STL

MontegoGoGoGo · 02-14-2009, 08:19 PM

I know what I'm going to do now with my stereo. My dealer says there isn't anyone he can recommend.

Anyone know an experienced, talented, meticulous, audio shop that does work (and has examples) on late model BMWs.

I'm just going to swap out my OEM amp and underseat subs.

Thanks!

335iPaul · 02-14-2009, 08:23 PM

HiFiFoFum has done a lot of work for my dad including some custom dash installs where they had to fabricate some mounts for for a 6/5" screen. PM me if you want me to get the details of who he deals with through them. Stay away from Audio Express. They are the ones that always advertise the $1 install on the radio. They mark up the stuff in the store a good amount and that is how they get away with the cheap install. Also, the installs are not very good and I wouldn't trust them with my BMW in a million years. I would look for a one off shop. There is a place over here in Fairview Heights, IL called Custom Sounds that does good work. Not sure about what you have in MO though.

What are your replacing your stuff with? If you are using plug and play stuff, not sure the install would be to hard. The amp is in the back under the trunk liner I believe so that is cake. The subs may require you taking the seats out though so that may be a little more work.

MontegoGoGoGo · 02-14-2009, 08:26 PM

Do they do work on late model BMWs? I'm trying to mess with the least amount of stuff as possible. Just a new amp and earthquakes under the seats. That should be good for me. I have actually been to custom sounds over in fairview, a friend of mine had her eclipse done there, but she had a whole new face and everything put on.

What kind of cars did HiFi work on for your dad?

Thanks!

335iPaul · 02-14-2009, 08:30 PM

HiFi had to guy their 99 VM Bug to install a GPS system and they have done work on his Mazda 3 that included fabricating a mount for the monitor I mentioned earlier. He has also sent numerous Govt vehicles to them for misc things but nothing worth mentioning. I can't say anything about late model BMWs though. I would almost lean towards Custom Sounds myself if I went anywhere with mine.

MontegoGoGoGo · 02-14-2009, 08:34 PM

Hell, now I'm on the yellow pages looking through, maybe I'llpost a poll here for people to vote for their best place to go? (In stl obviously)

335iPaul · 02-14-2009, 08:37 PM

LoL. Let me know what you end up doing, what equipment you go with, how it sounds, and when I can come hear it myself.

I would like to do what you are, car just needs more low end.

MontegoGoGoGo · 02-14-2009, 08:42 PM

This is what I'm going to do, thanks SO much to Technic for helping me:

- Alpine PDX-5 amplifier $500 - Swap out OEM amp
- SWS-8 underseat subs $400 - Swap out OEM underseats subs

It's supposed to be "plug and play" thus not being a huge warranty issue.
What do you mean "car just needs more low end."

Hey don't you have the L7 already????

I have the "premium" and it's far from premium!

335iPaul · 02-14-2009, 08:55 PM

Yeah I have the L7, but the "low end" is referencing the lowerer frequencies. These frequencies are reproduced by the subs. The sub/s included with the L7 are not getting enough power from the amp and are not producing enough low end for me personally. I don't want to swap the radio out because I like the OEM look there but I will likely look at replacing the amp and putting a sub in the trunk cubby from BSW.

MontegoGoGoGo · 02-14-2009, 08:58 PM

Yeah, I don't want to put anything where it's not already. Especially changing the face of the stereo. So that's why I'm just swapping the amp and subs out. I read in a thread somewhere that if you have L7 and just upgrade your amp, it will make your subs sound much better??? Dunno how much truth there is to that though. Talk to you later!

carchrism5 · 02-16-2009, 10:08 AM

http://www.speedandsoundstl.com/
seen them at a few car shows in STL they have worked on some luxury cars and they came out pretty good. I would also try Custom Sounds

jmlaudio · 02-19-2009, 11:21 PM

One facility you should consider. http://www.jmlaudio.com/facility.html

The website shows a wide variety of work not to mention the environment in which the work is done itself.

www.jmlaudio.com

carchrism5 · 02-22-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmlaudio

One facility you should consider. http://www.jmlaudio.com/client%20comments.htm

The website shows a wide variety of work not to mention the environment in which the work is done itself.

www.jmlaudio.com

Featured Article:
http://blog.sounddomain.com/gadget/2...dio-opens.html

considering that was your first post and you drive an accord im gonna guess you work there?

jmlaudio · 02-22-2009, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by carchrism5

considering that was your first post and you drive an accord im gonna guess you work there?

