Dr. Strangelove, or How I Learned to Stop Worrying & Live w the Harmon Kardon System

MarcoZandrini · 08-12-2021, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mst_lv

Does anybody know the difference between the HiFi and HK amps? Is the HK version indeed more powerful? I want to upgrade the HiFi system to better speakers and want to know if changing to HK amp would be an additional improvement? I want to leave all OEM so aftermarket amp is not an option. Thanks!

I think a better option for you is to buy the Audiotek-Fischer MATCH 7UP BMW amp. It's plug and play, and is tunable using the Audiotek-Fischer (free) app on your laptop. That's what I with my car and the sound is much better. Addition ally, the amp allows you to interface directly (and digitally) with the amp via Bluetooth or via USB. The use of a direct, digital input bypasses the head unit's crappy digital to analog converter-much better sound. Also, the amp handles lossless audio files such as FLAC. They sound fantastic.

Encanto · 08-14-2021, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mst_lv

Does anybody know the difference between the HiFi and HK amps? Is the HK version indeed more powerful? I want to upgrade the HiFi system to better speakers and want to know if changing to HK amp would be an additional improvement? I want to leave all OEM so aftermarket amp is not an option. Thanks!

HiFi(676) = 205W
HK(674) = 360W

vrooooom · 08-18-2021, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini

I think a better option for you is to buy the Audiotek-Fischer MATCH 7UP BMW amp. It's plug and play, and is tunable using the Audiotek-Fischer (free) app on your laptop. That's what I with my car and the sound is much better. Additionally, the amp allows you to interface directly (and digitally) with the amp via Bluetooth or via USB. The use of a direct, digital input bypasses the head unit's crappy digital to analog converter-much better sound. Also, the amp handles lossless audio files such as FLAC. They sound fantastic.

Did you also upgrade your front to the Etons and reconnected your centre back on? To improve the soundstage, this thread recommends disconnecting the centre.

How do you directly connect to the amp's DAC converter? So an iphone would have a choice of connecting to the HU... or the amp's?

MarcoZandrini · 08-19-2021, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vrooooom

Did you also upgrade your front to the Etons and reconnected your centre back on? To improve the soundstage, this thread recommends disconnecting the centre.

How do you directly connect to the amp's DAC converter? So an iphone would have a choice of connecting to the HU... or the amp's?

The Audiotec-Fischer amp has a slot for an add on module-either BT or USB. I tried the BT but my iphone 7 didn't like it some reason. So, I installed the USB module and bought a custom made USB-C - USB B-mini 15' long cable. I bought a FiiO M3 Pro player which has digital out. Sounds great, especially when I play the lossless music I bought from https://www.highdeftapetransfers.com/. It ain't cheep but the sound is fabulous.

MacFever · 08-22-2021, 06:38 AM

Just did the center disconnect and Eton front JL rear swap
I also added Dynamat to the doors
I cant recommend this mod enough : the audio is high end now compared to crap HK before
Thanks a lot for the info

vrooooom · 08-22-2021, 12:49 PM

On the JL, did you solder the wires? Are the HK tweeters still hooked up in the back?

hlm2c · 03-03-2022, 07:52 AM

Has anyone done a comparison between the Eton speakers and Focals? Are Focals worth the extra money over the Etons (mainly the door speakers & tweeters and possibly the center if anyone has feedback)?

MarcoZandrini · 03-03-2022, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hlm2c

Has anyone done a comparison between the Eton speakers and Focals? Are Focals worth the extra money over the Etons (mainly the door speakers & tweeters and possibly the center if anyone has feedback)?

"Funny" you should ask. I just replaced the Eton speakers in my doors with Focals. The difference? The higher frequencies are a little brighter. Worth the $? No.

hlm2c · 03-05-2022, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini

"Funny" you should ask. I just replaced the Eton speakers in my doors with Focals. The difference? The higher frequencies are a little brighter. Worth the $? No.

Was contemplating possibly doing the same.. I appreciate the feedback. Out of curiosity, which model of Focal speakers did you replace your etons with?

MarcoZandrini · 03-06-2022, 09:32 AM

IS BMW 100. Bought them on eBay for a very good price.

Phil @ Integral Audio · 03-13-2022, 05:29 PM

hlm2c

If you want to try the Integral Audio Soundstage elements we'll cover free shipping for you. Soundstage Elements is the 4" midranges, 1" tweeters, our vehicle-specific cabin tuned passive crossovers, mirror sail tweeter mounts, and all cables and wiring needed for a seamless installation.

