Sound upgrade?

[kyfe]

Hey all Just bought a M3 GT sport loaded and I was thinking of doing a small upgrade to the low end of the sound system.

I'm curious to find out what others have used? I figure based on the size of the car, 1 boxed 10 should do it and about a 2-400 watt amp. I plan on keeping everything stock for now and may upgrade the rest at a later date.

Can anyone recommend a good sub and amp combo for around the 550 range CDN?
So far I've been looking at a Focal 8.5" professionally box with a 300 watt memphis amp.
the other option is JL audio 10W (0 or 3) with a JL amp as well.

for me SQ is a bit more important and since i'm using a factory deck I know there might be some issues I haven't considered.

Suggestions/feedback are greatly appreciated,

thanks
Kyfe

[canada3]

Hi

Well I know I will be putting in a 760w amp with a 600w 12" sub (both pioneer) when i get mine. I had it in my 2000 626 it it was very loud and sounded great.

I cost me about 750cdn installed at best buy where I got it and they do a great job. That was 1 year ago. I took it there the other day for them to take it out and they only charged me 50 bucks. I will take it back to them when I get my 3 to install the same again. I think they are having a sale on car audio right now but not sure. I recommended them anyways.

I do have a question. I heard the 3 has pre-outs in the stock radio is that true? I know my 626 did?

[nate0123]

I have a 10W3 dual 4-ohm for sale, $50

[kyfe]

thanks for the heads up canada3,
I went to best buy they had 2 10's JBL and a 300 watt amp for 560+, I gave it a listen and it really didn't impress me much.

I'm really looking for something to compliment the factory sound for now but also something i would always be able to use.

Would those be the pioneer premier line?

good luck with your new car purchase I'll keep you posted if i find out in fact if the deck has pre outs. I was at kromer radio yesterday and the rep says it's not very likely but he reallt had no clue concerning this model car.

[kyfe]

Originally posted by nate0123
I have a 10W3 dual 4-ohm for sale, $50

if you lived in toronto we could talk, but honestly by the time that got to me I could have bought a new one here for the price after duty and shipping.

I notice you have ED speakers... how do they compare to the JL's?

Kyfe

[nate0123]

Originally posted by kyfe
thanks for the heads up canada3,
I went to best buy they had 2 10's JBL and a 300 watt amp for 560+, I gave it a listen and it really didn't impress me much. I had 2 10" JBLs in my contour, and they were total crap :D

[nate0123]

Originally posted by kyfe
if you lived in toronto we could talk, but honestly by the time that got to me I could have bought a new one here for the price after duty and shipping.

I notice you have ED speakers... how do they compare to the JL's?

Kyfe The JLs are great speakers, but for the money you get a lot more from ED

I'm still breaking in the new 12A, so I haven't really heard what it can do, but I don't have a doubt that it will put 2 10w3s to shame :)

I've heard good things about their K-series as well, and those would work well with a smaller amp

[canada3]

I do live in the t-dot.........ya the amp is mosfet 760w and the pioneer sub is...hmm not sure still in the garage...but ti was the best one pioneer had at the time.

[kyfe]

cool thanks for the input.

alot of ppl seem to love ED speakers especially those concerned with SQ. I can't find anywhere in Canada that sells them though, so I may have to cave and just get the JL or the Focal.
The JL's have a good rep as for the Focal's I can't find anyone with an experience with the brand although they look really ace.

Kyfe

[canada3]

well i have either had pioneer or sony products in my cars and I have gotten compliments from everyone about how good it all sounds....it also depends on what style of music you like to listen to the most. I prefer rock so I get a nice sounding bass from the sub....

[nate0123]

Originally posted by kyfe
cool thanks for the input.

alot of ppl seem to love ED speakers especially those concerned with SQ. I can't find anywhere in Canada that sells them though, so I may have to cave and just get the JL or the Focal.
The JL's have a good rep as for the Focal's I can't find anyone with an experience with the brand although they look really ace.

