View Full Version : Should I bother with components?
Hi guys,
I've yet to upgrade the sounds in my car although I have had for the past few months a JL 500/1 amp and 10W6 sub sitting in my room.
Am going to get a mate to help me install the sub+amp with a custom box while adding a new head unit. Just wondering is it worth doing components at the same time? Only looking to spend max £150 on components, will these make much difference? Am currently looking for a amp to run components.
Michael
I think a nice set of components do make a difference, but you will need an amp to run them properly and to get the best out of them.
You'll get a good set of HERTZ components for that price. Thing is, they'll be 100% better than stock but only 30% of their capacity. Unless you amp them.
Go for it mate, get the amp too. Makes so much more sense to get it all done while your at it than rip it all apart again in 3-6 months because you regret not having components fitted.
Besides anything else, ALL you'll hear is bass with a W6 and stock speakers...
Hehe... you must mod!! ;)
Don't know why I asked this Q, I should have known no one would say 'nah, stick with stock speakers, they are good' lol.
Any recommendations for amps Mega? Ideally don't want to pay that much, hence looking for a second hand amp.
Well a JBL 75.4 would be acceptable and are £50 ish on ebay used. TBH though I'd definitely recommend a JL 300/4. Its an amp that will run and run, and you'll be able to keep more or less for life ;) Not to mention its one of the best amps on the market. Obviously though its not cheap.. £200 +.. :(
jk330ci
26-10-2009, 09:48 PM
Defiantly defiantly upgrade. Like mega said hertz are pretty decent maybe components and matching amp. Or see if you can pick up some reasonable second hand jl's from flea bay. I got a dls amp on there for peanuts, the thing cost £600+ new so real bargain. Im not so sure about jbl personalty not my first choice. Minimum alpine for amps i would say.
Makes a masive difference, worth getting them fitted properly too.
Mitesh
26-10-2009, 10:04 PM
I agree with what has been said already.
In the Clio, speakers were stock and had a hefty sub in the rear. Whilst it was good, the mid bass and top end were not there at times and felt like a half arsed system. It did get me by but looking back, everything should be done while you are at it.
I heard Raj's and sounded stunning. Have yet to hear yours mega :(
Hear what you're saying Mitesh, but I think the stock BMW speakers would be much better than the stock Renault speakers?
I'm asking this question because in my e36 I had a sony HU, JBL sub in the boot and stock speakers. I was pretty happy with the sound and not too bothered to upgrade the speakers. Now I'm fitting the sub in my e46, just thinking, as Mega said, if I'd be ripping it up again if I decided to get components.
Looks like I'll have to treat myself to an early xmas present lol.
jk330ci
27-10-2009, 04:11 AM
Hear what you're saying Mitesh, but I think the stock BMW speakers would be much better than the stock Renault speakers?
I'm asking this question because in my e36 I had a sony HU, JBL sub in the boot and stock speakers. I was pretty happy with the sound and not too bothered to upgrade the speakers. Now I'm fitting the sub in my e46, just thinking, as Mega said, if I'd be ripping it up again if I decided to get components.
Looks like I'll have to treat myself to an early xmas present lol.
Make sure you fire the sub through the ski hatch, it makes a huge difference.
With regards to front speakers, its quite easy to think, yeah it sounds pretty good until you upgrade then you wonder how you ever went without.
Buy the best you can afford. Jl's are very good and would sound really good in your car.
I'm asking this question because in my e36 I had a sony HU, JBL sub in the boot and stock speakers. I was pretty happy with the sound and not too bothered to upgrade the speakers.
Due to this statement, I would actually say just fit the sub and amp and see what YOU think. The problem is that everyone's listening tastes and ears are different.
I have completely overhauled the ICE in the 5 simply because I know I would never be happy with the stock speakers and love the clarity and depth given by my DLS components.
Fit the sub and amp and then if you're still not happy then get the front end sorted. Pointless spending cash if no need to.
If you do upgrade the fronts then a JL 300/2 will be adequate for your front components.
I agree with what has been said already.
In the Clio, speakers were stock and had a hefty sub in the rear. Whilst it was good, the mid bass and top end were not there at times and felt like a half arsed system. It did get me by but looking back, everything should be done while you are at it.
I heard Raj's and sounded stunning. Have yet to hear yours mega :(
Snap you've not heard mine yet?
Cool I'll give you a listen on Sunday. Can't believe I've not seen you since before the 'pod.
I do enjoy hi fidelity music, usually at home when you can relatively control ambient noise. However in a car, with the engine, the tyres, outside traffic and noise, how hi-fi can you really get?
Aaftab
27-10-2009, 06:40 PM
What ever components or speakers you get make sure that they are installed on an mdf ring mount directed onto the metal of the door. Will even make a £50 speaker sound great.
Mitesh
27-10-2009, 06:52 PM
I do enjoy hi fidelity music, usually at home when you can relatively control ambient noise. However in a car, with the engine, the tyres, outside traffic and noise, how hi-fi can you really get?
Oh trust me, I LOVE driving so much more when I have a great sound system to go with it.
ATM because of stock audio, I rather have the windows down, music low and listen to my exhaust but when I decide on my ICE, windows up and listening to what I want with extreme clarity.
Providing the sound deadening is done well and everything is mounted properly, you will truely get the best out of your audio and dare I say it, be able to rival a mid range priced seperate deck hifi system.
Aaftab
27-10-2009, 06:59 PM
Yes and sound proofing is a must. Get the doors done and boot. :)
Mitesh
27-10-2009, 07:24 PM
Yes and sound proofing is a must. Get the doors done and boot. :)
Back shellfff. Donttt forget that. One of the biggest killers in most BMW's is people who do not sound deaden that back shelf properly then whack in heavyweight audio.
Aaftab
27-10-2009, 09:03 PM
Back shellfff. Donttt forget that. One of the biggest killers in most BMW's is people who do not sound deaden that back shelf properly then whack in heavyweight audio.
TOOOO RIGHT! Parcel shelf is a must! The shelf on the passat was biatch to do! Once i've got all the photos together i'll do a write up!
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