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    Audio upgrade

    I'm in the process of restoring my touring and have been looking into upgrading the speakers by replacing them with a component setup up front and maybe some rear speakers along with an amp and a small sub.

    Upgrading will probably be done in stage as and when I can afford it, after realising how expensive sound proofing is (there's is none left in the car by the time I'm finished).

    I'll be keeping my existing headunit, a Alpine CDE-9880R, I was thinking of getting Hertz Energy ESK 130.3 for the front or possibly try and make 6.5" components fit in the kick panel? I don't mind a bit of cutting into metal work if this is a better option? I'll be driving these from an amp eventually

    For the rear Hertz Energy ECX 100.3 which I intend to drive from the headunit. I'm undecided about needing rear fill but I guess I might as well go for it!

    I wasn't going to use a sub but I believe one will add to the listening experience, sticking with Herts I though I could use this one: Hertz Energy ES200.3

    And finally I quite like the look of this amp: Alpine MRX-F30 It's small and from what I can find performs well.

    On the sound proofing front I can only really afford to dampen panels with a cheaper alternative to dynamat from silentcoat. I'll only be going for around 50% coverage, this as far as I know is sufficient in stopping panels resonate.

    That was the plan, after reading a few threads on here I'm unsure about using car audio brands. Bmwman91 had a very interesting thread about using home audio speakers in his E30. It seems a lot more complicated and I don't know if the benefits are there for me to also go down this route? In saying that, a lot more can be learned and the rewards are probably much greater.

    #2
    I recommend Polk audio DB series coaxials. They're affordable and sound great. I've tried components from MB quart. I forget which series, but it was their second best at the time. I honestly think the polk audio speakers sound better. the debate between coaxials and components is still ongoing. I've read that the way soundwaves travel must be matched therefore the closer that tweeters are placed to the woofer, the better. So, what closer location can there be but the middle of the woofer, right? Plus coaxials are easier to install without the crossover boxes to worry about. In the end, it's up to you.

    Check out my post regarding noise dampening material. Open cell foam pads are the way to go. My post contains info regarding why and where to get it.

    Also, ask bmwsone01 about how my system sounds if you need a second opinion. By the way, I'm running a Hifonics 170x4 channel amplifier tied to the speakers.

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      #3
      Using home audio speakers is fine, but you gotta make sure to choose components that will be ok to use in the car because of the difference in temp/moisture you will subject these to in the car vs. home. Also, most home audio stuff is 8ohm although some is 4, just making sure you are aware :) That is all.
      Mtech1 v8 build thread - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=413205



      OEM v8 manual chip or dme - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho....php?p=4938827

      Comment


        #4
        Thanks for the recommendation on Polk audio, very hard to find anything from them in the Uk or Ireland though. They also do home ent systems or is that a different company?

        I think I had a browse through your deadening thread, must look again though. Only down side of open cell foam is that it hold moisture as far as I know, open to correction on that! I've been spending months cutting out rust I don't want to promote it coming back by trapping moisture.

        Are there any series/brands/etc to look for that have car suitable components? Is there additional tunning required to get this all setup properly or more equipment?

        My aim is to have everything stock looking and hidden away, I don't want anything visible from outside the car.

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          #5
          I think if you coat? the foam with some kind of water repellent spray you'll be fine. When I worked on my brothers e39, it's got some expanding foam in the doors behind the window switches and it looked like it was water proof from the factory.

          re: polk , yep same company. they make pretty good quality products for the money. another popular choice is infinity reference/kappa line.
          Mtech1 v8 build thread - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho...d.php?t=413205



          OEM v8 manual chip or dme - https://www.r3vlimited.com/board/sho....php?p=4938827

          Comment

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