[clarence]

Is it really worth the extra cost? I'm talking abt the US standard hi-fi system not the EU standard 6-spk system.

[PrinceBarin]

Originally Posted by clarence

Is it really worth the extra cost? I'm talking abt the US standard hi-fi system not the EU standard 6-spk system.

For me, absolutely. I really like to crank up the tunes in my car and I would be bitterly disappointed if the system could not deliver across the range. The HK sounds excellent and is completely up to the task. See if you can demo the two, but for the cost I wouldn't hesitate to take up the HK option if you can afford it.

[TEAShea]

I am a music producer and the standard US system is fine for my needs.

[BonanzaNLD]

I think you should go and listen to the different systems. Some people even prefer the HiFi (the standard US one) over the HK set. It all depends on taste and what kind of music you listen to.

Bring your own music to the dealer and listen to it.

[micknugget]

The standard HiFi system in today's 3 series is actually as good as or better than a lot of top end systems from a few years ago. I think that it is more than adequate but if you are a real audiophile, you need to hear them both to decide.

[jtuds]

Can't speak for BMW but in our 2 Lexuses we have a Mark Levinson stereo and a standard stereo. The sound out of the standard one is not as good but it is doable.

I guess I'll put it this way, I'd rather drive the IS with the standard stereo than the ES with the Levinson stereo.

[CanadianDriver]

standard hifi has 6 speakers + 2subs. chose your EQ and crank it up, you'll find it acceptable. audiophiles are the obvious exception

[patrice03]

would have told you to go for hk if not listened to the hifi in series a3 which really great. am audiophile and have hk in new series one and fairly disapointed, the hifi series 3 rocks compared to it. was ready to pay extra bucks but decided not worth after listening to 2 systems at dealer. try to get one and have a test at dealer but you cant go wrong with both systems anyway. bmw has dramatically mproved audio with new model.

[clarence]

Unfortunately the only demo available has hi-fi, HK is not available for demo. I don't usually crank up the volume too high in my case. Due to taxation the cost of HK option is abt USD2k.

[soopra]

I'm about to finalize my order this weekend and I currently have the HK system in my config. This thread has me thinking I should save the cash and stick with the stock hifi.

[Mrcarcrazy]

Audiophiles know that cars are terrible sound stages....So you're at a point of diminishing returns...

[ric124]

I have the HK I haven't listen to any CD's as yet but iPod and Pandora, one word to describe this WOW!!

I thought the Gti sounded good but this blew me away. No matter how loud I turned it up it was clear all the way, bass was thumping, really good system. I made my dad listen to Pandora and he thought it was a CD playing.

I left the settings to stock, if you don't like the quality of sound with the HK then there is no pleasing you.

[Number]

Originally Posted by Mrcarcrazy

Audiophiles know that cars are terrible sound stages....So you're at a point of diminishing returns...

Word. If you're super picky about the audio system in the car, then even the HK won't do. If you're an audiophile, then I wouldn't have to tell you that you're best bet is to use money that you would have spent on the HK, and put it towards replacing the whole system. Like Mrcarcrazy said, the car is one of the worst sound stages for an audiophile (next to live concert venues). That being said, I have the standard hifi system and I think it's decent for what it is. I'm sure the HK will sound much better. But I never expect much out of a car sound system anyways.

[Lkoan]

What exactly is needed to properly receive Pandora on the 328i? iPhone? BMW assist? BMW Apps? Cradle? White iPhone usb cable?

[r3dbimmer89]

Originally Posted by Lkoan

What exactly is needed to properly receive Pandora on the 328i? iPhone? BMW assist? BMW Apps? Cradle? White iPhone usb cable?

You need the BMW Apps option......the standard HiFi is really good...pretty much as good as the Logic7 in E90s. But the H/K is still one step better. To the OP...if you thought the Logic7 in an E90 was heavenly then you're fine with the HiFi but if it left your ears wanting more then definitely go for the H/K.

[Mrcarcrazy]

Originally Posted by r3dbimmer89

You need the BMW Apps option......the standard HiFi is really good...pretty much as good as the Logic7 in E90s. But the H/K is still one step better. To the OP...if you thought the Logic7 in an E90 was heavenly then you're fine with the HiFi but if it left your ears wanting more then definitely go for the H/K.

I still vote for turn off the stereo and open a window....listen to the music that is your engine (this only applies to the 335 )

[clarence]

Originally Posted by Tremolo

best bet is to use money that you would have spent on the HK, and put it towards replacing the whole system...

That would be great if only the electronics are less "integrated" than it is.

[aarslan]

Does anyone know what the standard brand of speakers are used in EU models?

[Number]

Originally Posted by clarence

That would be great if only the electronics are less "integrated" than it is.

That's the conundrum. That why I just chose to not bother about it. The car is about the fifth place I'd run to if I needed to hear quality sound. HK would suit every normal person's need quite pleasantly.

[Elk]

Originally Posted by Tremolo

But I never expect much out of a car sound system anyways.

A good approach. An oddly shaped, little space, with lots of glass where you sit next to two large acoustically reflective surfaces is never going to sound anything other than vaguely acceptable. And this is before you start the engine and, worse, drive - now you also have a great deal of noise.

Car audio only has some use checking whether your latest mix translates to compromised playback reproduction systems.

Stick with the stock system. It is fine for casual listening regardless of genre.

[Number]

Originally Posted by Elk

A good approach. An oddly shaped, little space, with lots of glass where you sit next to two large acoustically reflective surfaces is never going to sound anything other than vaguely acceptable. And this is before you start the engine and, worse, drive - now you also have a great deal of noise.

Car audio only has some use checking whether your latest mix translates to compromised playback reproduction systems.

Stick with the stock system. It is fine for casual listening regardless of genre.

Yup! My band and I would always do a "car stereo" check after mix down. It's our lowest denominator test. We would be all excited in the studio. Then in the car our smiles would turn up-side-down. Hahaha.

Such is life.

[dmontic71]

I've had HK and non HK, and the HK definitely sounds better IMO. Now as to whether it's worth the money, that is purely subjective.

My wife's Cadillac CTS standard Bose system blows away the HK...