subs and an ESX plug and play DSP / Amp with harness for E9x

https://www.esxaudio.de/english/xe64...amplifier.html

It seems to be a very easy solution to the age-old Base audio upgrade, and I'm hoping it's not too good to be true; however, it seems tech has moved on considerably since the majority of posts on the Audio ToC thread.

My one question though, is where is the best place to mount the DSP?? The harness plugs into the existing head unit, then the DSP amp into the harness. This means it really has to be located up front somewhere. There is also a wired remote control which I'm going to install in the unused ashtray.

Is there room behind the head unit? Or could it go behind the cupholders? Alternatively it can go somewhere in the passenger footwell perhaps (though worried about it being kicked).

The unit is fairly compact (120 x 40 x 216 mm).

My car is a 2010 E91 with CIC iDrive (and base audio, obvs).

If nobody can help, I'll figure it out myself somehow and post pictures for future reference.

Martyn

[ctuna]

Technicpnp.com makes harnesses for the Base system's
I would tend to go with something more well known like
Audiotech Fisher 86dsp or BMW7.

Lots of base system thread's here anybody that cares about
sound want's to get rid of the BMW base system.
You don't have to look to far down the current page to find this.
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1884512
2 nd entry in the above thread will tell you most everything you need
to know.

People mount amplifier/dsp in the Trunk area never seen one go up front..

This is only 4 amplified channels out you need another amplifier for the other to
read the manual.
The Helix stuff is 8 and 7 amplified channels out .

[bathdrummer]

Thanks for the quick reply. As it happens, since posting I had a chat with an audio specialist here in the UK, and they talked me through the installation of this.

It sounds very good, and the guys I talked to had nothing but good things to say. I haven't seen it mentioned anywhere here (and I read every single one of the linked threads in the Audio Upgrade sticky), but that may be because it's UK / German and not yet available.

I'm going to do the install over the weekend, and I'll document and post the work here. I'll also be able to give a review of the results

[ctuna]

I suggest you at least read the basic article on the Base system upgrade.
You know you need to split the parallel connection between the front doors and
floors. The speakers are pretty bad in the base stereo system also.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/attac...1&d=1411521234
This will at least give you some installations tips .

Don't try to do to much at once.
I looked at it again I was wrong it is 6 amped channels out.
Layout on the connectors and software looks a lot like Audiotec Fisher.
First time I have ever seen this brand mentioned here.
Or ever mentioned.

[E92x7z]

sir good day this is BAD choice for DSP ... this is a " mediocre DSP "
I can help with the helix DSP from Bulgaria
see price list https://aval-bg.com/1-car-audio/24-zvukovi-protsesori

just not buy this ... ESX
see another

[ctuna]

E92x7z do you have a site in English?
Also he is trying to do and amp/dsp

[E92x7z]

Originally Posted by ctuna

E92x7z do you have a site in English?
Also he is trying to do and amp/dsp

not have .. but i tell you this ASIA DSP .. is a bad
ESX DSP analog to Hifonic medusa DSP ...
have normal viariant Mosconi Helix /audison not TOP choice but better from ESX ... more better / ..you best = DSP + 2 AMP



I am convinced that he will not cover his request for power

[E92x7z]

Originally Posted by ctuna

E92x7z do you have a site in English?
Also he is trying to do and amp/dsp

translate https://www.drive2.ru/b/483251854155711176/

[ctuna]

That review will translate on google it didn't like the other one
maybe because it said it was Belgium.
Actually that review says it meets the specs it says it has and
is decent for the price. I think 40 watts per channel is somewhat
low for good sound though.

[E92x7z]

the idea is for a pure signal it will be difficult to get when this amplifier works "on the edge" with speakers with 50/60 RMS


my first option was to mount it under the seat but the option is to buy a 3m iso socket and install it in its place which is the trunk

and this DSP need 20a Fuse ... realy ? /FUSE OF THE DEVICE 20A /
only for info this DSP is a mid variant ... but not a bad
https://www.drive2.ru/c/521244928697696702/
https://www.drive2.ru/c/3208159/

[bathdrummer]

Originally Posted by ctuna

I suggest you at least read the basic article on the Base system upgrade.
You know you need to split the parallel connection between the front doors and
floors. The speakers are pretty bad in the base stereo system also.

https://www.e90post.com/forums/attac...1&d=1411521234
This will at least give you some installations tips .

