[R2K]

Hi, first post here.

I currently have the base stereo (no tweets, HU power, I-drive, 6FL, sedan). I have a few choices, but want to get some input on the output section.

1 - Keep HL outputs, use DSP (Cleansweep or if $ permits Helix, etc.)
2 - Recode to Stereo for 5v outputs - no DSP and straight to amps
3 - Recode for Mobridge - no DSP and straight to amps

option #2 is the most cost effective - my question - Is there a significant difference from using the HL vs LL output for BMWs?

The rest of my systems would be:
- 4 channel amp (Alpine PDX, Zapco ST-D - because they are small and a good value)
- Comps: MB quart QSD 210(passive = cost effective and simple for me)
- Gladen woofers underseat
- 2 channel to the rears for the PDC/rear fill (if HL, then would just use HU to power)


FYI: The time alignment would be nice, but I'm usually driving with a passenger so I don't think I need that portion of it. Maybe down the road.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

[woobiedmd]

I'm a newbie too. Does the recode from base to hifi go hi-level to low level and remove the nasty eq or just hi to low?

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by R2K

Hi, first post here.

I currently have the base stereo (no tweets, HU power, I-drive, 6FL, sedan). I have a few choices, but want to get some input on the output section.

1 - Keep HL outputs, use DSP (Cleansweep or if $ permits Helix, etc.)
2 - Recode to Stereo for 5v outputs - no DSP and straight to amps
3 - Recode for Mobridge - no DSP and straight to amps

option #2 is the most cost effective - my question - Is there a significant difference from using the HL vs LL output for BMWs?

The rest of my systems would be:
- 4 channel amp (Alpine PDX, Zapco ST-D - because they are small and a good value)
- Comps: MB quart QSD 210(passive = cost effective and simple for me)
- Gladen woofers underseat
- 2 channel to the rears for the PDC/rear fill (if HL, then would just use HU to power)


FYI: The time alignment would be nice, but I'm usually driving with a passenger so I don't think I need that portion of it. Maybe down the road.

Thanks for all your help in advance.

Option #3 is the best choice but I doubt you'd hear much of a difference between the 3.

Have you looked at the MB Quart BMW 3 way kit?
http://www.mbquart.com/mbquart_bmw_speakers.html

There is also the Jehnert Flatline kit.
http://www.jehnert.de/produkte-doorb...tem?lang=en_us

[R2K]

woobiedmd: yes, it gets rid of the eq curve, but I'm still wondering if the DSP will compensate and flatten the curve before it processes the signal out since I also heard that the curve moves as volume is raised and lowered...I can hear this happen in my own observation - when I increase the volume, there is a noticeable differences between the low end and mids (lows "stagnate" while mid volume seems to be amplified).

Do most of you guys agree with bmw325i's assessment that there is little difference between the 3?

[ctuna]

Recode to Hi Fi and use Helix to tweek it .
I notice Helix is now making a combo processor /amp
the power rating is modest compared to a separate amp however.

Helix PP50DSP

[VF154]

Have you looked at the MB Quart BMW 3 way kit?
http://www.mbquart.com/mbquart_bmw_speakers.html

There is also the Jehnert Flatline kit.
http://www.jehnert.de/produkte-doorb...tem?lang=en_us

How does MB Quart BMW 3 way kit compare to Jehnert Flatline kit in trums of sound and quality. The cost for MB Quart is 300 bills less.

[R2K]

I already have the MB Quart QSD 210 components (old "new" stock). Great speakers, I used them in my old car a decade ago and stumbled onto a set for sale while searching online a month back. I hear the Jehnerts are a good set, but not sure about any new MB Quart product as it is no longer made by the same people.

So, I'm leaning toward the hifi recode and straight to amps. Does anyone have experience with the Mobridge DA2 and if it makes a significant impact/difference? Also, if the DA2 is used, would it be recoded to hifi or tophifi/logic7?

[ctuna]

top hi fi for the da2
I believe that gives you the equalizer .
but that's and expensive piece you might be able to get
better sound quality putting that money into speakers.

[R2K]

Does anyone know where the mobridge would connect to for a base system w/6FL and iDrive? Is there a most connector in the trunk?

[ctuna]

You have to make it part of the most loop.
Which means adding a Fiber Optic Cables or using
the one for CDC in prewired cars.
prewired cars are 09 and earlier in the US .
If you have a car that doesn't have Most Bus a Da-2
may not be and option for you .

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by ctuna

top hi fi for the da2
I believe that gives you the equalizer .
but that's and expensive piece you might be able to get
better sound quality putting that money into speakers.

That is your best bet and having OEM equilizer.

Guys, if you search (hard), you will find that a German company comapred MB quartz, Gladen and few other kits. On their ranking Gladen was at the top.

And best part is, its not expensive!

[R2K]

I have the ipod adaptor (6FL) so from what I read, I have the most bus, just wondering if that loop reaches back to the rear where the CIC unit is or if its just isolated to the front. (maybe I'm completely misunderstanding all the threads I've read, if so, can someone let me know if I'm wrong in assuming the loop is in the trunk for my vehicle?).

[makkan00]

MOST loop is hidden behind the rear seats.
You can use the most loop for CD changer to avail the functionality of digital amp.
However you will have to connect the most loop into the main network (as its disconnected at the moment in your car).

[ctuna]

Gladen is not so common in the US
though you could probably order them.

[R2K]

So I actually hit go and got the Helix DSP. Can someone help and tell me if the helix dsp will auto normalize the eq curve if I choose to stick with the high level? Or is this something I'll have to do manually through eq-ing?

[TMR]

If you install the DA1/DA2, the factory EQ is pretty useless.

[Hopeful]

Originally Posted by R2K

So I actually hit go and got the Helix DSP. Can someone help and tell me if the helix dsp will auto normalize the eq curve if I choose to stick with the high level? Or is this something I'll have to do manually through eq-ing?

It's a manual process using a PC application you can download from their website. You'll also need to buy a microphone.

I'm surprised that you didn't ask this BEFORE you bought it.

[R2K]

It seemed flexible enough...and I was willing to do the de-eqing by hand if necessary. Obviously would rather not spend the time, but I do have access to an RTA. Maybe the recode to hifi is worth it...just worried about the noisefloor issue Taibanl was getting. Thanks guys

[taibanl]

you have idrive, so you have MOST, honestly thats worth it to me. (DA2) unfortunately i don't have that option.

[R2K]

Would I lose all fader capability with a DA1?

I'm wondering if I should opt for a DA2 instead since I could use control the fader...don't know if this will be a big issue though.

[djkevinnn]

I'd go with the re-code to hi-fi. It will be the most economical, and it will allow for the least amount of conversions to be done sending the least tampered with signal to your amps or your DSP whichever you choose. I recoded my Logic 7 (Top Hi-Fi) to hi-fi and I couldn't be happier with running my HU straight to my amplifiers.