12-17-2023, 02:24 PM | #1 |
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Is B&W audio audibly better than H/K?
Hello, new member here
Since 2021 I've been using my '20 X5 M50i as a daily and was constantly asking myself if I could hear the actual diffrence from my H/K audio and the optional "premium" Bowers and Wilkins. The overall sound quality is important for me as I'm an audiophile. In most cases I listen via Apple CarPlay from Apple Music, so it's a wireless connection. The listening experience from H/K didn't really blow me out, it's absolutely great and you definitely can't say it's a low-spec system, but I still find the BOSE system in my 2007 Porsche Cayenne S to be better even tho it has around 390W while H/K in X5 is said to have 464W. Could it be because of the source as my Cayenne uses CD and my X5 wireless connection? My main question is can one hear the difference between B&W and H/K when driving? I hardly ever play any music in car as I just love to listen to the V8 engine so that's my main concern if in such case it would actually be audible? |
12-17-2023, 05:07 PM | #2 | |
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12-17-2023, 09:26 PM | #3 |
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Also, what source does your music come from? In my experience, satellite radio is an inferior source. Nothing sounds great from satellite. If you are using your phone or other credible medium as a source B&W is superior.
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12-18-2023, 12:54 AM | #4 |
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Ah, I see! You're more focused on the auditory experience of the car itself, particularly the V8 engine, rather than the music system. The sound of the engine is a crucial element for many car enthusiasts.
In that case, the difference in audio systems between Bowers & Wilkins (B&W) and Harman Kardon (H/K) might not significantly impact your ability to hear the V8 engine. The nuances in audio quality, clarity, and richness might not be as perceptible while the engine is running, especially if you predominantly enjoy the engine's natural sound over music. However, if you occasionally listen to music or prefer a higher-quality audio experience for those moments, there might be some noticeable differences between the two systems in terms of sound quality, depth, and fidelity. But for the primary pleasure of reveling in the V8 engine's rumble and melody, the choice between B&W and H/K might not drastically affect that experience. Ultimately, it boils down to how much emphasis you place on the audio quality for music and whether that aspect matters to you while driving. |
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12-21-2023, 09:12 AM | #5 | |
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Now being aware of how B&W is better makes me feel dissatisfied with my H/K. Guess there is nothing much I can do then, retrofitting B&W would probably mean disassembling half of the interior? |
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12-21-2023, 09:20 AM | #6 | |
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In the X5 I mostly connect via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay as my source is Apple Music. I guess it is "lossy" quality (worse than CD) as it's bluetooth. Can I play lossless and hi-res lossless quality when I do a USB connection to my phone? |
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12-23-2023, 05:10 PM | #7 |
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I have B&W and just got out of a loaner after 3 weeks that had Harmon. It's not even close to comparable. I'm able to dial in the Harmon with the eq and it's perfectly livable. But the B&W destroys it. You have to eq the sound to get it rocking and push uncompressed music, flac from usb. I have never sat in a car with Bose and was able to enjoy the sound. I've always hated the Bose sound. Bloated mid bass and not high detail.
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12-25-2023, 08:48 PM | #8 | |
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12-25-2023, 09:05 PM | #9 | |
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12-26-2023, 09:49 AM | #10 | |
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I got recently my new X5M60i with B&W after trading in my old buddy X5M50i with H/K. The sound of BW is incredible. It's like night and day. I should say that I was enjoying a lot of Harmon but when you hear BW rich and powerful sound you cannot come back to H/K.. Plus to the above, B/W has so good lightning at night. It adds to the car some luxuries and fun. |
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12-26-2023, 08:03 PM | #11 |
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If I were in OP's position, I would probably agree on adding an amp and probably upgraded speakers versus trying to retrofit to B&W. But let's not get crazy and say it sounds better.
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12-26-2023, 10:36 PM | #12 |
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I have B&W. I’d not say it’s great. Don’t have it fully dialed in but it’s nothing to write home about. It does look cool though with the lighting effects.
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12-27-2023, 01:14 PM | #13 |
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12-27-2023, 01:49 PM | #14 |
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Yes. I did. Took a while to get a wire harness to work with assisted driving but tech support was excellent and now everything works perfectly. Major improvement over HK!!
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12-27-2023, 02:40 PM | #15 |
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12-27-2023, 02:48 PM | #16 |
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https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=2039216
Bimmer Tech had to redesign the wiring harness. Look through this thread, and now got it working for me. |
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12-27-2023, 02:59 PM | #17 |
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Is B&W better than HK? Yes. How much better? Somewhat better? It destroys it? It's all relative. I have B&W in my X5. It's great when volume is up and source is good. If you listen to radio or satellite on low volume, save money and get HK.
*** Not related but I think that B&W overpriced and yes I overpaid anyway . |
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12-27-2023, 03:57 PM | #18 | |
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Because if i order this amp for my brand new 50e i want to be sure everything works 100% as it should. |
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12-27-2023, 04:53 PM | #19 |
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The amp always worked. It was just the assisted driving pro was bricked until they provided me a new harness. I would call them prior to ordering. They have excellent customer support! You will not be disappointed with the sound quality
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12-28-2023, 08:12 AM | #20 |
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Streaming music over the wireless carplay gives you poor sound quality period. This morning I connected a hard disk with plenty of lossless music and sound quality magically improved. But the BMW music app........
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12-29-2023, 08:32 AM | #21 | |
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Regarding the B&W I love how it looks, it really gives that luxury look. And just like you say, to hear the difference between H/K and B&W I would probably have to connect to my phone via USB and play lossless/hi-res lossless through Apple Music app. Having B&W would be great as I plan to have my M50i forever, previously I was looking at the new M60i but it's already hybrid If I ever listen to music I do it wirelessly, I hate seeing a cable laying on the top of the center console + I mostly enjoy the V8 sound. |
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12-29-2023, 11:16 AM | #22 | |
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