Need Input: E46 system and Dash work...

[scud]

Hi guys. I'm looking to install the following in my 328ci (2000) and need your advice- please post if you have some input:

1) Head Unit - For factor-look sake, I would like to keep the Business Cd head unit- Do you know if it has RCA-level outputs? If not, what would be the best way to get RCA outs back to an amp?

2) AMP: Probably going to end up using another a/d/s/ power plate. I really dig my 650 in my solara, though in fairness, that friggin thing has 3 amps... Anyhow- a few questions:

a) what is the ideal location for the amp? Trunk?
b) RCA from head unit question- see above- whats the best way?

3) Speakers: Probably will go with quart reference's all around-

a) Will 6.5 woofs fit in the doors stock? If not, how much work is needed to accomplish this?
b) In rear: Planning on 6.5 seperates back there too: how much of a pain in the ass is it to wire the tweets in the rear-side locations? If it's a super pain, I may run the references with the tweets mounted on woofers, co-ax style..

4) SUB: Still debating, but it will be 1 sub at most- Has anyone seen a quasi-stealth looking install? Would like to use a boston pro 10 or 12 in a sealed, but I would even consider using an open air deck mounted if someone's got some kind of secret...

NOTES: If i do get a sub, I'll end up making the a/d/s/ a 6 channel, using 5+6 bridged to the sub.

PLEASE LET THE POSTS RIP- I WANT YOUR ADVICE!!!

last question: I'm gonna do gauge-cluster chrome rings- are they a pain in the ass? what's invovled?

THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS THANKS

your input is most appreciated!

scud

 

[edelweiB]

if you are going with an a/d/s/ power plate 6ch amplifier PH30.2 it can accept your OEM speaker levels at the amplifier (you don't need to convert to RCA). a/d/s/ added this feature to the new amplifiers and did away with the slick external Factory Direct Interface (FDi) device that was d/c's when Directed bought a/d/s/. the amp also has RCA inputs in the event that you upgrade your source later on (for an OEM look i would roll with the Denon DCT-R1 or the Nakamichi CD-400 with a scoche dash kit).

Also, i would highly recommend that you audition the a/d/s/ speaker line-up. I have always found mbquart to be overly bright. a/d/s/ speakers are great sq speakers and are warm like dynaudios. also the a/d/s/ r-series aluminum subs are pretty solid performers on par with the great sq alumapro drivers.

the best way to install without losing any cargo space is to build the amp rack and subwoofer enclosure below the floor and in the wheel well respectively. i have never had a flat in my life and i am comfortable without a spare back there, i also have AAA so in the unlikely event that i get a flat i will have assistance.

if you want to retain you spare you can have sealed fiberglass enclosures built into the rear corner(s) of the cargo area or if you are driving the coupe (not convertable ci) you can build a free air enclosure (using the trunk as an enclosure) and have a custom rear deck built with the subs driving directly into the cabin (this tends to be the most expensive (because of fabrication and the sound deadening measures and is the most compromising on the OEM look).

 

[scud]

a/d/s/ PH30.2.... maybe

Hey Eddie- wow, what a very wel laid out response! I agree with the quarts- they are certainly bright, however the one thing to consider is I'm planning on mounting the tweets on the woofer for imaging (and honestly for laziness-less to put back together if I sell it). That considered, I don't know if a/d/s/ makes seperates that are uni-mountable, like the quarts- furthermore, I'm not sure if they're coax's would do as good a job as the quarts- perhaps you've heard them? if so, which model(s) do you recomend looking at? ALSO- would the 6.5 woofs fit in the door without cutting?

Lastly, regarding the power plate, I wasn't planning on using the PH30.2 - although it is a gorgeous piece. I was planning on using a P650- it'll do just fine. The question is whether the P650 will take speaker level inputs>? any word?

thanks
scud

 

[edelweiB]

if i were you i would mount the components in the factory locations. it is not at all difficult to wire and install speakers in factory speaker locations, this is also true for tweeters. you should not have any problems mounting a 6.5in mbquart, a/d/s/, or focal midwoofer in the factory locations and it will also be easy for you to mount 1in tweeters in factory locations.

a/d/s/ has an upgrade manual for an e46, some of the products have been replaced in the manual, but it will give you an idea about what fits:

www.adst.com/pdfs/bmwe46.pdf

many would argue that it is not important to spend a lot on rear fill speakers, a/d/s/, mbquart, and focal have a couple of model ranges of components. you could also do what you are proposing and install coaxials in the rear instead of components. it's not any more difficult to wire and install tweets seperately but you may save some loot if you pick up a pair of coaxials for the rear fill (coaxials tend to retail for less than equivalent components). what you don't spend on your rear fill spend on your front corners.