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 > 2012-2019 BMW 3 and 4-Series Forums > General F30 Sedan / F32 Coupe / F36 Gran Coupe Forum > Sound System Upgrade (Bavsound or Bimmertech)
Studio RSR
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-09-2019, 03:47 PM   #23
joehoe
Enlisted Member
11
Rep
44
Posts

Drives: 2015 F30 335i
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Texas

iTrader: (1)

@DBrab1914. Just want to clarify, your car came with the HiFi sound system, but the previous owner only changed the underseat subs without upgrading the amp? If that's the case, the amp is your weak point, upgrade that next in my opinion

I was in a similar situation as you, stock HiFi sound system (non upgraded underseat subs). After installing a used Bimmertech Amp, I was happy with the increased volume and clarity of the stock mids and highs, and the underseat subs sound a lot better. Still have to mess with the tune a bit. Just my two cents.
Appreciate 1
      05-09-2019, 07:09 PM   #24
DBrab1914
New Member
6
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW 328i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Louisville, TN

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by joehoe View Post
@DBrab1914. Just want to clarify, your car came with the HiFi sound system, but the previous owner only changed the underseat subs without upgrading the amp? If that's the case, the amp is your weak point, upgrade that next in my opinion

I was in a similar situation as you, stock HiFi sound system (non upgraded underseat subs). After installing a used Bimmertech Amp, I was happy with the increased volume and clarity of the stock mids and highs, and the underseat subs sound a lot better. Still have to mess with the tune a bit. Just my two cents.
None of my speakers have been upgraded not even the underseat subs. I was looking at replacing the underseat subs and the amp. Just wanted to see if Bavsound is worth it. I am leaning towards the amp being the main source of my problem. I also want more bass which I believe the ghost subs will suffice instead of buying a trunk sub enclosure.
Appreciate 0
      05-09-2019, 07:10 PM   #25
DBrab1914
New Member
6
Rep
18
Posts

Drives: 2014 BMW 328i
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Louisville, TN

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by kmuthappa View Post
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
Thank you! I’m glad to hear it is a huge improvement, but I think I just want the amps and subs. I think the stock speakers would be sufficient, but that’s just me. Please let me know how the subs sound!
Appreciate 0
      05-09-2019, 09:28 PM   #26
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,964
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DBrab1914 View Post
I also want more bass which I believe the ghost subs will suffice instead of buying a trunk sub enclosure.
That's possible if you have woofers with the right specs and enough power to take advantage of them. To date I've only found one woofer where that's the case, the Earthquake SWS 8X, which requires at least 150 watts to drive it to full output. What the Ghost subs will do no one can say, they don't publish specs.
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2019, 12:18 AM   #27
Gen13 F36
Brigadier General
Gen13 F36's Avatar
United_States
1599
Rep
3,752
Posts

Drives: 428i Gran Coupe
Join Date: Nov 2017
Location: Los Angeles, CA

iTrader: (1)

Bavsound and bimmertech don't published spec either. That's why I never bothered with upgrading... but as of now, everyone opinion might sway me on buying the amp
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2019, 03:28 AM   #28
bgalakazam
Private First Class
bgalakazam's Avatar
Germany
93
Rep
172
Posts

Drives: 2015 328i
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Germany

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2015 BMW 328i  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
That's possible if you have woofers with the right specs and enough power to take advantage of them. To date I've only found one woofer where that's the case, the Earthquake SWS 8X, which requires at least 150 watts to drive it to full output. What the Ghost subs will do no one can say, they don't publish specs.
I have the Match Up 7. Very happy with it and the stock speakers. I am trying to avoid a trunk sub as I need all the space there. Will I see more low base performance with the Earthquake swap or would you advise against it
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2019, 04:53 AM   #29
kmuthappa
New Member
United_States
23
Rep
20
Posts

Drives: BMW 3 Sportwagon bm3-2, BMW X5
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: Maine, USA

iTrader: (0)

The subs under the seat are apparently called mid bass, so it won't be the typical large sub sound

you'll need this

https://musicarcertified.com/product...fer-enclosure/
Appreciate 0
      05-10-2019, 07:53 AM   #30
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,964
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bgalakazam View Post
I have the Match Up 7. Very happy with it and the stock speakers. I am trying to avoid a trunk sub as I need all the space there. Will I see more low base performance with the Earthquake swap or would you advise against it
The Earthquake will work much better than the stock woofers, provided it has enough power. This chart shows maximum output of the stock woofers at 50 watts and the Earthquake at 150 watts.



