Alright folks, I can still use some help.
I've got the 1996 BMW z3 and here's what I've done so far:
Replaced the stock HU with this:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8222498&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat62700050003&id=1166840027254
I know you didn't recommend these Swez but they seemed like the best option at the time.
Next, I went ahead and bought the Polk Audio system Swez recommended:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160128292253&rd=1&rd=1
I'm getting these installed at Best Buy on saturday the 7th for about 100 bucks, because they will have to do a little work for the tweeters.
Now here's where it's getting a little sketchy.
The installers at BB said that with this HU and speaker system, and based on the power of the stock amp, past 50% volume it'll get noticably choppy. They recommended I get a new amp eventually to possibly mount behind the passenger seat.
I was looking at something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KENWOOD-KAC-7203-1000W-2-Channel-Car-Amplifier-Amp_W0QQitemZ300124831925QQihZ020QQcategoryZ39732QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Only because I believe that's enough power (please correct me if I'm way off base) and because, well, as you can see, with shipping it's over 50 dollars less than the same product at best buy.
Please let me know what I'm doing wrong if anything and what you guys recommend. Thanks!
-Tim
Replies (14)
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/5/2007 18:44:28
This looks cool too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LANZAR-VIBE286-2-CHANNEL-4000W-CAR-AMPLIFIER-AMP-NEW_W0QQitemZ120137118357QQihZ002QQcategoryZ39732QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
MrBrownstone on 07/5/2007 19:12:51
It's possibly the most overrated amplifier in history. I'll put out 200Wx2 @ 1% THD...but is rated (on ebay) as 2kW!!!
Please don't buy it unless you want to be dissatisfied.
swez on 07/5/2007 19:44:09
I do see a few concerns here.
1. The HU only has 1 pair of RCA outs & hinders outboard amps later
2. The Kenwood amp noted is a bit strong for the Polks noted, but can be dialed back as needed via amp gain controls.
3. Do you plan to use a sub later? If yes, some extra wiring components will be needed in the future.
4. Forget the Lanzar amp. (The best Lanzar amp they ever made was the Opti-drive series)
5. Are you planning to use 2 pair of these Polks? (One set up front and the other in back?
Swez
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/5/2007 19:48:12
I don't think I'll be getting a sub. There's just no room, and enclosures for this car cost too much.
Theres only front speakers in this car.
swez on 07/5/2007 20:51:54
OK, that really limits your options here. That HU and a smaller amp would be sufficient. But the Kenwood noted is fine too. This package should be notably cleaner and louder than the stock system, but not much low end punch from a pair of 5.25" speakers in the front doors only.
Wow, this car is nice but they give few good options for decent audio system here. It seems this car is designed for high performance handling only and some sleek looks. BMW engineers must not think much about mobile audio when they designed this sportscar???
Swez
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/5/2007 23:22:59
Welcome to my world. But thank you for all your help!
swez on 07/6/2007 22:44:02
Yes indeed... I guess this is one of those projects that would take a customizer/fabricator to look at your car and see what mods are possible. It won't be cheap and from what I have seen in earlier posts, the options are limited. That 8" sub idea looked pretty cool though.
Good luck,
Swez
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/7/2007 19:56:25
The sub idea is very cool, but my car doesn't have the rollbars, so I'd have to go with the 6 incher or whatever. 250 bucks I believe. Anyhoo, another update.
Got the Polks installed, the guys at Best Buy worked 3 hours and didn't have too much trouble with the tweeters. All in all the speakers are working great, but I do think if I blast them top down on the freeway I'll run into some distortion. I'm definitely looking to get an amp put in.
The kenwood previously mentioned looked ok, but some guys at Best Buy recommended the Rockford Fosgate P-200-2. At Best Buy it's listed at 250 bucks. But check dis out:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCKFORD-FOSGATE-P200-2-2-CHANNEL-AMPLIFIER-PUNCH-TECH_W0QQitemZ170129030399QQihZ007QQcategoryZ39732QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Brand new with 1 year warranty for less than 100 bucks? Holy crap. Too good to be true? Is this amp going to provide the power I need for the polks and keep everything clean and crisp? Let me know. You're a godsend Swez!
swez on 07/7/2007 21:13:16
Well thank you for the kudos... SMILE
This amp is actually rated correctly at what is stated and seems to be one of the RF anniversary models. RF tends to slightly under rate stated power numbers, so you are likely to see a bit more power then stated in these specs. (Good to know huh?)
