Audio system upgrades: BimmerTech or BavSound?

viajealmundo · 04-14-2019, 08:16 PM

Hi all,

I have a F32 428xi with the Hi-Fi audio system, and I am really shocked at how sub-par it is. My E90 had great audio quality (and I didn't have the upgraded audio system), but the F3X's system is really not doing it for me. I find it amusing because everyone always compliments the sound quality in my car compared to theirs, but I'm not content. Everything else in this car is so beautiful!

My dilemma is that I like to play music loud, and I definitely like to "feel" the bass when playing music. I listen to a lot of pop and hip-hop. It's nice to have a good system to play at 15% in the background while talking to people (in which case the current system is totally sufficient), but I often drive alone, and especially in the summertime I like music loud. Yes, I'm young

I find myself having the volume almost always at 80%, and if I turn it up more the music just gets distorted.

I'm looking for an audio system (as in... new speakers, subwoofers, and amplifier) that will cover all my bases. I don't need something to be absolutely perfect, but I would expect a quality equivalent to the harmon/kardon upgraded system. I'm just looking for clear audio that can get LOUD with an extra kick of bass.

Basically, I have found two systems that tick these boxes: BavSound Stage One and BimmerTech Alpha One. They both feature new speakers, new subwoofers, and an amp, and are about the same price ($2100-2200). That's definitely pricey (more so than I expected to pay), but it is worth if I can get something that is of good quality.

So, have you had any experience with BavSound or Bimmertech in your F3X? What is the high volume/bass performance like? What are the positives and negatives? If I'm going to shell out $2k+, I want to make sure I'm buying a quality product.

If you only have one thing out of the system (i.e. just speakers or amp), please feel free to chime in as well. I'm looking for all the feedback I can get!

Billfitz · 04-14-2019, 08:28 PM

There's nothing wrong with the stock speakers, they're of equal if not better quality than those in the E90. The amp is weak, and the EQ even weaker, so that's what you should consider replacing. Threads on that subject abound. As for bass, that requires a trunk mounted powered sub, no getting around that.

viajealmundo · 04-14-2019, 08:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

There's nothing wrong with the stock speakers, they're of equal if not better quality than those in the E90. The amp is weak, and the EQ even weaker, so that's what you should consider replacing. Threads on that subject abound. As for bass, that requires a trunk mounted powered sub, no getting around that.

Stock speakers may be fine for you. I'm almost certain a few are blown, so I'm actually looking to replace those.

I did quite a bit of searching and it's mostly isolated events of people loving whatever system they chose, or hating on BavSound or Bimmertech for one reason or another. I'm looking for feedback from people who have had at least some experience from both. I already know what type of product I'm getting, I just need advice on these two options.

re: bass: The subwoofer underneath the seats will do. I hear that BimmerTech's subwoofers bring more bass than stock ones do. Not really necessary to have one in the trunk if I can replace the ones under the seat.

chowser51 · 04-15-2019, 07:54 AM

I have the Bavsound Revenant amp. It’s still in the box. I need to find time to install it. I find the stock hifi inadequate with the top down on the freeway

Billfitz · 04-15-2019, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viajealmundo

The subwoofer underneath the seats will do.

Not if I read your post correctly. You can only get so much from eight inch drivers mounted in small boxes.

Quote:

I hear that BimmerTech's subwoofers bring more bass than stock ones do.

Perhaps. That can be confirmed by seeing the Thiele/Small specs for them (google it), then comparing them to those of the OEM drivers using speaker modeling software (google that too). If there are specs for the bimmertech woofers I can't find them. Of all the woofers that do have published specs the only one I've found that will work better than stock is the SWS Earthquake, and only if driven with at least 150 watts.

viajealmundo · 04-15-2019, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chowser51

I have the Bavsound Revenant amp. It’s still in the box. I need to find time to install it. I find the stock hifi inadequate with the top down on the freeway

Yes, agreed. Please let me know what you think after you install!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

SWS Earthquake,

I will look into this, thanks!

Billfitz · 04-15-2019, 12:38 PM

You'll want to take into consideration the amp driving the Earthquakes when choosing the impedance option to order.

eleven11 · 04-15-2019, 06:00 PM

Replace the amp first. Decide if you're happy. If not, then either replace the underseats and/or add a trunk sub. If doing the underseats, I'd do the SWS Earthquake (as already suggested). Replacing the stock speakers in the doors would be my last change (unless damaged).

Common/Easy Amp Options:

MATCH UP 7BMW or Bavsound Revenant - same amp, but the latter is more restricted.
JL Audio XD600/6v2 with harness from Technic

BEM-S4 · 04-15-2019, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleven11

Replace the amp first. Decide if you're happy. If not, then either replace the underseats and/or add a trunk sub. If doing the underseats, I'd do the SWS Earthquake (as already suggested). Replacing the stock speakers in the doors would be my last change (unless damaged).

