[gx5_027]

I have the HK system and while it is decent (non-audiophiles would say GREAT), the under seat subs leave something to be desired. I can hear the bass, but can’t really feel it. I have already tweaked the EQ settings.

I’m looking for a recommendation simple plug and play under seat drop in’s (if possible) - without upgrading the amp.

AUDIOPHILES, what would YOU recommend?

[swainbmw]

I replaced them all with the Bavsound huge improvement

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by swainbmw

I replaced them all with the Bavsound huge improvement

Was yours originally a Hi-fi or HK?

[swainbmw]

Originally Posted by f32_027

Was yours originally a Hi-fi or HK?

Hk but you could start off just with the subs under the seats. I had thought about that, but it definitely was an improvement.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by swainbmw

Hk but you could start off just with the subs under the seats. I had thought about that, but it definitely was an improvement.

Interesting - people were shitting on Bavsound in the forums here and saying they’re not a step up from HK.
Thanks for sharing your experience.

[doublezero]

You won't get significant improvement without upgrading the amp. There is not significantly more efficiency to be had between different "premium" subwoofers. Some gains, sure. So, depends on your expectations.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by doublezero

You won't get significant improvement without upgrading the amp. There is not significantly more efficiency to be had between different "premium" subwoofers. Some gains, sure. So, depends on your expectations.

Got it - so you would say, not worth it if not upgrading the amp doublezero

[doublezero]

f32_27, i've not upgraded my HK but I have done a lot of other full audio system upgrades over the years. It just depends on what you want and are willing to spend. If you want a little more bass and a bit more accuracy, a sub upgrade might give some pleasure. But you'd not going to get to that "Feel it" level, not in a solid X5. And you'll be cranking it high enough you're now stressing the rest of the system. SO then you'll be looking at upgrading the other speakers of system. Which would be a nice upgrade. But to get significantly more accuracy and volume you'll need more power.
Once my warranty is up I'll probably go the full Match amp + a full speaker upgrade, otherwise to me, it's not worth the expense without adding an amp and I'm happy with the HK for no more than I drive my X5.

[Ryan5034]

I have tried Earthquakes and Bavsound. I don't think either are much of an upgrade.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by Ryan5034

I have tried Earthquakes and Bavsound. I don't think either are much of an upgrade.

Ryan5034 thanks for the heads up. So not worth the money/effort to just upgrade the subs. Noted.

[swainbmw]

Originally Posted by doublezero

You won't get significant improvement without upgrading the amp. There is not significantly more efficiency to be had between different "premium" subwoofers. Some gains, sure. So, depends on your expectations.

On standard stereo hi if wont see much because of amp but if you have hk you will because there is a bigger amp on those cars .I have changed every bmw with hk over the year some bavsound and and used a shop in Portland also that was thousands so for the price it a better clarity with some bass response for your money 💰

[Itslouiev]

I upgraded to Focal ISub4's from HK. It's noticeable at high volumes (over 50%) but I am also looking to upgrade the amp soon and expect it to be more noticeable then.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by Itslouiev

I upgraded to Focal ISub4's from HK. It's noticeable at high volumes (over 50%) but I am also looking to upgrade the amp soon and expect it to be more noticeable then.

Itslouiev keep me posted - curious on your thoughts
You grabbed the subs from a forum member right?

[Itslouiev]

Originally Posted by gx5_027

Itslouiev keep me posted - curious on your thoughts
You grabbed the subs from a forum member right?

Yep. Picked them up from Herofmine. The amp is probably some ways away. Going to be doing the b&w speaker grilles and either the bw speakers or alpha one speakers first. Was hoping to get those done soon but I’ll be one Asia for June and maybe July so everything might be on pause for a little while.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by Itslouiev

Yep. Picked them up from Herofmine. The amp is probably some ways away. Going to be doing the b&w speaker grilles and either the bw speakers or alpha one speakers first. Was hoping to get those done soon but I’ll be one Asia for June and maybe July so everything might be on pause for a little while.

Itslouiev excited for you
Definitely share thoughts when done

[Ryan5034]

I have HK audio and the bavsound woofers and there isn’t much difference to me. I think the person that mentioned these need an amp would be right. Also these 8” woofers with tiny magnets are pretty limiting.