Description
Musicar has been using this amplifier/processor in 676 BMWs for almost three years. We bring our years of experience in tuning high-performance DSP-driven audio systems (music systems are our core business, not backup cameras or home theater).
We offer this upgrade in two configurations:
- 3-way systems, powering the front, rear, and underseat speakers
- 4-way systems, where we “band-pass” the underseats and add a true subwoofer and dedicated sub amplifier
Instead of “splitting the difference” and looking for a DSP tune that works OK in both LHD and RHD countries, we optimize for the driver’s seat – we use the rarely-used time-arrival and level-matching settings to get a great stereo illusion from the driver’s position (after all, we know that seat’s always occupied!). We also use the definable “parametric” equalization on a speaker-by-speaker basis to get the best driver’s-seat sound possible. (If ordering from a RHD country, let us know!)
The amplifier uses two different technologies together. Class D outputs are very common in car audio today, since they give us great efficiency and smaller devices. Less common is the Class H power supply – sort of a “continuously-variable transmission” for the power supply of an amplifier. Class H requires a fast microprocessor to monitor the signal coming into the amplifier, and increasing the power delivery capability whenever musical peaks are detected. Since this amplifier uses a DSP IC – basically, a really fast microprocessor – it’s uniquely suited to manage a Class H power supply. The results are 55 watts per speaker of average power (70 watts per into 2-ohm speakers). The front and rear speakers are 4 ohm drivers and the underseat woofers are 2-ohm drivers in the 676 systems, so we end up with 360 watts of usable power (not counting the subwoofers in a 4-way system). This is almost triple the stock amplifier’s power – not enough to smoke the stock speakers, but enough to make a tangible difference in the sound.