Common/Easy Amp Options:

MATCH UP 7BMW or Bavsound Revenant - same amp, but the latter is more restricted.
JL Audio XD600/6v2 with harness from Technic

When replacing the stock amp DO YOURSELF A FAVOR and spend and extra $20 for remote turn on wire and signal cables and run them wherever you plan to locate the amp for the in trunk sub if you decide to do that next. Will save you from ripping the trunk apart 2x.

viajealmundo · 04-15-2019, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eleven11

Replace the amp first. Decide if you're happy. If not, then either replace the underseats and/or add a trunk sub. If doing the underseats, I'd do the SWS Earthquake (as already suggested). Replacing the stock speakers in the doors would be my last change (unless damaged).

Common/Easy Amp Options:

MATCH UP 7BMW or Bavsound Revenant - same amp, but the latter is more restricted.
JL Audio XD600/6v2 with harness from Technic

Something like this was exactly what I was looking for. I will definitely look into these individually.

I am almost certain at least a few of my speakers are shot, unfortunately. So I will see where I go from here.

Billfitz · 04-15-2019, 10:31 PM

If I had to replace any of my door midranges it wouldn't be with any of the usual choices. Because they're BMW specific they're priced much higher than they should be. I'd probably use these:
https://www.parts-express.com/dayton...4-ohm--290-212

It would take some work to mount them but by no means would it be all that difficult. These are reasonably priced BMW specific drivers:
https://www.parts-express.com/grs-b1...odels--292-490

The problem I have with them is their xmax, which is the distance the cone can travel before distortion is excessive. They're 2.1mm, compared to 4mm for the Daytons. That means despite the higher thermal power rating for the GRS the Dayton will go louder.

carseatdelete · 09-17-2019, 12:27 PM

Hi All, new to forum and bimmer ownership. Just bought 2015 F31 328i xdrive. Want to upgrade to bimmertech or bavsound or match UP7 bmw plug'n'play amp. I'm confused about ASD with these amps. Bavsound website makes no mention of ASD. bimmertech website says I need to purchase an ASD cancelling harness to install with their amp. Can anyone clarify which of these amps need an extra ASD cancelling harness? Thanks.

chowser51 · 09-17-2019, 04:09 PM

I have the Bavsound Revenant and my car has ASD. Didn’t need to do anything to it when I installed the amp. I coded ASD off first chance I got so I don’t know if a new amp would change anything. I think it’s separate from the AMP so if I coded it back on, I’m pretty sure it will still work.

I coded it back on and it still works with the Revenant. After a few minutes I was so annoyed. Coded it back off.

johnung · 09-18-2019, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carseatdelete

Hi All, new to forum and bimmer ownership. Just bought 2015 F31 328i xdrive. Want to upgrade to bimmertech or bavsound or match UP7 bmw plug'n'play amp. I'm confused about ASD with these amps. Bavsound website makes no mention of ASD. bimmertech website says I need to purchase an ASD cancelling harness to install with their amp. Can anyone clarify which of these amps need an extra ASD cancelling harness? Thanks.

Attached photo shows an example of a plugin harness that eliminates ASD, or it can be turned off through coding, although some people have expressed difficulty in coding it out. Read threads and decide.

eleven11 · 09-18-2019, 06:25 PM

I don't believe any of these amps will cancel the ASD. To cancel, you can either purchase the physical harness mentioned above, or code it off. I coded mine off, without issue. However, I believe some have complained of a hissing noise through the coding option.

carseatdelete · 10-02-2019, 01:59 PM

many thanks to @eleven11 @johnung @chowser51

update: I bought and installed the MATCH UP 7BMW. Fired up the stereo with default presets- unimpressive / marginal improvement. Immediately loaded F31 specific profile from Audiotec Fischer website - huge improvement. Absolutely lit up the stereo and I'm very happy with it. Considering the plug-and-play install in a complex OEM stereo- definitely worth the $1000 CAN price.

with regard to ASD: noticed it when flooring it in "Sport" mode. Not a big deal. May buy cancelling harness in future, but no rush.

