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JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Let me start by saying; as I post this... I am already changing things on the install.
But, that will probably be a never-ending venture; so here's where I'm at so far:
First off, the install subject: BMW X6-M
• 570 horsepower
• Twin-turbocharged 4.4 litre V8
• Zero to 60 in 3.8 seconds
• Will pull a full G in the corners
This thing is an absolute monster...
https://i.imgur.com/os0hSGq.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5D4JRwq.jpg
There are some really nice professional installs posted, and I admire the level of detail put into these.
But, I am just some dude in his (dimly lit) garage, working with everyday tools.
The cuts aren't fancy. There's no 3D printing. And most of the material came from Home Depot or Amazon.
The equipment is all the same as what I had in my previous vehicle:
OEM Head Unit into mObridge DA3 into Helix DSP-Pro Mk II
Amplification: MMATS HiFi-6150D and MMATS HiFi-4250D
Front Stage: Sinfoni Tempo 10, Dynaudio Esotar 430, Audio-Development W800-NEO
Rear Fill: Audiofrog GB10, Audiofrog GB40, Audiofrog GB410 (passive crossover)
Subwoofer: Audiofrog GB10D2
As with all my installs, I have two basic criteria:
1. Sound Quality
2. Stealth Installation
Let's start with the install location. Under the rear floor is a hidden cargo hatch, with a fair bit of room:
https://i.imgur.com/pwROdOO.jpg
With the carpeted floor removed, we have a lot of room to work with:
https://i.imgur.com/je1esPm.jpg
Covered the floor with sound deadener, and also up the sides (did the sides later in the process):
https://i.imgur.com/ZjKEG9z.jpg
Next, it's time to cut some 3/4" MDF, to make the sub enclosure and amp rack:
https://i.imgur.com/nBOWQSK.jpg
Construction adhesive and brad nails... this thing will never come apart:
https://i.imgur.com/PGYSjWs.jpg
Audiofrog specs 0.6 cu.ft. for a sealed enclosure on this sub. My enclosure nets 0.67 cu.ft. after the displacement of the sub.
Test fit, with the bottom layer of the amp rack added:
https://i.imgur.com/QyVqgn3.jpg
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Now, to start on the power cables...
I've always used Knukonceptz cables and power distribution block. They just work good.
Strip the jacketing back about 5/8", and slip it through the gland:
https://i.imgur.com/q8xOFfs.jpg
Bend the wires back over the sheath:
https://i.imgur.com/fBvORq0.jpg
Thread it in with your fingers, to ensure you don't cross-thread:
https://i.imgur.com/0eFPqyJ.jpg
Then, wrench that bad boy down tight:
https://i.imgur.com/ERucHSF.jpg
Same process with the positive cable:
https://i.imgur.com/3L2paRW.jpg
Here's the distribution block, mounted on the bottom of the amp rack.
Everything is zip-tied and screwed down to the board. 0awg in / 4awg out.
Fused positive on one side (2 X 80amp fuses), and solid negative on the other.
The smaller separate inline holder is a 5amp to the DSP.
https://i.imgur.com/IKKwdPh.jpg
I also mounted the Helix DSP onto the bottom layer of the amp rack, and ran the RCA's to it:
https://i.imgur.com/lZzDe5s.jpg
Carpeted the sub enclosure, and added some Poly-Fil:
https://i.imgur.com/qRRv19Q.jpg
12awg. Knukonceptz speaker cable for the sub:
https://i.imgur.com/lEBeiAP.jpg
Sub is in:
https://i.imgur.com/aV8jJb1.jpg
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Time to bolt-down the lower part of the amp rack... what a rats nest:
https://i.imgur.com/4pGOoTN.jpg
But it cleans up nicely...
https://i.imgur.com/MS4Eoc2.jpg
Now for the top layer of the amp rack:
https://i.imgur.com/x8banWK.jpg
Pulled the RCA's from the Helix and connected them to the amps:
https://i.imgur.com/WWAinH2.jpg
Again, everything is zip-tied and screwed down secure:
https://i.imgur.com/AjG5Hj6.jpg
RCA's are connected and Power Cables are connected to the amps:
https://i.imgur.com/dZF9lAn.jpg
Speaker cables are all pulled through the vehicle, and connected to the amps:
(this is definitely the hardest part of the entire job)
https://i.imgur.com/ybnaFc8.jpg
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Time to bring power to the system...
