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      05-17-2012, 09:54 PM   #23
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I got standard since I usually only listen to AM!!
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      05-17-2012, 10:25 PM   #24
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The HK is nice, but it's not $900 nice.
The cost went basically to put Logic7-surround in a car.
I don't like surround in a car. It is NOT the environment for it. But then, Logic7 is not "surround" as one thinks of surround in home theater.

Logic7 was created specially and specifically to create a better sound stage within a car environment.
It's intent is to allow any one location, to hear a better sound stage.

The biggest thing the HK system has going for it is the power to crank it louder and keep distortion to a minimum.
There is also an "eq" setting, that gives you a bit more control to tailor the sound to your liking, which the standard audio system does not have other than basic "bass and treble".
The HK system has additional speakers to help Logic7 create it's sound stage.

Audi's B&O is nicer, cleaner, more musical, and much less artificial, than BMW's HK system.
The tweeters in the HK system are a bit harsh. But then, that's what is typical of metal dome tweeters. My preference is silk dome.

I too work in video and audio production.
Please don't confuse us with "audiophiles". We sweat over actually creating the sound, and not so much about which $1000 cable will "increase the sound stage by 55 feet."

Last edited by RPM90; 08-30-2012 at 11:46 AM..
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      05-17-2012, 10:48 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RPM90 View Post
We sweat over actually creating the sound, and not so much about which $1000 cable will "increase the sound stage by 55 feet."
I'm not sure I want one of these cables. I'd lose track of my musicians (chamber and orchestral recording here). None of the dozens of mic cables, etc. I have made have done this.

I have the HK. It's fine for a car but I don't think it is worth a premium (I bought my 335i off the lot - lots of gadgets I would not have ordered on my own.)
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      05-17-2012, 11:50 PM   #26
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I don't plan to enable surround mode as the original source is not recorded in surround, so does that mean I should just save money instead?
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      05-18-2012, 01:43 AM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clarence View Post
I don't plan to enable surround mode as the original source is not recorded in surround, so does that mean I should just save money instead?
Let your ears decide. Take a reference CD that you are very familiar with (not a CD with burned mp3s). One that you've heard on a great sound system. Then just try out the 2 systems. People could go on and on about how even the power rating on the HK is not as good as it seems. One 625 watt amp + 16 speakers = not as impressive as it sounds. How many channels is it split to? I've always been in the camp to believe that a few good quality speakers + good amp will return much better sound than a bunch of little speakers.

But, some times it's just better to forget the technical mumbo jumbo and just let your ears decide what you're willing to pay for.
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      05-18-2012, 02:05 AM   #28
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I tested the HK vs. standard system today back to back and thought the standard system was subpar compared to the HK, especially when it came to bass response.
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      05-18-2012, 05:56 AM   #29
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Cool

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Originally Posted by Tremolo View Post
Let your ears decide.
Let your vallet decide.
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      05-18-2012, 07:09 AM   #30
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clarence View Post
I don't plan to enable surround mode as the original source is not recorded in surround, so does that mean I should just save money instead?
Also listen with "L7 Surround" (Logic7) invoked and off.
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      05-18-2012, 08:44 AM   #31
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Let your vallet decide.
He has a personal Valet?
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      05-18-2012, 09:04 AM   #32
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Does anyone know if the HK system in the F30 and especially F31 is even better than in E9x? I am very satisfied with the HK in my E90. Would not consider the HiFi system since it is too expensive compared to what you get. The base system is almost too bad for listening to news.

It is very important to set the EQ correctly for the HK system. Flat it sounds very dull.
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      05-18-2012, 09:46 PM   #33
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Save your $900. Not worth it.
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      05-18-2012, 10:02 PM   #34
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i love my hk, but i dont like the L7 turned on, just doesnt sound natural
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      05-19-2012, 12:19 AM   #35
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I love my HK, its money well spent. I notice that the comments from ppl who say dont get it, save your money dont even have a f30.

