[Chi-Guy]

Hi. This is my first post and, yes, I have been searching and reading for the past 2 weeks. I bought a 2011 335xi Coupe in mid-2010 and it is now time to fix the crappy sound. I have some specific questions from my research.

First, the basics:

2011 335xi Coupe
Base system confirmed
I own the car
Budget is $1,500-$2,000 (kids in college, budget is rigid)
Home audiophile and basic stereo snob..;-) (Tubes on the home rig, active on forums)
I am NOT a DIY guy AT ALL
Listen to classic rock, jazz, blues

What I have "learned":

1. I do not believe that I want the BSW "just speaker" upgrade as good clean power is a must
2. I have communicated with Ken "VP Electricity" and that is an option (he is amazing)
3. I have been to my local Chicago installers and have proposals
4. I cannot put a sub in trunk for personal reasons
5. My front speaker selection is limited as the 2011 Coupe has shallow door frames.

here are my questions:

1. Do I absolutely need a signal processor (like JL Audio Cleansweep) from OEM head unit to after market amp?
2. Are there amps that can take the signal direct from OEM unit?
3. What do you think about CDT Audio and their BMW speaker packages?
4. Do CDT amps take signal direct or is processor needed?
5. Does a rear-speaker upgrade make sense or is it truly a "commie plot"?
5. Can Morel Dotech Ovations go into 2011 coupes w/o major surgery?

What my options are in my budget..?..:

A. My preference would be to buy a 4 or 5 channel amp (Alpine, CDT) that connects directly to head unit and drive:

- Front speakers from Morel or CDT
- Earthquake SWS-8" under both seats
- Keep OEM rears or upgrade to Morel Tempo 4" (+$200?)

B. Music Car Level 1 Upgrade
- JL Audio Cleansweep
- 4 channel amp from
- Jehnert 4" fronts
- 8" Audio from Germany sub/mids(or something)

Thanks very much for the help.
Happy New Year.

[B-737]

Originally Posted by Chi-Guy

4. I cannot put a sub in trunk for personal reasons
5. My front speaker selection is limited as the 2011 Coupe has shallow door frames.

1. Do I absolutely need a signal processor (like JL Audio Cleansweep) from OEM head unit to after market amp?

2. Are there amps that can take the signal direct from OEM unit?

5. Does a rear-speaker upgrade make sense or is it truly a "commie plot"?

- Earthquake SWS-8" under both seats

with the right underseats, driven properly, you wont need a trunk sub so dont sweat it.

be VERY careful with coupe speaker installations. go with exactly what is recommended by Ken or one of the other pros around here, there is ZERO wiggle room unless you do a top mount (what i ended up with)

you need a signal processor like what VP was saying, CleanSweep or Zapco amps have built in signal processing, one of the only ones.

5. yes, I'm a converted believer as well... rear speakers are communist plot... it's hard to let that sink in, but when you're done, you'll believe.

If you're particular about your music, and judging from what your saying about your home set up, consider the Jenhert over the SWSs for underseats. It is reported they are more accurate but not as boomy. I have Jenhert XE200's and absolutely love them. no trunk sub needed, the music is very full and balanced.

ctuna has heard BOTH SWSs and Jenhert in 3 series cars in person. He went with Jenherts as well.

PS. welcome to the forum!

[ctuna]

But I can't send messages to you now.
I would believe everything VP says .
If you are a stereo snob you defiantly want the Jehnerts

You really do need the processor or and amp with a processor.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...ighlight=graph

[B-737]

if your phobic to doing the work yourself then you COULDNT go wrong by purchasing a kit from VP then having it professionally installed by a local reputable shop. The kits are laid out in such a way some members of this forum are able to do the install themselves. So in the hands of a good shop they should have no problem doing the work.

that said, the custom made spacers, wires, connections, and pre-set settings, that are done by VPs shop are not going to be matched by any other.

[Chi-Guy]

@ B-737 and ctuna - thanks.

Have read at least 20 threads on this topic.
Gonna figure this out ASAP.

Cheers.

[Exwoodchuck]

There's another option -- the factory 'Alpine Upgrade Kit'. It adds tweeters to the front doors (you need to get new door surrounds), new mid's in the doors and an Alpine amp. Your car will need to be coded to take full advantage of it. I just installed it in my '10 w/ the Base system, and its like night and day. It's a PnP system, no wires to splice. Sound quality- I'd say it's not quite as good as the optional H-K system, but it's lightyears better than the base OEM system!

With my CCA discount it was $500, and I'll need 1-2 hours to code it, so that's $225-ish.

[kaigoss69]

Get a cleansweep, some Morels for the doors, Jehnerts for underseat, and an amp form VP Electricity and I bet you won't be sorry. You can probably do it within your budget. Installation is not that hard - all plug-and-play - and you will save hundreds. Do NOT let any other professional tell you what to install, especially not local shops.

[B-737]

Originally Posted by kaigoss69

Get a cleansweep, some Morels for the doors, Jehnerts for underseat, and an amp form VP Electricity and I bet you won't be sorry. You can probably do it within your budget. Installation is not that hard - all plug-and-play - and you will save hundreds. Do NOT let any other professional tell you what to install, especially not local shops.

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