[The J-Man]

If you only listen to satellite radio the B&W isn’t worth it. If you feed it a high quality source, it’s pretty great. I’ve found that connecting direct with a cable gives the best sound quality. There’s a definite increase in detail, impact and definition vs CarPlay. The added aesthetics are also really nice and make the interior much more luxurious. The speakers covers and just so nice compared to stock or HK. I’d pay $1000 for the aesthetic component easily. Overall, it’s an expensive option but worth it to me.

[bforbrian]

Originally Posted by mitch57

There are two HK systems. Which one are you referring to?

I was referring to the HK system in the F80 M3 (my previous car).

[Heavyd]

It's almost twice the price overhere as in the US. So no thank you Harman Kardon will do fine. We already get ripped with every other option but this price setting in BE or the EU is just ridiculous.

[Ninefourteener]

The B&W is a nice system. It sounds great. 8 out of 10.

Bass is lacking though. I actually just bought all the materials earlier this afternoon to build my own supplemental sub box. I'm not into rap or techno.... just rock. But even for that, the bass is lacking.

The Bang & Olufsen sound system in my 2007 Audi S8 was better...... and that was a car made 13 years prior. It was easily a 10/10. Best system I've ever heard, before or since. I ordered the B&W with "hopes" it would sound as good. It doesn't.... but it's close. Clarity is exceptional. Dynamics are exceptional. Bass is "ehh".

The lights.... are admittedly, quite cool, and definitely a conversation starter when Night time driving with friends.

Is it worth $3400? Yes. I think so. It is significantly better than the H/K system. It isn't "exceptional" though.

[MystroX5]

I disagree. I had that B&O system in my A8 as well.
It was outstanding but I think the B&W is better when adjusted properly. Even more impressive is the interior space the B&W has to cover than in a traditional sedan. That is significantly more challenging.

I had the G05 X5 HK system for the last 2 years. Its good but not in the same zip code as the B&W.

Originally Posted by Ninefourteener

The B&W is a nice system. It sounds great. 8 out of 10.

Bass is lacking though. I actually just bought all the materials earlier this afternoon to build my own supplemental sub box. I'm not into rap or techno.... just rock. But even for that, the bass is lacking.

The Bang & Olufsen sound system in my 2007 Audi S8 was better...... and that was a car made 13 years prior. It was easily a 10/10. Best system I've ever heard, before or since. I ordered the B&W with "hopes" it would sound as good. It doesn't.... but it's close. Clarity is exceptional. Dynamics are exceptional. Bass is "ehh".

The lights.... are admittedly, quite cool, and definitely a conversation starter when Night time driving with friends.

Is it worth $3400? Yes. I think so. It is significantly better than the H/K system. It isn't "exceptional" though.

[TestnDoc]

I look forward to experiencing the B&W system. I have an X5 M50i due in next week.

[babyghost]

I even noticed difference in sound after 10000km driving, like every other higher quality sound system they need to be broken in.

[Prancing Cow]

Not good if the system constantly changes its characteristics.

At this price point, I would expect a system that is already pre-calibrated by playing the "optimal" sounds on each type of speaker for a few hundred hours before installing them in the customer's car.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by Prancing Cow

Not good if the system constantly changes its characteristics.

At this price point, I would expect a system that is already pre-calibrated by playing the "optimal" sounds on each type of speaker for a few hundred hours before installing them in the customer's car.

It doesn’t constantly change but rather breaks in. This is factored in and expected when the entire system was designed. This is what professional audio equipment does. Equipment is tested for frequency response and goes through a rigorous quality control check but they are also designed to have a initial break-in period.
All famous mastering studios have their own sound and what makes them unique. It is this blend of equipment and the way it ages together like a fine wine that gives them their unique sound. Each is proprietary and a guarded secret.
This is one of the reasons why classic Neumann tube microphones are significantly more valuable.

[thereef510]

Originally Posted by Prancing Cow

Not good if the system constantly changes its characteristics.

At this price point, I would expect a system that is already pre-calibrated by playing the "optimal" sounds on each type of speaker for a few hundred hours before installing them in the customer's car.

Lol you're fine with the engine break in period but have to shit on the speaker break in what is wrong with all you B&W haters in this thread🤣🤣🤣

[9uman9y]

Originally Posted by Ninefourteener

The B&W is a nice system. It sounds great. 8 out of 10.

