My new amplifier upgrade

[GreyM340i]

So is the general consensus that there is nothing for us h/k guys out there to upgrade with?

Seams like not plug and play. Best would be a JL 6 ch amp and wire into the factory harness.

[I M Legend]

Anyone use the MATCH BMW amp with an AVIN unit? If yes, did you use preamps? Curious what set up you're using.

[GreyM340i]

Anyone use the MATCH BMW amp with an AVIN unit? If yes, did you use preamps? Curious what set up you're using.

Not sure it would make a difference from what I’m using now. I recently installed a new Sony double din. It’s using the factory wires and harness. I just ran RCA cables from the sub pre out for the Audison powered subwoofer.

[I M Legend]

Not sure it would make a difference from what I’m using now. I recently installed a new Sony double din. It’s using the factory wires and harness. I just ran RCA cables from the sub pre out for the Audison powered subwoofer.

So the signal from the headunit to the amp is a powered signal? In other words, you're not using pre-amp signal from the headunit?

[GreyM340i]

So the signal from the headunit to the amp is a powered signal? In other words, you're not using pre-amp signal from the headunit?

I have the amplified Hi-Fi system so might be different if it’s the HK however yes I just plugged the Sony head unit right to the factory harness and then plugged the Match amp into the factory hardness that my original amp used to plug into.

[jylee05]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to share my experience with upgrading my audio in my M3. The original system was a Hi-Fi system however the previous owner upgraded the speakers to BavSound speakers and a older Dynavin double din head unit. After receiving the car I changed the head unit out to a just released Sony XAV-AX6000 unit and even found a great deal on a now discontinued BavSound 10” powered subwoofer that mounts to the rear deck.

Well even though it is a way better experience the sound wasn't amazing and the power for the interior speakers was lacking. I kept trying to read about people upgrading the factory amp to a JL audio or AudioControl amp however I didn't want to cut any of the factory wires to make that work. And not many posts with upgrading the Hi-Fi system most were with the HK. Then I reached out to Audiotec Fischer and asked if they had any plug & play amplifier upgrades for the older E46 platform that uses the Hi-Fi 676 option. Well they forwarded my email to the USA side of their business and it said that the Match UP7BMW amplifier would work without any issues. It’s expensive at $1100 however I used to work at a dealer and a friend that works there got me a better price. I took the chance and today after installing it and uploading a pre-made sound setup file this thing is amazing. The power is unbelievable for such a small digital amp. I will need to learn more about tuning it however I might just pay to have it done next year. Hope this helps someone in my situation.

Just double checking - does this work for the standard e46 m3 (non-HK) audio system? I ask because your username suggests you have a M340i. Thanks in advance!

[GreyM340i]

Just double checking - does this work for the standard e46 m3 (non-HK) audio system? I ask because your username suggests you have a M340i. Thanks in advance!

My daily drive is the M340I however my E46 M3 didn't have the HK system. I had the step down Hi-Fi system with the factory amp so I installed this in place of the factory amplifier. Works perfectly. Plug and play.

[jylee05]

Thanks for clarifying.

I'm looking for improvement of stock sound quality on my 2005 e46 m3. Would you say the amp improved mainly power / volume or clarity? Thank you so much!

[GreyM340i]

Thanks for clarifying.

I'm looking for improvement of stock sound quality on my 2005 e46 m3. Would you say the amp improved mainly power / volume or clarity? Thank you so much!

My car has the upgraded Bav Sound speakers and I will say it improved the clarity at higher volume. Technically it did improved all 3 in my opinion. It’s exactly what I was looking for. The powered sub I installed also helped the overall sound quality. Both together were a great upgrade overall.

[jylee05]

I also have the Bav Sound speakers installed. How about clarity at lower / moderate volume? I usually don't listen at higher volume. Trying to figure out if getting this upgrade will be well worth my time or not. Appreciate your further insights GreyM340i

[GreyM340i]

I also have the Bav Sound speakers installed. How about clarity at lower / moderate volume? I usually don't listen at higher volume. Trying to figure out if getting this upgrade will be well worth my time or not. Appreciate your further insights GreyM340i

Yes also at lower volume as I don’t have to crank it up to listen to it like I did using the factory amp.

[Will]

My daily drive is the M340I however my E46 M3 didn't have the HK system. I had the step down Hi-Fi system with the factory amp so I installed this in place of the factory amplifier. Works perfectly. Plug and play.

It's too bad their amp doesn't work with the HK system. Seems like a nice piece that provides noticeable improvements. Looks like the Carphonics amp upgrade is the only one available.
Maybe there's a electrical engineer / amp designer on the forums that can make the BlueBus of plug and play amps for HK system.

[jylee05]

Which sound file did you use or do you have a customized sound file? Do you mind sharing? I will purchase and try this amp out. Thanks again!

[0-60motorsports]

It's too bad their amp doesn't work with the HK system. Seems like a nice piece that provides noticeable improvements. Looks like the Carphonics amp upgrade is the only one available.
Maybe there's a electrical engineer / amp designer on the forums that can make the BlueBus of plug and play amps for HK system.

It would be really cool if someone designed and sold an amp for the HK equipped cars. I would buy it.

[Will]

It would be really cool if someone designed and sold an amp for the HK equipped cars. I would buy it.

I would too. And I'd bet many on the e46 forums would upgrade.