Really, how bad is the standard F30 sound system?

snowghost · 01-19-2014, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kafkaesque320

Who is your brother? I was a professional touring bassist for many years, major tours for indie and major label acts, have a handful of recording credits, a few for Geffen and Interscope, etc. Have been in the industry in LA since '99 and have a master's in jazz studies. Just curious as I may have heard of him.

http://davidbeckertribune.com

I probably heard of you as well. What is your name?

Axman85 · 01-19-2014, 04:32 PM

Standard radio sucks when playing from and iPod. Regret not getting HK.

f1point0 · 01-19-2014, 05:08 PM

Coming from Audi, I think the BMW standard system is a step down, but it isn't awful. The standard system on my Q7 is very good and don't feel any need to upgrade to the crazy expensive B&O system. A great system should sound clear at low volume (this is probably the standard BMW sound system's weakest quality) and have great midrange. Too much bass and treble focus has been perpetuated by the Bose philosophy, when midrange is where the money should be spent. When I do ED for my next BMW, I will probably opt for the HK system.

Kafkaesque328 · 01-19-2014, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snowghost

http://davidbeckertribune.com

I probably heard of you as well. What is your name?

Yup, heard of him. Cool. I love a lot of the old school jazz guitarists like Barney Kessel and Joe Pass. Good shit.

I doubt you've heard of me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nate_Perry

Quote:

Originally Posted by f1point0

Coming from Audi, I think the BMW standard system is a step down, but it isn't awful. The standard system on my Q7 is very good and don't feel any need to upgrade to the crazy expensive B&O system. A great system should sound clear at low volume (this is probably the standard BMW sound system's weakest quality) and have great midrange. Too much bass and treble focus has been perpetuated by the Bose philosophy, when midrange is where the money should be spent. When I do ED for my next BMW, I will probably opt for the HK system.

This is well put and I agree. The stock BMW system does run concurrent with the Bose style of EQ and tuning of systems. My GTI lacked any real low end though and it was seemingly all mids. Even w/a sub it wasn't great. The stock BMW system has decent lows, good highs etc.. but you have to push the system for it to sound decent, which is a bummer.

JJS · 01-19-2014, 06:04 PM

No question, the HK is significantly better than the base (663 Radio BMW Professional) or mid-spec (677 HiFi Loudspeaker System). To my ears, the 663 is below par for any car bearing the BMW roundel. The 677 is acceptable if all you listen to are radio broadcasts and use it for background noise. I listened to all three systems before deciding the HK is a mandatory specification for me, the price be damned. I spend far too much time in my car and like my music too much to scrimp on a few bucks (relative to the car's price) to put up with sub-standard music.

Sedan_Clan · 01-19-2014, 06:22 PM

The base HIFI is fine to me despite having considered an aftermarket upgrade. I'm not a major audiophile though.

Kafkaesque328 · 01-19-2014, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJS

No question, the HK is significantly better than the base (663 Radio BMW Professional) or mid-spec (677 HiFi Loudspeaker System). To my ears, the 663 is below par for any car bearing the BMW roundel. The 677 is acceptable if all you listen to are radio broadcasts and use it for background noise. I listened to all three systems before deciding the HK is a mandatory specification for me, the price be damned. I spend far too much time in my car and like my music too much to scrimp on a few bucks (relative to the car's price) to put up with sub-standard music.

I would hope its better, isn't it like a $1500 add on?

JJS · 01-19-2014, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kafkaesque320

I would hope its better, isn't it like a $1500 add on?

It's NZD2,500 over base here, or around two percent of the price of the car.

eekthecat · 01-19-2014, 07:51 PM

The HK upgrade was virtually mandatory in the E90/92 - for a few years there, the basic sound was god awful. I auditioned both in the F32, and was surprised at how good the basic sound was -- a little bit muddy, but not all that different than the E92 HK I had. To be honest, I would've been fine with it if the HK option wasn't available. Still, the HK option in the F32 (probably the same in the F30) had noticeably better clarity, though a bit on the harsh side, I think.

James550i6spd · 01-19-2014, 08:25 PM

It's not bad...just lacks depth and can be harsh on the ears. I so wanted to keep it stock but I think I'm going to have to go with a easy speaker upgrade such as the bsm 1. I thought i grew out of my car stereo phase (I had a competition-level system in my E46). Everything about my 335 is freaking awesome except when I turn the sound up...