Strip back the 0awg. ground cable:
https://i.imgur.com/PENedrt.jpg
Slip a ring terminal over it:
https://i.imgur.com/l113PlA.jpg
And crimp that baby down!
https://i.imgur.com/lTLWjML.jpg
Bolt it down to the OEM grounding lug:
https://i.imgur.com/2s3NoQU.jpg
Same process for the 0awg. positive battery cable:
https://i.imgur.com/oAmkdpC.jpg
BMW uses a MOST fiber optic system for virtually everything in the car... including the audio system:
https://i.imgur.com/y6ukGNW.jpg
In order to tap into that fiber optic network, I used a mObridge DA3.
The DA3 has a built-in DSP, but I bypass that and just use it to tap into the MOST fiber optic.
Helix also makes a similar unit: # SDMI25. The Helix does not have a DSP, just a Toslink output.
https://i.imgur.com/Y9vyylr.jpg
Just configuring the mObridge to work with the vehicle, and bypass the internal DSP.
It sends a full-range, completely pure flat signal to the Helix DSP-Pro:
https://i.imgur.com/DuOmfyc.jpg
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Now, onto the door speakers... unfortunately, I got focused on doing the work, and forgot to take a bunch of pictures.
Here's the front door skin removed:
https://i.imgur.com/6Z5XN3O.jpg
Not much to see here... except that I needed to pull half of the lower dash out, to run the speaker cables through the Molex, into the doors:
(what a total pain in the ass, pulling cables through an already packed Molex)
https://i.imgur.com/MlDVjD8.jpg
Cables pulled through:
https://i.imgur.com/SAI9kyn.jpg
The OEM speakers aren't total garbage... but they're far from great:
https://i.imgur.com/AkeEcmX.jpg
This is one of the current changes...
I used MDF as the base speaker ring, but just today I went and bought a piece of HDPE plastic.
It'll annoy me, knowing that MDF might swell-up from humidity and temperature changes.
I'll be pulling the door skins off again, and replacing that MDF with HDPE:
https://i.imgur.com/11WQVjI.jpg
Tweeters are mounted in the OEM sail panels. Had to cut it a bit to make the Tempo 10's fit:
https://i.imgur.com/jGatfwq.jpg
Doors all sealed up with sound deadener:
https://i.imgur.com/qs2lpr3.jpg
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
And for the final ingredient... to replace these weak under-seat woofers:
https://i.imgur.com/Zl2oOjC.jpg
Somehow, they produce a decent amount of midbass... but I'm sure I'd blow them up, if I attached them to my MMATS 4250:
https://i.imgur.com/zkNALlD.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/fkaJbV3.jpg
Replacing them with this... Audio-Development W800-NEO:
https://i.imgur.com/RFRwiLW.jpg
Put some sound deadener in the base of the under-seat enclosure:
It is open vented into the side pillars of the vehicle.
https://i.imgur.com/XxbjsFT.jpg
Cut some speaker rings / extenders out of HDPE plastic:
https://i.imgur.com/qb5WT8O.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/5EfVTSR.jpg
Cut the ridiculously long speaker posts down with a hacksaw:
https://i.imgur.com/suz3AFo.jpg
And soldered the speaker wires to them:
https://i.imgur.com/P8UOStI.jpg
Then mounted them into the OEM floor boxes:
https://i.imgur.com/qruGP9F.jpg
That's about it...
Put everything back together; door panels back on, seats bolted back down, dash and trim put back in place.
As mentioned; I am already going to change a few things... just because I'm a sucker for 'the latest and greatest':
1. The mObridge DA3 is getting swapped for the newly released model: DA.G2-PRO. I expect it to arrive early next week.
2. The Helix DSP-Pro will be getting replaced with the new DSP-Ultra, when it becomes available.
The MMATS 6150 powers: Front Tweeters (150W each), Front Midrange (150W each), Rear Fill (150W passive per side).
The MMATS 4250 powers: Underseat Midbass (250W each), Subwoofer (500W bridged).
I did a bit of basic tuning and time alignment. Just enough to make it sound decent. Actually, it sounds really good!
But until I get the new components (mObridge and Helix DSP), I'm not going to spend hours tuning it.
I'll do it properly, once everything is installed.
Total install time: about 30 hours.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
I might add that; I was planning on waiting until the spring to do this project...
