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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > AUDIO/VIDEO + BLUETOOTH + Electronics/Alarm/Software > Alpine Upgrade vs Aftermarket Headunit



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      11-14-2018, 12:01 PM   #1
SimonO
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Alpine Upgrade vs Aftermarket Headunit

Apologies if this is a stupid question, but I've recently bought an E92 with the base system, and I've read loads of threads on the Alpine upgrade.
The Alpine amp produces 4x40W of rms power which is not hugely impressive. Would a 4x50W stereo deliver the same performance, if not more? Is there any reason why this would be a bad/suboptimal idea?

Thanks!
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      11-14-2018, 01:38 PM   #2
bluewater328
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In general, I think you have to consider a few things:
1) the Alpine upgrade is hard to find nowadays 2) It wasn't a complete solution if you had PDC or they would make you use the crappy EQ setup made for the base system (punches highs and lows due to the low power) 3) You need to install it yourself or the dealer is gonna murder you for minimal gains (again, if you can find it).

What you propose is doable; just what are the gains? You WOULD get a flatline EQ (or at least the 'color' of whatever deck you get).

Do you want to change the way it sounds exponentially or just make it sound decent/good/louder? Budget? Speakers and/or aftermarket amp can easily be added to the setup -- TechnicPNP harness can help in a few situations based to use stock components and add things like an amp.

Assume you read through this a bit:
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323


[awaits Ctuna's list to appear]
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      11-14-2018, 03:32 PM   #3
ctuna
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Base system upgrades for sound quality

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/attach...1&d=1411521234
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...tDpLJPcGkw_ui_
http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904

Head unit upgrades for features
head unit
beware of side effects
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+unit
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1457320
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1036190
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin
http://www.janus-design.net/english/
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355089
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=head+unit
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...light=retrofit
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=993447
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1016187
https://www.bmwgm5.com/Logic7_E90_91_92_93.htm
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=dynavin

The alpine upgrade is not much of an upgrade.
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      11-15-2018, 03:04 PM   #4
SimonO
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Thanks guys.
I'm looking for a bit of an improvement without over-complicating things. I'm happy with the sound quality at low volume levels, but the door speakers are absolutely sh1te once the volume is turned up to any moderate level!
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      11-15-2018, 04:06 PM   #5
ctuna
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Yeah the Hi Fi is like that to if you turn it up is falls apart.
And the alpine upgrade is and attempt to turn a base system
into Hi Fi without replacing the underseats.

If you want sound quality one of the Helix DSP/amps with the front
speakers (doors and floors) is one of the best ways to go now.
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      11-15-2018, 04:35 PM   #6
SimonO
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Would you vouch for the Alpine upgrade with L7 underseats?
I'm based in the UK and can pick up the Alpine kit for £350, and there are plenty of used L7 underseats on Ebay.
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      11-16-2018, 04:26 PM   #7
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Update, just ordered a new Alpine upgrade kit and used L7 woofers. £500 / $650 altogether. Thanks for the help!
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      11-17-2018, 01:45 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SimonO View Post
Update, just ordered a new Alpine upgrade kit and used L7 woofers. £500 / $650 altogether. Thanks for the help!
There are a half dozen other underseat options since you're actually going to amplify. But glad you're happy about your purchase.
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      11-19-2018, 07:55 AM   #9
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The problem with the base system is that there are several weaknesses that need to be addressed:

EQ bias on head unit
Lack of amp
Lack of tweeters
Inferior 6" woofers under seat (vs 8" on other audio options)

I ended up changing it all:
Pioneer avic double din deck
JL amp
Drop in front stage replacement (includes 8" woofers and tweeters) (purchased oem tweeter sails for the doors)

I didn't have to worry about PDC or iDrive, other factory chimes were retained since they aren't controlled by the HU in base audio systems.
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