[Neon21db]

I have the stock speaker system (wanted to go with the logic7 but thought I could get a better deal if I upgraded the stock after I get the car) in my 328xi. I have absolutely no experience or knowledge in car audio systems and would like to replace the stock system with new speakers/subs and professionally installed.

1. Will a $1000 system (which includes installation costs) get me a system that is significantly better sounding than the stock?
2. What kind of speakers and subs should I get?
3. Do I need anything else like amps/equalizers/crossovers/sound processors and such?

My car is waiting to be put on a ship so I haven't actually heard it yet. But as for the upgrade, I want sound quality over loudness; I'm not into those huge subs in the trunk that make the car shake. I wanna keep it classy so any info and advice would be much appreciated! Thanks.

[whippersnapper]

You passed on logic 7 because you "thought" you could get a better deal but you have "absolutely no experience or knowledge in car audio systems". Sounds like you made a rash move

[G-Mach1]

Here is what I am planning on doing when I get my 328ci in Feb'07. (Mine is in for the Dec Production.) First of all $1000 will give you slightly better sound than the stock but not by much.
1) You need a Line adapter to run from your Stock deck. This is the only way you will be able to run an Amp. You may also want to think about running a EQ to give you a better quality sound
2) As for the Speakers you definitely need to upgrade the Factory speakers. You need a Component set for the Front. Are you thinking about Upgrading all the speakers or Just the Front?

As for the Speakers if you want the Quality go with Focals. They are good.

The Configuration I am going to put in My vechile is ,
Focal 165K3 for the Front 165K2 for the rear. Audison LRX to power the Front speakers and a Old Soundstream Rubicon For the rears and the Sub.

[Neon21db]

Originally Posted by G-Mach1

Here is what I am planning on doing when I get my 328ci in Feb'07. (Mine is in for the Dec Production.) First of all $1000 will give you slightly better sound than the stock but not by much.
1) You need a Line adapter to run from your Stock deck. This is the only way you will be able to run an Amp. You may also want to think about running a EQ to give you a better quality sound
2) As for the Speakers you definitely need to upgrade the Factory speakers. You need a Component set for the Front. Are you thinking about Upgrading all the speakers or Just the Front?

As for the Speakers if you want the Quality go with Focals. They are good.

The Configuration I am going to put in My vechile is ,
Focal 165K3 for the Front 165K2 for the rear. Audison LRX to power the Front speakers and a Old Soundstream Rubicon For the rears and the Sub.

1. For the amp, someone recommended the Zapco DC360: you know anything about this model?

2. That person said I would need a Audio Control LC8; is this for the line adapter thing you were talking about?

3. I wanted to upgrade the subs also that are under the front seats. As for the speakers, I would eventually want to replace the back also. I know nothing about car audio systems so I didn't know it would cost this much.

4. Because of the high cost of everything, would just upgrading the amp and adding a line adapter first create any difference? I'm thinking about doing the upgrade in different steps over time.

[G-Mach1]

Originally Posted by Neon21db

1. For the amp, someone recommended the Zapco DC360: you know anything about this model?

2. That person said I would need a Audio Control LC8; is this for the line adapter thing you were talking about?

3. I wanted to upgrade the subs also that are under the front seats. As for the speakers, I would eventually want to replace the back also. I know nothing about car audio systems so I didn't know it would cost this much.

4. Because of the high cost of everything, would just upgrading the amp and adding a line adapter first create any difference? I'm thinking about doing the upgrade in different steps over time.

1) Zapco Amps are really good. I have listened to them they are good.
2) LC8 is the Line Adapter. You definitely need them.
3) Sub - I wouldn't recommend the Underneath ones. At the same time You don't need big box in your trunk. If you are looking for quality sound get the Focal 10" or 12" also you can look at the Boston Acoustics they are also good. As for the Price I am not sure about the US Prices. I live In Canada
4) Yes adding the Line Adapter and the Sub Will definitely give you good quality Sound on the Other hand you have to be care ful because you are using the Factory speakers. You could easily blow them. Also I you are thinking about getting this Professianly Installed if you do it once you may be able to save money on Labour.

