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      04-13-2014, 03:29 PM   #1
Deebag
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Full upgrade of base system

Hello e90post!

I recently bought a 2006 320 Alpina D3. The first thing I noticed the sound was absolute crap, the 99' e39 i had before had previously sounded better.
So the obvious course of action is to rewamp the whole thing.
Now, I know next to nothing about car audio, but I have been reading up on it for a couple of days. I've found some inspiring builds and
B33M3R's system looks really solid, and I think I'll copy it 100%.

I know fuck all about these things, and with this ocean of information, threads, DIY's etc I find it hard to decide what to do.
But I have put together a shopping list.

Focal K2 Power 100 KRS - Front doors
Earthquake SWS 8 - Under seat woofers
Vibe Slick 4 - Rear deck and center
JBL MS8 - Sound processor
JBL GTO1004 - Amp. I have this amp laying around from my other car.

Then I need a Technics harness, does he still make and sell these?
Speaker adaptors from 808Mguy
Underseat spacer from Jtsherri.
I assume 808Mguy and Jtsherri are on the forum as well? Do they still sell these?

And different trim pieces and plugs.



B33M3R's thread is 3 years old, is there anything new in the world of car stereo or are these components still good?

I was originally not looking to spend that much money on this, but the speakers and electronics alone are putting me at 17,000 NOK before shipping. And just the MS8 is 8000, almost half, is there a cheaper alternative or is this a must have?
This should probably be done by a shop or a professional, but there just aren't any of those around. Aaand it probably will set me back a ton of money. So I might just do it myself. Installing the speakers etc I can probably do easy, my biggest problem is the wiring. Pulling wires all around the car I don't feel competent about. Probably sounds stupid but that's my weak spot. On the E39 I had wires hanging out of the glovebox and laying out in the open. This is a no-go for the E90. How difficult is this?

I would really like some insight on this.

Deebag out.

Last edited by Deebag; 04-13-2014 at 03:35 PM..
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      04-13-2014, 04:23 PM   #2
ctuna
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Do you have idrive or pro radio

Do you have idrive or pro radio?
You would think that an Alpina would come with more
than the base stereo but did it come with the base stereo ?
You need to know whats in the car as a first step.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1266451970

You don't have to go the processor route if all you want is a
great stereo system as oposed to a surround sound system.
But if you have a base system you need away of getting the
bad eq out of the head unit and that means either recoding to
Hi Fi if possible or a frequency flattening device or a processor.

Whatever system you have under seat and door speaker upgrades
are one of the first things to consider along with and amp.

Some speakers are now made to fit in a BMW without adapters
or come with the necessary hardware such as Jehnerts ,Gladens
and the new Focal speaker made for BMW .

Basic Hi Fi upgrade
speakers mentioned(adapters if needed for other speakers)
Jl 600/6 amp
Technic Harness
Power Kit

Base System upgrade
Same as Hi Fi with these changes or additions
Technic Harness but a different one
Recoding or Frequency flattening device or processor.
BMW tweeter pods.

Best System examples
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826683
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ight=processor
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727760
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=level
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590420
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/showthread.php?t=324214
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=technic
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=Dotech
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...&highlight=BSW
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...morel-jbl.html
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494299
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540446
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=532585
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=amp+upgrade
http://www.bilstereoforum.se/showthread.php?t=2356
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...hlight=level+3
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=833581
http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=443043
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...creations.html

If you want to do a center speaker a processor is
a must.

Last edited by ctuna; 04-14-2014 at 12:07 AM..
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      04-13-2014, 04:31 PM   #3
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Non-idrive with the Professional HU. I am 100% sure it's base stereo, no tweeters, no amp etc.
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      04-13-2014, 04:41 PM   #4
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Different sources for speaker adapter now.

Different sources for speaker adapter now.
Don't know if the original guys are making them anymore.
Technic is still at it and pretty swamped with orders
I here.