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I've read literally every thread about the Base upgrade on this forum

The package I've bought includes a custom harness to connect between the existing head and the new amp so that all the existing speaker cabling is retained. There are also options for adding additional amps if required.

I'm fully aware that this isn't the best DSP/amp that money can buy, but (a) it will be a significant improvement on what's there and (b) most importantly, it was in my budget (i.e. the cash I had left over between selling my previous car and buying this one!)

I'll put the results up with photos over the next few days

[ctuna]

does your harness split the parallel connection between the
front doors and floors so you can use all channels with a separate
channel going to each major speaker location?

Specs on the audison 8.9 are worse on per channel basis than the esx audio.
https://www.audison.eu/wp-content/up...Tech_Sheet.pdf
1 percent distortion at 35 watts and all the channels are the same.

[E92x7z]

Originally Posted by ctuna

does your harness split the parallel connection between the
front doors and floors so you can use all channels with a separate
channel going to each major speaker location?

Specs on the audison 8.9 are worse on per channel basis than the esx audio.
https://www.audison.eu/wp-content/up...Tech_Sheet.pdf
1 percent distortion at 35 watts and all the channels are the same.

THI IS a old ....
see AP F8.9 bit ... ESX is not a this class .... they go to Asia

[ctuna]

Where are the new specs then?
And wouldn't it have a different model number?

[E92x7z]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Where are the new specs then?
And wouldn't it have a different model number?

ap F 8.9 not ap 8.9
F = forza
https://www.fourcaraudio.co.uk/brand...ima-ap-f89-bit

[bathdrummer]

Right, I've finally finished the install of this and, despite the skepticism from a contributor to this thread, it is really very good. The Xenium DSP/ Amp is very well made and sounds excellent (I work in the music business, so have a good ear for sound :-) ).

Originally Posted by ctuna

does your harness split the parallel connection between the
front doors and floors so you can use all channels with a separate
channel going to each major speaker location?

I bought the whole package from a UK company 'Allwood Audio', and they suppled a harness specific to the E90 which split out the parallel connection and plugged directly into the ISO of the existing head unit. They also sent me videos for installation guidance and pre-loaded the DSP with 5 different profiles tuned for the BMW Base Audio.

I really couldn't be happier for a shade over £600. Plenty of volume for what I need (though it would be no good for window-rattling dance music!). There is also an easy upgrade path if I need to add an extra sub, or additional amplification.

I'll put up some photos shortly.

[bathdrummer]

Xenium DSP



Replacement subs



Harnesses



Replacement mids/tweeters



Install Tweeters into new door trim



Add mids & crossover. Install acoustic damping to door card



Carefully lever out the old subs from their holders




Add acoustic damping to sub holders



Screw in replacement subs using some hinge screws



Replace subwoofer assembly in car, attach supplied blue plug to split door speakers. Connect supplied sub harness to terminals




Remove head unit from car



Plug in DSP and connect new harness to head unit (I haven't shown the connection to the under-seat subs, which plugs in to channel E/F)




Install remote to suitable location. In my case having the 'aluminium' trim made it very easy. It was also already quite scratched ... not sure I'd have put it here if I had the wood veneer interior!!

[bathdrummer]

Originally Posted by E92x7z

and this DSP need 20a Fuse ... realy ? /FUSE OF THE DEVICE 20A /

Well yes, of course it's 20A - the lead with the 20A fuse is connected to PIN 15 on the headunit ISO, which is a 12v 20A supply . The amp draws its power from this supply (it's not just a DSP)

[ctuna]

where did you end up putting the amp ? Front or Boot?
From the picture you have it looks like there is nothing plugged into
channels 5 and 6 . Labeled F and E on the connector to the left of the
Main connector in your picture. Which would mean you are using only
4 of the 6 channels.
Nice that they have and Input select switch and that you mounted it
nicely .

[bathdrummer]

I haven’t shown the harness plugged into 5/6, as it was already in place, but it goes to the subs.

I mounted the amp behind the glove box. Nicely out of the way and just about enough room!