[98RioRedGT]

I've been reading old posts all day. I have a 08 E90 with the logic 7. At high volumes it just kind of sounds blah. Front what I've read (I think) I should start with adding a quality amp. I'd like more bass and just a cleaner crisp sound at high volume. What do I need to add a amp? Is that the 1st place to start? Sorry for the noob questions, but there is a overload of info out there

[Isaiah5411]

I just posted this on another thread:

The single biggest (and most mind-blowing) upgrade I made was to get the AirEnabler (Airplay) and the Dragonfly v1.2 DAC to plug into it.

I had NO idea that the stock Logic 7 system could ever sound this good. I then added a single 10" sub in a custom enclosure, equalized the whole thing using the Onyx Spectrum Analyzer app (and a calibrated microphone) and this system now sounds better than the high-end one I had in my old E46, which had components (front and rear), multiple amps, 2 Audiocontrol EQLs and an Audiocontrol 3XS crossover, a capacitor and two 10" subs. I'm amazed!

The bottom line: Digital music pretty much sucks hind teat. It's gotta be converted back to analog properly (and equalized correctly) to get the best sound.

[Jgio83]

First thing to do is you need to convert the signal to low level with a LOC (line output converter). You can't do anything till that is done. Add an amp next. You may be happy with how the stock system sounds with just an amp upgrade. From there it's all up to you but if you wanna do anything you need to convert the signal. I mean you could just change speakers to aftermarket but it's not recommended and pretty pointless imho

[98RioRedGT]

Okay cool, what brand should I get? Which amps should I look into. I've seen a lot of people talking about a JBL 600/6 i think?

[sparkymarky]

If it helps, I have hi Fi have only added a jl audio amp to power the fronts and under seats and there is a great increase in clarity and soundstage just from this..in fact i'm a ctually considering not installing the replacement front components which i have already bought for a while now!

[sunmans]

I have a simple system:
Technic 4/6 harness
Bit Ten
Alpine PDX-F4 amp
Jehnet flatline speaker set

I'm quite happy with my system. No rear speakers.

I hope this helps.

[98RioRedGT]

Thank you sunmans, that does help.

What model amp are you using sparkymarky?

[ctuna]

I suggest you read the audio upgrade thread first.
The logic 7 system is not easy to upgrade.
Most people that are interested in a serious upgrade
take the logic 7 amp out and start over with a ms-8 or one
of the newer processor/amps like the Helix.

You have to program the HU or idrive/Nav to Hi Fi output or buy a mobridge da2 to do this.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=826683
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=590420

There are a lot of base and Hi Fi system threads
here not as many L7 threads . Most people will just
add a sub to it and call it a day.

[sparkymarky]

Originally Posted by 98RioRedGT

Thank you sunmans, that does help.

What model amp are you using sparkymarky?

Nothing flash, just a jl audio a4300 (Class a/b). £70 second hand on ebay


Does do 110w rms per channel though (2 ohm), although i've got the gains limited to 30w rms (each front) and 60w rms (each underseat) to begin with as i don't want to blow the fronts just yet tbh they sound great, just playing django soundtrack which has quite a lot of sound effects and you can now really hear sounds coming at you from different speakers (i.e separation between the door mid and tweeters) whereas before all you could hear was (just about) whether sound was coming from the left or right, not each individual speaker singing at you so to speak as you now hear.

The tweeters sound much better too for some reason. Soundstage sounds higher up on the dash and wider than before. Almost to the extent that they sound as though they've been upgraded.

[98RioRedGT]

Which model Helix should I look into?

[Jgio83]

Originally Posted by 98RioRedGT

Which model Helix should I look into?

Helix makes an 8 channel dsp that has gotten very good reviews. You could also look into their Match line. They have a 5 channel and an 8 channel dsp with built in amplification. I believe the 5 channel is 4 x 35 watts plus 1 x 150 watts.
The 8 channel is 8 x 55 watts rms.