02-05-2021, 02:12 PM | #23 |
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Not saying that the B&W system isn't nice, but from an audiophile perspective it is putting overpriced lipstick on a pig. While the B&W is a clear improvement over the HK it is way too expensive for what you get, and the unavoidable fact is that a car is too compromised as a platform. But for the HK's unacceptably sloppy bass, it would not be a consideration.
One thing to consider is that the ambient noise floor of the X5 is about 60db at 60mph whereas a listening room is around 40-45db. That is over 64 times as quiet. To mask this flaw most cars use DSP, active noise cancellation, and other technical work-arounds to lower the perceived ambient noise. This does, however, affect the overall quality when compared to a listening room. Your money would be much better spent (i) replacing the OEM HK amplifier with one that has enough watts of quality to play at your desired volume while still retaining control of the low end; and (ii) possibly replacing/adding subwoofers. Last edited by Fennario; 02-05-2021 at 02:18 PM.. |
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02-05-2021, 04:25 PM | #24 | |
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02-05-2021, 04:27 PM | #25 | |
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02-05-2021, 04:41 PM | #26 | |
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Last edited by MystroX5; 02-05-2021 at 04:50 PM.. |
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02-05-2021, 04:52 PM | #27 | |
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Last edited by MystroX5; 02-05-2021 at 05:06 PM.. |
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02-05-2021, 04:58 PM | #28 | |
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Edit: The noise floor is entirely relevant. 63db is equivalent to sitting next to a dishwasher or air conditioner. Absolutely affects soundstage and your perception. Further, the more you apply DSP and other psychoacoustic tricks the greater the degradation of the dynamic range. Same thing happens when you turn noise canceling headphones on. Yes, its better because the background noise is suppressed but it does not sound nearly as good as it would in a quiet room with no NC. Last edited by Fennario; 02-05-2021 at 05:17 PM.. |
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02-05-2021, 05:16 PM | #29 | |
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Keep in mind I have a masters degree in acoustic engineering and have owned two very successful production studios for the last 25 years. I custom order my reference speakers to my specifications for my studios from B&W for the last 20 years. They are a outstanding product even at the consumer level. The B&W system that was designed for BMW is a steal for what they are asking. I get paid to tune reference rooms and pick apart acoustics. The BMW B&W is not perfect but damn impressive compared to any top factory audio system from any luxury brand for mobile audio. Last edited by MystroX5; 02-05-2021 at 05:38 PM.. |
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02-05-2021, 06:38 PM | #30 |
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Cool. Have done work with Meyer Sound in the past. Agree with 98% of what you said - only nit being that I was not referring to volume per se, but clean power in light of the volume being asked for. For me, mobile audio is mobile audio and I have a different set of expectations. Too difficult for me to justify the additional spend for the B&W system regardless of how nice it is. Would rather put the money into a nice office and/or headphone set-up.
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02-05-2021, 06:47 PM | #31 | |
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02-05-2021, 07:14 PM | #32 |
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I agree with Amoo. If you are an audio fanatic, then get it. Otherwise, you may not be able to tell the difference. I have the B&W and I love it!
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02-05-2021, 11:34 PM | #33 |
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When I was pricing out my new X6 I decided last minute to go with the Bowers and Wilkins sound system and definitely don't regret it. After listen to both sound systems, the Harman Kardon system doesn't compare. Especially considering you use the sound system almost all the time when in the car. Adding BW is a must in my cars now.
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02-06-2021, 06:05 AM | #34 | ||
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B&W is worth it if you plan to listen to a lot of music while car is parked. In motion, the X5 cabin have enough noise to not be an audiophile experience. If money is no object and if you lease and will only pay 45% of the cost then it might be fine. My 2 cents worth. It is not a night and day experience in my opinion. More clarity in the mid range and more power so it sounds more effortless as you crank up the volume and the out of the box equalization is better than the HK - I believe both HK and B&W audio products share software and other components now. |
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02-06-2021, 08:16 AM | #35 |
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the question "is it worth it" is subjective because one could say is the x6m/c "worth it" over a plain jane x6. what has worth or perceived value in premium over another is really up to the purchaser. we can only share our opinion but i believe it would be best for you to sit in an x6 with and without the b&w audio and decide for yourself.
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02-06-2021, 11:08 AM | #36 |
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I normally upgrade to the highest stereo option, however, since having kids I usually only do the mid grade. My reasoning is that I am rarely alone in my vehicle and so the stereo is usually not set very loud. Seems like a waste of money to have the nice stereo and not be able to utilize it's capabilities.
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02-06-2021, 12:16 PM | #37 | |
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02-06-2021, 11:15 PM | #38 | |
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02-07-2021, 05:07 AM | #39 |
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In my opinion this is a must have option. At mid volume you can't hear much road noise, just great sound. I also think it has great bass, never muddy.
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02-07-2021, 08:05 AM | #40 |
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A pseudo-audiophile myself, really enjoying fine music, I debated for a while whether to go with the HK or B&W. I completely agree that any vehicle, no matter how well designed, is a poor listening room for audio. The small cockpit size, the primary listener placed so far forward and to the side, away from the sweet spot. Lots of flat surfaces, lots of energy-reflective glass. Compromised outside sound isolation.
But, I'm not getting my car audio for critical listening. I have my high end theater and listening room at home for that, with kick-ass gear. In the end, I decided this car for me is special, a high-end investment that I'm going to be keeping for a long time, and so I'm going with the B&W in my X7 that's about to be delivered. I think it's important to manage expectations. It's not critical listening for me. It's just creating the best sound is my vehicle while I drive. So I'm happily looking forward to it. (plus... I don't think any of us want to admit it, but the B&W does look so cool in the G05 and G07, especially at night) |
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02-07-2021, 08:24 AM | #41 | |
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02-07-2021, 08:52 AM | #42 |
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It does look cool, but only us owners notice it. Most people, who drive normal cars, when they get into my g05 are so taken aback with all of the ambient lighting everywhere, they dont see the speaker lighting as distinct. But many have been wow'd by the sound when i've cranked up the system. so there's that; just dont expect anyone to mention the lights inside the speakers except us here lol.
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02-07-2021, 04:31 PM | #43 | |
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When someone upgrades from HK to B&W the price is actually lot more than it appears (HK + B&W). Opportunity cost and understanding for marginal benefits may sway many owners to HK. However, if you spend lot of time driving and money isn't an issue B&W makes sense, provided you utilize high quality audio source.
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02-07-2021, 05:22 PM | #44 |
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Same here... All the ambient lighting is shut off for us. I do not care for it or want it on. The kids enjoy it but after the novelty wears off they prefer to stare at the BMW tablets on the back of the seats or the iPads in their hands.
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