50 x 4 RMS @ 4 ohms
100 x 2 RMS @ 2 ohms
200 x 1 RMS bridged @ 4 ohms
The Polks would not mind more power, but for this price, it would be a very good bargain at that BIN price. +S/H/Ins
Note: This amp will not be covered by a Rockford Warranty plan. This guy is offering a 1 yr in-house warranty. Fortunately, this amp is build like a tank and should hold up well under normal use.
Here's the specs and more details on this amp:
http://www.cardomain.com/item/ROC06P2002?ref=gogwr&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=p2002&gclid=CJuOk8_blo0CFRUHWAodsyPY6Q
Good luck as this is a solid amp at that price,
Swez
PS A Godsend huh? That's GOOD to hear right now. Yes, am a Christian guy of 20 years now. We go the extra mile when it's needed.
At the moment, I could use a few extra prayers right now as my civil rights are being grossly violated by an agency that is not playing by the normal rules of engagement. (Will leave it at that)
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/8/2007 00:33:10
I really appreciate your advice and help. Went ahead and purchased the amp, should arrive within the week (I hope). I'm thinking with the kit and all the installation will be about 100.
When it's all installed and completed I will post pics and a breakdown of how much I spent.
I will certainly keep you in my thoughts. You're clearly someone deserving of respect. Best of luck and thank you again!
swez on 07/8/2007 13:13:32
You bet and thanks for words of encouragement. "When life gets tough... the tough go fishing". That sounds like the best solution I've come up with all week!
Keep us posted on your install progress. A #8 gage wiring kit is sufficient for this install. If you even have a thought about adding more later, drop to #4 wire so you don't have to do this job twice.
Don't forget to use quality RCA's for this install. I have found that Streetwires and Knukonceptz make very good wires and hardware kits.
Swez
SQLThump on 07/8/2007 13:41:59
I would also reccomend Monster Cable. IMO their lowest end RCA blows Streetwires highest end out of the water. I use both in my home audio rig, and the Streetwires were reduced to video cable use.
No comment on Knuconcepts. Have never even seen anything from them.
Victor on 07/8/2007 15:34:17
whatever the on paper specifications say..
Personally I have never been able to make out a major audible change in audio transmission when comparing reputed manufacturer products...
In all car audio products marketed in the present international market there is something you need to be very careful while buying...
Price / Performance Ratio is a very important aspect you cant over look.
Certain products are dead expensive for no reason but that they are very good technologically , and a few are over rated. But when there is very little or no audible difference to the human ear is it worth it.... ?????? is something you yourself as a consumer need to decide before you go out shopping...
Victor...
swez on 07/8/2007 22:02:02
There's really only one way to make this claim true, myth or busted. That would be to gather up various samples of RCA cable makers out there and test them for signal transferance capabilities with the following:
1. Signal generator (Pink Noise, OdB ref. level)
2. A 2 channel Oscilloscope
3. A DMM for resistance evaluation
4. A dynamic impedence bridge (Capacitive and Inductive reactance)
I am sure there is a difference in the cheap and cheesy RCA's that use a #20 gage center conductor and a wrapped ground VS a quality cable such as Belden Wire or Alpha Wire products.
I have worked on "Signal Snakes" for live sound before and noted that even though they may have upwards of 30 + paired lines, each cable set is not bulky. At 250 feet, they cannot afford to be either. (Who could lift and lug that much weight around for long?)
The cable quality is excellent and signal strength off the main board is often limited to about 1 volt and has to go a long way from the mixing board to the near stage amplifier racks.
We then use Pink Noise to calibrate the system to the room acoustics and try to get as flat a response curve as possible for the mains and monitor mixes. That takes an RTA and calibrated mike. If the "Snake" does not deliver, live sound guys are screwed but good.
Also, we have to consider various noise producing elements in the area too. That would be lighting and RF noise they often generate, huge AC motors that cycle on and off at regular intervals and a pile of phantom powered microphones that are commonly used as well. (Cordless RF mikes)
Swez
I've got the 1996 BMW z3 and here's what I've done so far:
Replaced the stock HU with this:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8222498&type=product&productCategoryId=pcmcat62700050003&id=1166840027254
I know you didn't recommend these Swez but they seemed like the best option at the time.
