A client from Raleigh recently came to Adrenaline Autosound in Clayton in search of a 2014 BMW M6 audio system upgrade. He wanted the system to play much louder and sound more natural and detailed. After confirming that the vehicle included Harman Kardon’s Logic 7 processing system, we explained how we could work with best parts of that technology to create something truly amazing. He liked our plan and gave us the go-ahead to start the upgrade.
System Integration
The Logic 7 system uses an upmixer to create a stable soundstage from both the driver and passenger seating positions. We have upgraded many vehicles with upmixers and while it takes some processing and a significant number of amplifier channels, the results are always impressive.
We used a Mosconi DSP 8to12 Pro to extract signal information from the factory amplifier and divide it among the new speakers. We maintained the functionality of the upmixer to keep the imaging precise from both seats.
Speaker Upgrades and Subwoofer System
We replaced the factory door, dash and rear speakers with Audiofrog GB Series components using custom HDPE mounting adapters. GB10OE tweeters handle high frequency reproduction. The GB40 midrange drivers in the door will play down to 200Hz effortlessly. To fill in the midbass requirements between the midrange speakers and the sub, we used the factory 8-inch drivers under the seats.
We created a custom subwoofer enclosure for a pair of JL Audio 13TW5 drivers to ensure the system would sound great with the top up or down. The enclosure fits into the space under where the convertible top stows when in the down position, and the ski pass-through allows the bass into the interior of the vehicle.
System Electronics
This new BMW M6 audio system has a total of 13 channels of amplification. A JL Audio XD800/8v2 powers the front stage and under-seat midbass drivers. A JL XD400/4v2 powers the rear speakers and an HD750/1 powers the subwoofers. The front stage and subwoofer amplifiers are mounted on ABS panels that are secured to the aforementioned subwoofer enclosure using 10-24 stainless steel hardware. The rear speaker amp is mounted at the back of the trunk in the space between the floor and the trim panel. Finally, the signal processor is on a fourth ABS mounting plate on the right side of the trunk. We created a trim panel that is held in place with rare earth magnets to conceal the amplifiers and keep the trunk looking tidy.
Our chosen mounting locations allow everything in the system to be serviced quickly and easily. We can even remove the subwoofer enclosure without having to disconnect any amplifier wiring. Serviceability is an important part of our design process.
BMW M6 Audio System Configuration
As with any of the systems we design that include a DSP, the last step in the installation process is to tune each speaker to our target EQ curve. The client loves the new system. It plays loud effortlessly and is fun to listen to with the top up or down. If your Ultimate Driving Machine needs an equally impressive audio system, we invite you to visit Adrenaline Autosound. You can reach us by e-mail using our contact form for more information or to schedule a consultation.