Kyfe they're an internet-sales-only company, so that's probably why you can't find any stores ;)

http://www.edesignaudio.com/

[nate0123]

Originally posted by canada3
well i have either had pioneer or sony products in my cars and I have gotten compliments from everyone about how good it all sounds....it also depends on what style of music you like to listen to the most. I prefer rock so I get a nice sounding bass from the sub.... pioneer > sony

[canada3]

never heard of ed before? where are they based outta.....if they are american the dont make good products like the japanese due to there large hands...lol j/k

[nate0123]

well my sub shipped out from Iowa... I believe that is where they're based

[Astral]

Big up for ED from here.. I have an ED sub and it plays well (esp. after I ported it). The value can't be beat!


They are based out of Iowa, US-assembled. They manually check and test each sub before shipping out.

They have had problems with their supplier recently, who's been dropping the ball on certain parts. So they are looking for a different one right now. What this means is that certain models may be out of stock for a while.

I hear that the O-series models (their ultimate SQ sub) is going to be in stock for a while though.

[tuckerware]

This system is sick...already bumpin', but still working on the finishing touches.

Front Speakers:
Infinity Kappa 60.5 CS 6.5" components

Rear Speakers:
Infinity Kappa 63.5 3-way 6.5"

Subwoofers:
(2) Infinfity Kappa 100.1 SE 10"

Speaker Amp:

JL Audio 300/4 75 watts x 4

Sub Amp: (I need a better one, but I got this cheap)

MTX 4300X bridged to 150 x 2

Additionally, I am using a 1 farad cap and lots of nice wiring and terminals. All wires are either black, blue, or silver. (With the excption of the leads for the door speakers)

I am installing everything myself and have so far completed a fiberglass box in the spare tire well with an amp rack behind that. I just hooked everything up and tested all of the equipment. Other than some alternator whine, everything is great. Once I figure that out, I will finish the install by covering the enclosure and fitting an acrylic window over the amps and subs with blue neon lights. Vinyl will cover everything underneath the acrylic while the exposed box will be carpeted.

It is louder than I can stand...and there is no distortion

I'll get some pics up soon enough

[3Zoom3]

I have a stock 6-disc system in my M3, and added only the Infinity Basslink. I listen to a wide range of stuff (Annihilator/ Pantera to country to Eric Johnson) and couldn't be happier with the Infinity. Remote level control is a nice feature, the box is small, and installation is straightforward. Next is to replace the stock paper speakers, but it will have to warm up first. The Basslink is highly recommended by me. It really adds a new dimension to the sound.

[Lola 2.0]

I have a basslink in my car (not a mazda 3, yet) and I second it. its small, amp and sub in one box, and if you are just looking to complement the stock system, it will do the job well with a minimum of fuss and expense.

[sndsgood]

if your looking at focal. u must truly be a sq guy. focal makes very quality gear. it won't have the spl of the ed but the quality will be there. i havnt dealt with an 8 lately but personally for a better low end i'd shoot for at least a 10.

[proc]

Just got my 3 5 door tonight. Would like to upgrade the speakers with infinities and maybe a basslink woofer. Anyone out there have an opinion on if an amp is necessary?

Also, I think a jukebox (not the Kenwood system) but the Creative Jukebox portable MP3 player would be absolutely ideal to hookup. It's small, holds 20-40GB of music, doubles as a portable hard drive, and it's portable. I can take it anywhere. Now, anyone have any ideas about how to hook that into the stock system?

Cheers.

P

[Fat Mike]

I have always had Kickers and have always loved them!

[ssinstaller]

Hi

Well I know I will be putting in a 760w amp with a 600w 12" sub (both pioneer) when i get mine. I had it in my 2000 626 it it was very loud and sounded great.

I cost me about 750cdn installed at best buy where I got it and they do a great job. That was 1 year ago. I took it there the other day for them to take it out and they only charged me 50 bucks. I will take it back to them when I get my 3 to install the same again. I think they are having a sale on car audio right now but not sure. I recommended them anyways.

I do have a question. I heard the 3 has pre-outs in the stock radio is that true? I know my 626 did?

