Speaker question?

[99MPower]

I am looking at replacing my stock speakers with some components to add clarity. If I don't amp them will they not sound good or is just the volume level going to be affected.

[LoneRaver]

You need amplifier to reach the maximum potential power that aftermarket speaker can produce if you're looking for a very nice sound quality in your car.

However, if you don't want to mess around with installing aftermarket amplifier, there's a company called Bavarian Soundwerks (BSW) that makes aftermarket speaker without sacrificing OEM amp. Best of all, it's plug and play. I don't have this in my car but I've personally have heard the quality of this speakers, sounds very good to me. Not obnoxiously loud or thumping bass, but it adds a nice touch to sound clarity if all you're looking for is SQ.

What car do you have? If you have E36, you will benefit a lot from replacing stock rear ugly speakers with aftermarket 6x9 speakers and decent tweeter in the front. Even if you have Harman Kardon package, aftermarket speakers will sound better. Other than that, someone else might want to chime in to give you recommendation.

[Joseph]

Any specific speakers you can recommend LoneRaver, as far as aftermarket tweeter/6x9's beside BSW?

[LoneRaver]

Currently I don't have aftermarket rear speakers on my E36 but speaking from my experience in upgrading audio components on my previous cars (as well as my siblings and parents car :D ), I've had Infinity Kappa, MBQuart (older series before they're acquired by Maxonics), and DLS with great results. I've used several other brands like Pioneer, JBL, Alpine, Polk Audio, but I personally prefer those three above. If I have to get another aftermarket speakers, I would probably go with Infinity Kappa series.

I don't think I can be considered as an audiophile, but I do enjoy having good quality of sound system in my car. I used to visit Al and Eds stores and listened to speakers they have and whatever sounds right to me, it's the one I'm purchasing. I would highly recommend trying the speakers with the type of music that you like before buying it, so that you can compare between speakers according to your preference liking.

There are tons of brands out there with better quality and bigger price tags, but I can't justify spending thousands of dollars for speakers or doing extra time to research for audiophile brands.

[DennisCooper!]

Hi,

As already mentioned, if you upgrade to quality aftermarket 2 or 3 way component speakers, then in order to make them perform to their capabilities, you'll need to use an amplifier to power them cleanly and efficiently. The OEM BMW amplifiers have 'weedy' RMS outputs and cannot drive such speakers effectively - it's like trying to run an M3 on 155 section tyres, it'll 'work' but not very well.

Take a look at some car audio related forums as well as the bmw forums as there's many threads and examples of audio upgrades in BMW's. Which do you have?

I've used DLS in my cars for over 13 years now and I'm very happy with the performance of them. My suggestion to you is to perhaps choose the entry or intermediate range of products from a dedicated speaker manufacturer like DLS, HAT, Focal or, some of the better performing products from the likes of Alpine, JBL, JL Audio and other mainstream brands. Match them with a suitable quality amplifier and you should find the performance increase excellent for the modestly extra amount you spend over budget equipment.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend thousands to get a very significant performance increase over OEM speakers. My DLS 2 way components are the R5A's and a pair of those are £200 or approx $300 (USA pricing may well be cheaper than that) and recently, I've been speaking to many very well known members in the UK car audio scene to listen to my setup for independent feedback. All have come away with positive feedback and have commented on just how good they sound for a 'middle of the range' price

Here's my setup

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/DSC05339.jpg

Deliberately simple - Alpine Head unit, Arc Audio 1x300W RMS sub amp, Arc Audio 4x75W 4 channel amp, DLS 5.25 inch 2 way components for the front, DLS 4 inch 2 way co-axials in custom Cpillar pods for a little rear fill, 1 JL Audio 8 inch subwoofer in a custom stealth enclosure.

Cheers, Dennis!

[Laidback]

I love your set up Dennis:drool:Hi,

As already mentioned, if you upgrade to quality aftermarket 2 or 3 way component speakers, then in order to make them perform to their capabilities, you'll need to use an amplifier to power them cleanly and efficiently. The OEM BMW amplifiers have 'weedy' RMS outputs and cannot drive such speakers effectively - it's like trying to run an M3 on 155 section tyres, it'll 'work' but not very well.

Take a look at some car audio related forums as well as the bmw forums as there's many threads and examples of audio upgrades in BMW's. Which do you have?

I've used DLS in my cars for over 13 years now and I'm very happy with the performance of them. My suggestion to you is to perhaps choose the entry or intermediate range of products from a dedicated speaker manufacturer like DLS, HAT, Focal or, some of the better performing products from the likes of Alpine, JBL, JL Audio and other mainstream brands. Match them with a suitable quality amplifier and you should find the performance increase excellent for the modestly extra amount you spend over budget equipment.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't have to spend thousands to get a very significant performance increase over OEM speakers. My DLS 2 way components are the R5A's and a pair of those are £200 or approx $300 (USA pricing may well be cheaper than that) and recently, I've been speaking to many very well known members in the UK car audio scene to listen to my setup for independent feedback. All have come away with positive feedback and have commented on just how good they sound for a 'middle of the range' price

Here's my setup

http://i482.photobucket.com/albums/rr183/DennisCooper/E39%20Touring/DSC05339.jpg

Deliberately simple - Alpine Head unit, Arc Audio 1x300W RMS sub amp, Arc Audio 4x75W 4 channel amp, DLS 5.25 inch 2 way components for the front, DLS 4 inch 2 way co-axials in custom Cpillar pods for a little rear fill, 1 JL Audio 8 inch subwoofer in a custom stealth enclosure.

Cheers, Dennis!