The reason to use AVIN is as follows:
1) Replaces a failing MID or head unit. (My MID's display was ruined.)
2) Sounds VASTLY better than the original head unit.
3) Added functionality such as CarPlay may be desirable.
4) If you DO NOT have DSP, the installation is pretty much direct drop in.

As a general rule, I'm not a fan of built in navigation, but the AVIN makes a lot of sense in the E53.

I went to great lengths to avoid nav in my E90, though. Can't stand that double hump dashboard.

My MID DSP display is failing as well. However, the sound output now, with the addition of the 13th channel is like sitting in a sound room (studio).

The android unit with JL audio stealth box in my 4.4iS cannot even compare. And that system sounds strong. That speaks volumes to the sound quality of the DSP system, when the proper low end frequencies are applied.

I like the factory aux setup because,

1. I can use high end DAC’s on the AUX input with GiG’s of music storage.

2. I can still use my cd changer (I have acquired numerous CD’s over the years).

3. I can disk load MP3’s in the head unit.

4. I can add SAT radio.

The android unit is a nice upgrade with great features, and fantastic sound. The factory DSP system is definitely an audiophile’s project that can reward greatly if properly configured. Plus it keeps the E53 all original. :thumbup:



E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

Interesting you like the DSP over the aftermarket head unit w/ the JL stealth box. I just bought a Dynavin D8 & was considering the JL stealthbox for a sub.

I don't mean this to come across as rude, but I have heard plenty of DSP E38, E39, and E53 cars, and the sound quality was never better than garbage IMO. It wasn't until the E6x/E9x generation that BMW started shipping semi-tolerable factory stereos. Heavy emphasis on the "semi" part of that.

100% agree

I remember my friend telling me how much more they paid for the "premium" Harman Kardon system upgrade in their e46 and it was TERRIBLE even at low volume.

I've said this many times and will continue to do so: Anyone that thinks the factory system in an e53 era BMW sounds good just hasn't heard anything decent. And when you do, you'll realize how bad it really is.

JL stealth box hits hard! Strongly recommended!

I agree. The 01/2002 E53 DSP was completely unenjoyable from the moment I fired up the sound system. I tried every tune possible to get it sounding something other than ear cringing. I finally found a frequency that was at least tolerable, but the moment you went to crank it up, bleh!

I pretty much tolerated it for 2 decades only because, my E53’s running ambient sound is music in itself. So I pretty much kept the system off, or background noise.

When I added the 13th channel that changed everything! And as a byproduct of all the not hours, years of trying to tune that darn thing, when I gained access to the systems missing frequencies I was able to bring it all together and create a solid sound field. It’s the reverb that takes it to another level and brings it to a studio quality sound.

Everything is custom tuned. The reverberation, the EQ, the 13th channel’s crossover frequency, low frequency boost, gain, and even the fader. All of it is tuned to create a balanced sound. The bass control on the MID is more or less has been converted into a SUB gain control.

Like I said I went in not knowing what to expect, and was completely blown away. The 2006 CD unit with the AUX input is a cherry on top!


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

I guess this is a perspective thing, but in my experience, it's basically impossible for a stealthbox to hit hard. It's not what they're built for.

Are you talking about adding a center channel? I'll agree that a center channel is key to the best sound in a real world automotive stereo.

That said, if you think that the center channel made that much difference in the stock stereo, imagine what it would be like with even mediocre speaker and amplifier components!

What did you do to / for your E53 today??
 

Haha.. I’ve had Magnepan 20.7 5.1 speaker system. So I’ll respectfully argue your point. LoL.. :bustingup

Like I said I hit the sound lottery with my E53. :lmao:


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

It hits for what it is imo. But, it does not hit like my micro JL audio sub enclosure. The micro enclosure is in my hatch consuming space in the 3.0, where the stealth frees up the hatch consuming zero space in 4.4. So there is a trade off of sound for space.



No, I did not add a center channel. The system is still 2.0 HiFi. I added the following missing or underpowered frequencies of 20Hz - 200Hz.

In sound reproduction what sounds bad may actually be good, but incomplete. And that’s what the problem is with the factory DSP. There is plenty of high end frequency. The low end on the other hand is incomplete which creates inconsistent sound i.e. awful sound. You can’t look at it as just, oh he simply added a SUB. I added the missing frequencies, and then tuned them in completely recreating a new sound field. So if you were to hear it, it won’t sound like anything you heard before, because it’s not. It’s been reconstructed.

The factory DSP amp and speakers are more than sufficient. It goes loud enough with out distortion to be unhealthy for your ears. So imo, no need for upgrading. However, I wouldn’t mind getting my hands on a pristine pre LCI DSP amp! Also, I am intrigued by the fact it is a 8 ohm system, and not 4. Car audio is usually 4 ohms.


E53 RiPPeR
XOuTPoST jUNkiE
ReVELaTiON 22:21

Luckily I wouldn't need the JL Stealthbox to hit hard, just clean bass without taking up trunk space. Compared to the sub upgrade I did to the oem DSP sub box it should be lightyears better.