BMW X3 F25 Sound Upgrade

[MM6]

I chose to make this a regional post, as it applies to more than just the F25.
Bought my F25/precious used. I want to upgrade the crap sound system on the F25 base model.
Mine is so bad I have bass at lowest and upped the treble to near full to try extract as best sound as I can.
The proposal is as follows...
Hardware:
Vibe BMW 4V4 Split Set For Fxx Series
Vibe Powerbox 80.4 Amplifier
Vibe Optisound BMW 4R Coax
Vibe Powerbox 400.1 Amplifier
RA-6LD - 6lnch Loaded [I am looking at this option as it is smaller and will not be in my way (can have it recessed out the way), and I do not want a vibrating taxi feel]

Bits and pieces to make it all work:
Starsound Fused Distribution Block SS-ANL-4W
T Harness VW CT10VW02
Reference Audio Wiring Kit 4G
RCA 5M Cyberdyne 2-2 CZK-2
Harness 4 pin CZK-294
Speaker Wire Cyberdyne 1.5mm CZK-763 Per M
Speaker Wire Cyberdyne 0.5mm CZK-1182 Per M

Fitment: Violet Automotive.

I am keen to have your comments? (especially if you have F25 pre-LCI)

Cheers Michael

 

[FILV]

Hi there

Went through the exact same scenario as you.
The base sound system on the F25 is really terrible.

I went for the following system:

Focal 4 inch speakers in the front. These were probably the biggest improvement over all, as they instantly created a cleaner ore detailed sound, and improved the sound stage and imaging.

10 inch Infinity sub in a sealed custom enclosure, which was installed in the compartment on the right side of the boot. Lost minimal boot space.

1 X JBL monoblock mounted next to the battery on the car floor.
1 x 2 channel amp in the left side compartment out of view.

I then found the high's were to high. Figured out we had to code the car to think it had the hifi optipn. This neutralized the signal from the head unit, and made the sound nice and neutral. The standard config the head unit tries to make the standard speakers sound good by sending very high or bright signals to the standard speakers.

I think the your system will sound great. will be well balanced. Maybe keep in mind the coding thing if you find the sound too bright after the install. anyone with software for the Bmw can code it to have the hifi option.

The only thing i would want now i sa digital sound processor to get a central sound image. if you leave balance on 0 the sound is way to focused on the driver door side (right side) so i configured my balance -3 (more to the left) so the sound is more centered)

 

[MM6]

Thanks @FILV, well noted.
I ran equalizer past Sugan (Violet Automotive) and he said he left it out for price reasons (another R10k ???). After your input I am going took into a digital sound processor.

 

[FILV]

hmmm at R10K definitely not worh it.

The improvement you will get from your new system will be worth it and a huge improvement.

Please keep up updated, would love to hear your before and after thoughts

 

[Riaad]

Thanks @FILV, well noted.
I ran equalizer past Sugan (Violet Automotive) and he said he left it out for price reasons (another R10k ???). After your input I am going took into a digital sound processor.

Think its R10k to add in an equalizer ? To code the headunit to "HiFi" should cost a few 100 bucks at most...

If you are not after a lot of bass, I'd consider an integration kit, which replaces the front sound stage (doors, tweeters and underseat subs).

 

[AshG108]

hmmm at R10K definitely not worh it.

The improvement you will get from your new system will be worth it and a huge improvement.

Please keep up updated, would love to hear your before and after thoughts

Where or who did your install for you FILV?

 

[MM6]

@Riaad I have the basic model, which does not have amps at all

 

[Riaad]

@Riaad I have the basic model, which does not have amps at all

Yep I read that.

you will need to add atleast one amplifier if you want a decent experience.

the base system will have underseat subs which are powered of the headunit.

 

[MM6]

Thanks @Riaad good to know.
I note no one has asked what the quote is ...
R22.3k
Not to be sneezed at
So no wine purchases this year. My current stock will have to do

 

[FILV]

Where or who did your install for you FILV?

Hey Ash

A gent named Razeen, he has been my sound installer and friend for over 20 years now. A great person and amazing family.Figured out he actually did my first car when we didnt even know each other. Most patient person i know, and super pedantic.

He is based in Benoni in Jobrug. His social media is Eklips Kustoms. I can dm you his number if you want?

@MM6 now that i think of it, why dont you give him a call, and discuss what you looking for out of your system. Maybe you get the same result for a lot less. R22 000 is quite a large sum.

 

[MM6]

Hey Ash

A gent named Razeen, he has been my sound installer and friend for over 20 years now. A great person and amazing family.Figured out he actually did my first car when we didnt even know each other. Most patient person i know, and super pedantic.

He is based in Benoni in Jobrug. His social media is Eklips Kustoms. I can dm you his number if you want?

@MM6 now that i think of it, why dont you give him a call, and discuss what you looking for out of your system. Maybe you get the same result for a lot less. R22 000 is quite a large sum.

Please do send Razeen's contact

 

[FILV]

Ill just share it here, in case @AshG108 needs it too:

Razeen Francis - 0763987303


Let us know how it goes

 

[AshG108]

Shot thanks man! Appreciate the hook up!

 

[///Maniac]

+100 for Razeen.