stereo pros please step in!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CorvetteZ06]

Hey everyone, I'm new here, great site and I look forward to be apart of this forum!!! I have a 2003 325 cic and have a qestion about the stereo sytem. I dont have the harmon kardon, and i regret not getting it. my qestion is how can i upgrade the system? will simply putting in better speakers make a difference while using my existing head unit? are there any aftermarket speakers that fit in the existing stock locations? should I buy harmon kardon speakers? I'm not one to blast the speakers, i just want soemthing that sounds clear when im on the highway with the top down. Thanx for the info!!!

 

[William330]

The H/K speakers are not very good, and I wouldn't buy them if they didn't come with the car.

The below website offers complete speaker packages consisting of high quality, well-known speaker brands which they deem the best fit (and resistance) to drop into an essentially stock BMW:

http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com/products.php/CA=174


Their prices are fair, and they use quality brands like MB Quart (you can choose a package from one of 4 brands), and they provide all the adaptors needed to install.

Read their site, see what they're all about, and then take a trip to your local car audio shop (who will probably try and sell you a bunch of stuff, but look around anyway for a sanity check). Stores like Best Buy and Circuit City are useless for car audio, go to a local car audio shop, they're in the yellow pages of the phone book.

Once you have gathered enough info, and decided on a purchase, let us know how it goes!

 

[helmus]

My 01 325i has the HK system in it, and u know what, you're not missing much! The sound isn't that great at all. I drive an 05 Ford Explorer for a company vehicle and its system will blow the bimmer's away. Disappointing to say the least.
Bavarian sells an Infinity BassLink system which seems like an easy install. Thinking about upgrading myself!

 

[Detrich]

this isn't the first time i've heard people blast the hk system in the 3-series. but, honestly i don't quite understand it. i've listened to a lot of different sound systems. and, being a musician for many years, i'd say i have pretty good ears- working in recording studios and mixing music all the time. and, the hk system in my 323i really just kicks freaking ass. many people have ridden in my car and have complimented me on it and are amazed at just how great it sounds. i have a premium bose in my other car, and the hk in the 3 totally kills it. day and night. i dunno if it's just that i know how to dial-it in so it sounds good or what. but, all-in-all it's a fantastic sounding system and to me, well worth the $.

 

[William330]

i've listened to a lot of different sound systems. and, being a musician for many years, i'd say i have pretty good ears- working in recording studios and mixing music all the time. and, the hk system in my 323i really just kicks freaking ass.

LOL, is your music any good?

You need to listen to some good sound systems, comparing
something to Bose is not a good start.

Bring some of your favorite CDs to a Paradigm dealer, and ask to
hear the "Reference" line (Studio 60 or Studio 100) or the regular
Paradigm "Monitor" line (Monitor 7).

http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteParadigmProduct/ParadigmModels/MonSeries/MonitorSpecs.htm


http://www.paradigm.com/Website/SiteReferenceProduct/RModels/StudioSeries/StudioSpecs.html


I don't expect miracles from a $600 option, but it should at least
sound like a $600 option.

 

[///M SPEED]

I'll take my Klipsch any day.....



I too love the Paradigm's....

 

[Detrich]

all i'm saying is i like the HK for what it is. i haven't spend add'l money w/ aftermarket audio enhancements, because to me the HK has been great and i haven't felt a need to upgrade it. i'm sure if u spend more time and more money there is always something better out there.

 

[Wile]

What would you use to connect a factory head unit to an aftermarket (Clarion) amplifier? i guess i'll need an adaptor? Do you recommed any?