I'm usually satisfied with stock stero systems of cars in this price range but by god, I just want to rip out the stock speaker and beat them to death

Professor///M · 01-19-2014, 09:50 PM

There is a significant difference between the basic and HK systems. If you listen to digital music often, it's worth the extra $$$. If you're a radio type person, chances are that it won't make a difference to you.

shivaswrath · 01-19-2014, 10:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danman5666

I am looking at some 13 leftovers and wondering how bad the standard sound system is? I currently have the HK system in my 09 E90 - so I'm more or less used to that.

Old HK~new standard.
New HK>old HK

RoundelM3 · 01-20-2014, 07:59 AM

I didn't spend the extra $1K on the HK system because I don't listen to it very much. I think it's fine for my purposes (my life isn't focused on listening to music while I'm in the car or elsewhere). That said, comments about the "poor build quality" of the F30 are way off base. For those who have had issues, like "rattles" and such, it's the luck of the draw. I have had zero build quality problems with my 02/13 car, and to suggest that a "lack of padding" or other acoustic "deficiency" reflects overall build quality is a huge stretch.

Sedan_Clan · 01-20-2014, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

I didn't spend the extra $1K on the HK system because I don't listen to it very much. I think it's fine for my purposes (my life isn't focused on listening to music while I'm in the car or elsewhere). That said, comments about the "poor build quality" of the F30 are way off base. For those who have had issues, like "rattles" and such, it's the luck of the draw. I have had zero build quality problems with my 02/13 car, and to suggest that a "lack of padding" or other acoustic "deficiency" reflects overall build quality is a huge stretch.

I agree with this statement.

P.S. I also feel like the digital music assertion is a bit ambiguous. I have the base HIFI system, and depending on the quality of the digital sample, the sound can range from audibly crisp to muffled and unsatisfactory.

Kafkaesque328 · 01-20-2014, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

I didn't spend the extra $1K on the HK system because I don't listen to it very much. I think it's fine for my purposes (my life isn't focused on listening to music while I'm in the car or elsewhere). That said, comments about the "poor build quality" of the F30 are way off base. For those who have had issues, like "rattles" and such, it's the luck of the draw. I have had zero build quality problems with my 02/13 car, and to suggest that a "lack of padding" or other acoustic "deficiency" reflects overall build quality is a huge stretch.

I am actually really impressed with the build quality. Rock solid. Coming from VW wheere I had a new rattle or squeak every other day with constant wind noise, this thing is built like a bank vault

speedyvk · 01-20-2014, 10:53 AM

The biggest mistake i made when i got my BMW is order it with standard system, i like to listen to music a lot in the car, the standard radio is so bad i don't know how to even describe it, thats my opinion. My old ford for sure has better sound than bimmer, in my defense i though its BMW so it should be good even with standard radio, wrong!

i comare the sounds to my brothers a-class, another brother q5 and wv taureg, (i got lots brother

) they all don't have standard radio.. well, obviosuly much better sound than bimmer, best sound for my ears was in wv taureg just perfect , the whole body vibrates

anyway if you like music a lot i sugest upgrade radio wish i gone with HK system

Kafkaesque328 · 01-20-2014, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speedyvk

The biggest mistake i made when i got my BMW is order it with standard system, i like to listen to music a lot in the car, the standard radio is so bad i don't know how to even describe it, thats my opinion. My old ford for sure has better sound than bimmer, in my defense i though its BMW so it should be good even with standard radio, wrong!

i comare the sounds to my brothers a-class, another brother q5 and wv taureg, (i got lots brother

) they all don't have standard radio.. well, obviosuly much better sound than bimmer, best sound for my ears was in wv taureg just perfect , the whole body vibrates

anyway if you like music a lot i sugest upgrade radio wish i gone with HK system

Do people in Spain get really bad stereos or something? The base stereo in my car is better than any stereo I've ever had in a car. Granted thats years in Hondas, Toyotas a few Mazdas, an E90 coupe a Mustang and 2 VW's and this system is better. Bummer brah.

It's kind of blowing my mind that some guys are saying the base system is garbage because I'd like to think I have pretty well tuned ears from 15 years spent in recording studios surrounded by hundreds of thousands of dollars in musical equipment. I've met a lot of these so-called audiophile types and most of them have never seen the inside of a recording studio and know very little about actual sound. But hey, perception is everything and they never miss an issue of Crutchfield..

inChargeOfIT · 01-20-2014, 01:00 PM

The hi-fi system is pretty good really. If you are looking for deep bass you will be disappointed with HK, hi-fi, or standard (limitation of the under seat placement). Just add a base box in the trunk and move on since the 'quality' of the sound will not matter.

