[FuglyMonkie]

Hello all,

I just got my 08 E90 328i in Decemeber. I want to upgrade my sound system. I believe I have the HiFi System.
2x front tweeters
2x front speakers
2x under seat subs
2x rear speakers

My plan was to upgrade the system in parts.
First the amp with JL600/6 and Technic harness and a MS-8.
Then replace all speakers adding a front and rear tweeters. (I have yet to figure out what to get)
Single hidden 10" sub will be last.

The issue that I have is my coworker has a deal with Alpine amps and speakers. I can get a very good discount that makes it hard for me to turn down.

First question. Should I stick with my original plan and just go with the JL or go for the Alpine?

Second, if I go for the Alpine what would be a good amp? Would Technic harness work with it? I have tried to search but I keep getting results for Alpine kit to upgrade the base stereo.

Thanks for any help and input.

[ctuna]

Speakers in an e90 are about what fits.
And there aren't a lot of 4 inch component sets
and slim under seats that do .
There is a speaker list in the following link.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=641323

If you don't want to cut up your car or do custom enclosures
you should stick to the list.

The alpine kit is something that BMW put out to upgrade the base stereo if you only want a modest
upgrade its OK I guess. But only for the base system from 2010 not the Hi Fi system.
Since most here use the link you probably won't find
a lot of reviews on Alpine amps here.
Maybe you should consider the Alpine processor though.
The Technic Harness will work with any amp but not
any amp is directly compatible with all the BMW Head Units.

You don't really need a processor with a Hi Fi system. It might be one of the last things you consider.

Also better to spend your money on the speakers in
the front of the car rather than the rear speakers
as they do not contribute that much unless you have surround sound.

I would go with the JL its the perfect replacement amp for the Hi Fi system.
I would do it in this order if you can't do it all at once. Amp Harness, Front speaker sets, rear speakers if you think is needs them, sub or processor if you think it needs it.

A few on here have said a good amp makes more difference than a processor. People that have had both.

[FuglyMonkie]

Thanks Ctuna for the feedback. I guess I will stick with the original plans. I will most likely be following your recommendation. Since I already know what amp and harness I will be getting. Do you have any tips on picking out front speakers? I never know which ones are good, better, best type of speakers.

[bmw325i]

Alpine component speakers won't fit. You can use 4" Type S's in the rear deck. Alpine amps will work with the balanced inputs. You could use a pdx v9 and a pdx f4 or f6. You could use a 10" Type S or Type R, or even a slim Type R. There are also other options to consider besides JL and Alpine.

[ctuna]

The speakers tend to be not mainstream.
So its hard to go anyplace an actualy hear them.
Because most don't make 4 inch components.
I got a MusicarNW kit that consists of Morel Dotechs
Jehnert underseats and a xd 600/6 .
Both the speakers are kind of high end.
The reason to get the Morels is they are smooth not harsh
and are better at getting low notes out of a 4 inch speaker than
most others. The Jehnerts produce amazingly accurate bass but they
are not thumpers if that's what you are looking for . Its more bass
than I have had before. (very tight and not boomy
with a lot of detail)
I heard a system with diamond audio speakers and SWS-8's and it sure
wasn't shaby either.

If you have a coupe a Jehnert 3 way set may be the way to go . The doors on the coupe are thinner and even less fits in them than the 4 door or the wagon.

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by ctuna

The speakers tend to be not mainstream.
So its hard to go anyplace an actualy hear them.
Because most don't make 4 inch components.
I got a MusicarNW kit that consists of Morel Dotechs
Jehnert underseats and a xd 600/6 .
Both the speakers are kind of high end.
The reason to get the Morels is they are smooth not harsh
and are better at getting low notes out of a 4 inch speaker than
most others. The Jehnerts produce amazingly accurate bass but they
are not thumpers if that's what you are looking for . Its more bass
than I have had before. (very tight and not boomy
with a lot of detail)
I heard a system with diamond audio speakers and SWS-8's and it sure
wasn't shaby either.

If you have a coupe a Jehnert 3 way set may be the way to go . The doors on the coupe are thinner and even less fits in them than the 4 door or the wagon.

+1 I have the same setup but with Hybrid Ovation II's. I would actually be satisfied with the jehnerts and no trunk sub. The sq kind of makes up for the lack of spl. With a trunk sub it's even better.

[FuglyMonkie]

Thanks Guys,

I did find the Jehnerts 3 way kit that has the subs, fronts and tweeters. I would just need to add another 100mm High-End-midrange speaker that is in the kit for the center speaker. Ctuna did you get your Jehnert subs from their US vendor that is listed on their site?

I tried looking on MusicarNW site for prices but it looks like their chart is currently down. I'll have to email them for more information.

I have found a few post where people are using the Hybrid OII with Jehnerts subs.

So many choices. I am going to have to put all this into a list, find prices, and compare.

[ctuna]

You don't do a center speaker unless
you have a processor to generate a center channel.
Also you will need more amp channels if you want to do a center
speaker and still do the the 6 basic locations that come with base or Hi Fi system.
MusicarNW is pretty expensive but the advantage is
you get a known proven configuration that is pre adjusted as much as possible with all the parts necessary to do the job and it requires no soldering or crimping. One stop shopping.
I got the kit form Musicar and as far as I know the only two US vendors for Jehnert are Musicar and Unexpected Creations in New Jersey. I think the number you are looking at is the distributor number . Morel has different model numbers since I bought
my system.
It would probably be better if you make up your mind on whether you want a surround sound system upfront because it will probably effect the outcome as far as how many amp channels you will need.

[taibanl]

Alpine pdx v9 and4.100 makes a great match w ms-8

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by taibanl

Alpine pdx v9 and4.100 makes a great match w ms-8

Would be even better with an Alpine h800. I think it is worth the extra money for the f6 instead of the f4 for the extra power.

[taibanl]

Originally Posted by bmw325i

Would be even better with an Alpine h800. I think it is worth the extra money for the f6 instead of the f4 for the extra power.

But f4 matches v9 in power, no?

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by taibanl

But f4 matches v9 in power, no?

I'd rather have the extra power for the front speakers even if its not going to be used. When I had my XD600/6 bridged I had 150 watts for each door speaker and it sounded clean. I still need to replace my amp since those 2 channels stopped working You can also bridge the v9 and use it for the underseats.

[taibanl]

Originally Posted by bmw325i

I'd rather have the extra power for the front speakers even if its not going to be used. When I had my XD600/6 bridged I had 150 watts for each door speaker and it sounded clean. I still need to replace my amp since those 2 channels stopped working You can also bridge the v9 and use it for the underseats.

Btw i did call JL for you asking about a goodwill repair. No dice.

[bmw325i]

Originally Posted by taibanl

Btw i did call JL for you asking about a goodwill repair. No dice.

It's cool, if I ever take it out it's going to be to replace it with something better.