[DailyDownshift]

So I initially thought the HK sound system sounded pretty solid when I first got the car, but a few audiophiles told me it was pretty trash. Since then I've been pretty critical of it when listening to different genres. Over time I slowly noticed how compressed the audio is at higher volumes and the general lack of any punch in the bass and lows. The highs also get quite screechy and just harsh on your eyes if you play them at higher volumes. So thanks audiophiles, you've ruined my G87's HK system lmao

Anyways, I partnered with BimmerTech to build a prototype bracket for their aftermarket amplifier (alpha one amp) that fits well in the trunk of our G87's. After a few months of test fitting we came up with a solid solution and one that doesn't require any serious modifications. The bracket of the amp sits flat in the lower left pocket of the trunk (right underneath the stock audio RAM and booster module). It's bolted down using two OEM screws that stick up from under the chassis (very convenient for us). BimmerTech supplies a plug n play harness and power cables. The plug n play harness goes from the amplifier to the RAM and booster module while the power cables go from the amplifier to the battery in the middle of the trunk. One cable to the negative and one to the positive. All and all a quick 10-20 minute install if you're somewhat competent working with push pins, screws and trim pieces.

The after sound difference is honestly quite shocking. The very first thing I noticed was that the volume was much louder without needing to turn the dial of the volume any higher. I think this is because the amp just pushes more juice to the factory HK speakers. In terms of sound quality, the first thing you notice is the hard hitting bass. It's similar to when you're at a concert and the bass travels through your chest, super hard hitting. Additionally, at higher volumes the compressed and harsh sounding highs are completely gone and it's silky smooth even when playing music at a very high volume. Even excluding the powerful bass, overall there seems to be a lot more depth to the lows, mids and highs. The best way I can describe it is like listening to music on your headphones, then going to the concert in person. The music just resonates differently in your body and it makes a physical impact. With the stock unit I always felt like I wanted to play the music louder, but it never really had an impact. Now I struggle to find the need to play the music at higher than 55% of the volume capacity with this new amplifier because it's loud enough.

I initially thought the HK system was a 7/10 because of my lack of sound system experience. After seeing the massive room for improvement though, the stock system went down to a 4 while the upgrade was a 9/10. It sounds so good now that I don't foresee anyone NEEDING more from their cars audio system unless you're a top 1% audiophile. With that being said though, BimmerTech does have speakers and woofers that are supposedly even better than the HK in our cars. I can't imagine this 9/10 sound going to 10/10 or beyond, but maybe I'll be in for a treat once those get installed on my car

This upgrade has got me thinking more about the fidelity of my audio in general. I recently swapped from spotify to loseless apple music, definitely noticed a subtle difference there in clarity. (Nowhere near the difference that upgrading amplifiers made though). I've also upgrade headphones and got the new airpods pro 2 (they're surprisingly good, especially noise cancellation). So this taste in fine audio has got me spending more bucks in other sound related areas of my life lol

Not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination but this has definitely opened my eyes. If ya'll have any questions, feel free to shoot them my way!



Here's the video of the install and a before/after, microphone doesn't do it justice but with headphones you can hear the characteristics of the new sound:

[Albator_IIII]

Only 1,400 km and I haven't turn the entertainment system once. The engine sound (I know a lot of it is simulated), is all I need.

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by Albator_IIII

Only 1,400 km and I haven't turn the entertainment system once. The engine sound (I know a lot of it is simulated), is all I need.

That was me for the first couple thousand km's but the lack of character from the exhaust has got me playing a lot of music.. hopefully I can get a full catback exhaust soon to wake it up a bit more

[J-RO]

Does this also amplify the turm signals and parking sensor sounds? Do you have to turn ASD off? Thanks.

[Lagunatic]

Aiyeeeee do I want to upgrade speakers or amp!?! The debate continues…..

[eleven11]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this a rebranded/repurposed MATCH UP10 DSP amplifier from Audiotec Fischer? If so, it's a nice upgrade. However, I assume you don't have access to the full DSP control through the AF software?

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by J-RO

Does this also amplify the turm signals and parking sensor sounds? Do you have to turn ASD off? Thanks.

So the turn signals are very slightly different. They've got a bit more bass but it's not something very noticeable. You'd have to specifically listen for it. Parking sensors sound the same to me. What definitely has changed is the piped in exhaust noise from the speakers. It's got a lot more bass to it. This is something that you can completely turn off with BimmerTech though, I may opt to remove it soon.

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by Lagunatic

Aiyeeeee do I want to upgrade speakers or amp!?! The debate continues…..

