Dinan vs Active exhaust - how different are they from each other?

Fen335i · 01-19-2010, 01:03 AM

I'm sure a lot of you have already seen this video:

I know there can be a big difference in audio recording equipment and maybe that's what explains this video...but it does surprise me that the Dinan sounds about the same as the Active Signature exhaust. From everything I've read on this forum, most folks consider Active's setup quite a bit louder than Dinan's. Is this just a case of poor recording? I really can't tell much of a difference between the two.

biglare · 01-19-2010, 04:20 AM

I have the full DINAN setup and there is no drone at all. I had a friend with a E90 M3 and he has stock mids with the Active exhaust and he said he has drone noise. His exhaust is a little deeper sounding at lower rpm's too. Not sure if this helps, but take it for what its worth.

Best of Luck

Fen335i · 01-19-2010, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biglare

I have the full DINAN setup and there is no drone at all. I had a friend with a E90 M3 and he has stock mids with the Active exhaust and he said he has drone noise. His exhaust is a little deeper sounding at lower rpm's too. Not sure if this helps, but take it for what its worth.

Best of Luck

Thanks a lot for the post. That's good to hear that the Dinan system doesn't drone when you add their midpipe. I know a lot of systems do drone when you add the mid section.

Question on Dinan's midpipe: is it "catless", meaning that you remove BOTH the OEM primary and secondary cats?

nevin · 01-19-2010, 11:49 AM

I have AA, i can't vouch for Dinan cause i've only had it on a old 325. The AA sounds amazing. I had to put cats on to pass inspection and i can't tell a difference from when i didn't have them.

miamie92m3 · 01-19-2010, 01:13 PM

I have the full AA system with HFC's. I had it catless but the smell was killing me. The dinan is only catless for offroad use. With the cats its a little bit quieter, but truthfully I think it sounds better. Without the cats I felt like there was some raspiness. The drone is minimal. Idle noise is also minimal. Its a great system and the guys at AA provide great service. Besides, the Dinan black tips do not look right IMO. Actives larger tips look great when polished and set up flush to the bumper.

niqui · 01-19-2010, 06:11 PM

i heard that the dinan is barely any louder than stock,...or any different sounding...is this true...i find all the comparison vids confusing cause i cant rmbr shit by the end.

niqui · 01-19-2010, 06:12 PM

i hate how only the tips are black and the canisters silver, looks terrible.

MMMorish · 01-19-2010, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by niqui

i hate how only the tips are black and the canisters silver, looks terrible.

Agreed. The tips aren't that nice either.

Nawaaz · 01-19-2010, 08:03 PM

I think the AA is louder than the Dinan.

If you wanna be conservative and have a slight upgrade in sound, I'd go with the Dinan.

Fen335i · 01-19-2010, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nawaaz

I think the AA is louder than the Dinan.

If you wanna be conservative and have a slight upgrade in sound, I'd go with the Dinan.

Thanks Nawaaz. I know you've been around this block a few times....so your advice is helpful. My trick is I think I want to eventually add an upgraded xpipe w/HFC's for added performance (hp/torque)...but I know that I need to be careful with the rear exhaust selection because adding the xpipe to the wrong exhaust can make it REALLY loud. I just want a "sporty" sound (louder than stock and noticeable that it's not stock)....but not so loud that it drones or causes problems for passengers in the car.

miamie92m3 · 01-19-2010, 08:50 PM

I honestly can tell you that the AA muffler alone will not annoy your passengers. I have the full system and it does not bother my wife and she is very sensitive to noise. JMO. I'm sure the Dinan muffler is great too though. I personally just think the Dinan system looks bad (black tips look like they are always dirty) and remember AA muffler incorporates NCC's which the stock exhaust has too. They are there to eliminate/reduce drone. Your best bet is to ride in someones car who has these exhaust systems before you buy.

01-19-2010, 01:03 AM	#1
Fen335i Captain Drives: e92 M3 / Z4 M Roadster Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 723 iTrader: (0)	Dinan vs Active exhaust - how different are they from each other? I'm sure a lot of you have already seen this video: I know there can be a big difference in audio recording equipment and maybe that's what explains this video...but it does surprise me that the Dinan sounds about the same as the Active Signature exhaust. From everything I've read on this forum, most folks consider Active's setup quite a bit louder than Dinan's. Is this just a case of poor recording? I really can't tell much of a difference between the two.
	Tweet

01-19-2010, 04:20 AM	#2
biglare Bulldog Drives: X6M \| 1M \| SOLD E90 M3 VT2-625 Join Date: May 2008 Location: CA Posts: 2,756 iTrader: (3)	I have the full DINAN setup and there is no drone at all. I had a friend with a E90 M3 and he has stock mids with the Active exhaust and he said he has drone noise. His exhaust is a little deeper sounding at lower rpm's too. Not sure if this helps, but take it for what its worth. Best of Luck __________________ 1M ESS Stage 1+ Tune \| IND Grills - Sides \| Eisenmann Race \| HRE P43S \| KW V3 \| SOLD-M3 ESS VT2-625 \| IND/Challenge CF V-Weave Roof - LipSpoiler – BootLid – Diffuser - Mirrors - Brembo BBK Fiji-Green \| HRE P44SC \| MA Carbon – CF MatteSilver Trim \| Akra GT4 Mid-Pipe - Eisenmann Inconel \| 3.62Diff \| TopStitch Custom Interior \| KW Clubsport \| RD Sport Sways

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

01-19-2010, 11:49 AM	#4
nevin Private First Class Drives: AA Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: DELAWARE Posts: 194 iTrader: (3)	I have AA, i can't vouch for Dinan cause i've only had it on a old 325. The AA sounds amazing. I had to put cats on to pass inspection and i can't tell a difference from when i didn't have them.

01-19-2010, 01:13 PM	#5
miamie92m3 Private First Class Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 176 iTrader: (0)	I have the full AA system with HFC's. I had it catless but the smell was killing me. The dinan is only catless for offroad use. With the cats its a little bit quieter, but truthfully I think it sounds better. Without the cats I felt like there was some raspiness. The drone is minimal. Idle noise is also minimal. Its a great system and the guys at AA provide great service. Besides, the Dinan black tips do not look right IMO. Actives larger tips look great when polished and set up flush to the bumper.

01-19-2010, 06:11 PM	#6
niqui Brigadier General Drives: Jet Black E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 3,096 iTrader: (7)	i heard that the dinan is barely any louder than stock,...or any different sounding...is this true...i find all the comparison vids confusing cause i cant rmbr shit by the end.

01-19-2010, 06:12 PM	#7
niqui Brigadier General Drives: Jet Black E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 3,096 iTrader: (7)	i hate how only the tips are black and the canisters silver, looks terrible.

01-19-2010, 08:03 PM	#9
Nawaaz Brigadier General Drives: . Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: . Posts: 4,647 iTrader: (0)	I think the AA is louder than the Dinan. If you wanna be conservative and have a slight upgrade in sound, I'd go with the Dinan.

01-19-2010, 08:50 PM	#11
miamie92m3 Private First Class Drives: M3 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Miami Posts: 176 iTrader: (0)	I honestly can tell you that the AA muffler alone will not annoy your passengers. I have the full system and it does not bother my wife and she is very sensitive to noise. JMO. I'm sure the Dinan muffler is great too though. I personally just think the Dinan system looks bad (black tips look like they are always dirty) and remember AA muffler incorporates NCC's which the stock exhaust has too. They are there to eliminate/reduce drone. Your best bet is to ride in someones car who has these exhaust systems before you buy.