Re: Thanks & a follow up question on DSP v ana (archive)

: : : Another concern that occured to me after my initial post on this subject, is the only system as well intergrated into the 5-series computer system the OEM equipment? Or are audio equipment makers making their products transparently compatible?
: Pat

In my opinion trying to go the aftermarket route can be very difficult.

Some people have has some success - see "lots" of posts on this in the archives.

BUT - the integration with other system in the car is a real issue.

The BMW system is made up of the following components.
- The head unit (tape and radio behind it)
- MID (the display panel where you control radio, OBC, phone, etc)
- amplifier in the trunk.
- CD changer in the trunk
- Antenna and diversity amplifiers beside rear window.
- Steering wheel controls
- Display in instrument cluster.

All these conponents are linked in various methods. Some use direct wiring and some communicate over the various digital busses. There is software in the various components to cntrol the integrated functionality.

All the speakers are on their own leads and the crossovers are in the amplifier - tuned to the original speakers.

So any changes yo make have to take this into consideration. Of course you can rip out the system and put in all aftermarket stuff - but you will not have interface to the MID, the steering wheel, or other processes like speed related volume control.

And if you have a phone then that is another integration issue since the speakers are dual role (stereo and phone - but using different voice coils)

In my opinion - not worth the hassle unless your real goal is to buy a music system, and simply want a car to go with it.

Cheers
Jim Cash

Follow Ups:

Thanks, valuable tech info to consider(e) Pat H. 20:46 6/24/2000 (0)

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