Next, I went ahead and bought the Polk Audio system Swez recommended:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=006&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=160128292253&rd=1&rd=1
I'm getting these installed at Best Buy on saturday the 7th for about 100 bucks, because they will have to do a little work for the tweeters.
Now here's where it's getting a little sketchy.
The installers at BB said that with this HU and speaker system, and based on the power of the stock amp, past 50% volume it'll get noticably choppy. They recommended I get a new amp eventually to possibly mount behind the passenger seat.
I was looking at something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-KENWOOD-KAC-7203-1000W-2-Channel-Car-Amplifier-Amp_W0QQitemZ300124831925QQihZ020QQcategoryZ39732QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Only because I believe that's enough power (please correct me if I'm way off base) and because, well, as you can see, with shipping it's over 50 dollars less than the same product at best buy.
Please let me know what I'm doing wrong if anything and what you guys recommend. Thanks!
-Tim
Replies (14)
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/5/2007 18:44:28
This looks cool too.
http://cgi.ebay.com/LANZAR-VIBE286-2-CHANNEL-4000W-CAR-AMPLIFIER-AMP-NEW_W0QQitemZ120137118357QQihZ002QQcategoryZ39732QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
MrBrownstone on 07/5/2007 19:12:51
It's possibly the most overrated amplifier in history. I'll put out 200Wx2 @ 1% THD...but is rated (on ebay) as 2kW!!!
Please don't buy it unless you want to be dissatisfied.
swez on 07/5/2007 19:44:09
I do see a few concerns here.
1. The HU only has 1 pair of RCA outs & hinders outboard amps later
2. The Kenwood amp noted is a bit strong for the Polks noted, but can be dialed back as needed via amp gain controls.
3. Do you plan to use a sub later? If yes, some extra wiring components will be needed in the future.
4. Forget the Lanzar amp. (The best Lanzar amp they ever made was the Opti-drive series)
5. Are you planning to use 2 pair of these Polks? (One set up front and the other in back?
Swez
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/5/2007 19:48:12
I don't think I'll be getting a sub. There's just no room, and enclosures for this car cost too much.
Theres only front speakers in this car.
swez on 07/5/2007 20:51:54
OK, that really limits your options here. That HU and a smaller amp would be sufficient. But the Kenwood noted is fine too. This package should be notably cleaner and louder than the stock system, but not much low end punch from a pair of 5.25" speakers in the front doors only.
Wow, this car is nice but they give few good options for decent audio system here. It seems this car is designed for high performance handling only and some sleek looks. BMW engineers must not think much about mobile audio when they designed this sportscar???
Swez
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/5/2007 23:22:59
Welcome to my world. But thank you for all your help!
swez on 07/6/2007 22:44:02
Yes indeed... I guess this is one of those projects that would take a customizer/fabricator to look at your car and see what mods are possible. It won't be cheap and from what I have seen in earlier posts, the options are limited. That 8" sub idea looked pretty cool though.
Good luck,
Swez
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/7/2007 19:56:25
The sub idea is very cool, but my car doesn't have the rollbars, so I'd have to go with the 6 incher or whatever. 250 bucks I believe. Anyhoo, another update.
Got the Polks installed, the guys at Best Buy worked 3 hours and didn't have too much trouble with the tweeters. All in all the speakers are working great, but I do think if I blast them top down on the freeway I'll run into some distortion. I'm definitely looking to get an amp put in.
The kenwood previously mentioned looked ok, but some guys at Best Buy recommended the Rockford Fosgate P-200-2. At Best Buy it's listed at 250 bucks. But check dis out:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ROCKFORD-FOSGATE-P200-2-2-CHANNEL-AMPLIFIER-PUNCH-TECH_W0QQitemZ170129030399QQihZ007QQcategoryZ39732QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Brand new with 1 year warranty for less than 100 bucks? Holy crap. Too good to be true? Is this amp going to provide the power I need for the polks and keep everything clean and crisp? Let me know. You're a godsend Swez!
swez on 07/7/2007 21:13:16
Well thank you for the kudos... SMILE
This amp is actually rated correctly at what is stated and seems to be one of the RF anniversary models. RF tends to slightly under rate stated power numbers, so you are likely to see a bit more power then stated in these specs. (Good to know huh?)
