Speaker advice

[6670charger]

Just installed a JVC head unit in my 88 325i convert, and need some aftermarket speaker advice. Although the stereo works properly and sounds good at lower volumes, I get some crackling at higher volumes. The unit uses the factory wiring and runs through the factory amp. Figure some better speakers are probably in order.

I'm not interested in a box. Just want some decent speakers. Any suggestions from the learned out there?

Thanks.

[bmwguy325is]

Focal Utopias should sound good

[6670charger]

They probably would. A little on the expensive side, but I'll take a look. I think the front speakers are 4"? Anyone know what size the rear speakers are?

[AndrewBird]

Speakers are 5.25's all around.

You need to bypass the amp. You stereo makes WAY more power than the stock amp. Running power through the amp is likely where the crackling is coming from. See here:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=191119

[StereoInstaller1]

Just installed a JVC head unit in my 88 325i convert, and need some aftermarket speaker advice. Although the stereo works properly and sounds good at lower volumes, I get some crackling at higher volumes. The unit uses the factory wiring and runs through the factory amp. Figure some better speakers are probably in order.

I'm not interested in a box. Just want some decent speakers. Any suggestions from the learned out there?

Thanks.

Likely as not, like Andrew said, you need to bypass your stock amp. The SQ will be far superior to what you have now. Your stock speakers, properly wired, are your best choice.

You could also add a small 4 channel amp, but it will only be louder, not better.

If it sounds like ass at 1 watt, it will only be louder ass at 100 watts, right?

Second, physics really don't care what you are interested in. Yeah, I know you don't want a box, but you own one of the hardest cars on the planet to get decent sound in. Seriously, 4 5" speakers in a car with no roof, and the rears are hanging in mid air...BMW, WTF, what were you thinking?

Your only real chance of decent audio without a subwoofer is good condition stock Premium speakers. they have the best bass of ANY 5.25" speaker, ever.

I have installed virtually every configuration of speaker and amplifier you can imagine in your car, they all pretty much suck. Except ours, of course. The car is just impossible. A typical subwoofer is just useless too, you get great bass until the car moves, then you cannot even hear 1200 watts on a pair of 12" woofers.

It is just physics...you are screwed.

Sorry I can't offer any actual useful advice, unless you call "hey man, go buy a different car" useful advice. I really do wish I could offer more ideas, but I have beat my head against the wall on this car since they first came out.

So, good luck in your search, and please post your results. Vert sound is an absolute bitch, maybe you will find some magic that has escaped me. I hope you do, we have a lot of people in your exact situation.

Luke

[mrgraphics]

Definintely bypass the stock amp. Then install any modern speaker - they'll be better than the 25 year old paper cones you have. JBLs are good and cheap. I've had good results with JL Audio too, although they have mixed reviews with audiophiles. For sub, you'll never get deep bass in a convertible, but subs are meant to be felt . . . so do what BMW has been doing in all their latest cars. Install the sub under the seat so that it vibrates your a$$. Something like this . . . thin profile: http://www.crutchfield.com/p_091IBUS...n-IBus-20.html

There are cheaper options than the link above. My 128i has a sub under each front seat.

[Cabriolet]

Here is the only good setup.
delete everything that is stock. and you will need 1 sheet of dynamat.
with the top down and windows down i have lost my hearing for 10min after getting out of my car after a 30min song.
Alpine-CDA105 $110

Alpine-4-Channel F35 $190

Alpine-mono $200

Pioneer-TS-D1320C (front), TS-D1302R (rear) $86/ each pair


JL Audio 8W3V3-4 8" Single 4-Ohm W3V3 Series Subwoofer $280

Luke Box vert bot $200

streetwires 5 meter

[StereoInstaller1]

Then install any modern speaker - they'll be better than the 25 year old paper cones you have.

Please do NOT follow this advice, this is purely incorrect UNLESS you have a subwoofer.

Lets make this clear: the stock BMW Premium 5.25" has the best bass of ANY 5.25" speaker ever made when installed in our cars, period.

It is FAR superior to any aftermarket speaker no matter the price...again, IF you DONT have a subwoofer.

Luke

[Skunkworks]

Please do NOT follow this advice, this is purely incorrect UNLESS you have a subwoofer.

Lets make this clear: the stock BMW Premium 5.25" has the best bass of ANY 5.25" speaker ever made when installed in our cars, period.

It is FAR superior to any aftermarket speaker no matter the price...again, IF you DONT have a subwoofer.

Luke

Now hipsters will be lining the parcel shelf with 3 sets of premiums bumping some trendy dub step. :pimp: