F30POST
F30POST
2012-2015 BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
BMW 3-Series and 4-Series Forum (F30 / F32) | F30POST > Technical Forums > Navigation, iDrive, Audio, Video, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics > Audio Upgrade Input Please
Extreme Powerhouse
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-02-2015, 12:52 PM   #1
thatryan
First Lieutenant
thatryan's Avatar
United_States
85
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Concord, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Audio Upgrade Input Please

Hey all,

2013 335i with Harmon Kardon sound package. I am a bit of an audiophile I suppose, meaning that I love having crisp and precise music, but I have no training and am not an audio guy by any means. Example being that when I am working on computer, I connect to an external DAC; Focusrite Scarlett and plug that into some Presonus studio monitors.

My music taste ranges, from some metal, rock, pop, and soundtracks even. Sidenote, is there a good "all around" reference CD to download (purchase of course) or rip to USB for testing various types of music that you recommend?

I have been reading about upgrades for days now, and am wondering between the Bavsound system and the full custom MusicarNW setup. Would I be happy with the Bavsound drop-ins? Even though there is no amp or sub upgrades? Or should I wait and see if I am one of the lucky ones that Musicar replies to my email contact? lol I say that in a bit of jest after reading about how insanely busy they get over there

Of note also is that I have Muscular Dystrophy, so while I would love to install it all myself, I just may not be able to becuase my upper body is severly limited.

Thank you for your time!
Appreciate 1
      03-02-2015, 12:57 PM   #2
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2247
Rep
12,977
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by thatryan View Post
Hey all,

2013 335i with Harmon Kardon sound package. I am a bit of an audiophile I suppose, meaning that I love having crisp and precise music, but I have no training and am not an audio guy by any means. Example being that when I am working on computer, I connect to an external DAC; Focusrite Scarlett and plug that into some Presonus studio monitors.

My music taste ranges, from some metal, rock, pop, and soundtracks even. Sidenote, is there a good "all around" reference CD to download (purchase of course) or rip to USB for testing various types of music that you recommend?

I have been reading about upgrades for days now, and am wondering between the Bavsound system and the full custom MusicarNW setup. Would I be happy with the Bavsound drop-ins? Even though there is no amp or sub upgrades? Or should I wait and see if I am one of the lucky ones that Musicar replies to my email contact? lol I say that in a bit of jest after reading about how insanely busy they get over there

Of note also is that I have Muscular Dystrophy, so while I would love to install it all myself, I just may not be able to becuase my upper body is severly limited.

Thank you for your time!
Start with the BSW full swap (except woofers) then decide if you want the full MusicarNW sub/woofer upgrade (you will).
Appreciate 3
      03-02-2015, 01:50 PM   #3
thatryan
First Lieutenant
thatryan's Avatar
United_States
85
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Concord, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Thank you Technic,

Do you like the sound of the BSW speakers better than what would come with a full MusicarNW upgrade?

Edit* Meant to ask also about the underseat woofers, if those are left stock when all others are upgraded, would that be noticeable?

Last edited by thatryan; 03-02-2015 at 04:01 PM.. Reason: secondary question
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 04:23 PM   #4
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2247
Rep
12,977
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by thatryan View Post
Thank you Technic,

Do you like the sound of the BSW speakers better than what would come with a full MusicarNW upgrade?

Edit* Meant to ask also about the underseat woofers, if those are left stock when all others are upgraded, would that be noticeable?
At the current BSW price and being PnP they are great for the HK system. The MusicarNW trunk sub/underseat up-power kit will really put this system over the top while still being PnP.

The major limitation of the HK system is that the OEM amp cannnot be replaced as easily as the HiFi's. But it is a very usable OEM amp with aftermarket components.
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 04:33 PM   #5
thatryan
First Lieutenant
thatryan's Avatar
United_States
85
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Concord, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by Technic View Post
At the current BSW price and being PnP they are great for the HK system. The MusicarNW trunk sub/underseat up-power kit will really put this system over the top while still being PnP.