I think I'm going to get woofers and speakers, once that happens I'll gladly tell you which is the bigger sound upgrade. So far, amp has been very impressive.

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by eleven11

Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't this a rebranded/repurposed MATCH UP10 DSP amplifier from Audiotec Fischer? If so, it's a nice upgrade. However, I assume you don't have access to the full DSP control through the AF software?

Yes, it is a repurposed Match UP 10DSP or at least that's what the DSP PC-TOOL identifies it as when connecting the amp to a laptop via usb. Using the software you can totally fine tune everything to your liking, but that's not something I would try as I'm an audio noob. Normally BT sends out preset files that you would just load onto the amp and that changes certain perimeters which changes the sound profile. Or they do it themselves on your laptop via teamviewer. The amp can hold up to 10 different audio profiles.

[eleven11]

Originally Posted by Daily Downshift

Yes, it is a repurposed Match UP 10DSP or at least that's what the DSP PC-TOOL identifies it as when connecting the amp to a laptop via usb. Using the software you can totally fine tune everything to your liking, but that's not something I would try as I'm an audio noob. Normally BT sends out preset files that you would just load onto the amp and that changes certain perimeters which changes the sound profile. Or they do it themselves on your laptop via teamviewer. The amp can hold up to 10 different audio profiles.

That's good. I've seen some companies who repurpose the AF amps lock the full DSP tuning capabilities. I'm sure the presets are solid. However, I'd recommend you play around with the software suite. It looks intimidating, but isn't (and can always be reset to your stock profiles if you "mess up.").

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by eleven11

That's good. I've seen some companies who repurpose the AF amps lock the full DSP tuning capabilities. I'm sure the presets are solid. However, I'd recommend you play around with the software suite. It looks intimidating, but isn't (and can always be reset to your stock profiles if you "mess up.").

I may give it a shot but will probably need to watch some YouTube guides, it definitely does seem pretty intimidating

[TheDrivenGarage]

Is Bimertech now going to include the bracket? I was thinking about ordering during the BF sale but the page says no bracket is available? Do you know when they will start offering the bracket?

[baj_baj]

I ordered the amp and hope the bracket comes... But it doesn't seem very complex to make if needed

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by TheDrivenGarage

Is Bimertech now going to include the bracket? I was thinking about ordering during the BF sale but the page says no bracket is available? Do you know when they will start offering the bracket?

I contacted BT and asked for clarification on the bracket, they are shipping brackets with the amps.

[TheDrivenGarage]

Originally Posted by Daily Downshift

I contacted BT and asked for clarification on the bracket, I will edit this reply as soon as I hear back.

Thanks man! I want to do something with the system as it needs some help.

[baj_baj]

So BT reached out and my amp will be delayed by about a week (maybe more, maybe less) until the brackets are ready! I don’t mind waiting a bit longer to get the bracket. I don’t know if this is the case for everyone

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by baj_baj

So BT reached out and my amp will be delayed by about a week (maybe more, maybe less) until the brackets are ready! I don’t mind waiting a bit longer to get the bracket. I don’t know if this is the case for everyone

Ya this is what they relayed to me as well. Since mine was a prototype bracket, they are now making a bunch of them via laser cutting. Everyone ordering an amp for g87/g42 will get this bracket.

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by TheDrivenGarage

Thanks man! I want to do something with the system as it needs some help.

They're including brackets with the amps, orders may be slightly delayed as they are laser cutting them as we speak

[J-RO]

For that price the brackets SHOULD be included.

[DailyDownshift]

Originally Posted by J-RO

For that price the brackets SHOULD be included.

They include brackets with all their amps, kind of a no brainer. I just wanted to triple check.

[Coconut]

It was mentioned that ASD can be disabled. Do you know if this is done through coding or within the Alpha One amp itself? When I build the kit on bimmertechs website, there are two options that are automatically added to remove ASD. The $40 cable and a $80 ASD removal through coding. Not certain if this is done on the amp at bimmertech (why the need for the $40 cable then?) or done remotely on iDrive8 (I thought you can’t code ASD out in ID8?).

[M2siast]

Originally Posted by Coconut

It was mentioned that ASD can be disabled. Do you know if this is done through coding or within the Alpha One amp itself? When I build the kit on bimmertechs website, there are two options that are automatically added to remove ASD. The $40 cable and a $80 ASD removal through coding. Not certain if this is done on the amp at bimmertech (why the need for the $40 cable then?) or done remotely on iDrive8 (I thought you can’t code ASD out in ID8?).

You can code out ASD now in our cars, so if you have the option and don't want someone doing it for you, you can do it yourself.