So in my search for the "Ultimate Sound" , seems a bit difficult
I started researching the Focal range.
So the following speaker are off the list.
1. Focal Utopia :- (3.5 inch midrange - frequency range not wide
enough)
2. Focal ES100K :- (The yellow ones) (mount not the same - 4 screw
instead of 3 , so unless you do something custom its not a drop in
replacement)
So that leaves us with the Focal Inside series which Focal makes specifically as a drop in replacement for BMW
As the prices mirror that of the ES100K which is 2nd top of the line and when I spoke to the Focal dealer , he said that in a blind test at a dealer demo the speakers sound like the Utopia and he should know.
I would be happy to put these in my car.
I compiled a quick price list off the Focal web site to see what the total cost would be .
There is a Focal amp that can replace the HK amp , but the dealer just got the wiring harnesses so they should be out very soon.
My understanding is that it is a drop in replacement with no cutting etc.
So thats great news as the only other option it seems to replace the HK amp is the Fischer Audiotec 12 channel Helix amp which is like $3K and in my investigation it seems like not many installers have installed it and know how to tune it, seems very complex.
And I don't think I need an extra 3 channels so a bit of a waste.
So my only concerns are that the centre mid and tweeter and the rear parcel shelf mid and tweeter are replaced by coax speakers which is not ideal , but then the centre is only a fill and I will not hear the rear speakers so willing to compromise.
Here is a rundown of the estimated cost.
Focal pricing - Replacement for Harmon Kardon 16 Premium Speaker System(S688A)
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Rear shelf (Co-Ax instead of separate woofer/tweeter)
IC BMW 100
$419
Front doors(Midrange and tweeter)
IS BMW 100L
$639
Rear doors(Midrange and tweeter)
IS BMW 100L
$639
Centre (Co-Ax instead of separate woofer/tweeter)
ICC BMW 100
$289
Under seat
I SUB BMW 4
$489 each
2 x = $978
——————
$2964
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If only front and under seat
———-
$2036
————
If only front only
—————
$1058
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FIT 9.660 (9 Channel DSP amp) (Cannot tune only car specific tune loaded) (Approx price )(Have not factored in wiring harness)
$1200
————
$4164
————
Plus install $1000 approx
———-
$5164
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