13 replies to this topic

[Anthony1]

Hey,

I recently acquired a '97 BMW 318i and it has the factory audio system in it minus the HU which I have replaced with a Clarion CZ301E. The front speakers seemed to make a low buzzing noise which really annoyed me so i replaced the wiring but that didn't solved the problem. I was going to wait it out and save money to upgrade the audio system but now the front right has stopped working.

I now wish to do a low budget upgrade which will need to last me about a year till i can afford a better set up. I have a budget of around $500-600 and will be installing it myself. I know this is extremely low but I seems to me I can get something semi decent with in the price range. The factory front speakers are 5.25" and I don't really want to do any modification. It looks like this will really limit the range I have to choose from but I was looking at the Polk Audio DB5251 for $159 they seem to have good reviews but I'm not sure. How much better are these then say MB Quart FSB213 for $95?

I found a review of the Orion Cobalt CO124S 12” Sub on this site which seems perfect for someone in my situation. I can get one for $126 from JB and build my own box, I have plenty of MDF sitting in the garage i can use.

The amp is the part I'm having trouble with. Can I use the JaycarResponse Precision 4 x 100WRMS that is $229 to power both the sub and the front speakers or should I be looking at something else?

The Clarion HU only has 1 pre out is this going to be a problem or is there another way to hook up the front speakers to the amp?

I would really appreciate and tips and advice you can give me,

Thanks in advance,

Anthony

[REVNSS.inc]

The gear you have listed would provide a good, basic setup. That amp has enough power to drive both the speakers and subwoofer you have listed.

I have not heard the those particular polks or mb quart however I have heard the 6" version of the polks and they are quite a nice speaker for their price.

With that budget and the intention of upgrading in a year or so I would be looking to buy a decent set of component speakers and amplifier, and look to add a subwoofer and second amp later on.

With a good set of speakers and adequate amp you would likely get better sound overall, lacking a little bass, but save money in the long run. Also one good pair of speakers powered properly can also be quite surprising.

[Aussierox]

I've used the Polk db6501 component speakers and they sound amazing for there rrp of $355 so I'm sure the 5" will sound great too. I was running them off a pa330 2 channel amp cost me $200 and gave the speakers roughly 80w rms each channel.

[Anthony1]

I've been and had a listen to the sub and the 6" version of the polks. Nowhere seems to stock the 5.25" so I guess I'm going to have buy them online. They both sound great for their price.

Can anyone lead me in the right direction to wiring up the front speakers with out a pre out? From what I've read it can be done but I can't find out how.

[DrBoom]

Two ways to get around that:
Get an amp with a high signal speaker inputs or buy high to low conveters that convert speaker high inputs to low (rca) inputs so you run RCA for signal to the amplifier.
You will need to buy a pair of these converters from Jaycar or Strathies. for around $10.00.

Its cheaper to run RCA's then speaker wires due to reducing electromagnetic interferences in car audio systems. Hope this helps out mate!

[Aussierox]

Couldn't you also use an RCA splitter and just run both amps into the one pre Out? It would just limit the controls on the HU for things like fading and sub level.

[SHANE G !!]

wow shepparton should have 2 pair of 5 1/4" left at a crazy price due to closing down if thats any help..last days sunday...im workin 2moro if you're interested...just my 2 cents

Edited by sostok, 13 April 2012 - 04:12 PM.

[Anthony1]

Thanks but I live a bit far from Shepparton.

I'm going to use the line level converter. Thanks for the help.

In the review for the sub I says that the recommended sub box dimensions in the o manual wner's are to small. Should I just build the biggest sized box that will reasonably fit in my car?

[shiny_car]

Modelling the specs for the Orion CO124S, I'd suggest around 2cuft/56L sealed, if you can afford that space/weight.

[acarr87]

You can fit 6.5's in the factory location of the e36 without any modification, I did in my 93 318 sedan

[Anthony1]

Hey guys,

I'm having a bit of trouble, I have the amp and sub but not the speakers yet. I hooked up the amp and sub but whenever i turn it on the amp goes in to protection. From what I've read you can run a 4 channel amp only using to channels. I've checked for shorts but can't seem to find any.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[shiny_car]

Jaycar amp? Brand new?
Orion sub? Brand new? 4ohm?

Yes, you can use 1/2/3 or all 4 channels at once.

There's many potential problems: faulty amp, low voltage to amp (bad ground, bad powerwire connection, bad main fuse, etc), sub lower than 4ohm impedence, etc.

First step: disconnect the RCA connections (ensure ends do not short out if you turn the HU on), and disconnect the speakerwires (sub) from the amp. Turn on HU and ensure amp powers up properly. If it still goes into protection mode, the fault is narrowed down to the powerwiring/ground/remote wire or amp itself.

[DrBoom]

Using a 4 channel amp, use the front channels to run the Polks and the rear bridged to run the subwoofer. You may need to educate yourself to use a multimetre, your best friend in a car audio install mate!!!

[HERTZ-1]

Hertz do a 5.25" set of splits in the energy series. We've installed loads of them into beemers. They sound great! ESK130.4
Most Autobarn stores should be able to get them for you.

Posted from my portable device.