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      09-21-2015, 03:10 PM   #1
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Stock Head Unit & Speakers + Aftermarket 12" Sub & Amp question?

So I hooked up a 1600w (@ 1 ohm) Pioneer Amp to a Kicker CVX 12" Sub w/ a Capacitor. Used a Line Out Converter to convert the stock sub outputs (from the OEM trunk amp) to RCA's. Converter also has a stock remote acc turn on, so all in all I didnt have to run any wires through the car (aside from the "Bass Control"remote for the amp.)...

Question is simple. I usually use my phone or tablet to listen to music. I used to install stereos years ago and know the sound quality you lose using High-> Low converters. I have to imagine there is a way for me to run sound directly from the phone or tablet where I can run USB to the OEM stereo and then RCA's directly to the amp from a gizmo like the one linked below or something similar...

USB to RCA Gadget<---Click Link

Any reason this would not work, or any easier solutions?

Dont want to lose sound quality, but don't want to lose any functionality of the stock Navi/Multimedia/DVD unit...Next option was to install a specific BMW/Android OEM Looking unit, so I can even run torque in-dash.



Ideas? Comments? The current setup actually does sound decent, but you do get the "volume lag" as I call it and just a general disconnected feeling between the head unit and bass.

Thanks for the input in advance Guys (and Gals)...
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      09-21-2015, 06:04 PM   #2
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Would a MOD please move this to the appropriate sub forum?
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      09-23-2015, 11:57 AM   #3
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In my experience with aftermarket head units, just keep it stock.
I replaced my NAV head unit on my 2005 X5 3.0i with the AVIN Avant 2, which is an aftermarket android based head unit. Of all the Android aftermarkets, the AVIN is probably the best out there.

While you do have more functionality with the aftermarket head units, the reliability and convenience offered by the stock head units are simply not there. You will run into apps crashing, glitches, slow performance etc... There will be times you will have to format your system and thus lose everything downloaded on your android. I just bought a 2013 M3 with premium sound and I am happy with it along with the functionality of the head unit. Just my $0.02
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      09-23-2015, 05:36 PM   #4
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agreed.

I could imagine all the problems with the aftermarket stuff combine with the lack of some of the oem features. Thats why I was hoping for both..

Even considered running an indepedendent single DIN head unit in the glove box and figuring out a way to mate the speaker outputs with the OEM behind the dash.

However, I need to learn more about the OEM Hi-FI DSP system BMW uses before i pull out the drawing board. Its obviously a very unique setup
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      09-23-2015, 05:53 PM   #5
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So, having gone through a similar process like yourself...

If you are looking at an alternative to the high -> low converters, here are your options:

A) Code the stock HU to output a low level signal. I had this for a while, while its better... I still had an annoying hiss. The outputs are the same, everything (wire wise) stays the same... The HU just starts to output low level rather then high level.

B) The best option, what I am running now:

Mobridge DA2 (or DA3)... It in essence coverts the optical signal (MOST) that your vehicle has (all E9X's will have a MOST bus... but if you have bluetooth, you will have a combox / tcu, if you have that... then the cable is already in the trunk under the cover)... So it plugs in line with the MOST bus... You code your stock HU to fool it into thinking you have "TOP Hifi" system and viola... Optical (digital) output right to the trunk... The DA3 then has 2 sets of outputs, 8xRCA or 1xOptical. I really recommend this option... Its a bit pricy, but you cant beat the signal quality. Also bare in mind... This will mean you will need to "after market amp" all your speakers... No more using the CICs internal amp for anything.

BTW, this is what I'm running:

CIC -> MOST BUS -> Mobridge DA3 -> *2x RCA -> MS-8 DSP -> HD900/5 Amp -> Speakers -> My ears

* = This an be 2-8x RCA or Optical, I bought my DSP well before the Mobridge... Had I bought it after, I would have gotten one that supported optical in...