But you know how it goes... my mind started racing with ideas, shortly after I got the new vehicle.
I was out in the FRIGGEN' FREEZING COLD garage the past few weeks, working on this.
Glad to have it done.
I am getting a bit of vibration from the underseat cone hitting the bottom of the seat rail (at higher volume).
I'm going to have to pull those W800-NEO's out, and make a shallower mounting ring for them.
I also have to pull the door skins, and replace those MDF spacer rings. I've made new ones out of HDPE.
I ordered a new mObridge DA.G2-PRO unit, to replace the DA3.
Not sure if there's any real advantage to it... but we'll see.
The new mObridge was supposed to arrive today... but Fed-Ex has lost my package.
Been fighting with them since last week. Sucks.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
I know I mentioned it in a text, but I can't say enough good things about how awesome this is. The gear, the install and the extra effort with the pics. Thank you for sharing!
For anyone wondering - when he says he worked in the cold, he means -18 to-25 Celsius. It was fucking nasty out the last week or so. You're a warrior JimmyDee!
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
blockrocker
when he says he worked in the cold, he means -18 to-25 Celsius.
Yeah...screw that. You guys are too hardcore for me.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
blockrocker
I know I mentioned it in a text, but I can't say enough good things about how awesome this is. The gear, the install and the extra effort with the pics. Thank you for sharing!
For anyone wondering - when he says he worked in the cold, he means -18 to-25 Celsius. It was fucking nasty out the last week or so. You're a warrior JimmyDee!
True! Calgary cold is cold on a whole different level... I have experienced it dozens of times.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Very nice! I wish I had a garage to work in. :(
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Very nice work considering it was so cold. Glad you didn't break any plastic panels. That's always my biggest fear when pulling panels in the cold...but this is Arkansas so our cold is like a warm Summer day to you:p
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hillbilly SQ
Very nice work considering it was so cold. Glad you didn't break any plastic panels. That's always my biggest fear when pulling panels in the cold...but this is Arkansas so our cold is like a warm Summer day to you:p
I broke one clip on the back of the passenger door. Nothing major. It all went back together fine.
Summers are very nice and warm here... but winters are cold.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Couple updates (per my original post):
The new mObridge DA-G2.PRO arrived this morning.
I removed the DA3 and replaced it with the new unit... sounds the same.
https://i.imgur.com/CeKlWme.jpg
I pulled the door skins off, and replaced the MDF speaker rings with HDPE ones:
https://i.imgur.com/KC8iaWj.jpg
https://i.imgur.com/Ub7JQB8.jpg
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Awesome job and great write up... I’m on the planning stages for a very similar car (2017 BMW X5M).
So very interested in your build!
Hopefully mine will look as nice as yours when I’m done with it :)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
The new mObridge DA.G2-PRO has 10 output channels, which is what I needed (9 actually).
It also has a new algorythm to upmix a center channel (which I'm not using - but maybe in the future).
These are the two main advantages over my prior mObridge DA3.
I spent about 4 hours tuning the new mObridge DA.G2-PRO unit today.
It's a bit more work than my previous Helix DSP-Pro, but I believe I have got it sounding just as good.
The advantage with the Helix, is that it has a built-in RTA, and can auto-tune (helps to get the baseline EQ'ing done).
The mObridge has none of this, so I needed to do RTA measurtements with REW, and then manually adjust the EQ settings for each (and every) speaker.
My original plan was to also get a new Helix DSP-Ultra (when it is released)... but I'm not so sure now. After properly tuning; the mObridge sounds REALLY good.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JimmyDee
My original plan was to also get a new Helix DSP-Ultra (when it is released)... but I'm not so sure now. After properly tuning; the mObridge sounds REALLY good.
Although I am pleased with the sound from the new mObridge DA-G2.PRO, I found myself constantly dreaming of that new Helix DSP-Ultra.
I went ahead and ordered one (as well as the Helix SDMI25 MOST interface). Will post an update, once I get it all installed and tuned.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Hi JimmyDee, I was just curious if you knew whether or not those 8” drivers work in all BMW underseat openings. I have never heard of them and wonder why. Is it possible your enclosures or opening are larger than in some other BMW models? Also, do you happen to know what the port in the enclosures is tuned to? Just curious if the response falls off a cliff at any particular frequency. Thank you so much for creating a thread with so much detail and photos.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
yeah I'd be curious as well how high you play those woofers. Also, what do you think about the door mid location ? I know Andy was always saying it was a great location for mids, but geez, I just don't know - it seems at odds with what I've experienced.
