M-Audio deleted our door upper mid-range speakers - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

INVICTO · 18th February 2001, 17:12

As most of you know, I have both a 540/6 (w/ DSP) and the M5 with M-Audio.

I was going to have a new DSP amp put in to correct my perceived lack of upper frequency ambiance that I was used to in my 540. This was going to be the dealer's fix for what appeared to be malfunctioning door upper midrange speakers - the 4 that are in the forward portion of each door's windowsill. Note: The A-pillar tweeters are working.

Today I pulled one of the door panels because I have heard of the speakers just not being hooked up (quality control issue).

Lo and Behold - there isn't even a speaker there - just a blank panel made to look like the 540's grilles.

I think this sucks. Though I love the new punch of bass, I miss the presence that the previous speakers positioning developed.

I went back and looked at the brochure and, sure enough, it stipulates 10 speaker system (the 540 says 12) so I guess they are counting the new front door co-axial speakers as two.

Steve

SVTWEB · 18th February 2001, 17:28

That just doen't sound right. There should be a speaker there. I would have to take a look at that configuration.

Ever the least expensive configuration has a speaker..

If that is the case, what a Rip...

Alan A · 18th February 2001, 17:55

Steve,

I don't know the locations since I don't have my car yet, but I have heard and read that the deletion of two speakers is correct. I think the explanation is that the new co-axials are two-way units, treble & midrange.

My wife was just asking yesterday if we've heard from INVICTO lately. We enjoyed your snow and deer photos! Told her you were probably still driving your M5 a lot! How many miles do you have now?

Take care....

------------------
Alan

2001 M5 (Ordered Jan 25th!)
1981 M535i
1967 Ferrari 330 GTC

raland9 · 18th February 2001, 22:17

Exactly my perception on the high end and
I am somewhat of an audiophile nut. There
is no sufficient adjustment which permits us to compensate for the lack of high end. Yesterday, I went to my local high-end car stereo store and heard an 01 530i with Dynavector (speakers) replacing the coax
and installed tweeters in the void location.
It was great and i will do the same.

Is there any trick to removing the door panel with the side impact device?

Rick

Chris Foote · 18th February 2001, 22:18

I am sure those coaxial units sound a LOT better than the '00 ones, which is what I have...so even though you are losing a set of speakers, I think the coaxials make up for it IMHO.

-Chris

INVICTO · 19th February 2001, 01:05

Chris,

I agree, the new co-axials sound better than the ones they replace; however, I liked having more high end up near my ears (right behind the B pillar on the rear door and by the door vent on the front) rather than muffled by my leg.

Steve

AndyMenard · 19th February 2001, 03:57

Are you guys referring to the tweeters in the upper front section of the rear doors, just behind the B pillar??

------------------
Andy

2000 Imola M5 / Black Nappa - Titanium Trim

Terrence · 19th February 2001, 04:27

So, Invicto,

In your opinion, should I order mine with or without the M-Audio system? I don't mind doing a little stereo upgrade after delivery if that's the best way to go.

What's your advice being the owner of both systems simultaneously?

INVICTO · 19th February 2001, 05:34

Yes Andy, those are the speakers I am referring to. In my M5 they are plastic panels made to look like the original speakers. I didn't pull the front panels but I can't hear any music from that area either (again, the A-pillar tweeter and mid-door co-axial midrange sound fine).

Terrence,

If you haven't heard the original system, you won't notice the missing tweeters - Go with the M-audio and upgrade the tweeters if you like more high end (less costly than upgrading bass).

I just started the thread since I feel jilted having heard the better (IMO) high range reproduction from the original system.

That said - the M-audio bass truly rocks for a stock car stereo.

Steve

[This message has been edited by INVICTO (edited 19 February 2001).]

Terrence · 19th February 2001, 06:46

Thanks for the advice.

raland9 · 19th February 2001, 15:15

Thanks for the input.

Rick

jokarak · 19th February 2001, 16:51

Although I'm no audiophile, I've heard that the tweeter location in the rear doors is bad. When my brother upgraded the stereo in his 540, the guy at the stereo shop (Becker automotive, who has a little two pager in this month's Motor Trend magazine) recommended that he remove those speakers. The reasoning was that 1) the placement is right behind the ears of the front passengers, thereby unbalancing the sound, and 2) with better speakers in the front and rear, you get sufficient high range to compensate.

I've heard my brother's stereo, and it sounds truly great. Now, I don't know whether with the M Audio option you get better speakers throughout, but that is my feeling (they do advertise "mylar cones" for better sound as part of the M audio package).