Need Advice/help with audio upgrade in 2004 BMW.
YEP! Very clean install
05-09-2006, 06:44 PM
#12
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 15
that's really nice!
I'd have to buy a free air sub.
mine will be similar, except wrapping the whole trunk and false floor in really nice automotive suede... I have some piping, and custom bmw M stitching since the car is an M performance edition ZHP car with all the m goodies, just a little less horspower, and a nicer suspension.
what amps should I look at?
I really like the basic 2006 alpines. they are simple and clean looking.
what deck should I consider switching out to?
how are the new eclipse 5000 and 7000? someone on here reccomended it... how easy is it to hook up an ipod ??? do I need an extra module? or just a cable?
I'd have to buy a free air sub.
mine will be similar, except wrapping the whole trunk and false floor in really nice automotive suede... I have some piping, and custom bmw M stitching since the car is an M performance edition ZHP car with all the m goodies, just a little less horspower, and a nicer suspension.
what amps should I look at?
I really like the basic 2006 alpines. they are simple and clean looking.
what deck should I consider switching out to?
how are the new eclipse 5000 and 7000? someone on here reccomended it... how easy is it to hook up an ipod ??? do I need an extra module? or just a cable?
05-10-2006, 02:44 AM
#13
The IPC106 Ipod adaptor is a hideaway module that has 2 main wires on it. A bus link wire that goes to the headunit and the Ipod cable that goes to your Ipod. The unit is very small and easy to hide behind a dash, under a seat etc.
05-10-2006, 09:38 AM
#14
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Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,120
Alpine's Ipod INterface ROCKS!
The Alpine's IPod ready units are simple plug and play...no module needed, just a cable. And this year's Alpines w/Ipod hooked up are a lot faster switching between songs than even last years (they had a module).
I would check out the new DVA-9861, it will play DVD-Audio/Video and has an optical out. Or if you want a screen, the IVA-W200 has the screen and also play DVD-Audio/Video with optical out.
Welcome to the forum!
Nice 3 series!
I would check out the new DVA-9861, it will play DVD-Audio/Video and has an optical out. Or if you want a screen, the IVA-W200 has the screen and also play DVD-Audio/Video with optical out.
Welcome to the forum!
Nice 3 series!
05-10-2006, 10:38 AM
#15
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Sep 2001
Posts: 1,120
Alpine's Ipod INterface ROCKS!
The Alpine's IPod ready units are simple plug and play...no module needed, just a cable. And this year's Alpines w/Ipod hooked up are a lot faster switching between songs than even last years (they had a module).
I would check out the new DVA-9861, it will play DVD-Audio/Video and has an optical out. Or if you want a screen, the IVA-W200 has the screen and also play DVD-Audio/Video with optical out.
Welcome to the forum!
Nice 3 series!
I would check out the new DVA-9861, it will play DVD-Audio/Video and has an optical out. Or if you want a screen, the IVA-W200 has the screen and also play DVD-Audio/Video with optical out.
Welcome to the forum!
Nice 3 series!
05-10-2006, 06:53 PM
#16
0 Watt CAFz'r
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 15
thanks guys!
I can't fit a Double din unit because of an AC tube behind my radio or else I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Double din unit.
What about clarion VRX765VD or the kenwood KVT-717DVD.
clarion being easier to connect an ipod, and more control I think.
I can't fit a Double din unit because of an AC tube behind my radio or else I wouldn't hesitate to buy the Double din unit.
What about clarion VRX765VD or the kenwood KVT-717DVD.
clarion being easier to connect an ipod, and more control I think.
05-11-2006, 07:41 AM
#17
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 1,649
Factory deck with Dave's piece is actually fine. And it isn't eye candy for people looking to do a five finger discount on your car.
I'm going to get our local expert on 330ci in here to chat with you........ Mr. Adam Hale. He has the exact same car as you have and has done A LOT OF WORK TO it. I could talk your ears off on what I think you should do, but he's the actual expert with this car as he's gutted his to the bone and built it up...... and then gutted it again now to turn it into a beast under the hood, but that a whole other story.
As far as lines go, you should really have a look at the DLS lineup as they have a lot of great sounding SQ gear and have backed it up with multiple world championships in the SQ arena world wide. You can even get into the DLS ultra high end in their hybrid tube amp and the new top of the line Nobelium drivers. And you can't beat the price/performance factor on the DLS stuff.
PM me or drop me an email if you want to chat further. I think I recognize you from MAX
I've got a few bleemers in the garage.
I'm going to get our local expert on 330ci in here to chat with you........ Mr. Adam Hale. He has the exact same car as you have and has done A LOT OF WORK TO it. I could talk your ears off on what I think you should do, but he's the actual expert with this car as he's gutted his to the bone and built it up...... and then gutted it again now to turn it into a beast under the hood, but that a whole other story.
As far as lines go, you should really have a look at the DLS lineup as they have a lot of great sounding SQ gear and have backed it up with multiple world championships in the SQ arena world wide. You can even get into the DLS ultra high end in their hybrid tube amp and the new top of the line Nobelium drivers. And you can't beat the price/performance factor on the DLS stuff.
PM me or drop me an email if you want to chat further. I think I recognize you from MAX
I've got a few bleemers in the garage.
