My X5 needs a speaker upgrade...

[el_duderino]

If the CDTs are the cast frame Vifa mids, it's a PITA to get them into the OEM housings without modding one or the other.

Euro stamped frames (DLS, Dynaudio GT, Hertz) fit fine with a hair of trimming around the perimeter of the frame with a pair of tin snips.

[Bill Valley]

They are indeed the cast type. Additionally, one of the mids is toast. Which is why I am considering the alternatives.

[Micah D. Cranman]

Originally Posted by el_duderino

How much more efficient is the Rainbow midbass than the OEM midbass?

It has to be at least 3dB more efficient if it's going to make up the difference between 4 ohm and 2 ohm power delivery.

About 2dB.

So you use the OEM tweeter highpass crossovers? On top of the OEM active filter? What's the resultant slope on that? Are there attenuating resistors in the passive network?

The factory amp crossover remains in place since, well, we're using the OEM amp. In addition, we use passive crossover networks AND attenuating resistors in line on our tweeters. The resistors provide the volume match, the crossover networks provide upgradability.

Ken (our Ken) asked for clarification on this information to better answer the original poster's question, and I guess the info got lost in translation.

And you're saying that the OEM system needs more highs? Is there a rolloff on the OEM drivers, or are they too quiet in general?

MOST customers want a slight boost in upper end frequency response and the SLIGHTLY lower impedance of the tweeter/resistor comb gives that. The new tweeter's not quite as efficient as the OEM unit, so the net effect is small, but it's there.

[TRAINER]

Originally Posted by Bill Valley

Hence my concern. I have no problem switching to a 4 ohm driver provided I maintain the current output. I did a lot of experimenting in my previous vehicle including MB Quart comps, which I found to be too bright. The setup that I removed prior to trading the car included CDT EF61 comps, a single 12" Elemental Designs 13Ov2 (sealed), and an Alpine MRV-F545 to push it all. The comps were getting 125 rms per, and the sub was getting 500 rms. I am debating wether or not to install all of that equipment in the X5. Judging from my eyeball measurements I would say I have a 50/50 chance of getting my CDT's in the stock housings. The tweeters fit perfectly.

I really think the stock system gets loud enough for my taste. I would consider replacing all stock speakers and retaining the stock amp, but I want to maintain the current output. I will eventually replace my 12 with a single sub in one of the "stealth" spots.

Sorry for the long post...

I just went with the BSW Stage 1 setup and I'm very happy with the outcome.

I too was considering putting my high end amps and speakers into the X. I also thought the volume was "enough" and that all I wanted to do was clean up the sound accross the board.

The stage 1 does just that. The only thing she lacks (and they told me it would, and I figured it would) is bass because I was keeping my stock sub and amp.

The bass is tighter with the smaller mids and I found more detail and clearer seperation.

I also picked up the DICE IPOD adapter and Sirius kit. Their customer service is very good too. Every time I called with a question they gave the exact answer quickly.

I would give them a try.

Ken F.

[Micah D. Cranman]

Glad you're happy, Ken!