04-14-2019, 08:16 PM	#1
viajealmundo Private 16 Rep 70 Posts Drives: F32 428xi Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Cincinnati, OH iTrader: (0)	Audio system upgrades: BimmerTech or BavSound? Hi all, I have a F32 428xi with the Hi-Fi audio system, and I am really shocked at how sub-par it is. My E90 had great audio quality (and I didn't have the upgraded audio system), but the F3X's system is really not doing it for me. I find it amusing because everyone always compliments the sound quality in my car compared to theirs, but I'm not content. Everything else in this car is so beautiful! My dilemma is that I like to play music loud, and I definitely like to "feel" the bass when playing music. I listen to a lot of pop and hip-hop. It's nice to have a good system to play at 15% in the background while talking to people (in which case the current system is totally sufficient), but I often drive alone, and especially in the summertime I like music loud. Yes, I'm young I find myself having the volume almost always at 80%, and if I turn it up more the music just gets distorted. I'm looking for an audio system (as in... new speakers, subwoofers, and amplifier) that will cover all my bases. I don't need something to be absolutely perfect, but I would expect a quality equivalent to the harmon/kardon upgraded system. I'm just looking for clear audio that can get LOUD with an extra kick of bass. Basically, I have found two systems that tick these boxes: BavSound Stage One and BimmerTech Alpha One. They both feature new speakers, new subwoofers, and an amp, and are about the same price ($2100-2200). That's definitely pricey (more so than I expected to pay), but it is worth if I can get something that is of good quality. So, have you had any experience with BavSound or Bimmertech in your F3X? What is the high volume/bass performance like? What are the positives and negatives? If I'm going to shell out $2k+, I want to make sure I'm buying a quality product. If you only have one thing out of the system (i.e. just speakers or amp), please feel free to chime in as well. I'm looking for all the feedback I can get!
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04-14-2019, 08:28 PM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,081 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	There's nothing wrong with the stock speakers, they're of equal if not better quality than those in the E90. The amp is weak, and the EQ even weaker, so that's what you should consider replacing. Threads on that subject abound. As for bass, that requires a trunk mounted powered sub, no getting around that. Last edited by Billfitz; 04-14-2019 at 08:34 PM..
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04-15-2019, 07:54 AM	#4
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	I have the Bavsound Revenant amp. It’s still in the box. I need to find time to install it. I find the stock hifi inadequate with the top down on the freeway
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04-15-2019, 12:38 PM	#7
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,081 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	You'll want to take into consideration the amp driving the Earthquakes when choosing the impedance option to order.
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04-15-2019, 06:00 PM	#8
eleven11 Major 372 Rep 1,425 Posts Drives: -F85 X5M- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Derby City iTrader: (0)	Replace the amp first. Decide if you're happy. If not, then either replace the underseats and/or add a trunk sub. If doing the underseats, I'd do the SWS Earthquake (as already suggested). Replacing the stock speakers in the doors would be my last change (unless damaged). Common/Easy Amp Options: MATCH UP 7BMW or Bavsound Revenant - same amp, but the latter is more restricted. JL Audio XD600/6v2 with harness from Technic __________________ 2017 X5M - Current 2017 F31 Wagon - Current 2014 M5 ZCP - Retired 2011 135i Coupe - Retired 2007 335i Sedan - Retired
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04-15-2019, 10:31 PM	#11
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,081 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If I had to replace any of my door midranges it wouldn't be with any of the usual choices. Because they're BMW specific they're priced much higher than they should be. I'd probably use these: https://www.parts-express.com/dayton...4-ohm--290-212 It would take some work to mount them but by no means would it be all that difficult. These are reasonably priced BMW specific drivers: https://www.parts-express.com/grs-b1...odels--292-490 The problem I have with them is their xmax, which is the distance the cone can travel before distortion is excessive. They're 2.1mm, compared to 4mm for the Daytons. That means despite the higher thermal power rating for the GRS the Dayton will go louder.
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09-17-2019, 12:27 PM	#12
carseatdelete Enlisted Member 8 Rep 32 Posts Drives: F31 xdrive Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	Hi All, new to forum and bimmer ownership. Just bought 2015 F31 328i xdrive. Want to upgrade to bimmertech or bavsound or match UP7 bmw plug'n'play amp. I'm confused about ASD with these amps. Bavsound website makes no mention of ASD. bimmertech website says I need to purchase an ASD cancelling harness to install with their amp. Can anyone clarify which of these amps need an extra ASD cancelling harness? Thanks.
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09-17-2019, 04:09 PM	#13
chowser51 Colonel 2025 Rep 2,808 Posts Drives: F33 430 and F39 M35i Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Cleveland, OH iTrader: (3) Garage List 2018 BMW 430i xDrive [0.00]	I have the Bavsound Revenant and my car has ASD. Didn’t need to do anything to it when I installed the amp. I coded ASD off first chance I got so I don’t know if a new amp would change anything. I think it’s separate from the AMP so if I coded it back on, I’m pretty sure it will still work. I coded it back on and it still works with the Revenant. After a few minutes I was so annoyed. Coded it back off. Last edited by chowser51; 09-17-2019 at 06:57 PM.. Reason: Still works
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09-18-2019, 06:25 PM	#15
eleven11 Major 372 Rep 1,425 Posts Drives: -F85 X5M- Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Derby City iTrader: (0)	I don't believe any of these amps will cancel the ASD. To cancel, you can either purchase the physical harness mentioned above, or code it off. I coded mine off, without issue. However, I believe some have complained of a hissing noise through the coding option. __________________ 2017 X5M - Current 2017 F31 Wagon - Current 2014 M5 ZCP - Retired 2011 135i Coupe - Retired 2007 335i Sedan - Retired
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10-02-2019, 01:59 PM	#16
carseatdelete Enlisted Member 8 Rep 32 Posts Drives: F31 xdrive Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	many thanks to @eleven11 @johnung @chowser51 update: I bought and installed the MATCH UP 7BMW. Fired up the stereo with default presets- unimpressive / marginal improvement. Immediately loaded F31 specific profile from Audiotec Fischer website - huge improvement. Absolutely lit up the stereo and I'm very happy with it. Considering the plug-and-play install in a complex OEM stereo- definitely worth the $1000 CAN price. with regard to ASD: noticed it when flooring it in "Sport" mode. Not a big deal. May buy cancelling harness in future, but no rush.
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