E46 M3 Stereo Upgrade Options
Discussion
Hi,
By adding a signal processor, it'll take all the outputs from the very low RMS power output of the oem amplifier, boost the voltage, remove the in built factory set EQ curves and provide a smooth undistorted output no matter how much you turn up the volume on the oem amplifier. It'll then output via RCA/Phono outputs, to which then you can connect quality aftermarket amplifiers and speakers. This method gives you the best sound quality you can get by retaining the oem setup and the most wide choice of amplifiers and speakers to suit your listening requirements and tastes. A Cache signal processor for instance is around £180 or so and I believe has upto 8 channels of input capability. Decent amplifiers and speakers can be had from any online retailer or you local car audio dealer.
As for iPod connectivity, you have the choice of Intravee 2 (and Alpine KCA 420i interface adaptor, leads etc) which also gives you a whole host of extra functions, products from DICE, Dension and mObridge etc. Budget perhaps £300+ for these oem Ipod interfaces.
Cheers, Dennis!
By adding a signal processor, it'll take all the outputs from the very low RMS power output of the oem amplifier, boost the voltage, remove the in built factory set EQ curves and provide a smooth undistorted output no matter how much you turn up the volume on the oem amplifier. It'll then output via RCA/Phono outputs, to which then you can connect quality aftermarket amplifiers and speakers. This method gives you the best sound quality you can get by retaining the oem setup and the most wide choice of amplifiers and speakers to suit your listening requirements and tastes. A Cache signal processor for instance is around £180 or so and I believe has upto 8 channels of input capability. Decent amplifiers and speakers can be had from any online retailer or you local car audio dealer.
As for iPod connectivity, you have the choice of Intravee 2 (and Alpine KCA 420i interface adaptor, leads etc) which also gives you a whole host of extra functions, products from DICE, Dension and mObridge etc. Budget perhaps £300+ for these oem Ipod interfaces.
Cheers, Dennis!
I would instal an Intravee II with Ipod cable and get the amp in the main system unit upgraded by a chap called Baris - Aka Xcaliber on M3cutters. He did mine, cost was around £120 while you wait and the HK system sounds so much cleaner, less distortion, buzzing on certain tunes.
Seriously try the above before you commit a fortune to upgrades. I'm glad I did
Seriously try the above before you commit a fortune to upgrades. I'm glad I did
Hi,
Nip over to Unique Integrations in High Wycombe and speak to Matt or Mark. They'll be able to look after you for when it comes to excellent quality aftermarket amplifiers and speakers which will vastly outperform OEM equipment.
As per the recommendation above, I personally know Baris, and for those who are indeed just looking for a 'little' more from the OEM setup, then the BM54 amplifier modifications he's doing may well be what you'd be wanting.
It really does depend on the 'level' of performance you'd like to have
Cheers, Dennis!
Nip over to Unique Integrations in High Wycombe and speak to Matt or Mark. They'll be able to look after you for when it comes to excellent quality aftermarket amplifiers and speakers which will vastly outperform OEM equipment.
As per the recommendation above, I personally know Baris, and for those who are indeed just looking for a 'little' more from the OEM setup, then the BM54 amplifier modifications he's doing may well be what you'd be wanting.
It really does depend on the 'level' of performance you'd like to have
Cheers, Dennis!
If looking to upgrade the head unit (I want bluetooth and iphone power for satnav), is it best to get a car without the Harmon Kardon? It seems upgrading the head unit in a HK-equipped car can be quite tricky (i.e. not a job for Halfords who to be fair did a great job with my e36 head unit!).
Hi,
Doesn't really make too much of a difference. The Harmon Kardon bit is the speakers, the rest of the modular system is the same - perhaps there's more channels from the amplifier, i'm not 100% sure.
In practical and real terms, you'd need to change to aftermarket amplifiers and speakers anyway if you change to a double DIN head unit in an E46, so there's going to be work involved regardless if it has the radio cassette in the dash or the widescreen/GPS type setup. Any differences in costs for labour and fitting are going to be marginal really between the two types of setups.
Cheers, Dennis!
Doesn't really make too much of a difference. The Harmon Kardon bit is the speakers, the rest of the modular system is the same - perhaps there's more channels from the amplifier, i'm not 100% sure.
In practical and real terms, you'd need to change to aftermarket amplifiers and speakers anyway if you change to a double DIN head unit in an E46, so there's going to be work involved regardless if it has the radio cassette in the dash or the widescreen/GPS type setup. Any differences in costs for labour and fitting are going to be marginal really between the two types of setups.
Cheers, Dennis!
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