50 x 4 RMS @ 4 ohms
100 x 2 RMS @ 2 ohms
200 x 1 RMS bridged @ 4 ohms
The Polks would not mind more power, but for this price, it would be a very good bargain at that BIN price. +S/H/Ins
Note: This amp will not be covered by a Rockford Warranty plan. This guy is offering a 1 yr in-house warranty. Fortunately, this amp is build like a tank and should hold up well under normal use.
Here's the specs and more details on this amp:
http://www.cardomain.com/item/ROC06P2002?ref=gogwr&utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_term=p2002&gclid=CJuOk8_blo0CFRUHWAodsyPY6Q
Good luck as this is a solid amp at that price,
Swez
PS A Godsend huh? That's GOOD to hear right now. Yes, am a Christian guy of 20 years now. We go the extra mile when it's needed.
At the moment, I could use a few extra prayers right now as my civil rights are being grossly violated by an agency that is not playing by the normal rules of engagement. (Will leave it at that)
kingtimmydeluxe on 07/8/2007 00:33:10
I really appreciate your advice and help. Went ahead and purchased the amp, should arrive within the week (I hope). I'm thinking with the kit and all the installation will be about 100.
When it's all installed and completed I will post pics and a breakdown of how much I spent.
I will certainly keep you in my thoughts. You're clearly someone deserving of respect. Best of luck and thank you again!
swez on 07/8/2007 13:13:32
You bet and thanks for words of encouragement. "When life gets tough... the tough go fishing". That sounds like the best solution I've come up with all week!
Keep us posted on your install progress. A #8 gage wiring kit is sufficient for this install. If you even have a thought about adding more later, drop to #4 wire so you don't have to do this job twice.
Don't forget to use quality RCA's for this install. I have found that Streetwires and Knukonceptz make very good wires and hardware kits.
Swez
SQLThump on 07/8/2007 13:41:59
I would also reccomend Monster Cable. IMO their lowest end RCA blows Streetwires highest end out of the water. I use both in my home audio rig, and the Streetwires were reduced to video cable use.
No comment on Knuconcepts. Have never even seen anything from them.
Victor on 07/8/2007 15:34:17
whatever the on paper specifications say..
Personally I have never been able to make out a major audible change in audio transmission when comparing reputed manufacturer products...
In all car audio products marketed in the present international market there is something you need to be very careful while buying...
Price / Performance Ratio is a very important aspect you cant over look.
Certain products are dead expensive for no reason but that they are very good technologically , and a few are over rated. But when there is very little or no audible difference to the human ear is it worth it.... ?????? is something you yourself as a consumer need to decide before you go out shopping...
Victor...
swez on 07/8/2007 22:02:02
There's really only one way to make this claim true, myth or busted. That would be to gather up various samples of RCA cable makers out there and test them for signal transferance capabilities with the following:
1. Signal generator (Pink Noise, OdB ref. level)
2. A 2 channel Oscilloscope
3. A DMM for resistance evaluation
4. A dynamic impedence bridge (Capacitive and Inductive reactance)
I am sure there is a difference in the cheap and cheesy RCA's that use a #20 gage center conductor and a wrapped ground VS a quality cable such as Belden Wire or Alpha Wire products.
I have worked on "Signal Snakes" for live sound before and noted that even though they may have upwards of 30 + paired lines, each cable set is not bulky. At 250 feet, they cannot afford to be either. (Who could lift and lug that much weight around for long?)
The cable quality is excellent and signal strength off the main board is often limited to about 1 volt and has to go a long way from the mixing board to the near stage amplifier racks.
We then use Pink Noise to calibrate the system to the room acoustics and try to get as flat a response curve as possible for the mains and monitor mixes. That takes an RTA and calibrated mike. If the "Snake" does not deliver, live sound guys are screwed but good.
Also, we have to consider various noise producing elements in the area too. That would be lighting and RF noise they often generate, huge AC motors that cycle on and off at regular intervals and a pile of phantom powered microphones that are commonly used as well. (Cordless RF mikes)
Swez
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