Well….after much snooping around the forums I decided to upgrade my speakers to Focal Inside, I bought a pair for the front just to give it a test to see how I felt about it, but a funny thing happened while I was on eBay, I saw a Matchup 10dsp that someone was selling from a 22” x5 for a crazy good price so I bought it😅

So I’m gonna be the sacrificial lamb and truly out to rest if upgrading the speakers along is worth it, how much difference does the amplifier make, and the difference between stock with an amp and the aftermarket with an amp.

I’ll document everything I do as a go along in this thread.

To start off I’m going to change just the driver side front to the focals and drive around for a week or two with the Eq flat to see if it’s really a difrence. Then I’ll take a day or so with different Eq setting to see how it responds. Lucky for you guys I have a studio setup so I’ll also get some good clips with an actual mic and not the mic from the phone.

Anyways. Stay tuned!

First off a comparison of the build of the focals vs the stock Harmon Kardon Speakers. I’m in a 2024 x3 M40i so I have the 15 watt speakers. The tweeters (I have no clue what I did with the stock, forgot to take a picture 😅) is virtually the same as the after focal. The focal weighs a tad bit more, I’m guessing because of a more hefty magnet. The woofers for the focals are slightly different. They have a beefier surround , probably allowing for more excursion. Also the magnet is bigger and the power handling is greater for the focals.

I’ll report back in a week a or so after I give them a fair listening to

I know there is a lot of hearsay on these forums but after reading over and over I've only learned 2 things -

1) for the non HK stereo, the real problem is a lack of a powerful amp and upgrading that makes a world of difference

2) for the HK stereo, the real problem is lack of a true subwoofer not really poor speakers nor a weak amp

All of the other upgrades are incremental and subjective at best... at least there is nothing conclusive... you would almost need 2 cars side by side w the same exact song and music to truly do a comparo... and if you are still questioning yourself as opposed to a definitive upgrade... well then... you know

I have direct experience upgrading both the Hi-Fi and HK setups fully and in phases (iDrive 7 models only). I upgraded my 2021 M40i with Hi-Fi and my buddy's 2021 X3M w/ HK. My M40i now actually has a full factory HK retrofit (HK RAM + Booster + D-pillar speakers).

This is what I learned from my experience upgrading both.

The Hi-Fi setup is powered completely by the RAM module and the 10w mid-ranges and tweeters are absolute garbage. Adding an amp helps with volume but the speakers really hold it back when it comes to detail, clarity, and power. The amp pretty much amplifies everything coming from the RAM, and due to the RAM being so weak, I found that the sweet spot for the gain for the Hi-Fi setup is bumping it up 3 notches in the Match/Bimmertech amps (it's a notched slider in the software). However, the noise floor is much higher on the Hi-Fi setup, so bumping it up 3 notches, you will hear the faint hissing from the noise floor when the cabin is quiet. Due to this, bumping it up just 1-2 notches is ideal. This is one of the main reasons why I think getting the factory HK is worthwhile, and is why I retrofitted the factory HK to my vehicle.

The HK setup is different in that the speakers are powered by two amps, the RAM and the Booster. The RAM powers the mid-ranges and tweeters, while the booster powers the 8-ohm underseats. Due to the RAM not being responsible for powering the underseats, I found that the RAM drives the midranges and tweeters with a lot more power which in turn made it so you couldn't discern the noise floor bumping up the gain further compared to the Hi-Fi setup. The hearsay portion of the amp upgrade is based on how much of an audiophile you are. If you've been spoiled by a nice home theatre system or a nice pair of cans, the HK will be lacking even with an amp added and tuned. The HK underseats serve as a good mid-bass driver, so replacing them with a pair of aftermarket 2-ohms will remedy that and satisfy most users (can get as low as 30-40hz depending on driver). If you're young and want to feel the hairs on your body when the bass drops, you'll def need a true sub.

Get the Morel or Helix Ci5-S2 underseats. After testing a handful, I found that they get as low as the best 2-ohm underseats on the market while extending up to where the mid-range drops off in freq.

This is going to be interesting as I'm approaching the crossroads between upgrading the speakers or going with a sub! I have the Matchup 10dsp installed.

ASAP wrote

2) for the HK stereo, the real problem is lack of a true subwoofer not really poor speakers nor a weak amp

This observation is only true for the G01. As avi66 indicated in prior posts, BMW cheapened out on the speakers for even the HK system (when comparing replacement cost of G01 vs G45).

