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Aftermarket audio setup for my BMW 7 Series: Enormous difference

17th April 2025, 10:43 by Utkarsh Chaudhary

The sound is clear, dynamic, and full of energy. The highs are crisp, the lows are clean, and the soundstage has completely shifted.

BHPian chair recently shared this with other enthusiasts:

I explored a few options, but it was clear early on that I wanted to keep the car as OEM as possible without affecting my extended warranty. The only real speaker option was the Focal Inside solution. However, the DSP offered some room to play, which made a huge difference.

At first, I considered just upgrading the DSP. However, it became evident that the stock speakers couldn’t handle the revised output, so I decided to go all in.

DSPs I considered:

1. Audiotec Fischer – Match UP10 DSP

Output: 8 high-level + 1 RCA Preout
Single sub-out
Input: 8 high-level (2 up to 32V), Optical SPDIF
11-channel DSP, 64-bit
Total RMS: 700W–840W
Class GD (Audiotec’s refinement of Class D)
Sold with the plug-and-play harness for BMW Harman systems

2. Goldhorn DSPA 1012 Plus

Output: 10 high-level + 12 RCA pre-outs
Dedicated sub-out channels
Input: 12 high-level, 2 AUX, Optical, Coaxial, Bluetooth
12-channel DSP, 64-bit
Total RMS: ~940W
Class D
BMW Harman harness available, but needs some custom integration

Why I chose the Goldhorn:

I wanted long-term flexibility — more inputs, more outputs, RCA pre-outs for future upgrades, and expanded tuning options. The virtual surround, Bluetooth priority, and DSP customisation were just what I was looking for.

Sound dampening:

The Dr Artex Silver + Lace 15 combo was absolutely worth it. Even with the heft of the G12’s doors and padding, the added power demanded extra damping, and it’s made a clear difference in isolation and sound control.

Speakers used:

Front Stage: Focal IS BMW 100KL
Centre: Focal ICC BMW 100
Rear Stage: Focal IS BMW 100KL
Rear Shelf: Focal IS BMW 100K
Underseat: Focal ISUB BMW x2 (2Ω)

There’s a lot of talk online about upgrading the amp—and yes, it does the trick for some—but I’ll be honest, the speakers have made an enormous difference. And I don’t think I’d have it any other way.

The sound is clear, dynamic, and full of energy. The highs are crisp, the lows are clean, and the soundstage has completely shifted.

I’m keeping the rest low-key for now. But once my extended warranty runs out, I’m tempted to add a monoblock Hammertech amplifier and a dedicated sub in the boot to throw another 650W into the mix.

I don’t listen to music for bass — I listen for clarity, texture, and energy — and in that sense, I’ve got to doff my hat to Ramie at SoundFactor Pro. Working with him was a treat. The tuning sessions took me back 20 years, and the job he did was absolutely top-notch — clean, precise, and done right.

Here are some installation pictures. Happy to answer any questions anyone might have.

The kit of parts