The MoBridge - if you could save me the trouble of looking itup - is that also "decoding" the stock BMW output or is mostly a straightforward DSP ? I am thinking it has technology in it to grab the digiital OEM signal from the in car bus or something ? If so are you decoding that signal and removing factory processing or is it pure ?
I don't even know why I am asking, I've never considered a BMW vehicle in my life, but just curious I guess. I know someday I will have to buy a late model something or other and like to keep abreast of what's needed.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Gonna try to answer both above posts:
Yes, the W800-NEO's will work in all BMW underseat locations... but you need to fabricate a spacer ring.
To be honest; I don't think the port in the OEM enclosure is 'tuned' at all... it's just designed to be a ported enclosure for an IB speaker.
I don't try to use the underseat as any type of subwoofer (I have a separate sub for that). Instead; I use it as a midwoofer, and have it tuned from 80Hz to 250Hz.
The location of the mid in the door is actually very good! Seems to be a decent height, and blends nicely with the OEM tweeter location.
I'm sure there could be improvements, if the tweeter and mid were together in a custom pod... but the OEM locations are just fine.
I'm not going to spend much time explaining what the mObridge unit is...
But essentially; yes, it is a full factory interface unit, that handles all sound inputs from the vehicle's fibre optic network.
This includes: Full Audio (volume, balance, bass, treble, etc.), Navigation, Bluetooth Phone, Door Chime, Park Distance Tones. Everything.
https://mobridge.us/product/da-g2-pro-most25/
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Interesting, yeah everyone seems to rave about those woofers yet aid never heard of them befor. Did you ever try running them alone without subs? Just curious what their in-car low frequency extension is and how likely I’d be tempted to run them alone. They cost so much it would be tempting.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JimmyDee
I've always loved the BMW puts its midranges so high in the door.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
I wish my vehicles could do 0-60 in 3.8 seconds, but I guess I have to settle for 7.5, lol. Very nice and clean build Jimmy. Enjoyed reading through it and looking through the pictures. I appreciate someone who puts a lot of thought into both the installation and forum thread. I think New England winters are cold but Canada, no thanks.
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Changed a few more things...
1. Swapped the mObridge unit for a Helix SDMI25. Doesn't make any difference... just my OCD wanting it to match the new Helix DSP.
2. I swapped the Helix DSP-Pro II for a mObridge DA-G2.PRO... then I swapped that for a new Helix DSP-Ultra!
Attachment 8906
Attachment 8907
The DSP-Ultra is incredible!
In my opinion; it is a definite (and noticable) upgrade from the DSP-Pro II.
You can run it in 'basic' mode, which doesn't really offer any benefit over the DSP-Pro II.
Or, you can switch on the 'Virtual Channel Processing', and suddenly you are open to a pile of new stuff!
I have dialed-in the Augmented Bass Processing, and it is something else!
Still Playing with the software.
I'd say the tuning was 80% done with the built-in RTA and Autotune feature.
Still tinkering with the fine tuning... but I'm close to being satisfied.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
viking1
Interesting, yeah everyone seems to rave about those woofers yet aid never heard of them befor. Did you ever try running them alone without subs? Just curious what their in-car low frequency extension is and how likely I’d be tempted to run them alone. They cost so much it would be tempting.
I've run just the 3-way front stage, when I was tuning the system (Sinfoni tweeters, Esotar midrange, and the W800-NEO midwoofers).
They sound pretty good, and they can dig down deep. But at the end of the day... they still can only effectively play down to maybe 65Hz.
I have mine running from 80Hz to 250Hz.
They are really nice midwoofers... REALLY nice. But they are no substitute for a well-tuned subwoofer.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JimmyDee
Changed a few more things...
1. Swapped the mObridge unit for a Helix SDMI25. Doesn't make any difference... just my OCD wanting it to match the new Helix DSP.
2. I swapped the Helix DSP-Pro II for a mObridge DA-G2.PRO... then I swapped that for a new Helix DSP-Ultra!
I believe you are what Erin refers to as a Type 2 user not that thats a bad thing :D
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
mumbles
I believe you are what Erin refers to as a Type 2 user
More like a Type 2 Loser... This hobby is expensive!