Anyways long story short... With the Mobridge DA2 or DA3, a good DSP and a solid amp... You will be able to put together a system that blows the best BMW had to offer out of the water

Quote:
Originally Posted by DKM3Power View Post
So I hooked up a 1600w (@ 1 ohm) Pioneer Amp to a Kicker CVX 12" Sub w/ a Capacitor. Used a Line Out Converter to convert the stock sub outputs (from the OEM trunk amp) to RCA's. Converter also has a stock remote acc turn on, so all in all I didnt have to run any wires through the car (aside from the "Bass Control"remote for the amp.)...

Question is simple. I usually use my phone or tablet to listen to music. I used to install stereos years ago and know the sound quality you lose using High-> Low converters. I have to imagine there is a way for me to run sound directly from the phone or tablet where I can run USB to the OEM stereo and then RCA's directly to the amp from a gizmo like the one linked below or something similar...

USB to RCA Gadget<---Click Link

Any reason this would not work, or any easier solutions?

Dont want to lose sound quality, but don't want to lose any functionality of the stock Navi/Multimedia/DVD unit...Next option was to install a specific BMW/Android OEM Looking unit, so I can even run torque in-dash.



Ideas? Comments? The current setup actually does sound decent, but you do get the "volume lag" as I call it and just a general disconnected feeling between the head unit and bass.

Thanks for the input in advance Guys (and Gals)...
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      09-23-2015, 08:50 PM   #6
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Very interesting, a tad advanced for me. Mind posting some pics so I get a better idea of your setup?
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      11-21-2015, 10:45 AM   #7
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Ended up going with the Audio Control LC2i LOC/ Line Driver. Not only is it a LOC but it has a signal processor that prevents factory bass 'roll off", I also got a Hifonics Bass Restoraio Processor an Alpine Type R 12" (wired @ 2 ohms) and a 2400 Watt Class D Pioneer Amp.

Sound is great. Still planning on upgrading to one of the OEM looking Android Multimedia decks. Until then couldnt me happier...

But still curious in your setup
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      11-22-2015, 06:17 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by anom3 View Post
So, having gone through a similar process like yourself...

If you are looking at an alternative to the high -> low converters, here are your options:

A) Code the stock HU to output a low level signal. I had this for a while, while its better... I still had an annoying hiss. The outputs are the same, everything (wire wise) stays the same... The HU just starts to output low level rather then high level.

B) The best option, what I am running now:

Mobridge DA2 (or DA3)... It in essence coverts the optical signal (MOST) that your vehicle has (all E9X's will have a MOST bus... but if you have bluetooth, you will have a combox / tcu, if you have that... then the cable is already in the trunk under the cover)... So it plugs in line with the MOST bus... You code your stock HU to fool it into thinking you have "TOP Hifi" system and viola... Optical (digital) output right to the trunk... The DA3 then has 2 sets of outputs, 8xRCA or 1xOptical. I really recommend this option... Its a bit pricy, but you cant beat the signal quality. Also bare in mind... This will mean you will need to "after market amp" all your speakers... No more using the CICs internal amp for anything.

BTW, this is what I'm running:

CIC -> MOST BUS -> Mobridge DA3 -> *2x RCA -> MS-8 DSP -> HD900/5 Amp -> Speakers -> My ears

* = This an be 2-8x RCA or Optical, I bought my DSP well before the Mobridge... Had I bought it after, I would have gotten one that supported optical in...

Anyways long story short... With the Mobridge DA2 or DA3, a good DSP and a solid amp... You will be able to put together a system that blows the best BMW had to offer out of the water
Great post.
Can you do a DIY with links for products and info on how that's coded so it's easier to find in the future?
Like what MOST is and what the DA2/DA3 do? Kind of a newb to BMW stereos.

