[azwillnj]

I know these threads are a dime a dozen after BMW neutered our audio systems but in this thread I have searched the forums and laid out a plan, I just want some input.

I have a 2011 335i xDrive with iDrive and the base audio system and to say the least I am horribly disappointed with it. My cousin has a Honda Civic and the audio system is twice as good in that car. I would have to say it sounds like a dollar store am/fm radio inside of a tin can, underwater.. completely unacceptable for a 53k car. Now that I have gotten that little rant out of the way I need some advice on what to do with the system..

I have done some research on the forums and think I have a pretty good idea of what I want to do. Let me start by saying that I hear high frequencies as more harsh than most people. I don't want a system that will shake the car and that people will hear a block away, but I do want a system with more clean bass than usual. I have outlined what I have and what I want below.

So far the only things I know for sure is that I want an MS-8 for the tuning, low power amp and awesome eq. The other thing I know is that I want a center channel, I have heard great things about them and I want to experience it.


TL;DR – Look at the plan below and let me know what you think.


I currently have:
2 - SWS-8 2ohm subs
1 - 2000W 1 channel TNT Earthquake digital amp (T2000W/D1) (way over powered for the subs but I just turned the gain way down)

I know the customary thing here is to list a budget for the install but I don’t really have one, initially I would say to stay under $1000 but the end result will be much more than $1000 so, due to the cost of most of these components I have to do the upgrade in stages so I will lay out my intended path in the sections below, let me know what you think.

Stage 1:
•Purchase and install JLB MS-8
•Purchase Technic's Harness
•Run home run lines to SWS-8's
•Install SWS-8's
•Boost SWS-8’s with the TNT

Stage 2:
•Purchase and install Rainbow component sets for the front
•Purchase tweeter pods
•Purchase center channel trim pieces
•Install one of the stock drivers from the door into the center channel
•Re-tune MS-8

Stage 3:
•Upgrade center channel speaker
•Upgrade rear deck speakers
•Re-tune MS-8

Stage 4:
•If there’s not enough power get a 5 channel amp for the speakers (FL, FR, RL, RR, C)
•Get a 2 channel amp for the subs and replace the TNT

Stage 5:
•Finished?

I have a few questions:
•First off, what do you think of this plan? Any suggestions?
•Will the MS-8 have enough power to push the system the way I have explained? As I understand it is a low power amp as well as a DSP unit.
•Does the MS-8 have more power than the stock head unit?
•Do you think for a temporary use the stock driver would be sufficient for the center channel.
•Is there an amp that would be able to amp the whole system with one box? Subs, component fronts, rears, and center, by my count that’s 7 channels.

Thanks for the help,
Alex.

As a side note, when I finally do my install, I will make a detailed DIY just like the SWS one I have in the DIY section now.

[kaigoss69]

Looks like you did your research! I would recommend you talk with VP Electricity to fine tune your plan. Good luck!

[kmarei]

the speakers from the doors don't fit the center speaker
the center speaker is the same as the rear deck speakers
the door speakers have a sort of plastic lip around them
rear deck and center don't
i have a center channel from the Logic 7 for sale if you want

[azwillnj]

Ive been contemplating this plan for over a month now and have contacted music car for some advice but decided to post this up here to get some input from others.

I didn't know that about the size of the center channel versus the doors thanks for bringing that to my attention, I guess that means that I'll have to figure out something for the center channel. Is the L7 the best option? or are there any coax speakers that would be a better fit? As I said in my op, I'm looking for a warmer tone out of the system than normal, I know you cant really get that from a speaker of this size and type but I'm sure the sound from them varies.

Alex.

[shockin330i]

Subscribing

[kmarei]

Originally Posted by azwillnj

Ive been contemplating this plan for over a month now and have contacted music car for some advice but decided to post this up here to get some input from others.

I didn't know that about the size of the center channel versus the doors thanks for bringing that to my attention, I guess that means that I'll have to figure out something for the center channel. Is the L7 the best option? or are there any coax speakers that would be a better fit? As I said in my op, I'm looking for a warmer tone out of the system than normal, I know you cant really get that from a speaker of this size and type but I'm sure the sound from them varies.

Alex.

the center speaker from the M3 Individual audio is coaxial, so it has a tweeer
part number 65137838915