05-11-2006, 11:42 AM
#19
1000 Watt CAFz'r
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 1,783
sexybmw,
First off, nice car.
My experience with the 330Ci has been to keep it simple. I went waaay overboard in a number of areas, and it came back to bite me in the but.
If you like your Ipod, look into a factory BMW option that allows an Aux. input to be used with the factory deck. Details of how to install this can be found here:
http://www.my330i.com/mod26.php
Yes, I would keep the factory deck. It's actually quite good with a very high line output voltage to the rear to minimize induced noise.
Use your existing LOC to start, see if it does what you want it to. If you have noise issues, look into ANY of the Audio Control devices, they are all stellar. (I've used a few in my car, and they do what they say the can do)
For amplification, I would keep it simple. Look into the DLS Ultimate A5. It's a 3 channel amp with on board processing that easily will power your sub (I don't see anything wrong with your current choice) and a good set 2 way components in the front. Linky here: http://www.dls.se/english/fstark/a5n.htm
For front speakers, here's what I'd recomend you do. LISTEN to as many 2 way component sets as you can. Be sure to include the DLS Ultimate 6.2 kit in your addition list, as I believe it to be one heck of a bang for the buck. I personally have played with a LOT of speakers in my car, so I can vouch for the quality of this kit. After you've selected a small final list of 2 way kits you liked, now is the time to do a "test fit". Remove one of your door skins (have your BMW dealer do it for you if you are unsure of how to do this) and have the drivers test fitted into the door skin. What you are trying to do (from your own goals listed previously) is find a set of speakers that won't force you to disfigure your door skin.
Tweeters can be mounted just above the door handle where a 2" midrange cone currently resides.
With a good installer, you shouldn't need to replace ANY of the speaker wiring. Just re-use the factory wiring that's routed from the factory amplifier on the left side of the trunk to the front of the car. (You will have to have some wire added in the trunk to possibly reach your amp deppending on where it's mounted.)
Don't focus on EQ. Get good speakers, a flexible amp, and most importantly, find an installer you trust. You won't need an EQ if do the above. I'm sure you've heard this before, but install is the most important piece of the car audio puzzle.
Have fun,
Adam
BTW, what color is your interior?
First off, nice car.
My experience with the 330Ci has been to keep it simple. I went waaay overboard in a number of areas, and it came back to bite me in the but.
If you like your Ipod, look into a factory BMW option that allows an Aux. input to be used with the factory deck. Details of how to install this can be found here:
http://www.my330i.com/mod26.php
Yes, I would keep the factory deck. It's actually quite good with a very high line output voltage to the rear to minimize induced noise.
Use your existing LOC to start, see if it does what you want it to. If you have noise issues, look into ANY of the Audio Control devices, they are all stellar. (I've used a few in my car, and they do what they say the can do)
For amplification, I would keep it simple. Look into the DLS Ultimate A5. It's a 3 channel amp with on board processing that easily will power your sub (I don't see anything wrong with your current choice) and a good set 2 way components in the front. Linky here: http://www.dls.se/english/fstark/a5n.htm
For front speakers, here's what I'd recomend you do. LISTEN to as many 2 way component sets as you can. Be sure to include the DLS Ultimate 6.2 kit in your addition list, as I believe it to be one heck of a bang for the buck. I personally have played with a LOT of speakers in my car, so I can vouch for the quality of this kit. After you've selected a small final list of 2 way kits you liked, now is the time to do a "test fit". Remove one of your door skins (have your BMW dealer do it for you if you are unsure of how to do this) and have the drivers test fitted into the door skin. What you are trying to do (from your own goals listed previously) is find a set of speakers that won't force you to disfigure your door skin.
Tweeters can be mounted just above the door handle where a 2" midrange cone currently resides.
With a good installer, you shouldn't need to replace ANY of the speaker wiring. Just re-use the factory wiring that's routed from the factory amplifier on the left side of the trunk to the front of the car. (You will have to have some wire added in the trunk to possibly reach your amp deppending on where it's mounted.)
Don't focus on EQ. Get good speakers, a flexible amp, and most importantly, find an installer you trust. You won't need an EQ if do the above. I'm sure you've heard this before, but install is the most important piece of the car audio puzzle.
Have fun,
Adam
BTW, what color is your interior?
05-11-2006, 03:13 PM
#20
Administrator
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 16,855
I could talk your ears off on what I think you should do, but he's the actual expert with this car as he's gutted his to the bone and built it up...... and then gutted it again now to turn it into a beast under the hood, but that a whole other story.
Now for my opinions...
First off, if your amps aren't noisy and have enough power for you then keep them! Save your money for a killer front set of speakers, it will make WAY more difference than an amp 'upgrade'.
I agree that your factory deck is likely fine SQ wise. If you need something with more features, you were thinking along the right lines by going Alpine. It's my only choice for a headunit.
For front speakers... I cannot say "factory door locations" and "excellent SQ" in the same sentence in a positive manner. Personally I would go with a 3way setup so you can have a large midbass in the door and a smallish kickpanel for the mid and tweeter, or mid only and put the tweeter on the dash or Apillar. You may need another amp though if you decide to go with all active processing. A decent 4ch would do it.
