I was all set to upgrade the sound to my 530i (Alpine amp, sub, eq and MB Quart speakers) this weekend when I get a call from the sound shop saying they worked on another 5 series this week and they found a problem.

I was not going to replace the amp, but rather add another one on top of the factory one.

They say the problem with BMWs is that there is no full range output coming out of the factory amplifier and this creates an issue when upgrading the sound system because the output is split into highs, lows, and mids. To do it right they need an audio processor to take these separate signals and join them to make them full range for the new amplifier. The processor will cost me another $400-500....

Have you guys heard of this issue? Will this substitute the equalizer I was planning on adding?

Any suggestions?

 

Yes this has been discussed many times in many different threads. Just do a quick search and you will find tons of info. There are at least 2 different ones that have been discussed.

start here: https://5series.net/forums/topic/800...1&#entry924791

 

search "mObridge"

 

The installer is right. The cheapest route is to install a Jl cleansweep with their summing device. If you want an all in one unit with a built in dsp go for a Audison Bitone or JBL MS-8. The Ms-8 is suppose to do wonders to any system. stock or aftermarket.

 

this is correct, I'm getting ready to do a full aftermarket stereo on my car and will be using the alpine h650 processor. If you are willing to spend the money definitely get the audison bit-one by far the best piece, I went with the alpine because I bought it used for $100.

 

I did a full sound system upgrade incl. speakers all round, 2 amps and 2 sub woofers... However, no matter how much you spend, there are limitations to sound quality with the standard size speakers etc... The E60 uses 4" speakers which cannot re-produce sound as well as the larger speakers...

Either way, i am very happy with my set up and glad i did it

Good luck with your mods!

 

Well currently I've bought a used set of 4" focal utopia speakers with 1" tweeters, 6" focal polykevlar subs to go under the seats, and a 10" hertz ausio high energy sub to go in the trunk. These will be run off of 3 alpine pdx amps (2.150, 4.100 and 1.600) and processed with the alpine h650, hopefully it shouldn't sound too bad, we'll see I guess.

 

Thanks, he actually recommended me the Alpine Imprint PXE-H660, which costs $500 -I think it's the newest one. Is that one too different than the H650? I can get the H650 for $325 online...or maybe less...

 

I don't think they made too many changes to the h660, you may want to check that though. I think one of the differences is the ability to not have to use the volume control on the alpine unit and still be able to use the cars volume knob. Lots of these processor units you have to use there volume control because they require the cars volume to remain at the same setting.

 

mm... so the new one allows you to use the volume know and I guess same goes to steering wheels controls...correct?

that would be a big plus...