[team7]

My Audio is all stock. I use a sony MP3 player (NWA20) plugged into the factory audio aux using a cable and have the volume about half. With the factory knob I usually have to have this turned all the way up to get a decent level of sound. Most all my sound files are what, 320kbps I believe.

My issue is that in songs where the vocals get high it is ear piercing. I have tried to turn the treble down but then the rest of the music sounds muddy. I have resorted to having most of the sound come out of the back speakers. I have an E91 wagon by the way.

So the question is, is this an issue of using an MP3 player running through aux or is it an issue of the amp which I have heard is under powered with these cars?

[ctuna]

The Aux Input is known to degrade most audio signals
a large amount. If you have the base or Hi Fi system both
which range from POS to very mediocre it augments the
problem. Do this test, record your same mp3 files on a cd
and compare . Some people have tried to overcome this issue
using head phone DAC's which helps some . There is a big
thread on these issues.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1002984

See the above thread starting at entry 77

[team7]

Thanks ctuna. Ive done quite a bit of research on the audio as I would like a fuller sound all around and have the amp picked out to upgrade. Its just a big pill to swallow for the cost so looking for reasons to take the plunge like this issue.

Ill take a look at your link. Thank you!

[ctuna]

I could barely live with the Hi Fi system , I don't know how people
can live with the base system.
Yeah good audio is expensive and hard to install in a BMW.
If you turn the Hi Fi system up is gets harsh and distorted right away and is fatiguing to listen to.
Can't imagine what the base system is like.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=graph

I would not go for the alpine upgrade as it turns
the base system to hi fi although its better its still not good.

[team7]

I plan shortly to get this Amp which seems to be what has been recommended in the past. From there I will slowly upgrade the speakers.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004E9QK3E...N80F9784&psc=0

That Fii0 DAC looks good though. Ill pick that up shortly.

[ctuna]

Be sure to get the Technic Harness if you have Hi Fi .

[cdgatti]

team 7 - i would recommend one of the helix/match amp/dsp combos. you need more power, yes, but the big improvement comes from things like time alignment to set the sound stage correctly to make the speakers disappear and the ability to eq every channel to tailor the sound to either a reference curve or sound you like.

[team7]

Cdgatti - do you have any links to the helix amp/dsp combo you refer to? I did a search and found some threads about it but not really sure what im looking for. The JL amp was nice because it was plug and play.

Ctuna - Yes I had that harness on my list!

[cdgatti]

this would be my pick - https://www.crutchfield.com/p_975PSI...X-DSP-MK2.html

or if that one is too much $, https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/matc...erker/pp-86dsp

[ctuna]

Go to the audiotec fischer Helix Website.

the most common one used is the 82dsp now they have a 86dsp.
Next level is the V8 or DSP 6 more power better DSP.

You have to prepared to do the DSP tuning and enjoy doing that kind
of a thing it can be a big job.

Bimmertech has the 82dsp in a kit with a canned tune .

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/helix/amplifiers/

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/en/match/amplifiers/

[team7]

Ok yea I just want a decent setup, not an audiophile by any standard. I think ive got the info I need and Ill look into both. $1500 is way more than I want to spend for an amp, $900 is possible but a big pill to swallow especially since ill have to pay someone to tune it. Again, good info and Ill pick something!

[cdgatti]

team 7 - one thing to consider when getting into car audio, especially with these cars is that if you go cheap or only partially in, you will not be satisfied and probably want to improve it or re-do. you can make the mistake of going through several iterations of cheaper mods, that in the end will cost you alot more than 'the expensive' mod from the beginning. speaking from my experience and many others on this audio board over the years.

[ctuna]

While I would probably be looking hard at the Helix
stuff now , just the amp and some better speakers
will move this system and order of magnitude beyond
what it is stock. Yeah DSP is nice but we were able to
make nice systems long before it existed with just quality
amp and speakers. If I had to choose between a cheap DSP
with lousy components and power versus one with good components and a good
amp I think I would go with good components.

[team7]

Im a gear head and I agree with you cdgatti. Mod with a goal in mind instead of just buying cheap stuff just to mod. My goal is not to "get into audio" its to have base I can feel and a bit more clarity. I dont need or want to feel like im sitting in the front row of a concert. Just like modding with performance. I dont understand why people dont go stand alone and run e85, it makes all the sense in the world as its great bang for the buck. But for some people they would rather spend $3-5k on less power and modify several things a small amount.

I can absolutely afford/spend $1500 on an AMP but the benefit is not there for me. Still deciding though and appreciate all the feedback.