[DBrab1914]

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.

[Greg876]

Actually I'm in the same situation. I just bought a 2013 328i and I'm look to upgrade my audio system. But the prices seem very high

[N26Ghost]

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.

[chowser51]

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.

[DBrab1914]

Originally Posted by Greg876

Actually I'm in the same situation. I just bought a 2013 328i and I'm look to upgrade my audio system. But the prices seem very high

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.

[DBrab1914]

Originally Posted by N26Ghost

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.

Really? So your saying that the Bavsound ghost subs aren’t really worth the money if it’s plug n play? I had a 2006 Lincoln LS and had a trunk sub enclosure but it weighed the car down and it took a lot of my trunk space away. I’m not sure I want that with this car. I traded a 2013 Hyundai Sonata for this and it had a huge trunk compared to the 328i, but I miss the sound system in it that was an Infinity sound system from the factory. What audio set-up do you have?

[DBrab1914]

Originally Posted by chowser51

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.

That’s one thing I’m afraid of is that getting just the amp and ghost subs that the factory speakers may not sound right with those upgrades. Did you buy the entire upgrade or just the speakers from Bavsound? Have you heard any examples of Bavsound systems?

[BigJack75]

Originally Posted by N26Ghost

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.

Can you give a brand name or links to plug and play upgraded amps?

[Billfitz]

If you want big bass a trunk mounted powered sub is the only way to get it.

So your saying that the Bavsound ghost subs aren’t really worth the money if it’s plug n play?

They're not. They would be if the stock woofers were cheap junk, but they're not. For that matter all of the stock Hi-Fi and H-K drivers are very high quality.

[BeerHerder]

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.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by BeerHerder

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.

So your saying is just changing the amp will make a difference on the sound quality with stock speakers.

I don't really like to pop all these interior trims to install new speakers, I'm afraid they will start squeaking when driving

[chowser51]

I didn’t buy speakers. Just the amp. I’m off next week so I will find a day and install it.

[BeerHerder]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

So your saying is just changing the amp will make a difference on the sound quality with stock speakers.

I don't really like to pop all these interior trims to install new speakers, I'm afraid they will start squeaking when driving

That's what I understand... I don't think the stock speakers sound "bad" like my 1st car ('92 Olds Cutlass Supreme International), but I think they could be louder. I find myself regularly running the volume at like 60-75% and it's still not as loud as my old Hyundai. The amp is just going to push more wattage, so louder. I hope they run a sale or something, because I'll snatch it up in a minute. Looks to be super easy to install, too.

*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.

[DBrab1914]

Originally Posted by chowser51

I didn’t buy speakers. Just the amp. I’m off next week so I will find a day and install it.

Oh okay. When you get a chance to install it can you let us know how it sounds and performs? I just want to know if it worth the $997. It is very pricey.

[DBrab1914]

Originally Posted by BeerHerder

That's what I understand... I don't think the stock speakers sound "bad" like my 1st car ('92 Olds Cutlass Supreme International), but I think they could be louder. I find myself regularly running the volume at like 60-75% and it's still not as loud as my old Hyundai. The amp is just going to push more wattage, so louder. I hope they run a sale or something, because I'll snatch it up in a minute. Looks to be super easy to install, too.

*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.

Ahhh makes sense. I’m just thinking that just the amp and ghost subs will give me what I’m looking for. I don’t hate the sound system, I just wish it had more punch and was louder. If those two issues could be resolved I think the system will be closer to my standards. I do miss the bass from my Hyundai, but definitely not the rattles. Also, do you happen to have any issues with your Bluetooth disconnecting? Is there any way to fix that? Sorry I know that is completely off topic.

[DBrab1914]

Originally Posted by BeerHerder

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.

I’m located in Knoxville, TN and looking at the Bavsound website there’s no dealers in TN.

[BeerHerder]

Originally Posted by DBrab1914

Ahhh makes sense. I’m just thinking that just the amp and ghost subs will give me what I’m looking for. I don’t hate the sound system, I just wish it had more punch and was louder. If those two issues could be resolved I think the system will be closer to my standards. I do miss the bass from my Hyundai, but definitely not the rattles. Also, do you happen to have any issues with your Bluetooth disconnecting? Is there any way to fix that? Sorry I know that is completely off topic.

Yeah, my hyundai had some funky rattles, too...
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.

[Wgosma]

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

[BEM-S4]

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.

[N26Ghost]

Originally Posted by Gen13 F36

So your saying is just changing the amp will make a difference on the sound quality with stock speakers.

I don't really like to pop all these interior trims to install new speakers, I'm afraid they will start squeaking when driving

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.

[Gen13 F36]

Originally Posted by N26Ghost

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.

Thanks man, very much appreciated even tho love hearing my exhaust. I always keep removing panels to a minimum.

[kmuthappa]

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