So if you wanted to go low cost .
Recode to hi fi get a Technic Harness
use your amp for Fronts and Underseats
you may need and adapter for the balanced low
level signal output to your amp.
Upgrade under seats and front doors to budjet and taste.
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      04-13-2014, 04:58 PM   #5
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I'm not really going low cost. I have a budget of about 20,000 NOK. That's $3,300. But since everything costs a lot more in Norway it will be the same as a 2500 dollar budget in the states I guess. I'm also considering a subwoofer in the trunk, but that will come later. Budget isn't really an issue, but I don't want to spend a ton of money on unnecessarily expensive stuff.

So. I've sent off a PM to Technic, so I guess that's almost sorted. I suppose there's a long wait time for that, plus shipping so probably a month. Anyway..

What's the deal with surround sound in a car? For watching movies? What does the center speaker add to the system?

I have the JBL GTO1004 amp from before, should i scrap this one and go for JL 600/6 or will the JBL do?

Can I go to a BMW dealer for the recoding of the HU or is that a very specialized job?

Can you give me some pointers on the speakers?

Edit:
Focal IFBMW-S - for the front doors
MB Quart QMW200 BMW - under seats

What are the 5,25" component systems for front doors? I thought both the front and rear speakers were 4"?

Last edited by Deebag; 04-13-2014 at 05:33 PM..
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      04-13-2014, 05:57 PM   #6
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I would only supplement with one particular suggestion

Make your center equal to or better than your front door speakers.
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      04-13-2014, 09:23 PM   #7
ctuna
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I'm biased toward hi quality speakers and amp first.

I'm biased toward hi quality speakers and amp first.
If you are going to do a dedicated sub then Jehnert underseats
and Morel Doors. If you have a coupe then a Jehnert 3 way set.
I have seen some Gladen Mosconi setups advertized on some
Euro sites that had a fairly complete setup, kind of equivalent to
what MusicarNW does over here .
They have several plug and play packages.
I think recoding the Head Unit to Hi Fi is preferable to adding a
processor or Jl cleansweep. I understand this gets harder to do
with the Head Units from 2010 on as you need a ICOM head for
the programming change rather than the simple cable required on
the previous years. You need to find a coder to do this.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366

This looked interesting for and all in one kit
http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/...den-one-120-4/
You might give these guys a call.
One version of the mosconi amp has a built in processor but I think
its more for eq. Though that might be a no coding required
answer for the head unit.
Yes there are only limited speakers that fit in the hole intended for
4 inch speakers. Did you see the speaker list in the audio build
thread. The coupe has thinner doors so even less will fit in them.

When people talk about a center for a car I keep hearing things
like raising the center stage. I keep thinking its basically like surround sound for a Home Entertainment system.

Last edited by ctuna; 04-13-2014 at 09:57 PM..
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      04-13-2014, 10:34 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deebag View Post
I'm not really going low cost. I have a budget of about 20,000 NOK. That's $3,300. But since everything costs a lot more in Norway it will be the same as a 2500 dollar budget in the states I guess. I'm also considering a subwoofer in the trunk, but that will come later. Budget isn't really an issue, but I don't want to spend a ton of money on unnecessarily expensive stuff.

So. I've sent off a PM to Technic, so I guess that's almost sorted. I suppose there's a long wait time for that, plus shipping so probably a month. Anyway..

What's the deal with surround sound in a car? For watching movies? What does the center speaker add to the system?

I have the JBL GTO1004 amp from before, should i scrap this one and go for JL 600/6 or will the JBL do?

Can I go to a BMW dealer for the recoding of the HU or is that a very specialized job?

Can you give me some pointers on the speakers?

Edit:
Focal IFBMW-S - for the front doors
MB Quart QMW200 BMW - under seats

What are the 5,25" component systems for front doors? I thought both the front and rear speakers were 4"?
The ms8 is ridiculously overpriced if its half your budget. Can you get the Alpine H800 for a reasonable price in your country. Another option for the underseats and components is the Jehnert Flatline kit. They come with the mounting adapters, you just need the wiring connectors from the dealer to make them plug and play.

http://www.jehnert.de/produkt-katego...-touring-m3-1/

You definitely did your research before making this thread.
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      04-14-2014, 04:34 AM   #9
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Sorry for the late response to your PM. All PMs will be answered during today.

I would suggest to take a look at the Audison AP8.9 bit or to the Match PP 82DSP as more reliable alternatives to the MS-8. They may be cheaper in your country.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Deebag View Post
Hello e90post!

