Noob looking at stereo upgrade options

[Sablotny]

Forgive me if I post this query instead of searching too hard... just bought a 2001 3.0i with nav/non-DSP. Looking to upgrade the stereo and wanted to know what's easy/popular/been done. I like the Stage 1 speaker kit from BSW- I'll probably go for something like that.

Lastly- is there a single CD player available to replace the cassette player behind the nav unit? (Seems like BMW and Acura NS-X drivers were the only people still playing cassette tapes into the 21st century). Even using this input for an XM radio would work.

Thanks for any help. advice or experience. Not looking to drop $10K on my system, just get better sound while keeping the stock look.

[Aimster]

I am also looking for better sound. I have the DSP system and I think it is "meh".

I was looking at the Stage 1 speaker kit from BSW too. Are you going to be installing it yourself?

[Sablotny]

I was wondering about the DSP. Usually the "primo" factory systems aren't that great compared to an aftermarket setup, but I'd still take the nifty dual 8" subs. I'm hoping some quality drivers will clean it up enough that I'll be happy without tearing up the vehicle more.

[x5GuyInLA]

Originally Posted by Sablotny

Forgive me if I post this query instead of searching too hard... just bought a 2001 3.0i with nav/non-DSP. Looking to upgrade the stereo and wanted to know what's easy/popular/been done. I like the Stage 1 speaker kit from BSW- I'll probably go for something like that.

Lastly- is there a single CD player available to replace the cassette player behind the nav unit? (Seems like BMW and Acura NS-X drivers were the only people still playing cassette tapes into the 21st century). Even using this input for an XM radio would work.

Thanks for any help. advice or experience. Not looking to drop $10K on my system, just get better sound while keeping the stock look.

no replacement for the cassette player unless you go aftermarket...as for the speakers, I have the "not so" premium sound package, and while the mids and highs sound pretty good to me when played from my CD changer, the subwoofers suck.(not nifty 8", only 2 6") I get more bass out of the speakers in the doors, which I don't think is what those speakers are suppose to do, so I just purchased the Alpine PLV-7 (as long as the manager doesn't veto the deal I made with the salesman) for the low end. Getting it installed next week, so I'll let you know how it sounds (supposedly it bangs). BSW has a subwoofer system for the X and JL is coming out with a stealth box soon, which will probably run about the same price as the the BSW set up after you buy the amp. Search "el duderino"'s posts, as I think he has some pretty good recommendations and advice. Or just go with the BSW stage 1...seems like a lot of people are happy with that upgrade.

[Aimster]

DSP system sucks for bass.

I need to add a sub to my car. The DSP subs are horrible. In fact if I turn the system too loud (not even maximum volume) the subs make a horrible noise as if they are about to blow so I have to turn the volume down quickly. Sometimes the speakers do this as well, but the speakers never sound distorted.

& just to give you an idea of how bad the subs are.. I didnt even know I had subs in my car for the first week I had her.

,
I would love to know how the Alpine PLV-7 sounds in your car when you install it. Are you going to keep the DSP subs as part of the system too?

[Oscarguitar]

Don't necessarily blame the speakers. It could be the amp is feeding it a poor quality signal. Garbage in Garbage out. You could try upgrading the amp first to get a good signal to the speakers. I changed my AMP and the difference is remarkable. I still want a SUB but the improvement is significant even with the original speakers. Doesn't matter how good the drivers are, they aren't programmed to convert a bad sound into a good one. At least the OEM speakers are designed for the space they are in.
How a look around this forum there are plenty of opinions and good ideas about if you dig around a bit.

Oscar

[Aimster]

Originally Posted by Oscarguitar

Don't necessarily blame the speakers. It could be the amp is feeding it a poor quality signal. Garbage in Garbage out. You could try upgrading the amp first to get a good signal to the speakers. I changed my AMP and the difference is remarkable. I still want a SUB but the improvement is significant even with the original speakers. Doesn't matter how good the drivers are, they aren't programmed to convert a bad sound into a good one. At least the OEM speakers are designed for the space they are in.
How a look around this forum there are plenty of opinions and good ideas about if you dig around a bit.

Oscar

What kind of amp did you get?

Where is the factory amp located?

[Oscarguitar]

I used a Genesis Profile 4 (UK amp) but there are lots to choose from.

I wanted "musicallity" with good midrange clarity, rather than splashy cymbals and thumping bass (which you won't get with standard speakers anyway) the reason for now wanting a SUB (and SUB AMP)is to take the low frequency duties away from the Genesis AMP and speakers to allow the power of that AMP to be concentrated in the mid range, rather than being squandered on the low frequencies that the standard speakers can't reproduce anyway. The extra low frequency power will warm the sound up and I hope reduce the slightly "woody" low mids which I think come from asking the speakers in the door enclosures to reproduce lots of low frequency sounds which is causing this resonance. (Just a hunch!) Price is the only thing holding me back. Dealer wants £1100 for a custom job. 10 inch diamond with Genesis SUB amp. JL Audio are bringing out a stealth box for the X5 shortly, and BSW have one already, but the shipping costs to the UK kill it for me.

The OEM amp is in the boot (trunk!) I have been told that one of the problems with the OEM AMP (or at least the UK version,don't know about US) is that it contains active crossovers and I think these need to be substituted with something else to get the best out of the system. Mine was fitted by local specialist who has spent a lot of time trying out different options for the X5 but I don't know exactly what they did iro the crossovers (probably just a good sales pitch!)

Hope this helps,

Oscar

[x5GuyInLA]

Originally Posted by Aimster

...I would love to know how the Alpine PLV-7 sounds in your car when you install it. Are you going to keep the DSP subs as part of the system too?

I'm most likely going to disconnect the DSP subs since they really don't do much and I don't want it cancelling any of the soundwaves coming from the PLV-7. Plus, since the PLV-7 has a bass knob, I'm going to turn down the low end on the DSP to minimize as much bass coming from the other speakers, so it would be pointless to keep the DSP sub. Almost all the reviews I've read about the PLV-7 says it's quite loud, so hopefully it lives up to the hype.

[justintmn]

I disabled the DSP totally and went with aftermarket amps, speakers and subwoofer. It is still a work in progress but I couldn't resist to try out how it sounds while I am still working on the amp rack and the fiberglass subwoofer enclosure to fit in the factory subwoofer space, so I hooked up the system temporarily to listen to it and it sounds sooo awesome. . Love it.

If you are a stereo maniac, I would suggest to go with gears that you can upgrade later on. It's an expensive hobby but it's worth it .