Bass is lacking though. I actually just bought all the materials earlier this afternoon to build my own supplemental sub box. I'm not into rap or techno.... just rock. But even for that, the bass is lacking.

The Bang & Olufsen sound system in my 2007 Audi S8 was better...... and that was a car made 13 years prior. It was easily a 10/10. Best system I've ever heard, before or since. I ordered the B&W with "hopes" it would sound as good. It doesn't.... but it's close. Clarity is exceptional. Dynamics are exceptional. Bass is "ehh".

The lights.... are admittedly, quite cool, and definitely a conversation starter when Night time driving with friends.

Is it worth $3400? Yes. I think so. It is significantly better than the H/K system. It isn't "exceptional" though.

Also had B&O in my 2015 M6 and now a couple of days with B&W in a new G05. While being a superb system is not as well balanced IMO as B&O be that low volume or high. However, B&W just may need some time to worm up.

[GlennC]

Can the B&W be installed in the G05 on an aftermarket basis?

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by GlennC

Can the B&W be installed in the G05 on an aftermarket basis?

Not really as there is so many components and different locations to place them. It would be very expensive and intrusive to the inside of the vehicle. Then you would have to recode the iDrive if that is possible for B&W? I know some members have upgraded the HK with different speakers for a cleaner sound but that is it’s own can of worms.

[robby818]

The base audio system (hi-fi?) is really bad in the X5. The HK is a huge step up IMO and a no brainer for the modest cost. I have never heard the Bowers & Wilkins but sounds amazing from the descriptions. I also have a G30 and it has the hi-fi system, which isn't terrible. I guess the smaller interior makes a difference. HK certainly sounds better in the G30 but the difference is not as dramatic as in the G05.

[Paladin1]

Had the B&O in my Q7, and the B&W in my G05 sounds better, but different cars, and the Q7 didn't have the advantage of acoustic glass, with a larger interior.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by robby818

The base audio system (hi-fi?) is really bad in the X5. The HK is a huge step up IMO and a no brainer for the modest cost. I have never heard the Bowers & Wilkins but sounds amazing from the descriptions. I also have a G30 and it has the hi-fi system, which isn't terrible. I guess the smaller interior makes a difference. HK certainly sounds better in the G30 but the difference is not as dramatic as in the G05.

My goodness yes. The HK in the G05 is very respectable. IMO, the HK should be the “base” audio system at this price point of vehicle. I spent two long 2200 mile road trips with the X5 G05 HK system. It needs its high frequencies bumped up significantly on the EQ. That helps with the surround staging.

[babyghost]

Hi Mystro can you share your EQ settings for the B&W? Thanks in advance.

[edtreo]

Originally Posted by babyghost

Hi Mystro can you share your EQ settings for the B&W? Thanks in advance.

I would also appreciate your EQ settings.

[VTENGR]

This is how I have mine set. Could probably use some tweaking now that the speakers and subs have been broken in.

[lumpydog]

[Edit] Self censoring out my negativity. We all get there. Keeping the forum positive.

[vkxkswk_xxxk]

Originally Posted by Alan l.

I would agree with this. When i first listened to my B&W system I wasn't that impressed with the sound compared to all of the other BMW's i've had in the the past with the HK audio system. I have just about 15 hours of listening time in my car now and the system has come alive and sounds amazing. What i find is that you need to turn it up to really show its true colors on how its better than your normal HK setup.

Also this might be silly but I also love how the speaker on the doors glow at night to add that extra wow factor.

Alan

Turn it up as in after the break-in right? Cause I think I saw a comment where during break-in you shouldn't play it too loud and ripped speaker is the last thing I want on a B&W

[VTENGR]

Originally Posted by Dan_xxxk

Turn it up as in after the break-in right? Cause I think I saw a comment where during break-in you shouldn't play it too loud and ripped speaker is the last thing I want on a B&W

I don't think there's a breakin period to avoid damage. The breakin that ppl are referring to WRT the speakers is just the woofers lossening up after being used some. Like a nice pair of leather shoes. The more you wear them the more comfortable they are. In this case the more you listen the woofers will break in allowing them to move more freely under the same amount of power. I notice it the most at the low frequencies. Where I used to have the bass turned up to suite my preference now I've dialed it back b/c it's too much.