I recently bought a 2006 320 Alpina D3. The first thing I noticed the sound was absolute crap, the 99' e39 i had before had previously sounded better.
So the obvious course of action is to rewamp the whole thing.
Now, I know next to nothing about car audio, but I have been reading up on it for a couple of days. I've found some inspiring builds and
B33M3R's system looks really solid, and I think I'll copy it 100%.

I know fuck all about these things, and with this ocean of information, threads, DIY's etc I find it hard to decide what to do.
But I have put together a shopping list.

Focal K2 Power 100 KRS - Front doors
Earthquake SWS 8 - Under seat woofers
Vibe Slick 4 - Rear deck and center
JBL MS8 - Sound processor
JBL GTO1004 - Amp. I have this amp laying around from my other car.

Then I need a Technics harness, does he still make and sell these?
Speaker adaptors from 808Mguy
Underseat spacer from Jtsherri.
I assume 808Mguy and Jtsherri are on the forum as well? Do they still sell these?

And different trim pieces and plugs.



B33M3R's thread is 3 years old, is there anything new in the world of car stereo or are these components still good?

I was originally not looking to spend that much money on this, but the speakers and electronics alone are putting me at 17,000 NOK before shipping. And just the MS8 is 8000, almost half, is there a cheaper alternative or is this a must have?
This should probably be done by a shop or a professional, but there just aren't any of those around. Aaand it probably will set me back a ton of money. So I might just do it myself. Installing the speakers etc I can probably do easy, my biggest problem is the wiring. Pulling wires all around the car I don't feel competent about. Probably sounds stupid but that's my weak spot. On the E39 I had wires hanging out of the glovebox and laying out in the open. This is a no-go for the E90. How difficult is this?

I would really like some insight on this.

Deebag out.
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      04-14-2014, 05:12 AM   #10
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The dealers in Norway don't really have a great selection. But I was able to find the Match PP 82DSP for 4500kr, half the price of the MS8.
Also found a dealer that supplies Focal, Match and Ground Zero kits made for BMW at ok prices.
http://www.bassbrothers.no/display.aspx?menuid=1250073
http://www.bilradiospes.no/m/shop/?katid=1303

I could order internationally, but I prefer to buy from within the country to avoid import tax, huge shipping fees, and easier to replace defective elements.

Edited with links.

Last edited by Deebag; 04-14-2014 at 12:03 PM..
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      04-14-2014, 01:25 PM   #11
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After trawling the internet all day I found a Gladen dealer with Gladen One 201 and 201 extreme. The extreme one is 800kr more, nothing really so I might just go for that one.

Gladen One Line 201 Extreme - 4 498 NOK.
And the amp they recommend.
Mosconi GLADEN ONE 120.4 - DSP - 6 000 NOK.
Mosconi amp with DSP, sounds interesting. This should take care of the signals right? And 4 channels is enough?


The new sails for the tweeters are in the mail, so the ball is rolling

Now I am only waiting for Technics harness before I proceed with any purchases.




Quote:
Originally Posted by ctuna View Post
I'm biased toward hi quality speakers and amp first.
If you are going to do a dedicated sub then Jehnert underseats
and Morel Doors. If you have a coupe then a Jehnert 3 way set.
I have seen some Gladen Mosconi setups advertized on some
Euro sites that had a fairly complete setup, kind of equivalent to
what MusicarNW does over here .
They have several plug and play packages.
I think recoding the Head Unit to Hi Fi is preferable to adding a
processor or Jl cleansweep. I understand this gets harder to do
with the Head Units from 2010 on as you need a ICOM head for
the programming change rather than the simple cable required on
the previous years. You need to find a coder to do this.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366

This looked interesting for and all in one kit
http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/...den-one-120-4/
You might give these guys a call.
One version of the mosconi amp has a built in processor but I think
its more for eq. Though that might be a no coding required
answer for the head unit.
Yes there are only limited speakers that fit in the hole intended for
4 inch speakers. Did you see the speaker list in the audio build
thread. The coupe has thinner doors so even less will fit in them.

When people talk about a center for a car I keep hearing things
like raising the center stage. I keep thinking its basically like surround sound for a Home Entertainment system.