If you are an audiophile type, the HK system will provide a fuller sound but the hi-fi system is not bad at all (I have never listened to the base standard stereo). I had to play with the balance and faders to get the sound stage centered. Made a big difference.

nicknaz · 01-20-2014, 03:39 PM

My F30 has the HK, and the loaner F30 I am driving now does not have it (i.e. has the base 'hifi' stereo). I notice the difference and plan to get HK again for my next 3 series

Would it be a "deal breaker" that would make me pass up a car on the lot I was otherwise happy with, probably not, but would I check the box when ordering up a car.. absolutely.

GL888 · 01-21-2014, 10:00 PM

In Australia there aren't allot of option to upgrade from HiFi to better unless you want to spend in excess of $1500.

HiFi is definitely not the best sound, and an upgrade that is somehow similar to the one that Bav Audio have for under a $1000 would be ideal. I would say the HK is worth it but i just couldn't justify the extra $2500 or $1500 for the local upgrade.

Serpent720 · 01-22-2014, 03:04 AM

HiFi + Bavsound Stage 1. You will be impressed.

focal · 01-22-2014, 04:41 AM

The hifi is more than good enough. Feed it a good recording and it will play fine.

Saying that I am in the middle of upgraditis and will report if the money spent was worth it in a day or two.

Upgrading stereos is a habit for any car I own even if I had the HK I would upgrade just out of habit. I had tried to upgrade the logic 7 in my previous e60 but my installer was inexperienced to make it materially better.

Improvements to mid range and better amps was where I focused on this time. Also better processing and tuning. We shall see.