But in all honesty; I don't regret a single thing I've done.
Cost aside; this has been a fantastic project for me!
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
I don't believe the loser part for a second, but yeah, this hobby is expensive!
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Very nice install and another one getting me excited to start mine, the hidden cargo area worked out nice, looks to be a decent size compared to a typical spare tire well.
Kudos on working in that cold, I don't like going in my garage once it drops below 45 deg F outside...
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7 Attachment(s)
Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
It's been It's been wicked cold here, the past few weeks...
So, when I first installed the Helix SDMI25 and DSP-Ultra; I kinda did a quick hatchet job.
It was just too damn cold out, and I wanted to get them installed... as fast as possible, before I froze.
This week, it warmend up, substantially.
So I went out to the garage, ripped all the wiring out, and spent the past 6 hours installing them properly.
(cables pulled evenly, and zip-tied, and strapped down to the mounting board)
Also, a few weeks back; I started using ferrules... since then, I'm junked on them!
I've been putting ferrules on everything!
Power Connectors:
Attachment 8970
Speaker Connectors:
Attachment 8971
Blank Ferrules (with heat shrink) for 4awg Power:
Attachment 8972
I got the SDMI25 installed neatly. Mounted where the OEM amplifier was:
Attachment 8973
Re-did all the wiring to/from the DSP-Ultra:
Attachment 8974
And ran new Stinger 8000 Series RCA Cables to the amps:
Attachment 8975
Finished Product - Everything Is Strapped Down Secure:
Attachment 8976
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
More changes...
I blew-up the Audiofrog GB10D2 sub... so I replaced it with a Hertz ML2500.3 Legend.
The Hertz feels like a LOT more sturdy speaker.
Attachment 9510
I also swapped the MMATS HiFi-6150D, for a Zapco Z150.6-AP
I've always been a Zapco fanboy. Actually, the MMATS amps were my first deviation from Zapco.
Been curious about the Z-AP, since they were released... got a good deal on a used one.
I had to re-do my entire trunk to fit the sufboard... I mean amp.
Sub enclosure goes across the entire backside, and is dropped 3" on the right side to accomadate the Helix DSP-Ultra.
Amp rack is 2-tier, and has the power distribution and MMATS HiFi-4250D under the Zapco.
Attachment 9511
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Well we all know about audiophile bias but very interested if you notice any difference between the 2 amps. I like the looks pedigree and A/B of the Zapco, but pretty tempted in my next build to just say F it and go class D all the way.
I personally doubt I could hear the difference but maybe you can ?
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
I can hear a difference...
They both sound incredibly clear... but the Zapco sounds 'warmer'.
To be honest; I think I like the sound of the MMATS better!
Maybe I'm just used to its sound...
I also haven't done any tuning since the new install, so that will likely make a difference.
But just swapping amp for amp... ya, I can hear a difference.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
How about you comparative description between the Hertz and AF? Almost bought the Mmats a few times now.
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1 Attachment(s)
Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
JCsAudio
How about you comparative description between the Hertz and AF? Almost bought the Mmats a few times now.
I'll be honest; I can't really say that one sounds better than the other...
They're both nice subs. Both thump out pretty good bass (for a sealed enclosure setup).
I destroyed the A-F sub, because of my own stupidity.
I was working on my system for a couple hours, with my rear hatch open - while it was MINUS 25 Celcius outside.
Then, after I was done; I promptly got in the vehicle, started it up, and cranked-up the system.
Freezing friggen cold sub and rubber surround, combined with 800 watts from the MMATS, quickly destroyed it...
Can't really compare 'apples to apples' here, because I built a new enclosure for the Hertz sub.
The old enclosure was built at 0.67 cu ft - per Audiofrog spec.
The new enclosure is built at 0.75 cu ft - per Hertz spec.
I'm getting more thump out of the Hertz sub... but that's a combination of: a bigger enclosure, and different tuning (increase @ 32Hz).
When I originally got the Hertz, I dropped it into the old enclosure (direct swap), with the same tuning... and it sounded the same as the Frog.
Attachment 9700
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8 Attachment(s)
Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Been a while since I've update this build log... but have made a number of changes.
I pulled the Sinfoni Tempo 10 tweeters, and replaced them with these:
Attachment 11788
Had to do a full rebuild on the stock sail panels - which are actually the entire window trim piece.
