[zeca]

My 2012 E91 has base audio only, i-drive+CIC. I've read the basic audio threads, as well as some of the more specific, like the Alpine upgrade, etc

Yet I still have a few questions, so let us flog the horse once more:

1-If you were to grade sound quality on a subjective scale from 1-5, how would grade these:
- A=Basic sound
- B=Hi-fi option
- C=Logic7/Harman Kardon
- D=Basic sound+Alpine upgrade
- E=Standard aftermarket 2-3 way drop-ins (Focal, Match or Eton kits are all available to me) - no amp in this case

I only have access to basic [no Hi-fi] audio models (two E90, one F30 LCI) for comparison, hence the question.

2-If buying a used BMW Hifi amp, would I be able to buy the necessary wiring/looms to retrofit it? (are thre BMW OE references for that?)
Basically I'd need the 1xHU->amp, 1xbattery->amp and 2xamp->speakers, right?

3-Making my own wiring/connection looms to fit a standard (4 channel?) car amp. Are there DIY threads detailing schematics+correct terminals/plugs?
- The thing that attracts me the most about the Alpine kit is that it includes all necessary wiring+terminations, but I'd also be comfortable crimping/making my own wiring if I was sure of exactly what plugs/terminals to buy beforehand.

4-In your opinion, is the BMW hifi amp worst than the one in the Alpine kit?

5-Stock 10cm/4'' BMW midrange speakers vs standard coaxial 13cm/5'' 2-way speakers (<50mm deep+13cm 4-hole->10cm 3-hole adaptor rings + amp of course) - would this be an upgrade?
Not apples to apples I know, but I replaced stock 10cm/4'' front speakers with a pair of 5'' Pioneer TS-R1350S on an old Audi B5 and that was an upgrade.

thanks for reading

[ctuna]

1-If you were to grade sound quality on a subjective scale from 1-5, how would grade these:
- A=Basic sound = Total Crap = -1
- B=Hi-fi option = Still not very good if you turn it up it falls right apart
gets harsh and distorts. 2
- C=Logic7/Harman Kardon can't be objective about this because I didn't have one
but based on what other's say its enough to not be offended
but it isn't and audiophile system.
If you read the specs of the output chips at the rated power the
distortion is 10 percent. Also do you want a stereo or a surround sound
system most say the processing degrades the sound
- D=Basic sound+Alpine upgrade
They were trying to make a base system into Hi Fi without upgrading
the under seats. Haven't heard it but I think spec wise its no better.
- E=Standard aftermarket 2-3 way drop-ins (Focal, Match or Eton kits are all available to me) - no amp in this case
This is the way to go if you want sound quality better to get
one of the new amp/dsp's now .
The lack of power or lack of clean power is the bigger problem but the
cheap ass speakers in the two lower level system is not far behind.


Base System Upgrades
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1378833
base system wiring pre/post 3/09
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...tDpLJPcGkw_ui_
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ghlight=Dotech
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=550771
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445266
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=581379
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=494299
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=451941
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ht=amp+upgrade
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=540954
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1003810
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...1#post16679904
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=822366
http://www.diymobileaudio.com/forum/...morel-jbl.html
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=495855
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1411521234
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=634957