The Accord is my daily driver. Just one of my cars. How do you like you like the K40 system I have it in all my cars including the Accord. Just prefer to not to have anything on the dash of the car. And to answer your question, Yes, I am very proud to work there. I feel my fellow St. Louisians deserve to know all there options before they get any work done. Thanks for the question.

Always looking to meet other car lovers with taste.

carchrism5 · 02-22-2009, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmlaudio

The Accord is my daily driver. Just one of my cars. How do you like you like the K40 system I have it in all my cars including the Accord. Just prefer to not to have anything on the dash of the car. And to answer your question, Yes, I am very proud to work there. I feel my fellow St. Louisians deserve to know all there options before they get any work done. Thanks for the question.

Always looking to meet other car lovers with taste.

lol, i actually didnt look at your screen name until just now, makes sense.

i dont run the k40 anymore, which system are you using, 1000, 2000, Calibre? and you running a diffuser?

I might stop by the shop just to check it out.

jmlaudio · 02-22-2009, 02:01 PM

In the Accord running the caliber front and rear, Just got the car so no diffuser yet and in the other car caliber front and rear with dual front diffusers. Look forward to meeting you.

MontegoGoGoGo · 02-22-2009, 06:42 PM

I'm looking for a company who has a proven track record working with late model BMWs. I will ask for pictures as well of the cars and set ups, doesn't have to be a 3-er, just any late model.

So far I haven't found anyone....maybe Custom Sounds?????

335iPaul · 02-22-2009, 07:23 PM

I know you want someone who has their hands in a BMW all the time, but not sure you will find that in the MidWest. Also, after looking at the install proceedure (since I plan on doing this with my car as well) there is nothing in it that is specific to a BMW or that requires any kind of BMW background. Any solid audio shop should be just fine.

carchrism5 · 02-22-2009, 07:24 PM

I've heard mixed reviews about Custom Sounds,
I hope you're running the new EX diffusers. They are EXCELLENT
I ran a calibre F/R with F/R diffusers (old style).
When I'm not at school I work at a high end custom shop that is the largest single store K40 dealer.
Now in my R32 I am running a 9500ix with new EX diffuser on front.
(I spent a lot of time researching radars, i currently have a 9500i, 9500ix and V1. Yes I have a problem)

Mike01ci · 03-04-2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontegoGoGoGo

I'm looking for a company who has a proven track record working with late model BMWs. I will ask for pictures as well of the cars and set ups, doesn't have to be a 3-er, just any late model.

So far I haven't found anyone....maybe Custom Sounds?????

Hey, ever since The Sound Room in Chesterfield closed I have not found anyone decent in STL. According to JML's website they have done nothing with a newer bmw or benz using dsp etc etc etc, and adding navs and tinting does not count. I think I used to know someone that worked for JML when they started up (this was back in high school) and if they are who I am thinking then I would continue looking. I mean no offense JML, I could be completely wrong here. (also you are not a sponsor so....)
Custom Sounds is a chain out of Texas, I had them replace an amp (one driving my subs fried) for me in my old e46, they are pretty good at what they do, however I know they are best at civics and cobalts.
I am currently in Law School in Columbia right now and the shop here that tinted my windows, Midwest Audio Visions, has had some nice cars roll through and has done some crazy things with some Benzs. Considering the benzs are using a fiber optic line from the headunit to the amp, I would say it is pretty similar to our set up. So it might be worth your 100 mile trip to give these guys a try. I talked to them this summer about doing the exact set up that you want, EXACT, and they were ready to do it for me. But I decided that I have a degree in mech. engineering and since I am never going to use it in law school I should use it for something so I installed some of my old stuff (1 10" 10w6 and an old orion amp). These guys know what they are doing and are flat out honest with you, which is pretty common for the small town.

Mike01ci · 03-04-2009, 08:43 PM

Also, It was a about 4 years ago that The Speaker and Stereo shop and The Sound Room closed up b/c they couldn't compete w/ the volume of the big guys. I am a huge fan of free market capitalism, but it was sad because they knew their stuff. I think HiFiFoFum is your best bet in STL if you don't want to travel to Columbia. Although hfhf pissed me off a long time ago and I will never go back, granted I was a punk 16 year old driving a brand new bmw it still didn't give them the right to try screwing me over.

MontegoGoGoGo · 03-05-2009, 12:27 PM

Thanks for the responses....guess I'll wait....

carchrism5 · 03-06-2009, 04:41 PM

check out Speed and Sound, I have seen their work on late model european cars in person. Def worth checking out.