01-19-2014, 04:32 PM	#24
Axman85 First Lieutenant 77 Rep 345 Posts Drives: 335i x-Drive M-Sport Min. Grey Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	Standard radio sucks when playing from and iPod. Regret not getting HK.
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01-19-2014, 05:08 PM	#25
f1point0 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 31 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Glacier Silver Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Coming from Audi, I think the BMW standard system is a step down, but it isn't awful. The standard system on my Q7 is very good and don't feel any need to upgrade to the crazy expensive B&O system. A great system should sound clear at low volume (this is probably the standard BMW sound system's weakest quality) and have great midrange. Too much bass and treble focus has been perpetuated by the Bose philosophy, when midrange is where the money should be spent. When I do ED for my next BMW, I will probably opt for the HK system.
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01-19-2014, 06:04 PM	#27
JJS Lieutenant 123 Rep 441 Posts Drives: BMW F31 335i 6MT M-Sport Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Wellington, NZ iTrader: (0)	No question, the HK is significantly better than the base (663 Radio BMW Professional) or mid-spec (677 HiFi Loudspeaker System). To my ears, the 663 is below par for any car bearing the BMW roundel. The 677 is acceptable if all you listen to are radio broadcasts and use it for background noise. I listened to all three systems before deciding the HK is a mandatory specification for me, the price be damned. I spend far too much time in my car and like my music too much to scrimp on a few bucks (relative to the car's price) to put up with sub-standard music. __________________ EBII 335i Touring M-Sport (Munich built July 2013) \| 6 Speed Manual \| 2VF Adaptive M Suspension \| 2VL Variable Sports Steering \| 403M wheels \| M-Sport brakes \| 688 Harman Kardon \| 494 Heated Seats \| 610 HUD \| 322 Comfort Access \| 5AC High-Beam Assist \| 609 Navigation Professional \|
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01-19-2014, 06:22 PM	#28
Sedan_Clan Law Enforcer 24981 Rep 22,266 Posts Drives: '22 Chalk Gray Porsche C2S Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: ..in your rearview!!! iTrader: (26)	The base HIFI is fine to me despite having considered an aftermarket upgrade. I'm not a major audiophile though.
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01-19-2014, 07:51 PM	#31
eekthecat Lieutenant 24 Rep 481 Posts Drives: 428i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: California iTrader: (2)	The HK upgrade was virtually mandatory in the E90/92 - for a few years there, the basic sound was god awful. I auditioned both in the F32, and was surprised at how good the basic sound was -- a little bit muddy, but not all that different than the E92 HK I had. To be honest, I would've been fine with it if the HK option wasn't available. Still, the HK option in the F32 (probably the same in the F30) had noticeably better clarity, though a bit on the harsh side, I think.
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01-19-2014, 08:25 PM	#32
James550i6spd Second Lieutenant 49 Rep 255 Posts Drives: BMW x5 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Knoxville iTrader: (0)	It's not bad...just lacks depth and can be harsh on the ears. I so wanted to keep it stock but I think I'm going to have to go with a easy speaker upgrade such as the bsm 1. I thought i grew out of my car stereo phase (I had a competition-level system in my E46). Everything about my 335 is freaking awesome except when I turn the sound up... I'm usually satisfied with stock stero systems of cars in this price range but by god, I just want to rip out the stock speaker and beat them to death __________________ James <GONE> 2014 BMW 335i Melbourne red M sport. 6spd. Nothing more nothing less. ISO of Manual 535/550/335
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01-19-2014, 09:50 PM	#33
Professor///M Brigadier General 819 Rep 3,341 Posts Drives: 2022 M3, 2022 X5 40i; Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northeast iTrader: (5) Garage List 2022 BMW M3 Comp. [0.00] 2016 BMW X5 35i [10.00]	There is a significant difference between the basic and HK systems. If you listen to digital music often, it's worth the extra $$$. If you're a radio type person, chances are that it won't make a difference to you.
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01-20-2014, 07:59 AM	#35
RoundelM3 Major General 1833 Rep 6,987 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wendell, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	I didn't spend the extra $1K on the HK system because I don't listen to it very much. I think it's fine for my purposes (my life isn't focused on listening to music while I'm in the car or elsewhere). That said, comments about the "poor build quality" of the F30 are way off base. For those who have had issues, like "rattles" and such, it's the luck of the draw. I have had zero build quality problems with my 02/13 car, and to suggest that a "lack of padding" or other acoustic "deficiency" reflects overall build quality is a huge stretch. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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01-20-2014, 10:53 AM	#38
speedyvk Private 5 Rep 57 Posts Drives: Ford ST 2.5, 2013 F30 320i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Spain iTrader: (0)	The biggest mistake i made when i got my BMW is order it with standard system, i like to listen to music a lot in the car, the standard radio is so bad i don't know how to even describe it, thats my opinion. My old ford for sure has better sound than bimmer, in my defense i though its BMW so it should be good even with standard radio, wrong! i comare the sounds to my brothers a-class, another brother q5 and wv taureg, (i got lots brother ) they all don't have standard radio.. well, obviosuly much better sound than bimmer, best sound for my ears was in wv taureg just perfect , the whole body vibrates anyway if you like music a lot i sugest upgrade radio wish i gone with HK system
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01-20-2014, 01:00 PM	#40
inChargeOfIT First Lieutenant 17 Rep 344 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Sport Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Austin, TX iTrader: (0)	The hi-fi system is pretty good really. If you are looking for deep bass you will be disappointed with HK, hi-fi, or standard (limitation of the under seat placement). Just add a base box in the trunk and move on since the 'quality' of the sound will not matter. If you are an audiophile type, the HK system will provide a fuller sound but the hi-fi system is not bad at all (I have never listened to the base standard stereo). I had to play with the balance and faders to get the sound stage centered. Made a big difference.
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01-20-2014, 03:39 PM	#41
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3187 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	My F30 has the HK, and the loaner F30 I am driving now does not have it (i.e. has the base 'hifi' stereo). I notice the difference and plan to get HK again for my next 3 series Would it be a "deal breaker" that would make me pass up a car on the lot I was otherwise happy with, probably not, but would I check the box when ordering up a car.. absolutely.
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01-21-2014, 10:00 PM	#42
GL888 Private 7 Rep 91 Posts Drives: 328i F30 m sport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Sydney iTrader: (0)	In Australia there aren't allot of option to upgrade from HiFi to better unless you want to spend in excess of $1500. HiFi is definitely not the best sound, and an upgrade that is somehow similar to the one that Bav Audio have for under a $1000 would be ideal. I would say the HK is worth it but i just couldn't justify the extra $2500 or $1500 for the local upgrade.
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01-22-2014, 03:04 AM	#43
Serpent720 Private 47 Rep 66 Posts Drives: F31 328i Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Hong Kong iTrader: (0)	HiFi + Bavsound Stage 1. You will be impressed.
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01-22-2014, 04:41 AM	#44
focal Captain 67 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 328i 6MT w/ MPS & MPE Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0)	The hifi is more than good enough. Feed it a good recording and it will play fine. Saying that I am in the middle of upgraditis and will report if the money spent was worth it in a day or two. Upgrading stereos is a habit for any car I own even if I had the HK I would upgrade just out of habit. I had tried to upgrade the logic 7 in my previous e60 but my installer was inexperienced to make it materially better. Improvements to mid range and better amps was where I focused on this time. Also better processing and tuning. We shall see.
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