Oem integration and aftermarket audio on X5
 

Hello fellow audio gurus,

I have been contemplating for a while to start upgrading the audio in my 08 x5. I currently have a focal 33k sub installed in there running off a Phoenix gold xe400.1. THe LOC I am using is the Audiocontrol LC2i.

I recently picked up a JL Audio cleansweep but have not opened the box yet and have the option to return it. I want to explore my options for the best possible sq setup. After much reading on the Bimmer forums, a lot of people are saying that getting a cleansweep for a BMW is not necessary as the signal coming out from the deck is pretty flat already, not to mention, I'd probably have to invest in a jl audio summing unit that works with the cleansweep because it has factory subwoofers under the front seats.

Guess my question is, should I buy a nice four channel amp with high/low level input compatibility and a nice set of speakers and call it a day, or should I stick with the cleansweep or another hi low converter simlar to the LC2i?

I have a Phoenix gold xe100.4 also on hand that I would like to use, but it does not have the hi level input compatibility.

With that said, gurus, englighten me please.

Oh, one last thing, There is a center speaker on the dash as well. does that speaker have it's own channel ??

Hi Crazy_gsr...

After installing many systems into BMW's I would say that there are many other processors on the market today that will give you more of what you want to manipulate the sound to give you what you want. Mosconi, Audison, Arc Audio are the 3 top brands that offer a simple solution with an unbelievable outcome ability. It takes signals, sums them if you wish, changes x-over frequencies, equalizes up to 31 bands per side, offers complete time alignment and signal boost for under $1k. With a nice multi-channel amp, you could finish your system for a couple of grand that would blow you and your friends away.

CDT offers an upgrade kit for the BMW X5. Never used it thou.

CDT Audio HD 320

BSW also does too but not too many people are overly impressed with it.

I will try to swing by for a visit at soundsgood soon! thanks!

So I was recently an Audison LRX5.1MT amp and it has the 5.1 capability. i like the idea of having one amp doing the work that normally require two.$
Long story short, I have no issues with any of the speakers except the subwoofer. It seems to be distorting even at very very low volumes. I am using the high level inputs and everything is wired up properly. My gains are all set to the minium ATM. could it be that the subwoofer high level inputs from the factory amp is not clean?

I currently use the factory amp to drive the factory subs only and t-tapped to the high level input on the audison amp. they are performing properly! my aftermarket sub is the one with the issue at the moment.$any input would be greatly appreciated!
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It's starting to sound like a subwoofer issue. Is it possible to measure the impedance on the sub?

the sub was working perfectly fine with my old phoenix gold amp before moving it to this audison amp but I will measure it and report back tomorrow.

the sub is a focal 33k btw

measured it to be 3.5Ohms.

I was reading some of the bimmer forums and it says that the factory subs start to cut out at higher volumes to prevent clipping etc. could this be the issue? as I increase the volume, the signal is starting to drop off?

Before with my old amp, i used a LC2i and without any issues. Could it be due to the acubass patent that audiocontrol has?

That's an extremely nice sub!

The sub could have a burnt spot on the coil that only shows up at higher volume. I would suggest trying a different sub for half an hour. It's the quickest way to determine if that is the issue.

thanks keith! I might pop by your shop tomorrow since i have the day off to discuss some options =)