If you don't like it after you install it - return it and we'll pay for shipping to get it back to us as well.

If you end up getting the Focals or the Etons and are willing to post a review with your honest feedback... we can discuss a discount on the purchase price as well.

https://integralaudio.com/soundstage...2-f23-f87.html

Reach out to us on the website if you're at all interested. We don't think you'll be disappointed.

ashmostro · 06-06-2022, 12:15 AM

Phil, it looks like you use an electrolytic cap on your xover network. Can you do a version with a poly cap instead? Nothing crazy, like maybe a clarity or bennic.

Ash

Dumaurier7 · 06-08-2022, 06:24 PM

Anyone have any feedback to share on IA's under seat woofer performance?

ashmostro · 06-10-2022, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini

I think a better option for you is to buy the Audiotek-Fischer MATCH 7UP BMW amp. It's plug and play, and is tunable using the Audiotek-Fischer (free) app on your laptop. That's what I with my car and the sound is much better. Addition ally, the amp allows you to interface directly (and digitally) with the amp via Bluetooth or via USB. The use of a direct, digital input bypasses the head unit's crappy digital to analog converter-much better sound. Also, the amp handles lossless audio files such as FLAC. They sound fantastic.

How does volume control work when using the BT card on the UP7?

Thanks

MarcoZandrini · 06-10-2022, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashmostro

How does volume control work when using the BT card on the UP7?

Thanks

The volume is controlled by the source when using BT. I now use a audio player (Fiio M3 Pro) that's connected to the AF USB card. The volume is controlled by the Fiio.

ronroberto · 07-17-2022, 05:11 PM

I went with the full Dr Strangelove setup. Eton B100W, JL C2-400x, BSW's, Match Up 7BMW, center-delete, ASD-delete, dynamat in the doors. I'm still trying to get the tuning right. It's good, but something is still off.
Is anyone else running this combo that can share their tune?

MarcoZandrini · 07-18-2022, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronroberto

I went with the full Dr Strangelove setup. Eton B100W, JL C2-400x, BSW's, Match Up 7BMW, center-delete, ASD-delete, dynamat in the doors. I'm still trying to get the tuning right. It's good, but something is still off.
Is anyone else running this combo that can share their tune?

Are you using the Audiotech-Fischer tuning guide?

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/medi...e_Vol1_web.pdf

ronroberto · 07-18-2022, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarcoZandrini

Are you using the Audiotech-Fischer tuning guide?

https://www.audiotec-fischer.de/medi...e_Vol1_web.pdf

Thanks I haven't seen that before, going through it now. I held off on getting a mic for a single-use, but it's starting to look worth the cost. I'm assuming I can't use a steaming mic?

https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti/

ashmostro · 07-18-2022, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ronroberto

Thanks I haven't seen that before, going through it now. I held off on getting a mic for a single-use, but it's starting to look worth the cost. I'm assuming I can't use a steaming mic?

https://www.bluemic.com/en-us/products/yeti/

No, you definitely don't want to use something like that. You need a calibrated mic with an accompanying calibration file.

A common and high performing mic is the UMIK-1 from MiniDSP. I think they've even available on Amazon, as well as of course directly from MiniDSP. Make sure you use the 90-degree calibration file, not the 0-degree.

ashmostro · 07-18-2022, 10:34 AM

Also, a slightly cheaper option is the Dayton Audio UMM-6.

ronroberto · 07-18-2022, 10:49 AM

Thanks, I'll likely go the cheaper route unless there is a need, I'll check them out

O Stater · 07-18-2022, 04:40 PM

Fewwww, finally made it through all 42 pages of this post...A lot of good info... However, I decided to go with morel hybrid 402 up front and morel maximo ultra's in back. Further, I'm heavily leaning to the JL VX amp to drive it all.

My question, to anyone who has installed the Morel's or similar speaker, is the 50mm depth an issue? Apparently Morel now makes the 402 in a shallow version and I'm uncertain if I want to go with the standard or shallow.

Lastly, has anyone considered bypassing the standard subs under the seats and installing a custom sub box on the passenger side of the trunk behind the wheel well?

