[lsutigers]

Originally Posted by BlackBeast85

My understanding was that the HK system was almost as good in 2024+ models. What are you comparing it to?

2024+ HK is not bad but really not even close. Try to compare both side by side. I think you’ll be blown away by the Bowers system.

[BlackBeast85]

Originally Posted by lsutigers

2024+ HK is not bad but really not even close. Try to compare both side by side. I think you’ll be blown away by the Bowers system.

Now, I am excited to hear it, I was not really expecting much from it.

[JoeAyalaM]

Originally Posted by BlackBeast85

My understanding was that the HK system was almost as good in 2024+ models. What are you comparing it to?

It would need to be that the BW is almost as bad the HK, for the latter is quite mediocre, it just has a lot (16) of poorly sounding speakers.

[lsutigers]

Originally Posted by JoeAyalaM

It would need to be that the BW is almost as bad the HK, for the latter is quite mediocre, it just has a lot (16) of poorly sounding speakers.

I heard the HK was improved for the 24+ LCI?

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by lsutigers

I heard the HK was improved for the 24+ LCI?

I thought I saw folks saying the opposite, that the HK sounds worse in the LCI. Without experiencing it yourself though it is tough to say.

[lsutigers]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

I thought I saw folks saying the opposite, that the HK sounds worse in the LCI. Without experiencing it yourself though it is tough to say.

Agreed. Sound quality is very subjective. Some people like bass heavy systems, others like tinny highs, etc.

[JoeAyalaM]

Originally Posted by lsutigers

I heard the HK was improved for the 24+ LCI?

Mine is a 24 with HK and it does not sound that well. Instruments don't sound real, nor drums or violins, but vocals are fine though.

[lsutigers]

Originally Posted by JoeAyalaM

Mine is a 24 with HK and it does not sound that well. Instruments don't sound real, nor drums or violins, but vocals are fine though.

That’s unfortunate. I believe the Bowers system is only available in the M60i and the X5M Comp. They should at least offer it on the 50e.

[Gibson6594]

Are people tuning the HK system? I assume the settings from the factory aren't ideal.

I'm the furthest thing from an audiophile, so it's doesn't matter much to me, but I plan on using the settings in the below video as starting point when I get my car.

[TechKid]

Get both. Marino should be standard, but the B&W will make you DEAF. Plus the speaker grills look next level along with the glowing LEDs from inside.

Don’t listen to the B&W haters on here.

Set the bass and treble and EQ properly and the system rewards. Really good bass and the highs are clear as a bell. You won’t be able to turn it all the way up and and it doesn’t distort.

Oh and lastly, get the alcantara headliner too or your car will look like a VW inside otherwise! 😄

[iX nOOky]

I skipped the merino because the Synsawhatever is fine for me. So I'd vote for the upgraded stereo assuming it's better. I generally find any sound system that comes in a vehicle lacking, but I used to install and win sound quality competitions in my youth so I have a critical ear.

[mattinfll]

I am about to end my X4 M40 lease where I stuck with the standard sound system and did not upgrade to the HK. It never bothered me. At all. And I am an EDM fan and love my deep bass. You're in a car, and if like me, commuting to work with lots of road noise. You're not in a concert hall. I've never regretted the decision. My new X6 M60 has HK standard and I could not justify the extra 3 grand for an "audiophile" system with light up speakers. At home, my TV and surround system is Dolby Atmos. In my car, I know I will be happy with HK.

I went for the Oyster Merino. Tanzanite Blue. Very excited to pick up my car next week.