Music To My Ears!!! HK--> BSW Midrange Speaker Swap

[porschefan1013]

I just got done installing my new BSW 2.5'' midrange speakers...direct replacements for the Harmon Kardon units...and let me tell you: :redspot :redspot :redspot

I'm not a sound whore or a bass junky like some, but I know what shit sounds like when I hear it. And that's all I really wanted was a nice, crisp, clear sound because the scratchy and screeching and rasp on every song I played was driving me through the roof. A girl was riding home in my car a couple weeks ago and she commented on how crappy my speakers sounded and that was the final straw. :mad

From BSW: Unfortunately, BMW wasn't kind enough to use durable, high quality midranges. After a few years of use, these midrange speakers tend to blow, meaning you get awful buzzing and crackling for almost ANY type of music. Why? The midranges are responsible for playing things like voices, guitar notes, and other similar sounds. Because these are so prevalent in music, a blown midrange is a disaster.

Not only that, but due to their poor quality, most BMW factory midranges simply don't sound that great even if they aren't blown. They're muted and fuzzy sounding, so you don't get to experience the full richness of your music even if your other speakers are upgraded.

Bottom line: Well worth the 100 bucks (for the pair)...especially considering replacing the HK mids cost about $80...EACH. I'm so so so happy with this modification and I highly recommend it to everyone.

[raceboy614]

i replaced all of my speakers with the BSW Stage 1 package with MB Quarts. Unfortunately, my experience hasn't been quite as good as yours, although i'm pretty sure it's something to do with my amp or headunit causing the speakers to peak out at relatively low volumes....glad you're happy!!!!!

edit: i'd like to add that the problems i'm experiencing are probably due to my car, and now BSW's kit. Also, BSW is working with me on the problem to try and remedy it

[m3fuz]

Did you upgrade the other speakers or are you still running the stock HK's? Do you know who makes the BSW midrange speakers?

[porschefan1013]

Did you upgrade the other speakers or are you still running the stock HK's? Do you know who makes the BSW midrange speakers?

Yeah, still running all the other stockers. This was meant to be a cost-effective solution, and I can honestly say I think I achieved a 100% improvement for about $90 (thanks to a coupon from someone :D). The other speakers are really great, I think, and don't really need replacing (unless they're blown too). But as I said, I'm not one of those people that really cares about "BUMPIN". It's typically these midrange speakers that are at the root of everybody's problems.

BSW stands for Bavarian Soundwerks...bavsound.com (http://www.bavsound.com)...it's a very popular upgrade and thus it's right there when you click on "browse catalog".

[raceboy614]

Yeah, still running all the other stockers. This was meant to be a cost-effective solution, and I can honestly say I think I achieved a 100% improvement for about $90 (thanks to a coupon from someone :D). The other speakers are really great, I think, and don't really need replacing (unless they're blown too). But as I said, I'm not one of those people that really cares about "BUMPIN". It's typically these midrange speakers that are at the root of everybody's problems.

BSW stands for Bavarian Soundwerks...bavsound.com (http://www.bavsound.com)...it's a very popular upgrade and thus it's right there when you click on "browse catalog".

They're also a relatively painless install if you order the door panel removal tools:alright

[porschefan1013]

i replaced all of my speakers with the BSW Stage 1 package with MB Quarts. Unfortunately, my experience hasn't been quite as good as yours, although i'm pretty sure it's something to do with my amp or headunit causing the speakers to peak out at relatively low volumes....glad you're happy!!!!!

edit: i'd like to add that the problems i'm experiencing are probably due to my car, and now BSW's kit. Also, BSW is working with me on the problem to try and remedy it

Man, sorry to hear about that. I am planning to upgrade my headunit to the CD43 unit, because I know it should improve sound quality a little bit further than the C43 that's in there now. I wish I could help you though but I'm audio-retarded. :confused It was only because of this experience that I even learned what mids and tweeters are for. :devillook

[porschefan1013]

They're also a relatively painless install if you order the door panel removal tools:alright

Yeah, although if you're only replacing your mids (not all the speakers), I'd recommend just saving your $20 and just use a flathead screw driver. Or go to Autozone and buy a panel remover.

[RUddin3]

I just installed my replacements yesterday and am also very happy with the results.

I wish there was a better way of attaching the grills to the speakers than hot glue, but since it is hidden it was a relatively clean and very simple install. Including removing the door panels, it took my about 1.5-2 hours from start to finish.

I took off my door panels with my bare hands. I started from the front side of the door panel and worked my way back- both driver and passenger side came off easily

Drive Safely,
Raza

[Braymond141]

Matt you liar, you didn't have a girl in the car.

Nice writeup bro, My HK's arent as bad as you described yours to be, but Im going to upgrade in the near future.

[savage217]

How much better is the stage 1 bsw then say a standard speaker upgrade from local sound places such as best buy/tweeter/circuit city? I was looking into replacing just my kicker speakers with an encloser so I wont have to use the door panel speakers, which is what many people do ive heard. Are these supposed to be better than say infiniti,alpine, jl audio? Any info would be great.

[porschefan1013]

Matt you liar, you didn't have a girl in the car.

Nice writeup bro, My HK's arent as bad as you described yours to be, but Im going to upgrade in the near future.

Always have to call me out don't you? :rolleyes :D

And thanks. Tell everyone I miss em. I'll be home soon ;)

[porschefan1013]

How much better is the stage 1 bsw then say a standard speaker upgrade from local sound places such as best buy/tweeter/circuit city? I was looking into replacing just my kicker speakers with an encloser so I wont have to use the door panel speakers, which is what many people do ive heard. Are these supposed to be better than say infiniti,alpine, jl audio? Any info would be great.

Well if that question's directed at me, you might be asking the wrong person. :shifty :D I can't comment on quality versus those other makers, but I can say BSW seems to be a reputable company, and it was nice to have the assurance of dealing with people who work solely with BMW audio. Just my opinion.

[rennwerkes]

Yeah, still running all the other stockers. This was meant to be a cost-effective solution, and I can honestly say I think I achieved a 100% improvement for about $90 (thanks to a coupon from someone :D).

Any chance you could share that coupon with us?:D

[porschefan1013]

Any chance you could share that coupon with us?:D

:D I'd love to my friend...but I'd have to kill you. :devillook And it's a one time only deal too. It was a promo coupon for previous customers...and this previous customer forwarded along to meez! It was just $10.

oh oh oh...buuuuuuuut, shipping's free until 12/31 :alright