Cut out the Harman-Kardon Factory Grille and guts behind it (I cut out that entire triangle area):
Attachment 11789
Used the Focal surface-mounting cup. Angled it how I wanted it, and glued it into place.
Then filled the area with Bondo, to get the shape.
Attachment 11790
After 3 coats of Bondo and sanding, I put a final coat of Glazing Putty on to finish it smooth.
One final sand with 320 grit, and then a coat of SEM Texture Paint.
Then 2 coats of SEM Black Trim Paint to finish it:
Attachment 11791
Attached wires to the tweeters, and heat shrink the connection:
Attachment 11792
Installed the tweeters into the sails, and connected 47uF capacitors to the positive side:
Attachment 11793
Then installed them back into the vehicle:
Attachment 11794
They looked pretty good.
The SEM Texture Paint matched the OEM finish well... but I wanted to give these tweeters their due justice...
... so I ended-up pulling them, and refinishing the sail / entire trim piece with black Alcantara.
Attachment 11795
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2 Attachment(s)
Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
After 3 years of having MMATS amps... it was time for something new.
I'll give credit, where credit is due; those MMATS HiFi amps were some of the best I've ever owned.
100% recommend them, without hesitation.
I originally replaced the 6-channel with a Zapco Z-AP amp.
It really is a special amp, and again, I would recommend the Z-AP Series, in a heartbeat.
Attachment 11810
But, I had been eyeing the Mosconi PRO amps for a few years...
It's the kind of amp where you either love the looks of them, or you hate them. Personally, I love them!
I replaced everything with a pair of Mosconi PRO's:
Attachment 11811
They really are a special amp series. Mosconi put a lot of time and R&D into developing these.
Aside from the pure Italian sexiness of them; they deliver incredibly clean sound. I couldn't be happier.
I like the way Mosconi has staggered the power output on the 5/30. It makes it a very versatile amp.
They've combined a Class A/B for the main stage, and a Class D for the subwoofer, into one chassis.
I combined the 5/30 and the 4/10 to run my entire system, and it sounds ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC.
PRO 5/30:
90 watts @ 4 ohm - to each tweeter (Focal TBM)
185 watts @ 4 ohm - to each midbass (W800-NEO)
660 watts @ 4 ohm - to the sub (Mille 2500.3)
PRO 4/10:
120 watts @ 4 ohm - to each midrange (Esotar 430)
120 watts @ 4 ohm - to the rear fill (Audiofrog GB)
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Not that I'm familiar with the Sinfoni tweeters but what are your thoughts on the Focal tweeters ?
Do you really feel that you can tell an SQ difference between the 3 amplifier brands ? Cuz I'm not sure I could hear a difference between mediocre and high end amps, much less between 3 different brands of high end amps.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Quote:
Originally Posted by
preston
Not that I'm familiar with the Sinfoni tweeters but what are your thoughts on the Focal tweeters ?
If the question is regarding my old Sinfoni's versus the new Focal TBM's, then there's no comparison. Seriously.
The Sinfoni's are damn fine tweeters. They are one of the only things I've consistently kept, and transferred between 3 different vehicles.
As a matter of fact; I've still kept them... won't sell them.
But the Focal Beryllium tweeter is from a totaly different planet... they are so accurate, it's astonishing.
It doesn't matter how much power you put to them - no matter what volume you're playing them at - they keep perfect composure.
With that said; they are also ridiculously expensive... but worth every penny (to me).
Quote:
Originally Posted by
preston
Do you really feel that you can tell an SQ difference between the 3 amplifier brands ?
Short answer: YES and NO.
I could definitely hear a difference between the MMATS amp and the Zapco amp.
The sound difference between the Zapco and the Mosconi was a bit less noticable, but they do sound different.
Now, with that said; I'm not going to claim that any of them sounded better than the other... just different.
All three brands are exceptional SQ amps, and none of them is a clear winner over the other.
But I will say this; the Mosconi setup is the 'best suited' for my particular system.
They fit the best. I think they looks the best. And the various power outputs of the amps is best matched for my speakers.
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Re: JimmyDee's BMW Build Log
Yeah just looked up the price on those yowza. Would love to compare against the ScanSpeak D3004/6040, Satori TW29BN, or Esotar.
I'm always mentioning that I don't think I coudl hear the difference (can't hear above 10k anyway), but it would be a fun listening session.