New head unit, OEM speakers

[cochran]

I'm going to be installing a new head unit this weekend into my convertible (with factory premium sound pkg). Haven't selected brand yet, but will be CD (not changer), with iPod adapter and XM hardwired in.

I've read posts on this forum about eliminating the fader control in the dash, and I understand that if I don't, my head unit will have about half the normal power output.

Due to budget constraints, I have to leave in the original speakers for now and can't do an amp/sub package right now.

Can I wire a new head unit into the factory amp, as long as I take the fader out of the circuit, and still get good sound? If not, why not? Would I be better off eliminating the factory amp and running everything directly off the head unit for now?

[StereoInstaller1]

Basically, the deal is that the stock amp makes less than half the power of your new deck, plus it sounds like ass. Don't use it, just run new wires.

If your cabby has the stock premuim sound package, you will be pleasantly suprised by the sound.

You will need to hassle with the front speakers having the front tweeter crossover built in, but all is do-able.

If you need help, post it here!

Luke

[cochran]

What do I need to do with the front speaker/crossover deal you mentioned?

I just picked up the deck today - JVC KD-G320 and an iPod adapter, ready to install tomorrow.

[StereoInstaller1]

Well, if you pull out one of your front speakers, you will see 4 wires attached. 2 come from the amp, 2 go to the tweeters. If you plus your decks wires into the two that come from the amp, you are golden.

If you attempt to change any of the configuration, you will have some shitty sounding tweeters that will blow shortly.

If I were doing that install, I would attempt to get you to go buy a pair of crossovers form damn near any set of seperates, but expecially if you could find some that use a "Mylar" cap in the tweeter crossover...then bypass the BMW crossovers.

Of course, all old school installers make their own crossovers...it is pretty simple, really. Finding the parts these days in kinda rough though.

HTH, GL!

Luke

[cochran]

Thanks for your advice. Getting started on this shortly, so we'll see how it goes.

[StereoInstaller1]

Cool. I forgot to mention...if you plan on trying to find new crossovers (go for Memphis, they sound great) go to your local car stereo installation shop...NOT a big box retailer, but an independant.

Walk into the shop (respectfully, of course) and ask the install manager if he might have a pair of crossovers to sell. Have 4 $5 bills in your pocket...Over $20 he is being a pirate (he has them left over from a previous job).

GL!

Luke

[cochran]

Install is all done.

After I got into it, I realized that the P.O. must have had an aftermarket stereo in this thing. All four speakers were rewired direct to the head unit area with Rockford Fosgate speaker wire. I verified that the tweeters were wired from the front speakers in the kick panels (they were) so I proceeded. Only problem now is that one tweeter is not making any sound. May need a new speaker.

Sound is really really good, even with the stock speakers. Decent bass and decent clarity. I'm satisfied. Also did the light bar replacement in the OBC at the same time.

[StereoInstaller1]

Good deal. Someone (like me) has to have some stock tweets hanging around.

You should pull apart the stock mid adn see if the wires are connected properly.

It is confusing.

Luke

[cochran]

I checked the one on the passenger's side - pulled the panel off and checked the connection there. I saw the resistor/filter/whatever at the coil on the mid, and saw where the connection was spliced in there to go up to the tweeter. That side works. I just assumed (yeah, I know, I know) that the driver's was the same. Could be a connection problem. I'll have to check it tomorrow morning sometime. I'm just glad to have sound at all right now!! BMW + radio = happy.

[netcsk]

You can always plug the working tweeter into the non-working side and see if you get any sound.

[StereoInstaller1]

You can always plug the working tweeter into the non-working side and see if you get any sound.

Naw, it will be backwards! It will suck sound in, see?

good call, chris.

Luke

[netcsk]

hahaha

[Victell]

Resurrected...

Well, if you pull out one of your front speakers, you will see 4 wires attached. 2 come from the amp, 2 go to the tweeters. If you plus your decks wires into the two that come from the amp, you are golden.

If you attempt to change any of the configuration, you will have some shitty sounding tweeters that will blow shortly.

If I were doing that install, I would attempt to get you to go buy a pair of crossovers form damn near any set of seperates, but expecially if you could find some that use a "Mylar" cap in the tweeter crossover...then bypass the BMW crossovers.

This confuses me.
I was planning a similar setup, but instead wanted to use an amp to power all four oem front speakers. I planned to keep the oem crossovers as is, but just run more power through them. What I can tell from your post, this might not be a good idea?

I would like to use the oem speaker/xover combo but I am not willing to fight an uphill battle for it. Would aftermarket crossovers be that much better, or can I work with what I have?

[StereoInstaller1]

Resurrected...



This confuses me.
I was planning a similar setup, but instead wanted to use an amp to power all four oem front speakers. I planned to keep the oem crossovers as is, but just run more power through them. What I can tell from your post, this might not be a good idea?

I would like to use the oem speaker/xover combo but I am not willing to fight an uphill battle for it. Would aftermarket crossovers be that much better, or can I work with what I have?

Oddly enough, someone PMd me this morning with the exact same question.

Here's the deal: Some crackhead at BMW decided to put the crossovers that run the front tweeters on the front midranges. If you look at the stock mid, you can see the two terminals that feed the mid and the other two that are outputs to the tweeter.

These are really cheesy crossovers, and are poor performers. You can build your own or buy some pre-fab units. Unfortunately, they aren't really sold seperately...so you would be best served by heading down to your local stereo shop with a bit of cash in hand to buy a pair from an installer.

Most of us have a set or three sitting in the bottom drawer of our toolbox.

Personally, I like the Memphis crossovers that come with the MClass coaxials. If you replaced your deck with a decent sounding deck (one that has high pass crossovers) like the Panasonic CQ-C7314, replaced the crossovers on the stock premium sound speakers and added a single 10" sub with a 200 watt amp I think most anyone would be thrilled.

Luke

[Victell]

Ok, got it.
I'll be using an Eclipse CD5423 hu and an MTX 404 amp for the fronts. The guy at work I got that stuff from also has some crossovers that he was willing to give to me. I'll be taking him up on his offer now.

Searching R3V answered pretty much all my audio questions, and you Luke provided much of the info. Good lookin out dude.

And ultimately, I want the CD43/6XS. :)