[AustraliaG20]

Hi all,

So I have finally got around to using my car enough to have an opinion on the new speaker and amplified setup. What I have installed:

Replacement speakers (did these myself):
Bavsound stage 1 speakers

Replacement subs (did these myself):
Bavsound Ghost subs

Replacement amp and tuning (professional install):
Installer write up with pictures of the install

Couple of initial thoughts and comments:
* The speakers with the stock amp is an improvement in quality, but the lack of volume and still iimited clarity was overall still quite disappointing.
* The amp, tune and Bavsound speakers is a significant improvement over the stock HiFi system. If I had to do this again I would probably do the amp first - but one didn't exist at the time for me.
* The ASD, indicator, phone volume etc is all amplified. The ASD is almost unbearable in Sports / Sports Plus mode. Even the indicator volume is taking some time to get used to. The phone volume is down to the lowest setting.

I have another vehicle with the HK setup for a comparison, and after having a few people listen to both systems the general commentary is:

- This setup has far more clarity throughout the range, especially through the midrange. The centre speaker setup on the Match amp is actually really nice, and creates a good stage for the driver.
- The volume is significantly louder, it's not comp level SPL (nor would I want that), but I can't maintain more than 75% volume constantly.
- The bass enhancer is really nice, and produces 100% sub power at 50% of the actual RAM volume. While the bass is still only two small 8" subs, you can feel the air pressure from the seats.
- The speakers are much punchier and I would argue clearer than the HK setup. But the HK setup is louder (more speakers too), and within certain frequencies the bass is stronger.
- The setup is completely hidden until you hear the ASD, or look at the battery where the additional power cable is run. That's useful.

Final thoughts.
It's an expensive upgrade (especially in Australia), and the ASD, indicators etc are going to take a while to get used to - I'm unlikely to code the ASD off at least until out of warranty. However, the quality and volume is night and day, and overall I'm really happy with the outcome. I am considering getting a sub for the trunk as well, because there is still a little bit lacking in the really low frequency range due to the physical limitations of an 8" sub. But that is really starting to get picky.

** Update **

A few months later I went back and installed a dedicated sub and sub amp. Sub is JL CS110TG-TW3 and the amp is Crunch GTO1750. Great little setup now! However be prepared to be chasing lots of rattles. The back parcel shelf, rear licence plate and the fuel door were the main culprits. But eventually got rid of them all.

The tuner also played with the tune to get the indicators and ASD down to a more reasonable level. So all good now too.

[Calamari]

Great write-up.

I am running a very similar setup with MatchUP 7BMW amp, Eton mids and tweeters and Focal iSub2 woofers.

I am more than happy with the results. Sound is better than Harman Kardon. Clear, precise, loud. I can crank it up to a level where I can't hear myself without getting noticable distortion. I don't have ASD or RAM in my G20 so indicator signal and ASD are not an issue.

All in all, if one wants a SQ system - this is the way to go.

[firetitanx]

Hi AustraliaG20 thanks for the excellent comprehensive review.
I never even considered how a better/louder sound system would impact the ASD,indicators or phone volume !!
Something to consider.

You must really be in Sound Nirvana now )
Enjoy !!

[acre22f90]

How much were you charged for the Match Up amp? I'm super disappointed that we have to invest in a $1000 7 ch amp alone...

[Pacman123]

Definitely get a sub in the trunk, I have Hk with a 12in alpine pushing 600 rms and it rips.

[helmet91]

* The ASD, indicator, phone volume etc is all amplified. The ASD is almost unbearable in Sports / Sports Plus mode. Even the indicator volume is taking some time to get used to. The phone volume is down to the lowest setting.

This is a deal breaker for me... Have you conferred with Audiotec Fischer to see if there is a workaround for this issue?

Thanks for the new review and write-up you did this summer!

[AustraliaG20]

It's all sorted now. I went back and added a sub and another amp, then tuned it again. Not 100% sure what the fix was, I really should follow up, but it's fine now.

[AustraliaG20]

Originally Posted by Pacman123

Definitely get a sub in the trunk, I have Hk with a 12in alpine pushing 600 rms and it rips.

I have the JL CS110TG-TW3 and Crunch GTO1750. The sub is actually way too loud, many many attempts to reduce internal and external rattle - internals are all done but the fuel lid is ruining me!

It's at something like -70dB 🤷*♂️

[AustraliaG20]

Originally Posted by ACremona22

How much were you charged for the Match Up amp? I'm super disappointed that we have to invest in a $1000 7 ch amp alone...

I'm in Australia and it's $1700AUD plus the cable, plus install and tuning. It's damn expensive, but considering the cost of HK and the improvement in sound (I have HK in another vehicle and have heard it in another G20)... it's worth it. Especially with the sub.

[MashMaster]

Originally Posted by AustraliaG20

Replacement amp and tuning (professional install):
Installer write up with pictures of the install

Do you have another link for this? This one is not working.

[AustraliaG20]

You're correct, he has moved it / taken it down. This isn't my car but it's the same.

https://soundtech.com.au/installations/

[MashMaster]

Originally Posted by AustraliaG20

You're correct, he has moved it / taken it down. This isn't my car but it's the same.

https://soundtech.com.au/installations/

Unfortunately that is an iDrive6 direct amp swap installation, not iDrive7 with a RAM unit that has to remain. It also looks like it's the UP7 BMW, not the DSP.

[AustraliaG20]

Found it.

https://soundtech.com.au/portfolio-i...330i-g20-2020/

[MashMaster]

Originally Posted by AustraliaG20

Found it.

https://soundtech.com.au/portfolio-i...330i-g20-2020/

Thanks, that is helpful. Looks like we have the same portimao/m-sport 330i.

[MashMaster]

It looks like the power wire is going into the conduit next to the power wire that's already there, but I don't know how they got it there or where it leads? Also it looks like the wire going from the fuse is tapped into the other power wire that is already present...?

[AustraliaG20]

Originally Posted by MashMaster

It looks like the power wire is going into the conduit next to the power wire that's already there, but I don't know how they got it there or where it leads? Also it looks like the wire going from the fuse is tapped into the other power wire that is already present...?

I saw you are asking on another thread, did you get this answered?

[ArcSecond]

Originally Posted by AustraliaG20

It's all sorted now. I went back and added a sub and another amp, then tuned it again. Not 100% sure what the fix was, I really should follow up, but it's fine now.

Sorry to revive a long dead thread, but I'm wondering if you ever figured out what the fix was?

[AustraliaG20]

I asked and he basically said that he tuned that frequency down to be less noticeable. It's still a bit louder but fine.

Has anyone else had the issue?