Speaker & Amp Replacement Questions

sputman · 04-21-2015, 11:51 PM

I'm looking to upgrade my speakers using the Focal IFBMW-S kit and a JL XD600/6v2 amp. I'm planning on leaving the under-seat subs to start but I may go overkill and put the IFBMW-C kit in the rears (if they fit, I haven't checked yet) as I prefer more of a "surround" sound.

My first question is about the line-level out (using Technic's harness) and if it's a full, flat signal.

My second question is regarding the factory amp. I suspect BMW does all of the EQ adjustments in the amp which is why we got short changed and have no EQ settings with the cheaper amp they used in the 2 series.

If that's the case, is the balance, fade, treble and bass adjusted through the head unit and will work just fine with an aftermarket amp replacement; or an I going to loose those controls via iDrive?

My last question is regarding the under-seat subs and having them in stereo or mono. Will I really notice a difference? I ask as I'm also considering the JL Audio XD700/5 amp to get a bit more punch from the woofers, especially if I upgrade them to the Focal IFBMW-Subs.

Any comments are welcome and much appreciated.

Umster · 05-23-2015, 08:56 AM

I'm patiently waiting for M235i (agonizing!). I've had aftermarket audio gear in my cars for a long time. From what I've seen posted, the answer to some of your questions may depend on which stereo you have. If you have the standard stereo, there are 4 unprocessed analog channels coming from the head unit to the stock amp in the trunk. The signals are then filtered/equalized by the amp and sent to the speakers. If you have the Harmon Karden upgrade the signals from the head unit are digital to the amp and you may only be able to tap into the signal after it is processed by the amp. In either case you shouldn't lose the fader or balance controls.

As to your decision about the amps, if you are not planning to put a sub in the trunk and will only use the subs under the seats, you could use the 5 or 6 channel amp. If you plan on possibly having a larger sub in the trunk and use the speakers under the seats as mid bass drivers, you might be better off with the JL XD 700/5 (this is option I'm considering). Here's why. The 700/5's crossovers allow you to run a band pass option on channels 3&4. If you use channels 1&2 for the speakers in the doors (plus or minus the tweeters) and set the high pass crossover point, then you can select band pass mode for channels 3&4 and select a high crossover point, so you can send the lowest frequencies to the sub in the trunk using channel 5. Channels 3&4 will then have a low pass crossover point the same as the high pass crossover point as channels 1&2. That way you can send just mid bass frequencies to the subs under the seat.

As for the rear speakers, you could just run them off the factory amp (if you're in the front seats, you probably don't need accurate sound reproduction, just some rear fill. You may not even need to replace the factory speakers.

If you are experienced with aftermarket stereos, I apologize for the expanded explanation of high/band/low pass crossover set-up. I'm from the Aurora, just north of Toronto, so your car (if you bought it in Canada) my future M235i have different packages and standard equipment than in the U.S. Even the info we read about how the head unit sends signals to the amp might be different. Lastly, the salesperson at the dealership told me there was ASD in the model I am leasing. If there is ASD, you may have to bypass that or the processed engine noises may become louder if put in an aftermarket amp. You may just have to go to the trunk and see how it's connected.

sputman · 05-23-2015, 03:51 PM

Thanks for all the info! I ended up having the audio system upgraded earlier this week with Focal KRS-100s in the front, a JL600/6 amp and the audio harness from Technic.

I have the HK system and the harness made it super simple to replace the factory amp. Completely plug and play, no cut wires. The 600/6 fits right where the factory amp goes and so the 700/5 should as well as they're the same size.

There's still a bit of tuning to do as the tweeters are a bit bright and the bass is still lacking. I believe there's a switch on the crossover to deal with the tweeters and I'll adjust the gain on the sub channels. I may end up installing the focal subs that are a direct replacement for the OEM ones depending on the results.

Umster · 05-23-2015, 10:59 PM

Sounds like you're well on your way to possible stereo nirvana.

How did you go about getting the Technics harness?

sputman · 05-25-2015, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Umster

Sounds like you're well on your way to possible stereo nirvana.

How did you go about getting the Technics harness?

PM Technic on here, he sells the harnesses.

sakitnyatudisini · 05-26-2015, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguyscott

PM Technic on here, he sells the harnesses.

Thanks for advice, I will buy it now

opfreak · 05-26-2015, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguyscott

Thanks for all the info! I ended up having the audio system upgraded earlier this week with Focal KRS-100s in the front, a JL600/6 amp and the audio harness from Technic.

I have the HK system and the harness made it super simple to replace the factory amp. Completely plug and play, no cut wires. The 600/6 fits right where the factory amp goes and so the 700/5 should as well as they're the same size.

There's still a bit of tuning to do as the tweeters are a bit bright and the bass is still lacking. I believe there's a switch on the crossover to deal with the tweeters and I'll adjust the gain on the sub channels. I may end up installing the focal subs that are a direct replacement for the OEM ones depending on the results.

Did you change the speakers yourself or pay someone? I'm sticking with the base radio and want to change out the stock speakers, but doors scare me a little.