[Neon21db]

Originally Posted by G-Mach1

1) Zapco Amps are really good. I have listened to them they are good.
2) LC8 is the Line Adapter. You definitely need them.
3) Sub - I wouldn't recommend the Underneath ones. At the same time You don't need big box in your trunk. If you are looking for quality sound get the Focal 10" or 12" also you can look at the Boston Acoustics they are also good. As for the Price I am not sure about the US Prices. I live In Canada
4) Yes adding the Line Adapter and the Sub Will definitely give you good quality Sound on the Other hand you have to be care ful because you are using the Factory speakers. You could easily blow them. Also I you are thinking about getting this Professianly Installed if you do it once you may be able to save money on Labour.

Saving on the labor cost by doing everything at once is true. Good point about being careful not to blow the factory speakers with the more powerful amp. I guess I'll wait a little longer to do the upgrade. I still want to get the ipod integration installed which costs at least $500 and considering that I just graduated college in May and got a new BMW, I think holding off on buying a new audio system is very wise. But please do keep me posted on your system upgrade when you get your 328.

[///Matt]

You should DEFINITELY have gotten L7. It's a $1200 upgrade, and you're going to spend $1000 to get something that's not as nice, will have more problems, and will not be covered by a 4 year warranty.

I have the L7. I have spent THOUSANDS on every car I've owned in the past to upgrade the sound. I won't be touching the sound on my 330. It sounds amazing, the bass from the factory subs is great, but not excessive. I had a competition level 2400watt RMS subwoofer setup in my last two cars. I LOVED that system, and I don't miss it at all.

My best recomendation to you would be to see if there's ANY WAY you can get L7 before your car ships. $1200 over 3-5 years is WAY better than dropping $1000 in cash for a mediocre system.

Just my .02.

Matt

[Neon21db]

Damn it. I knew I'd regret not getting the L7. It's too late now. The car is already at the port of exit waiting a vessel. I'm an idiot for not getting the L7.

[///Matt]

Talk to your dealer. there is a good chance they will do something for you, like offer to sell you a different car, if the one you ordered is equipped in a fashion that will easily sell to someone else.

Matt

[Neon21db]

That would probably mean I will have to order a new car and wait another 7-8 weeks to get a car. Although I may not have the system I want, I think I'll survive and just make the upgrade eventually when I have the money.

[///Matt]

you could try to get a car off the lot...I'd say it's worth looking in to?

Matt

[Neon21db]

I would if they had the config I wanted. I'm really picky and i know it's my problem. I would want:

Premium package
Heated front seats
Navigation
Comfort access
and of course... l7

Although I'm more flexible on the color options, chances are there isn't going to be a car on the lot with my specs.

[arcrox]

It's always worth a try...you never know what could happen. Yes, Logic 7 rules.

[pdtar98]

I agree, my 328xi has L7 in it too and its the best sound Ive had in a car yet. Even the $1500 aftermarket sound I had in my Acura was no match fro it. It is crystle clear and has all the volume you could ask for.

[Neon21db]

Thanks for rubbing it in guys.

[Neon21db]

Originally Posted by pdtar98

I agree, my 328xi has L7 in it too and its the best sound Ive had in a car yet. Even the $1500 aftermarket sound I had in my Acura was no match fro it. It is crystle clear and has all the volume you could ask for.

What kind of system did you have for the Acura? Amp, speakers, subs, etc...?

[///Matt]

You're just going to have to ask yourself...

Do you want to try to do something about it, or do you want to kick yourself in the ass?

[youyou]

Just a quick question...
I am getting the 335coupe with Logic 7. Is the cd player a 6 disc or a single slot? I know it plays mp3s but for some reason i didn't even bother asking and i cant find an answer anywhere...

[Neon21db]

Pretty sure its single and if you want the 6 disc changer, you can get it installed in the trunk.

[Neon21db]

Originally Posted by ///Matt

You're just going to have to ask yourself...

Do you want to try to do something about it, or do you want to kick yourself in the ass?

I could still get a better sound system thats even better than the Logic7. It'll cost about $2,100 though. I'll get it when I have the extra money to unload.

[///Matt]

What makes you think that the $2100 one is better than the L7? My last car had $4000 worth of sound equipment which I used to compete. I like my L7 better.

Matt

[G-Mach1]

Originally Posted by ///Matt

What makes you think that the $2100 one is better than the L7? My last car had $4000 worth of sound equipment which I used to compete. I like my L7 better.

Matt

What sort of Equiptment you had in your Last Car? Thanks.