JBL MS-8 with stock HiFi system improvement?

Malaka1 · 10-04-2014, 06:12 PM

I ordered a JBL MS-8 and was thinking to connect it to the stock HiFi speaker system in my F30. Would I just bypass the stock amp and use the MS-8 to power the speakers? And has anyone used just an MS-8 to improve their system before, comments?

Technic · 10-04-2014, 09:14 PM

This is an MS-8 install in an E90 with HiFi: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1001114

The F30 HiFi is virtually the same as in the E9x HiFi with the exception that in the F30 the center speaker is standard with the HiFi. Therefore, disregard the center speaker install in that link -everything else is the same.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malaka1

I ordered a JBL MS-8 and was thinking to connect it to the stock HiFi speaker system in my F30. Would I just bypass the stock amp and use the MS-8 to power the speakers? And has anyone used just an MS-8 to improve their system before, comments?

Fronzdan · 10-04-2014, 11:37 PM

Yes you replace the joke of a stock amp with the MS-8. The difference is huge. Installation is ridiculously easy with Technics wiring harness. You'll spend more time getting at the stock amp and mounting the MS-8 than wiring it up. I'm very happy I did this.

Malaka1 · 10-05-2014, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

This is an MS-8 install in an E90 with HiFi: http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1001114

The F30 HiFi is virtually the same as in the E9x HiFi with the exception that in the F30 the center speaker is standard with the HiFi. Therefore, disregard the center speaker install in that link -everything else is the same.

Can I purchase a harness from you?

Fronzdan · 10-05-2014, 11:04 AM

Send him a PM. 😃

Malaka1 · 10-05-2014, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fronzdan

Send him a PM. 😃

I did a few days ago

davegill · 10-05-2014, 04:22 PM

Slightly off topic but is the JBL MS-8 considered the consensus best amp to replace the OEM amp with?

Fronzdan · 10-05-2014, 04:29 PM

The JLAudio XD800 is an alternative.

vithy · 10-05-2014, 06:01 PM

If you want de-EQ done to you input sound then MS-8 is a good option, as it also does EQ/Processing and positioning to your output channels plus it's a decent amp. It does a very decent clear output for your OEM/after market speakers

If you want more power, then you can use the pre outs to power an external amp to power the speakers, still holding on to your EQ/Processing and positioning.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheesecakepapi

Slightly off topic but is the JBL MS-8 considered the consensus best amp to replace the OEM amp with?

Technic · 10-05-2014, 07:18 PM

There is no "input sound" to de-EQ in the F30 HiFi OEM system. The iDrive outputs are flat, low level balanced and full range.

Quote:

Originally Posted by vithy

If you want de-EQ done to you input sound then MS-8 is a good option, as it also does EQ/Processing and positioning to your output channels plus it's a decent amp. It does a very decent clear output for your OEM/after market speakers

If you want more power, then you can use the pre outs to power an external amp to power the speakers, still holding on to your EQ/Processing and positioning.

Technic · 10-05-2014, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cheesecakepapi

Slightly off topic but is the JBL MS-8 considered the consensus best amp to replace the OEM amp with?

I have found the MS-8 significantly unreliable, however as long as it has warranty, you got it at a deeply discounted price and you do not care about sending it back to JBL perhaps a couple of times then it is a good OEM HiFi amp replacement.

Other options are:

- Helix PP82DSP (DSP/8ch amp)
- Audison Prima 8.9 bit (DSP/8ch amp)
- JL Audio XD600/6 (6ch amp, no center speaker)
- JL Audio XD800/8 (8ch amp)

Search for details on each option... they have been discussed in this forum and in the E90post several times already.

mightycrown · 10-06-2014, 05:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

I have found the MS-8 significantly unreliable, however as long as it has warranty, you got it at a deeply discounted price and you do not care about sending it back to JBL perhaps a couple of times then it is a good OEM HiFi amp replacement.

Other options are:

- Helix PP82DSP (DSP/8ch amp)
- Audison Prima 8.9 bit (DSP/8ch amp)
- JL Audio XD600/6 (6ch amp, no center speaker)
- JL Audio XD800/8 (8ch amp)

Search for details on each option... they have been discussed in this forum and in the E90post several times already.

I have installed PP 82 DSP which Technic recommended !! Very very pleased with the outcome.
My setup is front doors Focal K2 100 component sets
Rear doors Rainbow dreamline 4" mid-range woofer
Underseats Rainbow Bmw specific 8" sets
Center speaker not yet install but will be a 4" coaxial speaker by Emphase
My car came with the standard 6 speakers, not the HIFI in the US.

vithy · 10-06-2014, 09:42 AM

Correct... Not on HIFI, but in general if you have Stereo unbalanced output.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

There is no "input sound" to de-EQ in the F30 HiFi OEM system. The iDrive outputs are flat, low level balanced and full range.

Malaka1 · 10-06-2014, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

I have found the MS-8 significantly unreliable, however as long as it has warranty, you got it at a deeply discounted price and you do not care about sending it back to JBL perhaps a couple of times then it is a good OEM HiFi amp replacement.

Other options are:

- Helix PP82DSP (DSP/8ch amp)
- Audison Prima 8.9 bit (DSP/8ch amp)
- JL Audio XD600/6 (6ch amp, no center speaker)
- JL Audio XD800/8 (8ch amp)

Search for details on each option... they have been discussed in this forum and in the E90post several times already.

Yes, but arent those amps mainly just amps. The MS-8 is known more for its logic 7 and its auto tuning. Do you think just giving more power to the factory speakers is good enough no processing really needed?

Technic · 10-06-2014, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malaka1

Yes, but arent those amps mainly just amps. The MS-8 is known more for its logic 7 and its auto tuning. Do you think just giving more power to the factory speakers is good enough no processing really needed?

There are (2) DSP/amps and (2) amps in that list.

Malaka1 · 10-06-2014, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

There are (2) DSP/amps and (2) amps in that list.

Do they do DSP as well as the MS-8?

Technic · 10-06-2014, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malaka1

Do they do DSP as well as the MS-8?

They do, but no Logic7 or autotuning.

Wongway · 10-07-2014, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malaka1

Do they do DSP as well as the MS-8?

Have a Match PP82DSP myself in my E90.

The 82DSP, in my opinion, is leagues ahead of the MS-8 in capability, but it requires more work to get it done right.

viliusv37 · 10-08-2014, 03:13 PM

Hi. I have few questions to you dear Technic. I have a Hi-Fi stereo system in my car (10 speakers, black amp in the trunk) and would like to improve sound quality with just adding MS-8 amp with ability in the future to add additional amp for underseat subwoofers. Just been wondering how much better the sound quality will improve over oem amp? Could you also send me a PM with a price of your harness including postage to UK? Thank You!

Technic · 10-09-2014, 05:58 AM

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1001114

Please use PM for any harness questions/requests.

Quote:

Originally Posted by viliusv37

Hi. I have few questions to you dear Technic. I have a Hi-Fi stereo system in my car (10 speakers, black amp in the trunk) and would like to improve sound quality with just adding MS-8 amp with ability in the future to add additional amp for underseat subwoofers. Just been wondering how much better the sound quality will improve over oem amp? Could you also send me a PM with a price of your harness including postage to UK? Thank You!

viliusv37 · 10-10-2014, 01:38 AM

Done! Thank you Technic!

Fronzdan · 10-10-2014, 06:33 PM

I did the amp <-> MS-8 swap only. Better clarity, mids and bass. Tweeters aren't so harsh. Sound stage a LOT BETTER with the logic7. Better volume (don't have to max it when the roof is open or windows down). Overall a significant upgrade. Super easy with Technics harness. No reliability issues so far. All for $350 for a gently used MS-8, the price of the harness and about 2 hrs install and setup which includes fabrication of a mounting plate for the same spot as the oem amp.

Negatives? I don't get the "echo problem" when using the phone. But the oem amp was better adjusted for phone call audio I think. With DSP on, the caller volume is a bit low and I have to increase. With DSP, off the caller sounds like he/she is in the back seat. And you lose the location of the PDC beep. It beeps fine....but it used to beep in the rear when something was in back and beep in the front when....you know. Now it's just a central beep.

Completely worth it. I now enjoy the sound system. I used to hate it and was embarrassed when people heard it. Now to fix that damn vibration/buzz in the rear door.

10-04-2014, 06:12 PM	#1
Malaka1 General 102 Rep 919 Posts Drives: F30 335i 6MT Black Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Clearwater, FL iTrader: (6)	JBL MS-8 with stock HiFi system improvement? I ordered a JBL MS-8 and was thinking to connect it to the stock HiFi speaker system in my F30. Would I just bypass the stock amp and use the MS-8 to power the speakers? And has anyone used just an MS-8 to improve their system before, comments?
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10-04-2014, 11:37 PM	#3
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 303 Rep 1,738 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Yes you replace the joke of a stock amp with the MS-8. The difference is huge. Installation is ridiculously easy with Technics wiring harness. You'll spend more time getting at the stock amp and mounting the MS-8 than wiring it up. I'm very happy I did this.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2014, 11:04 AM	#5
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 303 Rep 1,738 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Send him a PM. 😃
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10-05-2014, 04:22 PM	#7
davegill Private First Class 23 Rep 140 Posts Drives: 2014 428xi Coupe Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada iTrader: (0)	Slightly off topic but is the JBL MS-8 considered the consensus best amp to replace the OEM amp with?
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10-05-2014, 04:29 PM	#8
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 303 Rep 1,738 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	The JLAudio XD800 is an alternative.
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10-08-2014, 03:13 PM	#19
viliusv37 Enlisted Member 9 Rep 46 Posts Drives: BMW E92 LCI 330i 2011 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Bognor Regis, W. Sussex, UK iTrader: (0)	Hi. I have few questions to you dear Technic. I have a Hi-Fi stereo system in my car (10 speakers, black amp in the trunk) and would like to improve sound quality with just adding MS-8 amp with ability in the future to add additional amp for underseat subwoofers. Just been wondering how much better the sound quality will improve over oem amp? Could you also send me a PM with a price of your harness including postage to UK? Thank You!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-10-2014, 01:38 AM	#21
viliusv37 Enlisted Member 9 Rep 46 Posts Drives: BMW E92 LCI 330i 2011 Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Bognor Regis, W. Sussex, UK iTrader: (0)	Done! Thank you Technic!
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10-10-2014, 06:33 PM	#22
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 303 Rep 1,738 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	I did the amp <-> MS-8 swap only. Better clarity, mids and bass. Tweeters aren't so harsh. Sound stage a LOT BETTER with the logic7. Better volume (don't have to max it when the roof is open or windows down). Overall a significant upgrade. Super easy with Technics harness. No reliability issues so far. All for $350 for a gently used MS-8, the price of the harness and about 2 hrs install and setup which includes fabrication of a mounting plate for the same spot as the oem amp. Negatives? I don't get the "echo problem" when using the phone. But the oem amp was better adjusted for phone call audio I think. With DSP on, the caller volume is a bit low and I have to increase. With DSP, off the caller sounds like he/she is in the back seat. And you lose the location of the PDC beep. It beeps fine....but it used to beep in the rear when something was in back and beep in the front when....you know. Now it's just a central beep. Completely worth it. I now enjoy the sound system. I used to hate it and was embarrassed when people heard it. Now to fix that damn vibration/buzz in the rear door.
	Appreciate 0 Quote