Knightelf · 05-26-2015, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by opfreak

Did you change the speakers yourself or pay someone? I'm sticking with the base radio and want to change out the stock speakers, but doors scare me a little.

I am looking to change out the speakers as well (I have the HIFI system, not HK).

Have purchased the sail tweeters and the Focal upgrade kit.

Browsing around there are a few videos online and it doesn't look too bad. BAV sound in particular have some good videos.

I haven't found any specific 2 series door trim removal instructions yet though.

opfreak · 05-27-2015, 09:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knightelf

I am looking to change out the speakers as well (I have the HIFI system, not HK).

Have purchased the sail tweeters and the Focal upgrade kit.

Browsing around there are a few videos online and it doesn't look too bad. BAV sound in particular have some good videos.

I haven't found any specific 2 series door trim removal instructions yet though.

i've done it before (even though its been a while) and remember breaking a clip or two.

Viffermike · 05-27-2015, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knightelf

I am looking to change out the speakers as well (I have the HIFI system, not HK).

Have purchased the sail tweeters and the Focal upgrade kit.

Browsing around there are a few videos online and it doesn't look too bad. BAV sound in particular have some good videos.

I haven't found any specific 2 series door trim removal instructions yet though.

See this thread. It's my writeup on door speaker install impressions, and post #4 has some insight into the right way to approach taking off the doors.

Then, watch this video. Though it's on an F30, virtually everything applies.

After those two steps, it'll be a (relative) piece of cake.

sputman · 05-27-2015, 07:58 PM

I paid someone to do it. They just used some speaker adapters and said the install was a piece of cake.

DanG · 05-27-2015, 08:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguyscott

I paid someone to do it. They just used some speaker adapters and said the install was a piece of cake.

I had Car Toys install my new speakers. They were able to use the existing wiring harness. The door speakers did require spacers so that the Focals didn't rub on the windows.

sakitnyatudisini · 05-28-2015, 05:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguyscott

I paid someone to do it. They just used some speaker adapters and said the install was a piece of cake.

can you show me pics it ?

sputman · 05-30-2015, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sakitnyatudisini

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguyscott

I paid someone to do it. They just used some speaker adapters and said the install was a piece of cake.

can you show me pics it ? [IMG]http://mazpics.science/55/g.png[/IMG]

I don't have any pics with the doors off. The whole install looks completely factory, other than you see the power lead connected to the battery in the trunk.

strike4A · 07-02-2015, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguyscott

Thanks for all the info! I ended up having the audio system upgraded earlier this week with Focal KRS-100s in the front, a JL600/6 amp and the audio harness from Technic.

I have the HK system and the harness made it super simple to replace the factory amp. Completely plug and play, no cut wires. The 600/6 fits right where the factory amp goes and so the 700/5 should as well as they're the same size.

There's still a bit of tuning to do as the tweeters are a bit bright and the bass is still lacking. I believe there's a switch on the crossover to deal with the tweeters and I'll adjust the gain on the sub channels. I may end up installing the focal subs that are a direct replacement for the OEM ones depending on the results.

I thought the HK system utilized digital signals via the MOST network? Technic's harness is for analogue Base/HiFi setups. Am I missing something here?

I have an M235i with HK and currently investigating upgrade options.

sputman · 07-02-2015, 11:49 AM

The harness is installed and working.. with the factory HK system. I just PMd Tecnic and he sent the correct harness.

Tomahawk · 07-08-2015, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyguyscott

The harness is installed and working.. with the factory HK system. I just PMd Tecnic and he sent the correct harness.

Hmm. This i find this strange as well as Technic is quite adamant about not upgrading HK systems. There is much more to it than just using his harness for anything more than adding a sub. If not, than he has some 'splaining to do.

I just looked at pics of your car, and you do indeed have HK. So, unless the 2er is completely different than the other cars Technic has been up to something.

akuan99 · 07-09-2015, 01:31 PM

HK on F22 is different and uses analog 42 pin connector to remote amp.
This is reason why it lacks many features that other HK upgrade has like parametric equalizer.

Viffermike · 07-09-2015, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by akuan99

HK on F22 is different and uses analog 42 pin connector to remote amp.
This is reason why it lacks many features that other HK upgrade has like parametric equalizer.

Eeeeeenteresting ...

... and if I'd paid nearly a grand for HK sound on a Zweier, I'd be even more POed than I already was ...

OpenAir · 07-22-2015, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanG

I had Car Toys install my new speakers. They were able to use the existing wiring harness. The door speakers did require spacers so that the Focals didn't rub on the windows.

Car Toys, now that is a name I have not heard in some time. I used to be an installer (certified First Class) for QC Stereo in Bellingham back in my days. I worked out of the Oak Harbor Office. Is Mobile Music still in business?

DanG · 07-22-2015, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OpenAir

Car Toys, now that is a name I have not heard in some time. I used to be an installer (certified First Class) for QC Stereo in Bellingham back in my days. I worked out of the Oak Harbor Office. Is Mobile Music still in business?

Yes, Mobile Music still has several locations north of Seattle.

