Hey guys,
Thought I'd share my experience upgrading the stereo in my car with some what of a value minded selection process opposite of many audiophiles on the forum.
It started out with all the 21 year old components in pretty bad condition (crackling and the sound lacking in dynamics)
Well, being an avid music lover and a student of music, I naturally appreciate good sound.
I have also owned E36's in the past with full sound systems featuring some world class gear. This car is merely a fun daily commuter with character so a modest upgrade will do.
I have some background with installing/selling 12v gear at circuit city a few years back.
Anywho, I selected items based on value with performance inevitably being superior to older stock components.
I started with a phone call to Crutchfield after seeing the various sales going on.
I first ordered the Blaupunkt Monterrey MP35 head unit on sale for $69.99. This head unit has 3 sets of pre amp outputs, sufficient power and can change 4000 different colors. I also ordered the Aux Input cable for an extra $12.
I next picked out 2 pair of 5.25 coaxials. I picked the Kicker DS525's due to previous positive experience.
I finally ordered 1 Rockford Fosgate P1 10" subwoofer.
Total cost delivered for all of the above was $237.
I already had a pre fab sealed enclosure ready for the sub and purchased an MTX 152 amplifier from Ebay. I have always believed in the performance of MTX amplifiers from my days selling/installing at Circuit City.
I purchased an amplifier installation kit from Walmart at the cost of $20.00.
I prepped all wiring and installed the head unit with aux in for my IPOD.
After dialing in the BMW amber color I ensured proper operation. I ran 2 fresh wires to the front speakers and caught the rears in the fader switch.
The Kicker DS speakers sound great with the power provided by the blaupunkt. My friend and I was pleasantly suprised as Bob Marley definitely came alive in the cabin of the old 325.
I then punched out the ski hole and aimed the woofer at the opening.
I found pointing te woofer this direction allowed for maximum output and NO rattling of the trunk lid/license plate.
After making all the connections and cleaning up the installation I am very pleased with the overall sound of my stereo. In all I spent about $300(give or take a few).
The bass is very accurate and clean(I am feeding more than enough power to the subwoofer).The sub provides smooth and loud(when you want it) lows and the mids sound great with only minimal audibile distortion when you're really getting into it while rowing through the gears.
If anyone has any questions about my project or components, don't hesitate to ask as this was great fun and allowed me to thoroughly clean out my trunk area and whole car for that matter.
Thought I'd share my experience upgrading the stereo in my car with some what of a value minded selection process opposite of many audiophiles on the forum.
It started out with all the 21 year old components in pretty bad condition (crackling and the sound lacking in dynamics)
Well, being an avid music lover and a student of music, I naturally appreciate good sound.
I have also owned E36's in the past with full sound systems featuring some world class gear. This car is merely a fun daily commuter with character so a modest upgrade will do.
I have some background with installing/selling 12v gear at circuit city a few years back.
Anywho, I selected items based on value with performance inevitably being superior to older stock components.
I started with a phone call to Crutchfield after seeing the various sales going on.
I first ordered the Blaupunkt Monterrey MP35 head unit on sale for $69.99. This head unit has 3 sets of pre amp outputs, sufficient power and can change 4000 different colors. I also ordered the Aux Input cable for an extra $12.
I next picked out 2 pair of 5.25 coaxials. I picked the Kicker DS525's due to previous positive experience.
I finally ordered 1 Rockford Fosgate P1 10" subwoofer.
Total cost delivered for all of the above was $237.
I already had a pre fab sealed enclosure ready for the sub and purchased an MTX 152 amplifier from Ebay. I have always believed in the performance of MTX amplifiers from my days selling/installing at Circuit City.
I purchased an amplifier installation kit from Walmart at the cost of $20.00.
I prepped all wiring and installed the head unit with aux in for my IPOD.
After dialing in the BMW amber color I ensured proper operation. I ran 2 fresh wires to the front speakers and caught the rears in the fader switch.
The Kicker DS speakers sound great with the power provided by the blaupunkt. My friend and I was pleasantly suprised as Bob Marley definitely came alive in the cabin of the old 325.
I then punched out the ski hole and aimed the woofer at the opening.
I found pointing te woofer this direction allowed for maximum output and NO rattling of the trunk lid/license plate.
After making all the connections and cleaning up the installation I am very pleased with the overall sound of my stereo. In all I spent about $300(give or take a few).
The bass is very accurate and clean(I am feeding more than enough power to the subwoofer).The sub provides smooth and loud(when you want it) lows and the mids sound great with only minimal audibile distortion when you're really getting into it while rowing through the gears.
If anyone has any questions about my project or components, don't hesitate to ask as this was great fun and allowed me to thoroughly clean out my trunk area and whole car for that matter.
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