new stereo or just speakers?

necie · 10-20-2010, 07:38 PM

I have the original Harmon Kardon deck mounted Cd player...I'm not happy with the sound. Considering replacing the speakers with a kit from Bavarian Sound Werks. Anyone done this? Suggestions?
thanks,necie

simplycars · 10-20-2010, 08:41 PM

BSW is overpriced and you can get a great sounding system for much less using quality components.

propr'one · 10-24-2010, 03:25 PM

headunit will give you an enormous bump in sound quality. BSW is nice cause its PnP. If you're up to rewire your car/amp, i'd go for something else (not bmw's strange 3ohm stuff)

BMWDriver · 02-28-2011, 09:07 PM

I've been pretty happy with upgrading my head unit; made a difference because it has more power to boot, not to mention mp3/iPod integration. Added a subwoofer since then to give it just a tad more bass. Could be better with speaker replacement I imagine, but I'm good like it is.

The-Traveler · 02-28-2011, 10:18 PM

I would love the opinion of someone who has purchased the BSW stage 1 speaker set... as I'm in the same boat, and I know I don't want to do any speaker wiring.

Bartacus · 03-01-2011, 01:19 PM

I have the BSW stage 1 kit, but I only installed the rears (since nothing else fits because I have a 320i). Those rears + an Alpine head unit = heaven compared to stock. Our stock sound systems are truly awful (can't speak for the HK).

If the rest of the BSW speakers are as good, I can't wait to source new door panels and get them installed! The rears sound great, nice deep bass.

signsmith · 03-09-2011, 06:49 PM

Hey guys, I was looking at BSW also, I have an '04 330..

I was thinking of changing the head unit like you guys were talking about, but isn't it tied into the car? I set my clock in my dash with my head unit..

Bartacus · 03-09-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signsmith

Hey guys, I was looking at BSW also, I have an '04 330..

I was thinking of changing the head unit like you guys were talking about, but isn't it tied into the car? I set my clock in my dash with my head unit..

Really? I set mine with the knobs on the cluster (trip odometer reset, etc). But then, I'm driving an older 320i with ZERO options.

signsmith · 03-09-2011, 09:29 PM

Hey, I think you are right! It has been a long winter.. I miss my car..
I am already forgetting how to do stuff..

signsmith · 03-27-2011, 10:19 PM

Ok, got the BSW stage 1 speaker kit, and an Infinity Basslink II ... Now I just need time to install and I will let you know how much it improves the sound over the stock HK! I hope anyway...

slemmer · 03-27-2011, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by simplycars

BSW is overpriced and you can get a great sounding system for much less using quality components.

What would you recommend?

signsmith · 04-06-2011, 07:32 PM

Installed the Stage 1 kit. Took about 1.5 hours total.. Easy fit.. I opted for the easy route this time because I don't have time to monkey around with finding speakers and making them fit..
Sounds really good, but I don't have a good direct comparison.. I tried to listen before and after, but got pulled away when I was just finishing up, and now can't say how much better it is!
I ended up finding a sub box from a friend, so the Basslink 2 is for sale if anyone is interested.. New in box, took it out and looked at it, then put it back in!
Paid $250 + HST, selling for $225 obo
I will post when I get the sub and amp installed!

BenBMW · 05-06-2011, 11:51 AM

I always thought of getting the BSW Stage 1 kit but it did seem overpriced. I'll have to do an actual comparison of buying the kit compared to buying all the same components (probably different brands though) of equal quality seperately. I'll try to remember to hit this thread back up when I do that so other's can see.

Lookin' forward to seeing the pics though.

I'm tired of my stock setup.

steve.325i · 07-05-2011, 01:32 AM

I have a non-hk system and replaced all four speakers with 6.5 energy speakers from futureshop. The doors took some work but the sound is excellent imo.
If you are going to pay BSW pricing for speakers, you should also be taking your car to BMW for service.

swbatte · 08-14-2011, 09:45 AM

Timely thread, as my font speakers are blown. I don't abuse the system at all, and considering a Logic 7 upgrade cost over $1000 when I bought the car, this is dissapointing.

I don't want to change the appearance of the interior and was looking at the BSW system as well. Their stage 1 kit replaces every speaker for around $550. That doesn't seem too expensive, but I have been out of car audio for 10 years.

I want to do this once and hear an improvement while I'm at it. Any other suggestions are welcome.