Even without more power the Earthquake goes lower, with the low frequency corner frequency at 50Hz versus 80Hz for the stock driver, but the trade off to get that lower corner frequency is lower sensitivity. That means with equal power the stock driver is louder. It also means that when you see advertising that claims you'll get an instant massive improvement by swapping the woofers with no change to the amp you can take those claims with a truckload of salt.
Appreciate 1
      05-12-2019, 05:19 PM   #31
jjhebigscreen
Enlisted Member
18
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 M60
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Lake Forest,IL

iTrader: (0)

Bavsound

Hi Dbrab,
I was in a similar situation to you about a year ago. I was ready to replace my amp on my 2014 435ix w std hifi. Received advice from a highly regarded audio retail specialist. They told me you would be appalled if you saw the speaker quality BMW uses in my car. They do all sorts of installs from crazy to Bavsound etc... They told me with out a doubt replace the speakers and gohst subs first and you will hear a huge difference. They said stock Bimmer speakers are paper junk. They where correct. They saved the stock speakers for me and they are a joke. Im not an audio nut but do enjoy good sound with nice highs, mids and tight noticeable bass. I have thought about replacing my amp but never pulled the trigger as the new Bavsound speakers and Gohst subs with the stock amp sound terrific. Huge mega difference from stock. Hope this helps.

Last edited by jjhebigscreen; 05-12-2019 at 05:52 PM..
Appreciate 0
      05-12-2019, 09:33 PM   #32
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,964
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

The stock drivers are very high quality, though the amps not so much. There's nothing wrong with treated paper blend cones. For instance: http://www.usspeaker.com/JBL%202226h-1.htm
Anyone claiming otherwise is selling you a bill of goods.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 07:11 AM   #33
jjhebigscreen
Enlisted Member
18
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 M60
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Lake Forest,IL

iTrader: (0)

Bav Sound Speakers

Hi Billfitz,

With all due respect the link you provided to a $500 JBL speaker has nothing to do with the quality of the crap stock BMW speakers ( other than the use of paper)in the std hifi system. Have you, or any one you know, changed all the speakers/ under seat subs to Bav Sound on the std hifi system and kept the stock amp? If not I dont think your opinion is very valid. Im offering my opinion from my personal experience. I cant speak to how the std hifi system would sound with an upgraded amp and stock bmw speakers.

Last edited by jjhebigscreen; 05-13-2019 at 07:32 AM..
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 07:53 AM   #34
Billfitz
Lieutenant General
Billfitz's Avatar
United_States
8170
Rep
15,964
Posts

Drives: '15 328iX GT
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: New Hampshire

iTrader: (0)

I haven't swapped my stock drivers out because no evidence provided by the makers of replacement drivers proves that they're any better, or even as good as, the OEM. I have thoroughly tested my stock hi-fi drivers and confirmed that they are very high quality. I was able to do so because as a professional loudspeaker designer I have the necessary tools and experience. And that's why I can say with full confidence that anyone who says the stock drivers are crap either doesn't have the credentials to make that assessment or they have an ulterior motive, which is to make a sale. As for your opinion, if you think new speakers will sound better, especially because you just laid out big money for them, they will. Maybe they do sound better, maybe not. But I'd no more rely on opinion alone than would I install a JB4 without seeing the dyno tests that prove its effectiveness. This is why:
http://seanolive.blogspot.com/2009/0...o-product.html
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 08:35 AM   #35
jjhebigscreen
Enlisted Member
18
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 M60
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Lake Forest,IL

iTrader: (0)

If you consider other people's experiences and points of view on this forum you would expand your knowledge. But, every one is entitled to their opinion no matter what information they have been exposed to. Im no audio expert just offering my opinion. Hope it helps some board members.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 08:48 AM   #36
chowser51
Colonel
chowser51's Avatar
United_States
1993
Rep
2,799
Posts

Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cleveland, OH

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
But there have been quite a few people who have just upgraded the amp and were happing with the stock hifi speakers.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 08:56 AM   #37
CntryClub007
Major
CntryClub007's Avatar
490
Rep
1,067
Posts

Drives: 2016 340i | 2015 X5-50i
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (8)

I was in this exact situation with my Hi-Fi equipped 320i (2015). I ended up going with the BimmerTech Amp, and I was incredibly happy with my purchase.

Any questions on the system, let me know. Installing door speakers and fumbling with subs is a lot of work, in a matter of about 2 minutes, the amp was done.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 08:56 AM   #38
jjhebigscreen
Enlisted Member
18
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 M60
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Lake Forest,IL

iTrader: (0)

Like I said I cant comment on replacing the stock amp and keeping the stock speakers. When i was looking into this project about a year ago I did not see many posts of some one who had replaced the stock amp and kept stock speakers and what their opinion was. I did go to BavSounds web site and read a few of the over 400 plus reviews on replacing speakers and or gohst subs and keeping the stock amp. The majority of the people that reviewed this option where over whelming positive. A year ago BavSound had a different amp available for sale and as I remember the reviews on the amp where also positive. Some times there is more than one way to achieve a goal. You are correct replacing an amp would be easier and faster. I paid an installer $250 to replace all nine speakers. They told me it took about two hours.

