Crossovers are not the problem (archive)

While I have not cracked the case on the amp, I would be extremely surprised to see any adjustments for the crossovers. The amp was designed exclusively for use with the stock speakers. While no two same-model amps are ever identical in performance, you are correct in assuming they should sound pretty close.

In any case, crossover adjustments would not solve your problem as what you are really asking for is active equalization. If you liked the stock speaker/amp combo before, then focus on the DSP and its settings. If you've turned on the LD (Loudness) and pumped up the bass frequencies in the DSP and still hear insufficient bass, then you've probably got one of the following problems:

1. Blown woofer - Unlikely, but could have happened when components were swapped if someone was careless.

2. Bad amp - Not very likely, but possible.

3. Bad DSP - Again, not very likely.

4. Component mismatch - Did they use the right amp? I'm not sure it's possible to use the wrong one given the harnesses, but perhaps this is the case.

In my case, no adjustments ever made my '98 DSP sound good. BTW, your comment about a "DSP amp" going on is confusing. I'm assuming you're referring to the DSP processor itself which is not an amp.

If it hasn't been too long since the swap, I would have the dealer try another amp as a start since that was the last thing changed.

Good luck on your quest.

Does anyone know if the amp for the premium sound system (DSP with CD player) has adjustments that are possible for the crossover? Something that will rebalance the frequency to bring up the low end? I'm not referring to the frequency adjustments possible from the DSP control mdule in the dash.

Here's why I ask. In my quest for perfection, I may have goofed. The audio system in my '97 740i was generally outstanding. It didn't suffer the weak bass mallady about which so many folks have complained. It's only quirk was that the DSP amp would sometimes go on by itself between uses (meaning, I'd turn on the audio system and it would be on even though it was off when I last listened to music).

BMW updated the amp to correct for this problem so before my new car warranty expired, I decided to have it taken care of. The new amp, which I presumed would be identical to the old amp sonically, sounds thin as paper. Most of the low end is gone and now I've got the sound everyone complains about.

The dealer (they're great, by the way -- Passport) thinks there may be a simple fix of adjusting the crossover and they're looking into it. Anyone out there know anything about this? Or, did I make a big booboo by not leaving well enough alone?

Thanks.

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Re: Crossovers are not the problem Joe Jensen 10:44 9/17/2001 (0)

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