Last edited by Deebag; 04-14-2014 at 01:40 PM..
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      04-14-2014, 01:59 PM   #12
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That link I sent you has package deals on

That link I sent you has package deals on Mosconi/Gladen
the one in England. All you have to do is search packages and I would
get in touch with them if you want more. I think there package deal on the Mosconi/Gladen system with DSP was something like 740 Euro and they include everything to make it work(I think maybe?) plus some sound deadner(didn;t see tweeter pods). Sounds like a pretty good deal with what your options are. My guess
is that system would surpass the old HK in the e46 by quite a bit , I also had
that one and liked it enough to not really consider changing it.

Is 4 channels enough depends on you some of the Guru's here are
calling rear speakers "A Communist Plot"
With one of those kits you still have quite a bit of money left for a
sub and sub amp if you feel its necessary I would try it without one first.

Did you see this link
http://www.monsteraudiodesign.co.uk/...gory/packages/
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      04-14-2014, 02:06 PM   #13
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I saw that package, it's an amazing deal but sadly, they only ship within UK
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      04-14-2014, 02:08 PM   #14
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Can't you hire somebody to ship it.

Can't you hire somebody to ship it.
Or smuggle it through the tube.
Think it about it hard before you do anything.
I would verify that all your purchase will play together
and do exactly what you want before laying your coin down.

Last edited by ctuna; 04-14-2014 at 08:18 PM..
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      04-14-2014, 02:13 PM   #15
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Yes, that's what I will do. Do I still need technics harness for this package? :s
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      04-14-2014, 04:28 PM   #16
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I don't know it looks like it's complete

I don't know it looks like it's complete
My bet is Technics Harness does more but its nothing more
than speculation you need to talk to the guys that
sell the package. If you piecing the system together the fact
you have a base systems means you need more of a harness
than a Hi Fi system since it has none of the stuff that runs
to the back and doors have to be split off from the floors.
Ask them where the amp goes and how the harness is arranged.

Also I would do some research on the Mosconi DSP as I don't
know it it does time correction . Don't know if that is a deal
breaker but I would download there manual an review it.

Last edited by ctuna; 04-14-2014 at 04:35 PM..
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      04-14-2014, 04:41 PM   #17
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Just had this system (201 extreme + Mosconi amp with DSP) fitted in my e92, it's very good.

You won't be disappointed.
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      04-14-2014, 05:32 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deebag View Post
Yes, that's what I will do. Do I still need technics harness for this package? :s
If you are doing just a 4-channel system then the Stereo 2/4 harness is all you need:

Quote:
- Stereo 2/4: for use with a 4-channel amp to power the front and underseat woofers. Rear speakers are powered by the OEM HU/iDrive unit. No need to remove OEM HU/iDrive unit..

Not applicable to Stereo systems with 2-wires at the woofer connector (pre 0909 production).
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      04-14-2014, 05:34 PM   #19
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Does the 2/4 harness allow for a sub in the trunk?
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      04-14-2014, 05:34 PM   #20
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By the way, the Ground Zero speaker kit is actually rebranded Rainbow speakers.
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      04-14-2014, 05:35 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Deebag View Post
Does the 2/4 harness allow for a sub in the trunk?
You can split the OEM HU front outputs into another high level input mono amp for a sub.

The Stereo 2/4 harness do not provide any remote output; the idea is to use amplifiers and DSP with signal sensing turn on with it.
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      04-14-2014, 09:05 PM   #22
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Technic what are the Harness Variations?

I think we know the Hi Fi is basicly routing for six channels with 4 inputs
and a isolation relay for amp turn ons.

What about the base system and its variations?
In the 2/4 the rear channels remain on the rear speakers directs
from the head unit correct. And you split the underseats from the doors at the underseats.
How does a 4/x work runs another set of Inputs to the Trunk and
a pair of speaker wires to the rear speakers. Remote Relay?
Is it easy to add onto these?

The Logic 7 (not the add a sub one)
runs 4 wires for input from the HU and distributes outputs
to all the L7 speakers . Remote Relay?

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366

Last edited by ctuna; 04-15-2014 at 12:15 PM..
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