The major limitation of the HK system is that the OEM amp cannnot be replaced as easily as the HiFi's. But it is a very usable OEM amp with aftermarket components.
Ah ok, I did not realize the MusicarNW kit contained underseat replacements as well, thought the sub package was just the trunk sub and amp.

Do you happen to know if the sub package can include a DSP that they setup? Also, if that works with the BSW speaker pack?

Thank you!
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 08:43 PM   #6
instalher
25cent millionaire
instalher's Avatar
Canada
251
Rep
1,217
Posts

Drives: 2020 m4 comp vert
Join Date: May 2011
Location: saskatoon

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 bmw  [0.00]
  [9.00]
  [0.00]
  [9.50]
2018 bmw 230i xdrive  [8.50]
I would just install a ms-8 and be done with it. the hk speakes are pretty damn good. ,
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 08:45 PM   #7
thatryan
First Lieutenant
thatryan's Avatar
United_States
85
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Concord, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Ms-8?
__________________
2013 335i l Estoril Blue | M Sport l MPPK | M Perf Exhaust | M Perf Brakes l Adaptive M Suspension l DAP | DHP | Premium | Tech
My Build -> Mod Journal
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 08:55 PM   #8
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2247
Rep
12,977
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by instalher View Post
I would just install a ms-8 and be done with it. the hk speakes are pretty damn good. ,
His system is already HK Logic7.
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 08:57 PM   #9
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2247
Rep
12,977
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by thatryan View Post
Ah ok, I did not realize the MusicarNW kit contained underseat replacements as well, thought the sub package was just the trunk sub and amp.

Do you happen to know if the sub package can include a DSP that they setup? Also, if that works with the BSW speaker pack?

Thank you!
MusicarNW trunk sub package is separate from the BSW... the BSW speaker kit works with your OEM amp. MusicarNW trunk sub uses its own aftermarket amp.

Contact MusicarNW for details.
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 09:01 PM   #10
instalher
25cent millionaire
instalher's Avatar
Canada
251
Rep
1,217
Posts

Drives: 2020 m4 comp vert
Join Date: May 2011
Location: saskatoon

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2020 bmw  [0.00]
  [9.00]
  [0.00]
  [9.50]
2018 bmw 230i xdrive  [8.50]
yes the issue is not the speakers especially trading strait across in quality speakers, its the processing in the ms 8 and extra power that will make the difference. Andy used his bmw with this processor and won world in iasca in 2008. in the right hands that piece is wicked awesome..
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 09:58 PM   #11
Tomahawk
Second Lieutenant
United_States
92
Rep
228
Posts

Drives: 2014 328I MSport
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Pensacola

iTrader: (2)

(in before Technic has a minor stroke) The ms8 is fantastic, but in the OPs case, it isnt exactly PnP. Trust me....lots more to it that....on HK that is. The bsw is a great upgrade, HK speakers arent all that, especially the tweeters, then add trunk sub. you will, most likely, be very happy. (technic now has stroke due to me echoing his advice)
Appreciate 0
      03-02-2015, 10:35 PM   #12
thatryan
First Lieutenant
thatryan's Avatar
United_States
85
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Concord, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Thanks all, hoping that MusicarNW gets back to me soon
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2015, 05:41 AM   #13
Damon44
Private First Class
Damon44's Avatar
United_States
41
Rep
158
Posts

Drives: 2015 435i Imperial Blue
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: S Florida

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by thatryan View Post
Thanks all, hoping that MusicarNW gets back to me soon
They actually have gotten back to me promptly and often. Still deciding on add a bass.
__________________
435i Imperial Blue 2015 /Luxury/Tech /Premium/MPPK/Dinan Stage 1/Dinan polished tip exhaust/HK/Driver Assist/Driver plus/M Sport Brakes/Side Cameras/Saddle Brown Dakota/Escort Max Radar
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2015, 08:05 AM   #14
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2247
Rep
12,977
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tomahawk View Post
(in before Technic has a minor stroke) The ms8 is fantastic, but in the OPs case, it isnt exactly PnP. Trust me....lots more to it that....on HK that is. The bsw is a great upgrade, HK speakers arent all that, especially the tweeters, then add trunk sub. you will, most likely, be very happy. (technic now has stroke due to me echoing his advice)
I just do not see the point of replacing the F30 OEM 600W amp already with Logic7 with the unreliable 480W MS-8 with Logic7, especially when the MS-8 cannot handle the 30V peaks of the OEM amp woofer outputs.

