Stock Professional CD HU Power rating

[Solidgold]

Seems to have problem trying to find out what is the power rating for the Stock Prof CD Unit that comes with my E89. Looks like BMW uses the same HU for all Bimmers with a Professional CD HU. How do I check the amp power rating without dismantling the player?

Is it 4ch and 25 watts per channel? What's the recommendation if I do not want to add additional amp? Will a 3-way after-market speakers be too much for the Stock HU to drive? What about 2-way speakers instead?

Really do not want to add an amp. Just want to replace the "paper-cones" stock speakers and get better clarity from after market proper speakers.

Any recommendation?

 

[donaldho]

Re: Stock Professional CD HU Power rating

You should upgrade your front speaker first, with that will give u a much clearer sound, 2-way speakers for me.

 

[Solidgold]

Re: Stock Professional CD HU Power rating

Thks for the recommendation.

I was told that the standard Prof CD HU has 25x6ch...so i am really confused now.
Is that true?

 

[richlee7]

Re: Stock Professional CD HU Power rating

you're quite right, most of our 'professional' HU are rated 20+Wrms per channel.

it depends on your taste in listening to music in the car ... if you prefer:
1. 'surround effect' (sound coming from everywhere around you)
- change all your speakers to some decent 2 way component speakers with less than 50Wrms rating so you won't 'kill' your head trying to drive them
- set your fader to flat centre

2. concert/live performance (audiophiles prefer this usually)
- disconnect ur rear speakers and dump it. you don't need them so save the physical weight n elecrical load on your HU.
- change your fronts to a GOOD set of 3 way component if possible, else at least 2 way component. rating about 50Wrms. Preferably don't exceed 75W.
- set your fader to Front fully.

actually no harm considering an amp for front... minimal 'destruction', maximized enjoyment IFF u happen to consider amp, den double the above recommended ratings. all else remains the same.

 

[donaldho]

Re: Stock Professional CD HU Power rating

Thks for the recommendation.

I was told that the standard Prof CD HU has 25x6ch...so i am really confused now.
Is that true?

The 25 watt per channel dont know if its peak power or RMS. Anyway, you should be aware that this kind of upgrades only leads to more upgrades as after awhile, like what richlee7 said, you might find the HU amp does not have enough power to drive the speakers, although the sound quality is much better than stock. Then you would go for a powerful amp to drive the front speakers and a subwoofer with the amp. Later, you will find that the sound quality from the HU is not good enough. Then will consider a signal processor.... Thats what happened to me. Nevertheless, no regrets.. Beware, its addictive.

 

[Solidgold]

Re: Stock Professional CD HU Power rating

Thks bro for your advice..Understand the quest to get "perfect" system is crazy.
Got alot of experience from my home hi-fi set up liao. So definitely don't want to go
down the same path. Really burning $$ very fast .

Hopefully i just get a decent 3-way speakers and stop there.