02-14-2009, 08:19 PM	#1
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 375 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	STL - Reputable Car Audio Shop? I know what I'm going to do now with my stereo. My dealer says there isn't anyone he can recommend. Anyone know an experienced, talented, meticulous, audio shop that does work (and has examples) on late model BMWs. I'm just going to swap out my OEM amp and underseat subs. Thanks! __________________ E93: Montego/Cream <---- E46 (Coupe): JB/Black <---- E30 (Cabrio): Alpine White/Black
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02-14-2009, 08:23 PM	#2
335iPaul Colonel 39 Rep 2,213 Posts Drives: 2007 335i SG Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	HiFiFoFum has done a lot of work for my dad including some custom dash installs where they had to fabricate some mounts for for a 6/5" screen. PM me if you want me to get the details of who he deals with through them. Stay away from Audio Express. They are the ones that always advertise the $1 install on the radio. They mark up the stuff in the store a good amount and that is how they get away with the cheap install. Also, the installs are not very good and I wouldn't trust them with my BMW in a million years. I would look for a one off shop. There is a place over here in Fairview Heights, IL called Custom Sounds that does good work. Not sure about what you have in MO though. What are your replacing your stuff with? If you are using plug and play stuff, not sure the install would be to hard. The amp is in the back under the trunk liner I believe so that is cake. The subs may require you taking the seats out though so that may be a little more work. __________________ Current: 07 335i e90 Previous: 09 Acura TSX PWP Tech Previous: 07 335i e90 with L.E.T. Flash
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02-14-2009, 08:26 PM	#3
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 375 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	Do they do work on late model BMWs? I'm trying to mess with the least amount of stuff as possible. Just a new amp and earthquakes under the seats. That should be good for me. I have actually been to custom sounds over in fairview, a friend of mine had her eclipse done there, but she had a whole new face and everything put on. What kind of cars did HiFi work on for your dad? Thanks! __________________ E93: Montego/Cream <---- E46 (Coupe): JB/Black <---- E30 (Cabrio): Alpine White/Black
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02-14-2009, 08:30 PM	#4
335iPaul Colonel 39 Rep 2,213 Posts Drives: 2007 335i SG Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	HiFi had to guy their 99 VM Bug to install a GPS system and they have done work on his Mazda 3 that included fabricating a mount for the monitor I mentioned earlier. He has also sent numerous Govt vehicles to them for misc things but nothing worth mentioning. I can't say anything about late model BMWs though. I would almost lean towards Custom Sounds myself if I went anywhere with mine. __________________ Current: 07 335i e90 Previous: 09 Acura TSX PWP Tech Previous: 07 335i e90 with L.E.T. Flash
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02-14-2009, 08:34 PM	#5
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 375 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	Hell, now I'm on the yellow pages looking through, maybe I'llpost a poll here for people to vote for their best place to go? (In stl obviously) __________________ E93: Montego/Cream <---- E46 (Coupe): JB/Black <---- E30 (Cabrio): Alpine White/Black
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02-14-2009, 08:37 PM	#6
335iPaul Colonel 39 Rep 2,213 Posts Drives: 2007 335i SG Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	LoL. Let me know what you end up doing, what equipment you go with, how it sounds, and when I can come hear it myself. I would like to do what you are, car just needs more low end. __________________ Current: 07 335i e90 Previous: 09 Acura TSX PWP Tech Previous: 07 335i e90 with L.E.T. Flash
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02-14-2009, 08:42 PM	#7
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 375 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	This is what I'm going to do, thanks SO much to Technic for helping me: - Alpine PDX-5 amplifier $500 - Swap out OEM amp - SWS-8 underseat subs $400 - Swap out OEM underseats subs It's supposed to be "plug and play" thus not being a huge warranty issue. What do you mean "car just needs more low end." Hey don't you have the L7 already???? I have the "premium" and it's far from premium! __________________ E93: Montego/Cream <---- E46 (Coupe): JB/Black <---- E30 (Cabrio): Alpine White/Black
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02-14-2009, 08:55 PM	#8
335iPaul Colonel 39 Rep 2,213 Posts Drives: 2007 335i SG Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	Yeah I have the L7, but the "low end" is referencing the lowerer frequencies. These frequencies are reproduced by the subs. The sub/s included with the L7 are not getting enough power from the amp and are not producing enough low end for me personally. I don't want to swap the radio out because I like the OEM look there but I will likely look at replacing the amp and putting a sub in the trunk cubby from BSW. __________________ Current: 07 335i e90 Previous: 09 Acura TSX PWP Tech Previous: 07 335i e90 with L.E.T. Flash