It may work with the HiFi but not so much with the HK.
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2015, 02:12 PM   #15
Tomahawk
Second Lieutenant
United_States
92
Rep
228
Posts

Drives: 2014 328I MSport
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Pensacola

iTrader: (2)

Well you know my feelings about the MS8, but to compare the logic7 function between the two is off base. They sound completely different. but i have conceded to your suggestion regarding ease of install vs reward and im sticking with bsw front stage with outboard power to underseats and trunksub. If it wasnt a leaae i might would go different route. That said,no more HK after thisone
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2015, 02:49 PM   #16
Tomahawk
Second Lieutenant
United_States
92
Rep
228
Posts

Drives: 2014 328I MSport
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Pensacola

iTrader: (2)

Technic, hope you know i was just messing with you with all that stroke talk. I just know how you feel about HK upgrades. All in good fun.
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2015, 04:31 PM   #17
Technic
Lieutenant General
Technic's Avatar
2247
Rep
12,977
Posts

Drives: 2021 i3S, 2024 i4 M50
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Florida

iTrader: (18)

I have no problem with the MS-8 as long as it works.

This is not so much an OEM Logic7 vs the aftermarket application of Logic7. The HK system is another matter as the OEM amp cannot be replaced as easily and reversible as the HiFi OEM amp. And the HK OEM amp must go if aftermarket amps/DSP are to be installed to drive all 9ch as its outputs are too high, its signal is dynamically EQ (not flat), and not full range.

Interfacing with those high level signals takes quite a lot of tuning, hardware and effort to make it sound good. IMO, the results are not worth to me.
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2015, 05:19 PM   #18
Tomahawk
Second Lieutenant
United_States
92
Rep
228
Posts

Drives: 2014 328I MSport
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Pensacola

iTrader: (2)

I, unfortunately, am starting to agree with you. Now I know to never do the HL (L7) upgrade on future cars.
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2015, 05:24 PM   #19
thatryan
First Lieutenant
thatryan's Avatar
United_States
85
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Concord, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Definitely a learning experience! In future looks like next car is better off just leaving at base audio then upgrading on my own after yeah?
__________________
2013 335i l Estoril Blue | M Sport l MPPK | M Perf Exhaust | M Perf Brakes l Adaptive M Suspension l DAP | DHP | Premium | Tech
My Build -> Mod Journal
Appreciate 0
      03-03-2015, 05:33 PM   #20
Tomahawk
Second Lieutenant
United_States
92
Rep
228
Posts

Drives: 2014 328I MSport
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Pensacola

iTrader: (2)

as long as its the HI-FI, which is currently the base system in states. This is the easiest to upgrade in my opinion. You get most of the speaker locations but not the MOST system that L7/HK uses.
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2015, 07:44 PM   #21
thatryan
First Lieutenant
thatryan's Avatar
United_States
85
Rep
315
Posts

Drives: 2013 335i M Sport
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Concord, CA

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
Man, coming up on 3 months waiting for musicarnw...really the epitome of lame
Appreciate 0
      05-27-2015, 09:53 PM   #22
Larry Chijner
Private
14
Rep
58
Posts

Drives: 428IX
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Pittsburgh Pa

iTrader: (0)

Change out the front stage speakers with Bavsound,Focal,or Hybrid-Audio. Focal makes underneath subs or Earthquake makes direct replacement. Better yet if you can give up a littl of your trunk space add a Jl audio 12 Thin line Sub and small Dedicated amp for the sub.
It will sound great but the sub is a must if you want it to sound best. If you can't do it all do the sub and amp .

Larry Chijner. IASCA Sound Quality Pro Class
1995-2005 World Champion
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
bavsound, musicarnw

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:11 AM.




f30post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST