05-08-2019, 12:12 AM | #1 |
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Sound System Upgrade (Bavsound or Bimmertech)
Hi guys, I just bought a 2014 328i F30 with the HiFi sound system with the ghost subs underneath the seat. The sound system is decent, but if you listen to your music loud with the windows down then this system just doesn’t do it all for me. I want more bass and also not having it distort the bass when turned up to like 80% since that’s about the only level you can truly hear it. I’ve been looking into Bavsound’s ghost subs and possibly the Revenant Amp to upgrade the sound system. I thought about just getting an aftermarket sub enclose and amp, but since this is my first BMW, I don’t want to risk ruining anything with bad or tacky aftermarket sound systems. I have also considered Bimmertech, but I notice that it’s a little more pricey than Bavsound. Which brand is the best and provides a good improvement for the money? I wasn’t looking to upgrade the entire system because to me I think it’s quite capable, I just think the subs and possibly the amp are holding it back, but I’m not sure. Would these two replacements solve my issues with the system’s somewhat lackluster quality? I mainly listen to Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B, Pop, Reggae and some dance. I’d appreciate the suggestions. Just trying to figure out where to start.
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05-08-2019, 12:50 AM | #3 |
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Best upgrade for the money is always replacing the amp. There are a few options that are direct replacements, plug and play. About $900 new, but check the member classifieds and you'll often find them for $400-$600. After that, most people add a trunk sub. The underseat woofers just aren't much use below 40ish hz. I've compared HK, BimmerTech and BavSound side-by-side and can say that the differences are pretty subtle.
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'14 F30 328i M Sport // FBO // bm3 Stage 2+ DME Tune // Stage 1 TCU Tune // Apex EC-7s on Conti DWS06+s // 1 of 6 ever made of this spec (3C13 US-SULEV German-built //
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05-08-2019, 01:12 AM | #4 |
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Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i
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With the bavsound revenant you can’t tune the speakers. You pick a setting for stock speakers or their speakers. I preordered it. It’s been sitting in my garage for almost two months now. I’m trying to find time to install it. With my top down, i’m not happy with the hifi stock amp.
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05-08-2019, 06:44 AM | #5 |
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The prices for both are very high. I called Bavsound and they told me for the subs and amp it would be over $1500. The amp itself is over $900...I just don’t know if it’s worth it. I think the whole idea of plug n play is key though.
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05-08-2019, 06:48 AM | #6 | |
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05-08-2019, 06:50 AM | #7 | |
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05-08-2019, 07:04 AM | #8 | |
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05-08-2019, 07:19 AM | #9 | |
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If you want big bass a trunk mounted powered sub is the only way to get it.
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05-08-2019, 09:37 AM | #10 |
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Although expensive, it seems the best bang for the buck is the bavsound revenant amp. That's what I'm saving my pennies for...
Check their website for authorized dealers. Around me, Westmont BMW is a dealer and you can go in and listen to a car with the installed products.
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05-08-2019, 11:53 AM | #11 | |
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I don't really like to pop all these interior trims to install new speakers, I'm afraid they will start squeaking when driving |
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05-08-2019, 01:41 PM | #12 |
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Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i
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I didn’t buy speakers. Just the amp. I’m off next week so I will find a day and install it.
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05-08-2019, 02:06 PM | #13 | |
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*Edit* Also, from my understanding of the Bavsound marketing materials, it seems as though it's tuned to your specific car, so it should have the EQ settings baked in to make it sound "better" as well as louder.
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Glacier Silver Metallic 335i X-Drive - Can't leave well enough alone... Fabspeed DP, Wagner Evo Comp II IC, ER CP, BM3 Stage 2 93 OTS, Bimmertech Amp (more to come... always more) Graphite Metallic X3 (nothing yet, but... you know) Last edited by BeerHerder; 05-08-2019 at 02:11 PM.. |
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05-08-2019, 02:17 PM | #14 |
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05-08-2019, 02:21 PM | #15 | |
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05-08-2019, 02:22 PM | #16 | |
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05-08-2019, 02:26 PM | #17 | |
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I believe just the amp alone will be "good" and I'll be satisfied. I want some more thump and I think pushing some more wattage through the stock subs will suffice. I don't really want to be in for $2k in stereo upgrade... $1k for the amp is a little hard to swallow as is. I have an android, and I don't have any issue with bluetooth disconnecting. I do occasionally have an issue with the iDrive system freaking out and restarting itself if I do too much with my phone (disconnect a call, change a streaming song, etc.) in rapid succession.
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Glacier Silver Metallic 335i X-Drive - Can't leave well enough alone... Fabspeed DP, Wagner Evo Comp II IC, ER CP, BM3 Stage 2 93 OTS, Bimmertech Amp (more to come... always more) Graphite Metallic X3 (nothing yet, but... you know) |
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05-08-2019, 02:39 PM | #18 |
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In my 2013 X3 with 676 hi-fi I swapped in a used older model BimmerTech DSP amp (made by AudioTech Fischer)- nicely transformed the system, much greater detail/definition/separation (and volume)- after some minor tweaking the stock X3 tune file stored in the amp things got even better.
Stock hi-fi speakers are pretty capable. The only real thing lacking are very low frequency bass tones- underwear woofers aren't optimal for that function Lesson: upgrade amplifier is job #1 |
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05-08-2019, 02:43 PM | #19 |
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Your car is old enough to have Aux In. Before you do anything spend under $100 on a FiiO X1 and load some lossless music on it. You'll be amazed at what that minimal investment will get you.
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05-08-2019, 06:13 PM | #20 |
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Yep, it is a fact that the hi-fi system is under-driven. Add some badly needed wattage to the system and every aspect about it is improved, without popping a single interior panel. I'd start there and then plan your next step.
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'14 F30 328i M Sport // FBO // bm3 Stage 2+ DME Tune // Stage 1 TCU Tune // Apex EC-7s on Conti DWS06+s // 1 of 6 ever made of this spec (3C13 US-SULEV German-built //
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05-09-2019, 12:16 AM | #21 |
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Thanks man, very much appreciated even tho love hearing my exhaust. I always keep removing panels to a minimum.
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05-09-2019, 08:07 AM | #22 |
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Hey - I’ve installed the Revenant amp plus stage 1
It’s a significant improvement over the stock speakers. I have an F31 with hifi I just ordered the ghost subs so I’ll let you know how it all comes together. I would recommend getting a Revenant AMP on sale https://rj2.rejoiner.com/tracker/v4/email/DeMrmjZ/click/9b3afb10-1274-43d8-abe9-85ee21ff2d3f |
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2014, 328i, amplifier, bavsound, bimmertech, f30, ghost subs, hifi, sound system |
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