EWL5 wrote

This observation is only true for the G01. As avi66 indicated in prior posts, BMW cheapened out on the speakers for even the HK system (when comparing replacement cost of G01 vs G45).

unless someone is able to truly say, wow that is a difference w any of thede upgrades with zero subjectivity... its likely not something i'd ever waste money on... an independent sub will make u say that...
by the way I have a high end setup at home so maybe i am harder to please

ASAP wrote

unless someone is able to truly say, wow that is a difference w any of thede upgrades with zero subjectivity... its likely not something i'd ever waste money on... an independent sub will make u say that...
by the way I have a high end setup at home so maybe i am harder to please

So what are you running at home?

Whenever car audio messes w/the timbre of familiar hosts on FM radio, that catches my ear in the worst way (as it did for my HiFi system)! Cheaper speakers in the G45 HK system possibly could have the same effect, especially w/the reduction in the number of tweeters!

G01 HK system grade from DM Sound: B+
G45 HK system grade from DM Sound: C-
Same guy, same baseline tests. I guess most BMW owners are tone deaf!

EWL5 wrote

So what are you running at home?

Whenever car audio messes w/the timbre of familiar hosts on FM radio, that catches my ear in the worst way (as it did for my HiFi system)! Cheaper speakers in the G45 HK system possibly could have the same effect, especially w/the reduction in the number of tweeters!

G01 HK system grade from DM Sound: B+

G45 HK system grade from DM Sound: C-

Same guy, same baseline tests. I guess most BMW owners are tone deaf!

denon avr 4800 powering svs2000 sub, monitor audio silver 8s, ma center channel and klipsch rears (my worst component) ... looking to upgrade the towers to a b&w... all tunning thru qobuz flac

ASAP wrote

denon avr 4800 powering svs2000 sub, monitor audio silver 8s, ma center channel and klipsch rears (my worst component) ... looking to upgrade the towers to a b&w... all tunning thru qobuz flac

I have the Denon 3800 and paid for the Dirac room correction. Running L/C/R Martin Logan speaker and some unknown ceiling speakers (I'm 2nd owner of the house). I have an Emotiva XPA2 powering the L/R drivers and an older DefTech SuperCube 1 that's about 20 years strong!

EWL5 wrote

I have the Denon 3800 and paid for the Dirac room correction. Running L/C/R Martin Logan speaker and some unknown ceiling speakers (I'm 2nd owner of the house). I have an Emotiva XPA2 powering the L/R drivers and an older DefTech SuperCube 1 that's about 20 years strong!

thats a very nice setup... i am looking for better towers with larger woofers now... to be honest i dont believe we will be satisfied w the car audio lol

ASAP wrote

thats a very nice setup... i am looking for better towers with larger woofers now... to be honest i dont believe we will be satisfied w the car audio lol

All the prior car audio I've ever had were passable. The BMW HiFi is the first audio system where I thought "they didn't even try..."!

Alex-ander wrote

Well….after much snooping around the forums I decided to upgrade my speakers to Focal Inside, I bought a pair for the front just to give it a test to see how I felt about it, but a funny thing happened while I was on eBay, I saw a Matchup 10dsp that someone was selling from a 22” x5 for a crazy good price so I bought it

So I’m gonna be the sacrificial lamb and truly out to rest if upgrading the speakers along is worth it, how much difference does the amplifier make, and the difference between stock with an amp and the aftermarket with an amp.

I’ll document everything I do as a go along in this thread.

To start off I’m going to change just the driver side front to the focals and drive around for a week or two with the Eq flat to see if it’s really a difrence. Then I’ll take a day or so with different Eq setting to see how it responds. Lucky for you guys I have a studio setup so I’ll also get some good clips with an actual mic and not the mic from the phone.

Anyways. Stay tuned!

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2019299&highlight=jl+focal
https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2179802

Dont reinvent the wheel tons of info in the two threads above, holler if you run into issues.

EWL5 wrote

I have the Denon 3800 and paid for the Dirac room correction. Running L/C/R Martin Logan speaker and some unknown ceiling speakers (I'm 2nd owner of the house). I have an Emotiva XPA2 powering the L/R drivers and an older DefTech SuperCube 1 that's about 20 years strong!

my marantz 7704 died, so now have to look for a replacement processor. How do you like denon with dirac instead of audyssey? The later sucked in the old marantz.