04-21-2015, 11:51 PM	#1
sputman Private 22 Rep 85 Posts Drives: '15 M235i xDrive + '21 Z4 M40i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Burlington, ON iTrader: (0)	Speaker & Amp Replacement Questions I'm looking to upgrade my speakers using the Focal IFBMW-S kit and a JL XD600/6v2 amp. I'm planning on leaving the under-seat subs to start but I may go overkill and put the IFBMW-C kit in the rears (if they fit, I haven't checked yet) as I prefer more of a "surround" sound. My first question is about the line-level out (using Technic's harness) and if it's a full, flat signal. My second question is regarding the factory amp. I suspect BMW does all of the EQ adjustments in the amp which is why we got short changed and have no EQ settings with the cheaper amp they used in the 2 series. If that's the case, is the balance, fade, treble and bass adjusted through the head unit and will work just fine with an aftermarket amp replacement; or an I going to loose those controls via iDrive? My last question is regarding the under-seat subs and having them in stereo or mono. Will I really notice a difference? I ask as I'm also considering the JL Audio XD700/5 amp to get a bit more punch from the woofers, especially if I upgrade them to the Focal IFBMW-Subs. Any comments are welcome and much appreciated.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

05-23-2015, 08:56 AM	#2
Umster New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i coupe MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	I'm patiently waiting for M235i (agonizing!). I've had aftermarket audio gear in my cars for a long time. From what I've seen posted, the answer to some of your questions may depend on which stereo you have. If you have the standard stereo, there are 4 unprocessed analog channels coming from the head unit to the stock amp in the trunk. The signals are then filtered/equalized by the amp and sent to the speakers. If you have the Harmon Karden upgrade the signals from the head unit are digital to the amp and you may only be able to tap into the signal after it is processed by the amp. In either case you shouldn't lose the fader or balance controls. As to your decision about the amps, if you are not planning to put a sub in the trunk and will only use the subs under the seats, you could use the 5 or 6 channel amp. If you plan on possibly having a larger sub in the trunk and use the speakers under the seats as mid bass drivers, you might be better off with the JL XD 700/5 (this is option I'm considering). Here's why. The 700/5's crossovers allow you to run a band pass option on channels 3&4. If you use channels 1&2 for the speakers in the doors (plus or minus the tweeters) and set the high pass crossover point, then you can select band pass mode for channels 3&4 and select a high crossover point, so you can send the lowest frequencies to the sub in the trunk using channel 5. Channels 3&4 will then have a low pass crossover point the same as the high pass crossover point as channels 1&2. That way you can send just mid bass frequencies to the subs under the seat. As for the rear speakers, you could just run them off the factory amp (if you're in the front seats, you probably don't need accurate sound reproduction, just some rear fill. You may not even need to replace the factory speakers. If you are experienced with aftermarket stereos, I apologize for the expanded explanation of high/band/low pass crossover set-up. I'm from the Aurora, just north of Toronto, so your car (if you bought it in Canada) my future M235i have different packages and standard equipment than in the U.S. Even the info we read about how the head unit sends signals to the amp might be different. Lastly, the salesperson at the dealership told me there was ASD in the model I am leasing. If there is ASD, you may have to bypass that or the processed engine noises may become louder if put in an aftermarket amp. You may just have to go to the trunk and see how it's connected.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2015, 03:51 PM	#3
sputman Private 22 Rep 85 Posts Drives: '15 M235i xDrive + '21 Z4 M40i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Burlington, ON iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the info! I ended up having the audio system upgraded earlier this week with Focal KRS-100s in the front, a JL600/6 amp and the audio harness from Technic. I have the HK system and the harness made it super simple to replace the factory amp. Completely plug and play, no cut wires. The 600/6 fits right where the factory amp goes and so the 700/5 should as well as they're the same size. There's still a bit of tuning to do as the tweeters are a bit bright and the bass is still lacking. I believe there's a switch on the crossover to deal with the tweeters and I'll adjust the gain on the sub channels. I may end up installing the focal subs that are a direct replacement for the OEM ones depending on the results.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-27-2015, 07:58 PM	#11
sputman Private 22 Rep 85 Posts Drives: '15 M235i xDrive + '21 Z4 M40i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Burlington, ON iTrader: (0)	I paid someone to do it. They just used some speaker adapters and said the install was a piece of cake.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-02-2015, 11:49 AM	#16
sputman Private 22 Rep 85 Posts Drives: '15 M235i xDrive + '21 Z4 M40i Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Burlington, ON iTrader: (0)	The harness is installed and working.. with the factory HK system. I just PMd Tecnic and he sent the correct harness.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-23-2015, 10:59 PM	#4
Umster New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2015 M235i coupe MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Sounds like you're well on your way to possible stereo nirvana. How did you go about getting the Technics harness?
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07-09-2015, 01:31 PM	#18
akuan99 Second Lieutenant 55 Rep 272 Posts Drives: 2015 228i M-Sport Track 6MT Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Plano, TX iTrader: (0)	HK on F22 is different and uses analog 42 pin connector to remote amp. This is reason why it lacks many features that other HK upgrade has like parametric equalizer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote