I need help finding quality Free Air woofer speakers......... - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

FAST 5 · 19th September 2003, 23:06

Hi Guys,
Im getting ready to upgarde my stinky stock stereo system. I intend on upgrading the panel speakers with MB QUART speakers. The problem Im coming across is that I can't find any good 10 inch Free Air woofers on the market. Kicker made a free air in th past (F10C) but they don't make it any longer. I intend on powering the woofers with a mono amp probably an ALPINE amp. can anyone tell me who makes a top notch quality Free Air woofer speaker????
Thanks for your help.
Robert

Boomer · 19th September 2003, 23:32

I'm looking at upgrading also. I'm going this weekend to talk to a local audio store who says he's done an M-Audio, using new amps on both subs and the other speakers without loss of steering wheel controls. Others have talked about loss of phone controls, etc. if the DSP is taken out of the loop...we'll see if he really has done this. Did the MB Quart speakers make a difference in the system? I'm thinking about doing that first (direct replacement of factory speakers without amp or new crossovers). In our discussion, the dealer mentioned changing out to new free-air subs. He says the Kicker Comp VR subs are the upgraded subs that can be used in any application (enclosed or free-air). Hope this helps.
I'm still trying to decide which route I'm going to take, but if everyone thinks the MB Quarts, by themselves makes a big difference, then I will probably start with that and maybe add an amp to the subs.

FAST 5 · 19th September 2003, 23:40

Yes, the MB QUART speakers make a HUGE difference in the overall sound of our DSP stereo system. I did this in my 2000 540i and plan on doing the same to the 2003 model M5 car. You should take this approach with the MB QUART's. Kicker no longer makes a true free air and I was told by a stereo shop that even though you can use the competition series woofer speaker as substitute for the free air, theat it will not sound as good as a true free air speaker. This is why Im determined to find a quality true free air speaker. Can anyone else help please

???
Thanks.
Robert

Boomer · 19th September 2003, 23:40

Sorry Fast 5, I just reread your post and realize you haven't done the MB Quart... I guess it's been a long week

. Anyone else that has done the direct replacement of the stock speakers, I would like to hear what they think.

Have a good weekend!

lwebb12 · 19th September 2003, 23:47

Sweet tell me how it goes. I am looking to add a sub into the system for now to make up for the low end. I will be running a JL Audio 13W7 and using a JL 1000/1 to push it. If at all possible can you see what exactly he did as far as integrating the amps into the system so I can do it myself?

Jayson · 20th September 2003, 00:05

Dls makes great free airs, theres a few others, but i'd go that route.

FAST 5 · 20th September 2003, 00:11

Thanks for respoding but I did not understand who you are recommending to me for the free air speakers. Is it DIS or is it DI? What does that stand for can you tell me the full name of the brand? Thanks.
Robert

Jayson · 20th September 2003, 00:59

Not an I

It's D L S

thats the company's name. Not nationally known but known by those that compete.

http://www.audiophiles.com/

The UR 10 will work nicely.

Or the cheaper version OA10.

Oz audio also has some.

Ozaudio.com

FAST 5 · 20th September 2003, 01:06

I checked out the site and looked at the woofer speaker. I read the spec chart and it did not mention anything about the speaker being used for "free air" applications. Did I miss something? Thank you very much!
Robert

Jayson · 20th September 2003, 01:32

Quote:

Originally posted by FAST 5
I checked out the site and looked at the woofer speaker. I read the spec chart and it did not mention anything about the speaker being used for "free air" applications. Did I miss something? Thank you very much!
Robert

Dont' worry about what it says, it's the qts and the total q you have to worry about. Forget about advertising, this is where knowing things really comes in.

And just from a technical aspect it's a sub woofer, not a sub woofer speker...The folowing are speakers...Tweeter, midranges, midbass', subwoofers. Not trying to be a jackass, just cleaning up the verbage

. If theres somthing more you'd like me to go in detail about let me know, i never know how far to go.