I havent tested it with the s7 off but with the S7 on it sounded amazing. I cant believe that i have been listen to these crappy systems in my cars all these years. from now on all my cars are going to get the upgraded system.
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      05-19-2012, 08:07 AM   #36
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Originally Posted by ric124 View Post
I notice that the comments from ppl who say dont get it, save your money dont even have a f30.
I have both an F30 and the HK and advise not to bother.
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      05-19-2012, 08:55 AM   #37
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Yea, cars are not good sound environments. Pathetically bad actually. However if one takes that into consideration the sound can be "interesting."
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      05-19-2012, 09:08 AM   #38
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Dont forget to change the Equalizer settings with the HK cars, the factory settings are never good. Makes a big difference

Im sure we will soon have lots of threads on optimal settings, just like on the E90 forums
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      05-19-2012, 09:21 AM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mrcarcrazy View Post
Audiophiles know that cars are terrible sound stages....So you're at a point of diminishing returns...
X2, although I'll add that many cheaper stock systems do sound bad in cars. But as noted above, going from BMW's already excellent HD stock to HK isn't buying you much.
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      05-19-2012, 10:39 AM   #40
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Originally Posted by TEAShea View Post
Yea, cars are not good sound environments. Pathetically bad actually. However if one takes that into consideration the sound can be "interesting."
Exactly. And very gently expressed given the reality.

EQ is not going to fix the issue. At best, you move the problems around (I'll spare everyone the function and limitations of EQ presentation. Summary: it typically does much more harm than good in a consumer context with consumer equipment, ten-fold true for a car.)

I'm always amused how many think an EQ "smile" (boost the bass and the treble so a graphic EQ looks like a smile) makes a system sound "better." Often a better tweak is a couple of dB in the 200Hz - 500Hz range.

Summary: The dreadful sound of satellite radio and eMPty3s played in the hideous acoustic environment of a car renders crude consumer EQ a poor toy.

Of course, if you like a car system with EQ and it increases your enjoyment go for it.
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      05-19-2012, 10:49 AM   #41
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Elk View Post
Exactly. And very gently expressed given the reality.

EQ is not going to fix the issue. At best, you move the problems around (I'll spare everyone the function and limitations of EQ presentation. Summary: it typically does much more harm than good in a consumer context with consumer equipment, ten-fold true for a car.)

I'm always amused how many think an EQ "smile" (boost the bass and the treble so a graphic EQ looks like a smile) makes a system sound "better." Often a better tweak is a couple of dB in the 200Hz - 500Hz range.

Summary: The dreadful sound of satellite radio and eMPty3s played in the hideous acoustic environment of a car renders crude consumer EQ a poor toy.

Of course, if you like a car system with EQ and it increases your enjoyment go for it.

Changing the EQ settings makes a HUGE difference in the E90
With the standard settings HK in the E90 sounds worse than the mid range system.
With a couple changed settings it is far superior and well worth its cost.

Interesting thing is E90 and E90LCI EQ settings differ quite a lot for proper sound.
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      05-19-2012, 06:12 PM   #42
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It's possible; I know neither the system nor your ears.

Most people think booming bass and shiny treble is an improvement - consider the EQ/tone settings on most loaners and rentals. Most car EQs introduce tremendous phase issues and other distortions I, for one, can't live with it.

Likely a good test is whether one can abide satellite system (XM, Sirius) sound. If you like the sound quality of such sound sources - car EQ is probably going to make you happy. I find satellite sound execrable, wholly intolerable.

Again, if you like car EQ and are impressed with upgraded manufacturer systems go for it! I will never argue with another's subjective preferences.
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      05-19-2012, 06:46 PM   #43
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The Premium Surround Sound System in my E92 is the best sound system that I've ever heard/owned in a vehicle. I will absolutely be purchasing the upgrade in the F30.
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      05-19-2012, 06:55 PM   #44
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Quote:
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The Premium Surround Sound System in my E92 is the best sound system that I've ever heard/owned in a vehicle. I will absolutely be purchasing the upgrade in the F30.
Really? i think the HK in the e92 sucks. If you thought that was great the F30 HK will blow your socks off.
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