TacosRule! wrote

my marantz 7704 died, so now have to look for a replacement processor. How do you like denon with dirac instead of audyssey? The later sucked in the old marantz.

Dirac correction gave me the most clarity from the center channel I've ever had (previously had MCACC and tried Audyssey and didn't like it)!

I think it's well worth the initial investment. I opted not to pay for Dirac Live Bass Control as I only have 1 SW. I can do phase control on that on my own!

Quick update:

I replaced one side and have been A/B-ing the oem vs the focals. There is certainly a difference in the sound. Is it significant? That is gonna be dependent on the person. Imo it’s nothing that can’t be compensated with the Eq, even tho I will admit adjustments with the focals sound MUCH better than the oem. I suspect the big difference will be when I add the amp in the mix. I’ll post audio clips by the end of this week!

I'm considering incremental upgrades to the stock HK cabin speakers now that I've added an aftermarket powered subwoofer. For ease of installation I thought I'd start with the center front speaker in the dash board. Any recommendations for where I should start shopping?
NOTE: I am not planning to change from the factory amplifier at this time. If upgrading just the speakers and not the amplifier is a waste of energy, let me know...

SteveYem wrote

NOTE: I am not planning to change from the factory amplifier at this time. If upgrading just the speakers and not the amplifier is a waste of energy, let me know...

if you upgrade speakers you must upgrade the amp. If you dont upgrade the amp then dont waste your money and energy with just speakers, your ROI is minimal.

SteveYem wrote

I'm considering incremental upgrades to the stock HK cabin speakers now that I've added an aftermarket powered subwoofer. For ease of installation I thought I'd start with the center front speaker in the dash board. Any recommendations for where I should start shopping?

worst part to start upgrading, your center channel is used maybe 10% of the time.

TacosRule! wrote

worst part to start upgrading, your center channel is used maybe 10% of the time.

^this. Replacing the front mids and tweets will have the most impact. I went with P-n-P Match components but others have also had great luck with Focal and Audison. I added the matching center later on.

83883 wrote

^this. Replacing the front mids and tweets will have the most impact. I went with P-n-P Match components but others have also had great luck with Focal and Audison. I added the matching center later on.

Did the same. Match for front LCR. No remedy for the weak bass, but that was not my primary concern. Did improve clarity.

[Rant] BMW saved $ on these drivers for an up-charge "premium" audio system. In addition to $$$ they charged me, I still had to spend $$$ and time to partially offset their cost savings. Would have to spend $$$$$ to make it actual premium quality.[/rant]

pennhaven wrote

Did the same. Match for front LCR. No remedy for the weak bass, but that was not my primary concern. Did improve clarity.

[Rant] BMW saved $ on these drivers for an up-charge "premium" audio system. In addition to $$$ they charged me, I still had to spend $$$ and time to partially offset their cost savings. Would have to spend $$$$$ to make it actual premium quality.[/rant]

I'm happy with the 10" powered subwoofer that I installed, but now (as expected) I'm finding that the sound stage in the driver's seat lacks "presence", or maybe "depth". Boosting the high and high-mid frequencies in the graphic EQ helps somewhat for certain music, but for other music it produces too much harsh high frequency noise that causes me too turn the volume down.

Regarding the front door mid range + tweeters, I've read that Focal is OK but not a tremendous improvement over the stock speakers. Keep in mind I have a 2023 model year with HK audio which had the lower powered stereo system.

SteveYem wrote

I'm happy with the 10" powered subwoofer that I installed, but now (as expected) I'm finding that the sound stage in the driver's seat lacks "presence", or maybe "depth". Boosting the high and high-mid frequencies in the graphic EQ helps somewhat for certain music, but for other music it produces too much harsh high frequency noise that causes me too turn the volume down.

Regarding the front door mid range + tweeters, I've read that Focal is OK but not a tremendous improvement over the stock speakers. Keep in mind I have a 2023 model year with HK audio which had the lower powered stereo system.

You need to amplify your speakers, Focal loves power. I am feeding mine 65W RMS and are rated for 120 max.


what kind of 10" are you using and what is driving it? If you're on the stock HK dsp code in the B&W stuff and try that, it'll help. The only fix is getting an outboard amp/dsp, JL VXi, Match of course, audison, there are a few.