methodsound

I will try to remain objective as I give an installer's review of the standard audio system, standard audio with the BSW midrange speakers and tweeters, and the upgraded system we finished with...

2006 530i hi-fi audio system ( US standard audio system ). Customer brought in the BSW speaker kit for installation. I knew we would not get the desired result without an amplifier, however I did not try to sell the customer my brand of speakers and force them return the BSW speakers they had purchased.

Here are the factory speakers next to the BSW speakers for comparison. The BSW speakers have a fiber cone compared to the stock paper cone, both the stock and BSW tweeters were a textile soft dome tweeter of similar size.


1) BMW factory hi-fi system: Sounds best at low to medium volume levels, which are too low for when the vehicle is at highway speeds. Soundstage is low and focused at the far left and right side of the dash. Lacks punch and clarity. Distortion levels dramatically increase when the volume is high enough to overcome the road noise. Max volume 100db.

2) Standard audio system with BSW midrange and tweeters: Overall better then stock, but not by a large margin. The transition from the under seat subwoofer to the midrange is not as smooth. The midrange and treble is cleaner overall but still hard to hear the timpani. Less overall volume, 98db max, actually less volume than stock.

3) Standard audio system with BSW midrange and tweeters but with an aftermarket amplifier and centerstage tweeters: Sound quality is superior to Logic 7 system. Distortion and clarity issues resolved. More punch and lively sound. Soundstage is wide and up high out in front of you across the dashboard, including some centered images. Max volume 115db ( 5 times louder ).

For a quick reference point, factory radio output and EQ curve:
factory sub amp output:

Note: I included the rta mic measurements and spl measurements to show some test measure other than listening impressions, however do not put too much weight on it's data. Keep in mind the rta does not measure soundstage or distortion, and it is difficult to duplicate the exact test conditions for each measurement since the volume varies slightly and I measured using a sweeping average to reduce reflections.

Conclusions: While the BSW speakers are higher quality than the stock speakers, the larger issue here is the total lack of power and sound stage of the factory system. I added speakers in the center of the dash and an amplifier which address what I feel are two contributing factors to the quality of the system. Those were not part of the BSW kit, but worked well with the BSW speaker upgrade. Also, the BSW tweeter is not as detailed or bright as most would prefer, but it is smooth and not offensive at any volume. This system sounds fantastic, especially considering that we did not change the subwoofers, add a subwoofer box, or add a DSP/ EQ. The final question would be how the BSW speakers compare to other speaker brands... I prefer the sound of a more detailed silk tweeter and the midrange could be smoother without the spike in the 1K hertz range, so they would not be my first choice, but they do sound very good... However the BSW speakers could sound brighter and smoother had an equalizer been used, and I do understand that in most circumstances only a specialist installer would be able to build the adaptor plates needed to mount other aftermarket speakers into the E60 bolt pattern. So for customers with the standard audio system I would say not to get the BSW speakers without an additional amplifier, for the L7 owner's, this speaker kit would be an improvement in sound quality all on it's own, just by changing out the mids and tweets. For the money, the L7 customers are going to get the best bang for their buck with the BSW speaker swap. Standard audio owners have two hurdles to overcome on their way to sound quality; which are power and speaker quality.

Aspxguru

Thanks for that info. What can you recommend as an amplifier upgrade and speakers for an 08 model without logic 7.

Thanks for the info.

Persian_535i

Very nice and insightful review, I'm also interested to know what you would suggest as an upgrade instead.

methodsound

The main point I tried to make was that the BSW speakers are better than the stock speakers but that they are not a complete solution to the hi-fi/ standard audio system. They really need more power to perform at their potential.


The key to putting together a realistic and lively sound system is the installation, integration, and tuning of the equipment. Every part of the installation is important... with proper installation, any quality speaker / amplifier product will work out fine. I buy and try new products and learn something each time, I do have my main brands I chose to carry based on my personal preference. That does not mean you can not get your car to sound good with other equipment.


Here are pics of the centerstage speakers and amplifier. Note that this car did not have fold down seats so the amplifier rack had to be easily removable from the trunk to gain access to the hidden equipment ( metric threaded bolts and inserts were used ).

methodsound

Quick example of what the baffle for the midrange would have to look like if you used a different speaker.



Here is the .75" silk tweeter, smaller then the 25mm ( 1") fabric dome tweeter. Easier for me to tune in these cars since it goes steady up to about 8K before starting to roll off the upper end.

( grille removed for photo )

bruce_miranda

What you found matches what my ears said as well. https://5series.net/forums/topic/942...&#entry1115150

I have the BSW standard upgrade with an amp driving two earthquake subs under the seats. The subs make all the difference.

aresh

interesting read but for reference how loud is the stock L7 system? 110db?

medik13

You should put a package together for the standard Hi Fi system. It should include the speakers you have tested for front stage, center channel with adapter plate, AMp, install instruction and all wiring to make it work. I bet you'd help out alot of people on this board.

Most people substitute the Stock underseat subs for SWS and change the door speakers with the BSW, then wire it all up with the Alpine or Blaupunkt amp. I, myself, have heard this combo and feel it sounds mediocre at best. I also agree the underseat subs were not the weakest point of the system and changing them does nothing. I think the weakest point is the front stage and the BSW, by themselves, do nothing to correct the staging. I like how you add the center stage to broaden and raise the Soundstage. but there has to be a better alternative than the BSW's. Put something together that is plug and play. Since you have the data equipment to back it up, I bet it would sell.

methodsound

The top hi-fi Logic 7 system amplifier power is 40x7 and 60x2 watts. The hi-fi standard audio system ( up to 2009 ) is only about 15x4 watts front and rear and 20x2 for the subs. Which means the L7 system would be about 3x louder, and also would have a lower distortion level. That is why L7 customer's that have upgraded their speakers can actually get the benefit out of it because they have enough power to run them.

rodiddy

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