ICE for idiots

[Sean d]

guys, I have been around cars for most of my life but I'm a dinosaur when it comes to audio, I am currently upgrading the sounds in the Z3, so I need a sub and amp, one amp or two, mono or four channell or any other options, and the sub is it mid I need or something else,
Do I need the second amp to power the speakers

this is my thought,
I would need a mono amp to power the sub and a four channell amp to power the 4 speakers Help please

 

[Faheem]

Curious to see what you do @Sean d, I haven't a clue when it comes to audio either but my zed definitely needs a better sound system, just don't know where to start!

 

[pgunter]

Shaun

First thing is to see what speakers you can get to fit the foot wells and behind the seats. Then look at the head unit to see if you have a separate out for a sub.. if you do it you can add an amp and get a nice powered sub. The important part to consider is how low the speakers in the footwell go.. normally it’s about 70 or 80 hz upwards. The head unit will have settings for cross over points. Which is where you need to match speakers to the unit. This would give you the best sound, so you really need to list your requirements and what you want. Then go to a good car audio shop and see what’s about in your budget. Send me a pm and I can try to help more.

 

[2DunnsZ3]

Ill be watching, listening, and learning.

 

[Mario]

Disclaimer - I am no expert here on audio - if you want something uncomplicated that sounds good but you don't want to go all audiophile I am going to try do something similar to you and add a sub and upgrade the speakers using pioneer gmd1004 amplifier x2- this has some benefits as it has speaker level inputs so it works with any head unit pre outs of not, it's really small and efficient and it switches itself on and off automatically when it detects sound, so it's an easy install. I am using two because its a 4 channel amp my plan is to put one on the front behind the radio or under the dashboard to drive the front speakers and door tweeters and another amp on the back to drive the two rears and bridge two channels for the sub all completely hidden and with the stock Bmw radio so.

Can you do this with an 8 channel amp, yes and probably a better more professional solution but these amps are bulky and you will need to put it on the boot for sure and run cables back and forth to the head unit and the front speakers etc put crossovers etc it will all start to spiral to complicated and expensive very quickly and remember the Zed is a small car closed top you don't need massive power to make it sound good and open top will not give you the best acoustics anyay and you are better off listening to that engine

 

[SYMZ3]

Our Z3 has the factory Harmon Kardon upgrade from new with the CD changer in the boot. It sounds good, but not sure it would have worth whatever the original owner would have paid for it!

I always think that small convertibles are a big compromise on really high quality audio, you can spend a fortune and the car works against you because of the environment it has to work in.

It’s a bit like big Harley’s riding around with big tinny speakers making some noise, the straight six engine in our car makes the best noise ever, the ICE generally stays off...

 

[Mario]

I have upgraded the woofers on the harman kardon enclosure but haven't tested them yet as I need to fit a new amp. Will let you know how I get on

 

[Lonestar]

I too am following this as need to do mine.

Was thinking about ripping the centre console out and moving all the knobs and stuff with air vents protuding from the top so i coukd fit a decent sized android stereo thing in tgere. Anyone done anything similar?

 

[stevie_a]

Yip i'm still here

Don't dismiss using an under seat sub, place it on the back bulkhead

I have this in my Triumph, and it kicks you in the back with sound, but it is respectable if standing outside the car.

I use an Alpine SWD-1600 powered sub ( old now there are modern equivalents )

This is it in my Triumph

I also use JL Audio speakers with full Dynamat

 

[Sean d]

Just to wrap this thread up, I am now sorted with a Pheonix gold RX400 amp, its 4 channell, the rears are bridged to the sub, and the fronts are now powered from the Amp, its bloody amazing

 

[Mario]

Top job mate now make sure you don't tear that rear window apart with all that power going to the subwoofer

 

[Sean d]

Top job mate now make sure you don't tear that rear window apart with all that power going to the subwoofer

Now you come to mention the window, I have just been and sat in it with the roof up and sound is even better, lots better

 

[Mario]

Now you come to mention the window, I have just been and sat in it with the roof up and sound is even better, lots better

That's the way it should be