The 3 does not have any preouts on the stock deck--see sig for my audio setup

[blizz81]

The 3 does not have any preouts on the stock deck--see sig for my audio setup

D'OH...that's a bummer.

I should probably look around a bit more before asking, but for those of you running amps/subs, what are you doing to get around the no pre-outs? Just trying to get some ideas - if I get a 3, I'd intend on putting a nice component set in at the least, but I'd like to keep the stock radio for looks even if it wouldn't be functional.

[yac2727]

D'OH...that's a bummer.

I should probably look around a bit more before asking, but for those of you running amps/subs, what are you doing to get around the no pre-outs? Just trying to get some ideas - if I get a 3, I'd intend on putting a nice component set in at the least, but I'd like to keep the stock radio for looks even if it wouldn't be functional.
HI,

I had the same problem, I wanted to put a serious system in my 3 but didn't want to change the radio. I ended up buying a professional HI to LOW level converter from www.davidnavone.com. They are pricey, but make your stock stereo sound like a $1000 dollar aftermarket unit.
David Navone is the engineer that designs all of the Streetwires, and Monster Cable components.
His stuff is the best you can get. Check them out if you want the BEST sound from your 3. I'll post pics of my install later.

[proc]

Hey, good post. Wondering for the replacement front and rear speakers, did you have to make any mods to the stock holes?

Piero

This system is sick...already bumpin', but still working on the finishing touches.

Front Speakers:
Infinity Kappa 60.5 CS 6.5" components

Rear Speakers:
Infinity Kappa 63.5 3-way 6.5"

Subwoofers:
(2) Infinfity Kappa 100.1 SE 10"

Speaker Amp:

JL Audio 300/4 75 watts x 4

Sub Amp: (I need a better one, but I got this cheap)

MTX 4300X bridged to 150 x 2

Additionally, I am using a 1 farad cap and lots of nice wiring and terminals. All wires are either black, blue, or silver. (With the excption of the leads for the door speakers)

I am installing everything myself and have so far completed a fiberglass box in the spare tire well with an amp rack behind that. I just hooked everything up and tested all of the equipment. Other than some alternator whine, everything is great. Once I figure that out, I will finish the install by covering the enclosure and fitting an acrylic window over the amps and subs with blue neon lights. Vinyl will cover everything underneath the acrylic while the exposed box will be carpeted.

It is louder than I can stand...and there is no distortion

I'll get some pics up soon enough

[sndsgood]

HI,

I had the same problem, I wanted to put a serious system in my 3 but didn't want to change the radio. I ended up buying a professional HI to LOW level converter from www.davidnavone.com (http://www.davidnavone.com/). They are pricey, but make your stock stereo sound like a $1000 dollar aftermarket unit.
David Navone is the engineer that designs all of the Streetwires, and Monster Cable components.
His stuff is the best you can get. Check them out if you want the BEST sound from your 3. I'll post pics of my install later.

good call right there, if your sticking with the stock deck make sure you get a high quality hi to lo converter or it won't sound very good. navone makes quality stuff. its what i'll be using since i plan on keeping the stock deck.

[yac2727]

good call right there, if your sticking with the stock deck make sure you get a high quality hi to lo converter or it won't sound very good. navone makes quality stuff. its what i'll be using since i plan on keeping the stock deck.
Anybody know how I can make my amps and system turn on with my stock stereo? I hate having them turn on with the ignition, sometimes i don't have the radio on and it seems like such a waste. I have three MMATS amps in my 3 SQ2150, LM2100 and SQ4070. It sounds INCREDIBLE, but like I said I'd like to make them turn on when the radio turns on. Any ideas???

[ssinstaller]

Try the pac tr-4.


http://www.audiooutfitter.com/store/items_html/TR-4.html

[DrifterStudios]

Everyone keeping the stock headunit??? I want to use my sony 7" widescreen in dash when I get my 3... Anyone find afew pics of and installed after market headunit... I'm guessing I'll have to make a kit for it or at least mod one that I buy to look good in the stock hole...