.
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Let me get this straight... You are swapping out parts designed by some of the top engineers in the world because some guys sponsored by a company told you it's "better??" But when you ask the same guy about tracking, "oh no, I have a kid now" or "I just detailed my car." or "i just got new tires."
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      11-22-2015, 07:24 PM   #9
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I was personally never a fan of the big box unit in my trunk, I always thought it was kind of cheap looking. If I was to do a setup it would definitely be a side trunk enclosure, nice and tucked away. And definitely some dynowrap around the trunk area so your M3 doesn't sound like a beater with all the external rattling. But if your unit sounds good and you like it, thats all that really matters lol
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      11-23-2015, 07:49 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AMG_LAWL View Post
I was personally never a fan of the big box unit in my trunk, I always thought it was kind of cheap looking. If I was to do a setup it would definitely be a side trunk enclosure, nice and tucked away. And definitely some dynowrap around the trunk area so your M3 doesn't sound like a beater with all the external rattling. But if your unit sounds good and you like it, thats all that really matters lol
It can be cheap looking but since Ive had more time Ive worked hard to match the monochrome theme. Also, BMWs dont have a lot of external rattle. Just the rear plate which is easiliy taken care of. Trunk is so insulated from outside noise it traps the bass in. so i leave the middle 'ski pack" out as a port and the sound is
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      11-23-2015, 11:48 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKM3Power View Post
It can be cheap looking but since Ive had more time Ive worked hard to match the monochrome theme. Also, BMWs dont have a lot of external rattle. Just the rear plate which is easiliy taken care of. Trunk is so insulated from outside noise it traps the bass in. so i leave the middle 'ski pack" out as a port and the sound is
Well there you go, looks like you got it all figured out lol
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      11-23-2015, 10:51 PM   #12
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I spent some R & D time and my goal was lowest weight possible but serious bass...I met my goal and I gotta say it most of my friends are shocked I only have one 12"....Here's what I settled on...


-Pioneer Championship Series Amplifier
2400w Max. 800w RMS @ 2ohms.

-Alpine 12" Type R Sub-woofer
Recommended 800w RMS, Wired in Parallel (2ohms)


-Vented Enclosure
1.3cu/ft Enclosure (stuffed w poly-fill), 14AWG Speaker Wire, Tuned for 33hrz

-Audio Control LC2i: Intelligent Line Output Converter/Line Driver
Sourced from the post amp OEM underseat 8" Sub wires

-Hifonics BX10 Bass Restoration Processor
Increases isolated low freq, and ultra low pass to filter sub-sonic frequecies
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      11-23-2015, 11:03 PM   #13
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To add a more OEM look I ironed on some ///M3 Patches LOL. Also matched component and wire colors with the monochrome theme of the car...
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      12-25-2015, 02:31 AM   #14
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Update: Just under a month and the unit is going strong...Sub gets louder and louder as it breaks in, and I've tuned all the dials and remotes to really opimize he sound IMO.

...I even bought a $500+ dual 12" P3 Rockford (1ohm) box and teseted it with my current setup and it just took up too much space and honesly, while it def hit ALOT harder, It was nothing like the single type R in bass reproduction/quality...Took it out immediately! So that is for sale in the NY regional forum.

But now onto next step and I need advice. I really would like to install a head unit. Something OEM looking built for he e92....Amazon has at least 10 diff units all very similar. Some run on android, some windows (prefer android)...They supposedly keep fulll functionality, and some even add features...Heated seats, PDC, DVRs, climate control timers etc..

I already run a tablet in the car for music through console USB or AUX cable so i have a 10+ band EQ to really dial in the sub. I also use torque pro, dash command, BMWhat, and Track Addict for videos...

The reason I am looking to switch is just to have clean sub outputs...The Audio Control Line driver/works great but we all know nothing beats a clean rca output.

Only problem a lot of them mention the only work w the base sound system,not hi-fi or premium...I believe its incompatible with anyhing using optical signal....

So are there any that work properly with e92 m3s? w ith hifi or premium sound? Has anyone reading this used one or have one now...

These are the units i'm talking about:

OEM LOOKING ANDROID HEAD UNIT (2005-2011 E92) <---click link
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