Stereo or Surround ??

apw2607 · 06-03-2008, 11:49 AM

Guys, for the premium/individual audio, do you guys have either surround or stereo set?

Opinions on either? I tend to use surround most of the time, but in some cases it can become a bit front channel heavy on some music, in which I switch back to the stereo setting.

Gemcoska · 06-03-2008, 12:38 PM

I like stereo, less complicated. But for really good recordings, surround is nice. Unf, most of the stuff over the air is crap, even in HD

Jays1stM · 12-10-2011, 12:37 PM

I've been doing a lot of messing around with the settings for this audio system. I actually like the surround on for crappier source material but for good recordings, I prefer the stereo setting. I actually think having a good, centered stage in front of you is the optimal way to listen.

I've been struggling a lot to set this system up well..my equalizer settings are vastly different than what others have posted but I'm not convinced I've arrived at the best setting yet. Unlike many of the other comments on here, I find the mid frequencies to be most muddled and strangely resonant through the structure of the car. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to fully clear up the mid muddiness but it's getting better each time I tweak it. I guess most people complain about not having enough bass. True but, in my opinion it's accurate compared to the mids. The highs are shrill but I think I've toned them down a bit too and are also quite accurate.

The system lives up to people's criticisms unfortunately. In hindsight, it's only worth the money if you are like me and have grown tired of building your own systems. On this car I'm quite happy to not put the effort into installing an aftermarket system in. In my younger years I wouldn't have thought twice about taking the base system and putting two thousand into aftermarket. In the end, this is the best factory stereo I've had, considering my experience is mainly with Porsche and Acura Bose systems.

Andy001 · 12-23-2011, 02:58 AM

I've always tied to stereo because the trapp setups don't play audio well in stereo style, because of the different speakers. Only had the money to obtain a surround system with regard to TV and movies, and a stereo setup with regard to music, I had be happy.... nonetheless I don't. So I'll keep with stereo

Ateam · 12-23-2011, 08:46 PM

anyone else not understand a word in the post above?

I like surround better personally!

06-03-2008, 11:49 AM	#1
apw2607 Colonel 578 Rep 2,104 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 50e M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Coast, USA iTrader: (0)	Stereo or Surround ?? Guys, for the premium/individual audio, do you guys have either surround or stereo set? Opinions on either? I tend to use surround most of the time, but in some cases it can become a bit front channel heavy on some music, in which I switch back to the stereo setting.
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06-03-2008, 12:38 PM	#2
Gemcoska Sleepy Member, wishing I was on the road. 34 Rep 280 Posts Drives: 2008 BMW M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Redondo Beach, CA iTrader: (0)	I like stereo, less complicated. But for really good recordings, surround is nice. Unf, most of the stuff over the air is crap, even in HD __________________ 2003 Ducati '996 2008 M3: Sparking Graphite, Red Fox Standard, 19s, Premium pkg, Tech pkg, Premium Enhanced Sound, HD Radio, Heated Front Seats.
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12-10-2011, 12:37 PM	#3
Jays1stM New Member 5 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 Comp Space/Fox Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I've been doing a lot of messing around with the settings for this audio system. I actually like the surround on for crappier source material but for good recordings, I prefer the stereo setting. I actually think having a good, centered stage in front of you is the optimal way to listen. I've been struggling a lot to set this system up well..my equalizer settings are vastly different than what others have posted but I'm not convinced I've arrived at the best setting yet. Unlike many of the other comments on here, I find the mid frequencies to be most muddled and strangely resonant through the structure of the car. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to fully clear up the mid muddiness but it's getting better each time I tweak it. I guess most people complain about not having enough bass. True but, in my opinion it's accurate compared to the mids. The highs are shrill but I think I've toned them down a bit too and are also quite accurate. The system lives up to people's criticisms unfortunately. In hindsight, it's only worth the money if you are like me and have grown tired of building your own systems. On this car I'm quite happy to not put the effort into installing an aftermarket system in. In my younger years I wouldn't have thought twice about taking the base system and putting two thousand into aftermarket. In the end, this is the best factory stereo I've had, considering my experience is mainly with Porsche and Acura Bose systems.
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12-23-2011, 02:58 AM	#4
Andy001 New Member 0 Rep 20 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: China iTrader: (0)	I've always tied to stereo because the trapp setups don't play audio well in stereo style, because of the different speakers. Only had the money to obtain a surround system with regard to TV and movies, and a stereo setup with regard to music, I had be happy.... nonetheless I don't. So I'll keep with stereo
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12-23-2011, 08:46 PM	#5
Ateam Banned 88 Rep 1,105 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	anyone else not understand a word in the post above? I like surround better personally!
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