[TF30Z]

Has anyone got/tested out the standard stereo system? (EU 6 spk not the US hifi 9 spk)

Can anyone provide some comments or feedback from a non-audiophile point of view?

Regards.

[J1n]

Had a 6 speaker and 9 speaker.. in my vehicles before but I've gotto say that there isn't much difference if you spend your time chatting in your car.

But a world of difference when you crank the music up. The way i see it there's more difference between the 6 and 9 then the hifi model and HK.

This will be the first time i'm ordering HK .. during my test drive I wasn't sure if I was overwhelmed by the f30 as a whole that I thought it sounded better lol. Probably in my head.

[TF30Z]

Would you say the 6 spk is optimum for everyday driving volume playing?

[Dabaitu]

Originally Posted by tz235

Would you say the 6 spk is optimum for everyday driving volume playing?

I'm sure it works, but if you're after better quality then you have to step up.

I agree with the above comment that the biggest difference between the three options is the step from basic->mid level.

mid->HK is for when music really matters to you.

[J1n]

I think if you do alot of driving on freeways and stuff...
Nothing worse than wind noise and when you turn up the volume and the sounds start to distort.

It's definitely worth the investment. For me I gave up the sun roof for the HK.. Coz for me I didnt see how I was goign to enjoy the music with the roof open, so it was actually a savings lol. 2.5k sunroof for a 1k+ HK system.

[Drk280]

I have the Hi-Fi equiv on my X5 and from a non car audiophile that i am the difference is noticeable from the standard to hi-fi speakers, the audio is clearer than the standard. Also I did notice a diff with the HK system at high volume compared to the hi-fi but i don't crank up the music that loud so the extra grand went elsewhere and chose the 9 spk system. Also the other factor in my choice is that I listen more to talk radio than play music, and the hi-fi sound is great, the voices are very clear (maybe due to having tweeter speakers??)

[Dabaitu]

The HK system deals with mid range far better, it's not about max volume.

[therudies86]

I regret not getting the HK system and sticking with the basic sound system. There's a lot of base distortion at mid-high volume - we're thinking of replacing speakers.

[Dabaitu]

Originally Posted by therudies86

I regret not getting the HK system and sticking with the basic sound system. There's a lot of base distortion at mid-high volume - we're thinking of replacing speakers.

It's too early to know when/if it'll be available for the F30, but there was an Alpine retro-fit kit for some E8x/E9x models that had the base system and decided they wanted something more. I believe it made them similar to the quality of the Hi Fi (mid level) system.

For the money you could get aftermarket gear of comparable or better quality, it was more pitched at people which wanted a "BMW endorsed" setup and warranty. I'm not saying this is right or wrong, it's just a segment of the market.

[David328M-Sport]

Originally Posted by therudies86

I regret not getting the HK system and sticking with the basic sound system. There's a lot of base distortion at mid-high volume - we're thinking of replacing speakers.

Yeah, your basic system is a simple radio setup with 6 speakers and a 4 x 25 watt analogue amp. Now a good 4x25 watt amp is capable of some very nice sound indeed. However, it seems that the basic unit is oriented towards radio listening, AM talkback & some low to mid volume FM music.

It is clear that the car manufacturers purposefully install poor quality sound systems as the very base unit. It really does degrade the BMW name and they should offer better than that.

You might first want to assess whether it's the amp or speakers. If the amp is being overdriven at moderate volumes, it will go into distortion (clip), resulting in poor sound(ing) speakers, no matter how good the speakers are. Then again, it could be as you have suggested - poor quality speakers. Have a car audio specialist check it out before you spend your money.

[F30AM]

It's a costly mistake not to have ordered the HK system. Penny wise pound foolish. I made a similar mistake with my GTI and had to spend a fortune to get decent sound. Aftermarket systems that provide a similar and/or higher standard of sound to a factory premium system will cost much more. Labour charges are the killer in the UK.

The standard system in F30 is pants. The problem is amplifier distortion which keeps clipping at higher volume levels and the rubbish loudspeakers with overheating voice coils adding even more distortion. Both these components need changing. Remember the adage: garbage in, garbage out and then double garbage out as the loudspeakers simply cannot provide the frequency range or dynamic range.

Quite often, factory fitted options, especially with audio systems, are the most economical route to nirvana.

[therudies86]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated !

[TF30Z]

Does the standard system sound any better when adjusted in the tone settings?

[J1n]

:O Can you adjust them in the tones?

[Dabaitu]

Only Treble/Bass. Silk purse from a sows ear as far as improvement goes, so to speak.

[F30AM]

I've now listened to the HK system. It's good but not quite good enought. The tweeters need changing IMO. Metal dome tweeters don't work for me. I'll go silk.

[J1n]

Any good tweeters around?

[Drk280]

how loud do you guys have the music? Would it be too loud as to drown out an ambulance behind you? I remember watching the "Fat Pizza" movie and they were dragging a trailer full of giant speakers behind the car with loud thumping bass. "fully sick" sound system. I personally don't like drawing attention to myself with loud music.

[Dabaitu]

Originally Posted by Drk280

how loud do you guys have the music? Would it be too loud as to drown out an ambulance behind you? I remember watching the "Fat Pizza" movie and they were dragging a trailer full of giant speakers behind the car with loud thumping bass. "fully sick" sound system. I personally don't like drawing attention to myself with loud music.

I like to make glass shatter as I drive past, what's your point?

I'm more worried that you watched the Fat Pizza movie.

[Drk280]

LoL Dab... Always get a laugh from your replies...

[Dabaitu]

:-)

[J1n]

Originally Posted by Dabaitu

I like to make glass shatter as I drive past, what's your point?

I'm more worried that you watched the Fat Pizza movie.

+1