[yac2727]

Everyone keeping the stock headunit??? I want to use my sony 7" widescreen in dash when I get my 3... Anyone find afew pics of and installed after market headunit... I'm guessing I'll have to make a kit for it or at least mod one that I buy to look good in the stock hole...
Let me tell you the stock radio has pretty good sound quality if you use a good hi to low. There are two high to low converters that I use, the AudioLink (used a lot for bose stock systems) sounds really good, but the best sounding are the Navone engineering pieces. The link for them is available below. Finally, you can always build a custom kit using bondo and fiberglass, but you have to be pretty good, or else it will look like crap.

[csvencer]

I have a basslink in my car (not a Dodge 3, yet) and I second it. its small, amp and sub in one box, and if you are just looking to complement the stock system, it will do the job well with a minimum of fuss and expense.

How did you hook the Basslink into the stereo? The rear speakers I assume. Did you splice in where they left the HU or somewhere in the car? Any info would be great. Thanks.

-Svence

[spicyhotpeas]

do converters sound that good ? Since the stock stereo doesnt have pre-outs, i guess thats the only way to hook up a amp.
Although i could fit a custom head unit though that would cost me heaps....

[Trepid]

What I have planned for mine is to get is the infinity kappas 60.5 for the front, I don't know what the rear 6.5's will be yet but I'm probably going kappa there too... For my sub I like the infinity basslink in a car like the 3 because with the hatch it puts out more then enough sound inside the car and it's only like $200 for the sub and its self amped.

[sndsgood]

do converters sound that good ? Since the stock stereo doesnt have pre-outs, i guess thats the only way to hook up a amp.
Although i could fit a custom head unit though that would cost me heaps....

if you get a high quality converter it can sound just as good as an aftermarket head unit, if you go cheap with this piece and it will never sound as good no matter what u add after it.

[spicyhotpeas]

if you get a high quality converter it can sound just as good as an aftermarket head unit, if you go cheap with this piece and it will never sound as good no matter what u add after it.

so what or which convertors should i get to get my stock system sounding the best .. ?

[Stitch626ex]

Hey, good post. Wondering for the replacement front and rear speakers, did you have to make any mods to the stock holes?

Piero

[Stitch626ex]

Everyone keeping the stock headunit??? I want to use my sony 7" widescreen in dash when I get my 3... Anyone find afew pics of and installed after market headunit... I'm guessing I'll have to make a kit for it or at least mod one that I buy to look good in the stock hole...
im keeping my stock radio.

[Stitch626ex]

This system is sick...already bumpin', but still working on the finishing touches.

Front Speakers:
Infinity Kappa 60.5 CS 6.5" components

Rear Speakers:
Infinity Kappa 63.5 3-way 6.5"

Subwoofers:
(2) Infinfity Kappa 100.1 SE 10"

Speaker Amp:

JL Audio 300/4 75 watts x 4

Sub Amp: (I need a better one, but I got this cheap)

MTX 4300X bridged to 150 x 2

Additionally, I am using a 1 farad cap and lots of nice wiring and terminals. All wires are either black, blue, or silver. (With the excption of the leads for the door speakers)

I am installing everything myself and have so far completed a fiberglass box in the spare tire well with an amp rack behind that. I just hooked everything up and tested all of the equipment. Other than some alternator whine, everything is great. Once I figure that out, I will finish the install by covering the enclosure and fitting an acrylic window over the amps and subs with blue neon lights. Vinyl will cover everything underneath the acrylic while the exposed box will be carpeted.

It is louder than I can stand...and there is no distortion

I'll get some pics up soon enough
thats bad ass!! i wanna put a system in my 3 but i need subs, i have really crappy subs (pryamid's) and i dont wanna use those. I have a PPI 2200 amp. its pretty good.

[04mazda3s]

I got a rockford 1800w amp with 2 12" kicker compt subs and a custom fiberglass enclosure with cf finish is on its way :) I am going to order a indash dvd player with flip up screen,but I need to find out if they have a kit for the stock radio out yet, so I can remove it and it doesnt look bad inside.

[sndsgood]

go with a dave navone loc.