08-22-2021, 06:38 AM	#907
MacFever Private 46 Rep 74 Posts Drives: Bmw M2 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	Eton/JL Just did the center disconnect and Eton front JL rear swap I also added Dynamat to the doors I cant recommend this mod enough : the audio is high end now compared to crap HK before Thanks a lot for the info
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-22-2021, 12:49 PM	#908
vrooooom New BMW owner 325 Rep 842 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW M2 LCI Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: Philippines iTrader: (0)	On the JL, did you solder the wires? Are the HK tweeters still hooked up in the back? __________________ 2018 BMW M2 LCI BM3 Stage 2 + MPE + FTP charge pipe + MST V2 Inlet + TurboSmart DV + CSF FMIC + AA Hi-flow Downpipe + Turner Rear Shifter Bushing + Wiechers Strut Brace + Bilstein B16 PSS10 + Apex VS-5RS
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03-03-2022, 07:52 AM	#909
hlm2c Lieutenant 290 Rep 408 Posts Drives: M2C Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: US/Korea iTrader: (1)	Has anyone done a comparison between the Eton speakers and Focals? Are Focals worth the extra money over the Etons (mainly the door speakers & tweeters and possibly the center if anyone has feedback)?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-06-2022, 09:32 AM	#912
MarcoZandrini Major 444 Rep 1,264 Posts Drives: 2018 M240i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	IS BMW 100. Bought them on eBay for a very good price.
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03-13-2022, 05:29 PM	#913
Phil @ Integral Audio New Member 7 Rep 20 Posts Drives: F30 328ix Join Date: Jan 2022 Location: Rhode Island iTrader: (0)	hlm2c If you want to try the Integral Audio Soundstage elements we'll cover free shipping for you. Soundstage Elements is the 4" midranges, 1" tweeters, our vehicle-specific cabin tuned passive crossovers, mirror sail tweeter mounts, and all cables and wiring needed for a seamless installation. If you don't like it after you install it - return it and we'll pay for shipping to get it back to us as well. If you end up getting the Focals or the Etons and are willing to post a review with your honest feedback... we can discuss a discount on the purchase price as well. https://integralaudio.com/soundstage...2-f23-f87.html Reach out to us on the website if you're at all interested. We don't think you'll be disappointed. Attached Images __________________ Phil Integral Audio - We make the finest vehicle specific audio systems on the planet. www.integralaudio.com
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06-06-2022, 12:15 AM	#914
ashmostro Brigadier General 1253 Rep 4,087 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Phil, it looks like you use an electrolytic cap on your xover network. Can you do a version with a poly cap instead? Nothing crazy, like maybe a clarity or bennic. Ash
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06-08-2022, 06:24 PM	#915
Dumaurier7 Enlisted Member 8 Rep 46 Posts Drives: BMW M235i Join Date: Aug 2020 Location: Caribbean (Trinidad) iTrader: (0)	Anyone have any feedback to share on IA's under seat woofer performance?
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07-17-2022, 05:11 PM	#918
ronroberto New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 17 M240i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	I went with the full Dr Strangelove setup. Eton B100W, JL C2-400x, BSW's, Match Up 7BMW, center-delete, ASD-delete, dynamat in the doors. I'm still trying to get the tuning right. It's good, but something is still off. Is anyone else running this combo that can share their tune?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-18-2022, 10:34 AM	#922
ashmostro Brigadier General 1253 Rep 4,087 Posts Drives: 2020 M4cs \| 2022 M550i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Falls Church, VA iTrader: (27)	Also, a slightly cheaper option is the Dayton Audio UMM-6.
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07-18-2022, 10:49 AM	#923
ronroberto New Member 0 Rep 10 Posts Drives: 17 M240i Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	Thanks, I'll likely go the cheaper route unless there is a need, I'll check them out
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07-18-2022, 04:40 PM	#924
O Stater Private 12 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 2017 M240i Join Date: Jul 2022 Location: Washington iTrader: (0)	Fewwww, finally made it through all 42 pages of this post...A lot of good info... However, I decided to go with morel hybrid 402 up front and morel maximo ultra's in back. Further, I'm heavily leaning to the JL VX amp to drive it all. My question, to anyone who has installed the Morel's or similar speaker, is the 50mm depth an issue? Apparently Morel now makes the 402 in a shallow version and I'm uncertain if I want to go with the standard or shallow. Lastly, has anyone considered bypassing the standard subs under the seats and installing a custom sub box on the passenger side of the trunk behind the wheel well?
	Appreciate 0 Quote