📍 Tony's Journey to Premium Sound 🎶
Tony first reached out to us after following our work on Instagram. He had just ordered his new BMW X2 M35i and was already thinking one step ahead: How can I get the best sound possible in my car?
He saw some of our previous BMW builds and didn’t hesitate — he came straight to our Rockdale workshop to plan out his sound system upgrade. After a detailed consultation where we discussed his music preferences and the limitations of the factory system, we crafted a solution that gave him total control through a DSP amplifier, premium plug-and-play speaker replacements, and sound tuning tailored to his ears.
🔧 Installation Breakdown & Process
As soon as Tony received his BMW, he brought it in — excited to finally hear what his music should sound like. We began with a thorough sound test, and as expected, the system lacked both low-end punch and tonal precision.
🧠 Our Proposal:
- Use a Match UP 8DSP amplifier to take control of the signal and customise the EQ.
- Upgrade to Match Plug & Play speakers.
- Add Helix CI5 underseat subwoofers.
- Apply sound deadening treatment for better acoustics and reduced road noise.
⚡ Power Routing: A Technical Challenge
When we accessed the rear compartment, we found the factory amplifier — but the battery was located in the front of the vehicle, not the boot. This meant we couldn't run power cables the usual way. Instead, we had to route power directly from the engine bay, using our safe and optimised method to prevent future issues like parasitic drain or interference.
We always connect directly to the battery to guarantee clean, reliable power — especially important for DSP systems.
🔊 Speaker Upgrade: Match + Helix Combo
With the custom OEM integration harness and bypass in place, we began installing:
✅ Match UP 8DSP amplifier
✅ Front & Rear Match Plug & Play BMW speakers
✅ Match BMW centre speaker
✅ Helix CI5 8” subwoofers under the seats
We removed all door panels, swapped the factory speakers for the new Match ones, and installed the crossovers in the correct OEM locations. Everything was installed using factory connectors — no cutting, no splicing — to preserve warranty and maintain full system integrity.
🛠️ For the Helix CI5 woofers, we used FlexMount adapters from Audiotec Fischer to ensure a factory-fit installation with a massive performance jump.
🔇 Acoustic Treatment & Subwoofer Setup
Next, we removed the front seats to apply sound deadening material to the floor and around the subwoofer vents. This treatment reduces cabin resonance and makes the bass tighter and more defined — perfect for the Helix subwoofers’ clean, responsive output.
We also removed the original BMW underseat woofers and replaced them with the new Helix Compose CI5 models. These are compact yet powerful, offering incredible precision and clarity in the low-end. A truly revolutionary match for the rest of the upgraded system.
🎚️ Final Step: DSP Tuning & Sound Staging
With everything installed, it was time for our favourite part — digital sound tuning.
We used DSP PC-Tool to:
🎛️ Tune each speaker independently
🎛️ Set time alignment and phase correction
🎛️ Customise EQ bands to Tony’s music preferences
🎛️ Optimise the subwoofer blend for a rich but balanced bass
The result? A tailor-made soundstage that makes every drive feel like a live concert. Tony now enjoys sharp vocals, punchy bass, and a warm, detailed midrange — all in a perfectly balanced, luxury sound environment.
🔥 Final Thoughts
At MC Audio Sydney, we’re passionate about bringing OEM+ quality sound upgrades to vehicles like the BMW X2 M35i — and this project proves how much performance can be unlocked with the right combination of speakers, DSP, and expert tuning.
Whether you’re in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Perth, we’re here to help transform your driving experience.
📍 Visit us at:
MC Audio Sydney
Unit 10 / 5–7 Bermill St, Rockdale, NSW
📞 0415 072 361
📧 info@mechatronicar.com.au
🌐 www.mcaudio.shop