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02-14-2009, 08:58 PM	#9
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 375 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	Yeah, I don't want to put anything where it's not already. Especially changing the face of the stereo. So that's why I'm just swapping the amp and subs out. I read in a thread somewhere that if you have L7 and just upgrade your amp, it will make your subs sound much better??? Dunno how much truth there is to that though. Talk to you later! __________________ E93: Montego/Cream <---- E46 (Coupe): JB/Black <---- E30 (Cabrio): Alpine White/Black
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02-16-2009, 10:08 AM	#10
carchrism5 Lieutenant Colonel 336 Rep 1,589 Posts Drives: M2, X3 M40i, 911 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (3)	http://www.speedandsoundstl.com/ seen them at a few car shows in STL they have worked on some luxury cars and they came out pretty good. I would also try Custom Sounds
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02-19-2009, 11:21 PM	#11
jmlaudio New Member 1 Rep 24 Posts Drives: Accord Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	One facility you should consider. http://www.jmlaudio.com/facility.html The website shows a wide variety of work not to mention the environment in which the work is done itself. www.jmlaudio.com __________________ "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a Habit." Last edited by jmlaudio; 10-09-2011 at 09:20 AM..
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02-22-2009, 02:01 PM	#15
jmlaudio New Member 1 Rep 24 Posts Drives: Accord Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (0)	In the Accord running the caliber front and rear, Just got the car so no diffuser yet and in the other car caliber front and rear with dual front diffusers. Look forward to meeting you. __________________ "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a Habit."
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02-22-2009, 06:42 PM	#16
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 375 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	I'm looking for a company who has a proven track record working with late model BMWs. I will ask for pictures as well of the cars and set ups, doesn't have to be a 3-er, just any late model. So far I haven't found anyone....maybe Custom Sounds????? __________________ E93: Montego/Cream <---- E46 (Coupe): JB/Black <---- E30 (Cabrio): Alpine White/Black
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02-22-2009, 07:23 PM	#17
335iPaul Colonel 39 Rep 2,213 Posts Drives: 2007 335i SG Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis, MO iTrader: (3) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	I know you want someone who has their hands in a BMW all the time, but not sure you will find that in the MidWest. Also, after looking at the install proceedure (since I plan on doing this with my car as well) there is nothing in it that is specific to a BMW or that requires any kind of BMW background. Any solid audio shop should be just fine. __________________ Current: 07 335i e90 Previous: 09 Acura TSX PWP Tech Previous: 07 335i e90 with L.E.T. Flash
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02-22-2009, 07:24 PM	#18
carchrism5 Lieutenant Colonel 336 Rep 1,589 Posts Drives: M2, X3 M40i, 911 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (3)	I've heard mixed reviews about Custom Sounds, I hope you're running the new EX diffusers. They are EXCELLENT I ran a calibre F/R with F/R diffusers (old style). When I'm not at school I work at a high end custom shop that is the largest single store K40 dealer. Now in my R32 I am running a 9500ix with new EX diffuser on front. (I spent a lot of time researching radars, i currently have a 9500i, 9500ix and V1. Yes I have a problem)
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03-04-2009, 08:43 PM	#20
Mike01ci First Lieutenant 78 Rep 345 Posts Drives: 16 M2 & 03 M5 Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Detroit, MI iTrader: (5)	Also, It was a about 4 years ago that The Speaker and Stereo shop and The Sound Room closed up b/c they couldn't compete w/ the volume of the big guys. I am a huge fan of free market capitalism, but it was sad because they knew their stuff. I think HiFiFoFum is your best bet in STL if you don't want to travel to Columbia. Although hfhf pissed me off a long time ago and I will never go back, granted I was a punk 16 year old driving a brand new bmw it still didn't give them the right to try screwing me over.
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03-05-2009, 12:27 PM	#21
MontegoGoGoGo I'm kind of a bitch 375 Rep 895 Posts Drives: Montego/Cream E93 Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: St. Louis & St. Petersburg iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E93 [0.00]	Thanks for the responses....guess I'll wait.... __________________ E93: Montego/Cream <---- E46 (Coupe): JB/Black <---- E30 (Cabrio): Alpine White/Black
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03-06-2009, 04:41 PM	#22
carchrism5 Lieutenant Colonel 336 Rep 1,589 Posts Drives: M2, X3 M40i, 911 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: NC iTrader: (3)	check out Speed and Sound, I have seen their work on late model european cars in person. Def worth checking out.
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