Last edited by jjhebigscreen; 05-13-2019 at 09:03 AM..
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 09:06 AM   #39
Wgosma
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
800
Rep
1,895
Posts

Drives: 2012 F25 X3 28i (N52)
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Northern Nevada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by chowser51 View Post
But there have been quite a few people who have just upgraded the amp and were happing with the stock hifi speakers.
I'm one of those who did amp only upgrade- most user discussion here is based on subjective info/listening- but I have to say after this upgrade it's difficult for me to grasp the kind of improvement I now hear in my systems separation/definition/detail and overall quality would have been achieved by a speaker only upgrade, however this is obviously my subjective opinion and I'll never know about effects of speaker upgrade as I won't be replacing stock setup in the car.

Bill has experience in the loudspeaker field, in my mind that fact lends credence to his remarks/commentary on this subject.

Without hard data (measurements in car, bench test data on speakers, etc) to backup our perceptions we are all simply expressing our opinions on the subject.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 09:17 AM   #40
jjhebigscreen
Enlisted Member
18
Rep
41
Posts

Drives: 2024 X5 M60
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Lake Forest,IL

iTrader: (0)

From what I have learned in this thread it appears that replacing stock amp and keeping stock speakers or replacing stock speakers and keeping stock amp will lead to a vast improvement in the quality of the sound. Not sure which one I would like better as I only choose one of the routes. Well summed up Wgosma we are all expressing our personal opinions. I always put more credence into people's opinions when they are based on their own personal experience.
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 09:55 AM   #41
Phoenix704
Private First Class
Phoenix704's Avatar
87
Rep
143
Posts

Drives: 2014 328i
Join Date: Nov 2018
Location: NC

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jjhebigscreen View Post
If you consider other people's experiences and points of view on this forum you would expand your knowledge. But, every one is entitled to their opinion no matter what information they have been exposed to. Im no audio expert just offering my opinion. Hope it helps some board members.
I can completely understand your point, especially given not knowing Bill's background. I can however personally attest that he is a professional audio engineer and designer, and has a pretty thorough understanding of audio dynamics, loudspeaker design and performance and amplification. I've personally built and listened to some of his loudspeakers and have been thoroughly impressed. They're highly efficient and require minimal amplification to compare with expensive commercial grade equipment.

Bill has a very solid reputation in the professional audio community, and his fact-based opinions are pretty spot on. Granted, pro audio is different than car audio, but the basic concepts of loudspeaker performance and dynamics remain the same.

Listening to other opinions is of course something everyone should do, but I would venture to say that Bill is the only one on this forum who has a full array of proper equipment in a proper environment to perform testing and provide real, information backed information. I’d trust him above all personally. Granted we all hear things differently, but his spec for spec analysis and comparison is second to none.

Just my $0.02. I have the HK system, and while I would love to quite some of the harshness at high volume, I'm pretty happy with it for what it is.

Last edited by Phoenix704; 05-13-2019 at 12:08 PM..
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 03:41 PM   #42
chowser51
Colonel
chowser51's Avatar
United_States
1993
Rep
2,799
Posts

Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Cleveland, OH

iTrader: (3)

Garage List
Ok, I’m not mechanically inclined but it was stupid easy to change the amp. Took me more time messing with the trim and working around the convertible mechanism. To my ear, it sounds clearer and louder with the new amp. I can actually tell there are speakers under the seat now. I’m regretting not installing this back in March when I got it. I’m ready for top down season now.

Clumsy area to work in


Easy to swap


Plugged in to test, green light means stock speaker profile, yay I didn’t screw anything up


Mounted back in place. Lots of room.
Appreciate 1
      05-13-2019, 05:36 PM   #43
BeerHerder
Lieutenant
United_States
251
Rep
423
Posts

Drives: F30 335, G01 X3, Victory Vegas
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: IL

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by CntryClub007 View Post
I was in this exact situation with my Hi-Fi equipped 320i (2015). I ended up going with the BimmerTech Amp, and I was incredibly happy with my purchase.

My new car has H/K, so won't be using the amp, keep an eye out on the for sale forum tonight for the BimmerTech to go up for sale.

Any questions on the system, let me know. Installing door speakers and fumbling with subs is a lot of work, in a matter of about 2 minutes, the amp was done.
PM sent
__________________
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)
Appreciate 0
      05-13-2019, 06:03 PM   #44
quikM2
Captain
Canada
370
Rep
734
Posts

Drives: 2017 Jahre M3
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

How does the newer 2017/2018 HK system compare to those options discussed (bavsound etc.) - I am always one for better sound and the optional bang olufsen in my old S4 was probably the best i've had for a 'stock' option. I probably won't touch it but the upgrades mentioned were all discussed over the stock base hi fi system. i'm curious how the HK performs to more tuned and caring ears..?
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
2014, 328i, amplifier, bavsound, bimmertech, f30, ghost subs, hifi, sound system

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 01:32 PM.




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