Add Bass... suggestions?

woodman650 · 08-19-2008, 10:28 AM

Hey all,

I've got the premium audio package in my car and well, I'm under impressed. It just sounds flat, there is no depth to the audio. I've played with the EQ and when I try to get a full sound, it still just sounds muddy and flat. I'm hoping to get a bit more fullness to my tunes, especially at low volumes.

Most have recommended putting in a sub or upgrading the subs under the seats. Can anyone recommend a product or a solution to my problem? I'm not car-audio savvy the least bit. But I do have a budget of $500.

Thanks!

Bye Bye GTI · 08-19-2008, 10:37 AM

sounds like you have the logic 7 system....

If your car is new then let the speakers break in a bit. After a month or two they sounded much better in my car.

You can also check out this post from e90 where someone took a spectrum analyzer and calibrated their system based on the readings. It may be worth trying them out.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161120

There are also DSP settings on logic 7 that should help with the flat sound.

Upgrading the underseat subs with a bigger amp will be your best bet for a $500 upgrade. Check out audiocraze.com. Excellent prices on the drop in earthquake sws 8's. Install instructions on the below link. Not sure if the poster of the how to had logic 7 but take that into account when reading his post.

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163804

Good luck!

woodman650 · 08-19-2008, 11:15 AM

Awesome, thanks for the info man. Will upgrading the underseat subs and amp provide a significant difference? Also, where is the stock amp located?

woodman650 · 08-19-2008, 11:26 AM

Also, any obvious to reason to go with upgrading the underseat subs opposed to adding a new sub in the trunk? I figure it's cheaper.

Also, I listen to metal and some hip hop, if that sways the sub direction one way or the other.

Bye Bye GTI · 08-19-2008, 11:49 AM

Check out wa128's posts - there are 2 that show what he did to upgrade the bass. An amp to the factory subs will help - just don't turn up the gain too high.

Do a search for "locate amplifier". I put a how to up as to where to find the amp.

My upgrades are planned for early sept - so I can't give any personal feedback yet. wa128 is very happy with his set up and people on e90 are very happy as well putting in the earthquake and amp setup. Do some searching on both forums and you will find lots of good personal experiences.

AlpineWhiteMan · 08-19-2008, 07:36 PM

imo factory sound never cuts it, for 500 you cant get much but i'd go with a kicker solo-baric L5 and basic one way kicker amp, with the premium sound your highs and mids should be set and the kicker will provide decent bass just dont expect to set off any car alarms

woodman650 · 08-20-2008, 11:12 AM

Thanks for the replies and insight guys. I went over to my local audio shop yesterday (the same one wa128 recommended actually here in Seattle) and am getting a kicker 400w amp and 2 of the low-profile 8" earthquakes subs under the seats. The install is a week from this Friday. I'll let you know how it turns out

Thanks again!

AlpineWhiteMan · 08-27-2008, 09:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by woodman650

Thanks for the replies and insight guys. I went over to my local audio shop yesterday (the same one wa128 recommended actually here in Seattle) and am getting a kicker 400w amp and 2 of the low-profile 8" earthquakes subs under the seats. The install is a week from this Friday. I'll let you know how it turns out

Thanks again!

o L5 are same price but let me know how it goes

08-19-2008, 10:28 AM	#1
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	Add Bass... suggestions? Hey all, I've got the premium audio package in my car and well, I'm under impressed. It just sounds flat, there is no depth to the audio. I've played with the EQ and when I try to get a full sound, it still just sounds muddy and flat. I'm hoping to get a bit more fullness to my tunes, especially at low volumes. Most have recommended putting in a sub or upgrading the subs under the seats. Can anyone recommend a product or a solution to my problem? I'm not car-audio savvy the least bit. But I do have a budget of $500. Thanks!
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08-19-2008, 10:37 AM	#2
Bye Bye GTI Private First Class 8 Rep 127 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	sounds like you have the logic 7 system.... If your car is new then let the speakers break in a bit. After a month or two they sounded much better in my car. You can also check out this post from e90 where someone took a spectrum analyzer and calibrated their system based on the readings. It may be worth trying them out. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161120 There are also DSP settings on logic 7 that should help with the flat sound. Upgrading the underseat subs with a bigger amp will be your best bet for a $500 upgrade. Check out audiocraze.com. Excellent prices on the drop in earthquake sws 8's. Install instructions on the below link. Not sure if the poster of the how to had logic 7 but take that into account when reading his post. http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163804 Good luck!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2008, 11:15 AM	#3
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	Awesome, thanks for the info man. Will upgrading the underseat subs and amp provide a significant difference? Also, where is the stock amp located?
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08-19-2008, 11:26 AM	#4
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	Also, any obvious to reason to go with upgrading the underseat subs opposed to adding a new sub in the trunk? I figure it's cheaper. Also, I listen to metal and some hip hop, if that sways the sub direction one way or the other.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2008, 11:49 AM	#5
Bye Bye GTI Private First Class 8 Rep 127 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Alberta iTrader: (0)	Check out wa128's posts - there are 2 that show what he did to upgrade the bass. An amp to the factory subs will help - just don't turn up the gain too high. Do a search for "locate amplifier". I put a how to up as to where to find the amp. My upgrades are planned for early sept - so I can't give any personal feedback yet. wa128 is very happy with his set up and people on e90 are very happy as well putting in the earthquake and amp setup. Do some searching on both forums and you will find lots of good personal experiences.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2008, 07:36 PM	#6
AlpineWhiteMan Private 5 Rep 58 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Delray Beach, FL iTrader: (0)	imo factory sound never cuts it, for 500 you cant get much but i'd go with a kicker solo-baric L5 and basic one way kicker amp, with the premium sound your highs and mids should be set and the kicker will provide decent bass just dont expect to set off any car alarms __________________ 135i Apine White, Sports Pkg, 2 JL Audio 10W6s, JL 1000/1, Juicebox 1, Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps
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08-20-2008, 11:12 AM	#7
woodman650 Super Couper 67 Rep 577 Posts Drives: TBD Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Mountain View, CA iTrader: (2)	Thanks for the replies and insight guys. I went over to my local audio shop yesterday (the same one wa128 recommended actually here in Seattle) and am getting a kicker 400w amp and 2 of the low-profile 8" earthquakes subs under the seats. The install is a week from this Friday. I'll let you know how it turns out Thanks again!
	Appreciate 0 Quote