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BMW M5 F90 (2018+) General Forums iDrive, Nav, Stereo, Bluetooth, Electronics    B & W surround worth the $3400?

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      01-14-2019, 11:29 PM   #1
salraf
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B & W surround worth the $3400?

Wondering how stock radio is compared to upgrading.
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      01-14-2019, 11:37 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by salraf View Post
Wondering how stock radio is compared to upgrading.
If Audiophile YES
If NOT AKA Normal and cherish your sense of hearing Probably NOT so much
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      01-15-2019, 12:08 AM   #3
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absolutely in regards to both sound and looks
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      01-15-2019, 03:06 AM   #4
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YES (and I'm not audiophile)
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      01-15-2019, 05:33 AM   #5
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I have it but for me not worth it. For one, I have short drives to work and second the exhaust is so loud that it doesn't make sense to turn it on. Lol
I prefer exhaust note anyway
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      01-15-2019, 06:35 AM   #6
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i owned a 2018 M5 that had it before switching to a 2019 that had H&K. you can definitely tell the difference in quality clarity / tone / bass. if you are an audiophile it is probably worth it, but only if you go for long drives on smooth roads
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      01-15-2019, 06:39 AM   #7
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This systems benefits come through at high decibel listening,In other words, when cranked up it's incredible.when listening at low volumes it sounds like any other sound system.
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      01-15-2019, 06:50 AM   #8
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I think it sucks bad!!
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      01-15-2019, 07:35 AM   #9
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Hands down worth it....I always had to install a 12inch sub woofer in my M5's in the past but bass and sound clarity is perfect with B&W.....cool speaker lighting at night when sound is turned on.....also it's a big plus when selling the car
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      01-15-2019, 07:50 AM   #10
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I like it a lot
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      01-15-2019, 07:54 AM   #11
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I can only compare to the HK system in my F13 M6, and the BW system is SO much better!!! Well worth the money IMHO. If you're a HARDCORE audiophile you may want to upgrade/replace the system anyhow, but for me the BW system was money well spent. big fan!
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      01-15-2019, 08:40 AM   #12
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As others have said, that is a somewhat subjective question. Some will say yes, and others will say no. You really need to hear both systems yourself to make up your mind. I've heard both and went with the B&W system. I'm leasing my M5, so the incremental cost for adding the B&W to my monthly lease was negligible.
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      01-15-2019, 08:50 AM   #13
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Another vote for the B&W, better clarity and sound stage. Having transitioned from an F80 with the HK system I found the system was a little harsh. I installed the BAV auto speakers and sub woofers and for the money it made an improvement in sound quality for my F80 but it does not compare to the B&W in our F90.

As with anything the sound of music can be subjective to the person listening to it.
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      01-15-2019, 09:10 AM   #14
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I’m extremely happy with the standard Harmon Kardon system but I am not an audiophile. I enjoy listening to music and I think it sounds great.
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      01-15-2019, 09:51 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MCOMP View Post
Like anything BMW, its overpriced but does look magnificent and enhances the interior quite a bit,Sonically it sounds like any other audio system I've had in my previous cars.
Yep, I got B&O for my F10 purely for the looks. Sonic wise it is still not very good.
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      01-15-2019, 10:27 AM   #16
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I like mine a lot but don't have a comparison with the stock version - I do have B&W in my Volvo XC90 and it sounds much better in there, obviously the acoustics will be different but it just sounds much richer and more full in the XC90. Kind of bugs me that this is the case...
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      01-15-2019, 10:58 AM   #17
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I wouldn't have got it if I had the option to take it out of my package. I was completely satisfied with the HK in my last two M cars. The First Edition package had it in there and it can't be taken out. I also do prefer the window down exhaust note route
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      01-15-2019, 11:04 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hashtag_M_Rated View Post
I wouldn't have got it if I had the option to take it out of my package. I was completely satisfied with the HK in my last two M cars. The First Edition package had it in there and it can't be taken out. I also do prefer the window down exhaust note route
I agree with the windows down.

But for all those who are happy with the HK sound, can I ask what kind of music you listen to? In my F13 M6 I found the HK system to be woefully lacking in bass volume and clarity, but I primarily listen to bass-heavy EDM.
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      01-15-2019, 11:10 AM   #19
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thanks for the replies so far. I ask because I am looking at a deal but B&W is not included. I dont drive very far, under ~7500 mi/yr. I think my current F80 M3 has H/K system and seems ok. I may however cont to look for one with B&W. As dardeca mentioned, I am going to lease, so the addition would be negligible. Just a matter of getting a good deal first.
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      01-15-2019, 11:13 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by devondragon View Post
I agree with the windows down.

But for all those who are happy with the HK sound, can I ask what kind of music you listen to? In my F13 M6 I found the HK system to be woefully lacking in bass volume and clarity, but I primarily listen to bass-heavy EDM.
I also listen to EDM music but I use either a flash drive with high quality downloaded music from my favorite podcasts versus Bluetooth streaming which is very lacking the quality on any system.

The other channel I like is on satellite radio which is just okay quality!
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      01-15-2019, 11:15 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hashtag_M_Rated View Post
I also listen to EDM music but I use either a flash drive with high quality downloaded music from my favorite podcasts versus Bluetooth streaming which is very lacking the quality on any system.

The other channel I like is on satellite radio which is just okay quality!
Interesting. I find XM to be REALLY lacking in quality, but I played all my stuff via USB connection and felt the HK system was really weak on the bass side. I guess everyone's ears are very different!
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      01-15-2019, 10:47 PM   #22
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As a reminder to everyone...the limiting factor for these sound systems is the cabin and all of that glass. This is why it sounds better when you are parked with the engine off and why some cars have better sounding systems from the same audio mfg than others.

Same thing applies in your home based on the room dimensions and treatment/furniture.
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