Owners who have the Harmon Kardon sound

[Carcollector212]

I listened to the standard audio and felt it was horrible however i have not listened to the Harmon kardon

My e60 M5 had an enhanced premium sound which was incredible and had lots of parametric eq adjustments

I wanted to know does the HK offer a multi band eq or any time alignment parameters on the new M3/M4?

My brother just picked up a new S63 with a Burmester and i was shocked it does not have a full band eq to adjust or time alignment. It sounded good overall but very left side biased. I am a true hi fi guy and having a good system in my cars is fairly important on my daily driver.

[Fifth Echelon]

Not sure about time alignment but the HK system does have an EQ. At first I wasn't all that impressed with the audio, but once I had the EQ set to my preferences, I was more than happy with it.

[drexplode]

The F30 and F8X have the same HK system?

I have the HK in my F30 and it's ok - not as good as the bang and olufsen in my previous Audi.

[Carcollector212]

I miss my e60 M5 audio it was really awesome. Even the porsche and mercedes Burmester systems are good for bass but for $9000 option it didnt blow me away one bit.

I hope the HK is decent enough to enjoy the standard audio was horrible it reminded me if my old e36 M3 audio but back in the days doing aftermarket systems in cars was easy today not so much the way everything is tied into the CAn Buss of the car.

[Carcollector212]

Originally Posted by Fifth Echelon

Not sure about time alignment but the HK system does have an EQ. At first I wasn't all that impressed with the audio, but once I had the EQ set to my preferences, I was more than happy with it.

Do you know how many bands the eq has? So there are no settings for driver, normal etc for time alignment, hmm

[Fifth Echelon]

Originally Posted by Carcollector212

Do you know how many bands the eq has? So there are no settings for driver, normal etc for time alignment, hmm

I only spent minimal time tweaking the EQ on my European Delivery. We had a pretty packed schedule, so I did just enough to get the audio where I wanted it, but didn't spend hours going over every nook and cranny of every car system, which I intend to do when the car gets redelivered to me.

As a result of this, I don't exactly remember whether there are any time alignment settings as you describe them. They might very well be there, but I don't remember. And if I remember correctly, the EQ had 5 or 6 bands, but I can't say for certain. I do remember there being a separate setting solely for Bass and Treble levels outside of the EQ menu (which I believe are present on all non-premium BMW sound systems), and their effect seems to stack on top of the EQ itself.

Hope that helps. My thought is that for $875, the HK system is a no-brainer, especially given what premium audio costs in most cars of this class.

[gtr]

The option is worth it just for the EQ. For the price the sound quality is excellent. Wish it had better bass and or maybe a proper subwoofer.

[JeffM-Houston]

I haven't played with mine yet but NPR sounds better than I have ever heard.

[Lups]

My neighbors hate HK. It is all I need to know.

[Hoopumpers]

It's mediocre, but well worth the $750 or whatever upgrade cost is

[ISM4]

For the 800 bucks it's worth it. Besides why would you use the speakers when you driving an M :

[JoeFromPA]

So I thought the stock stereo (which I have) pretty much sucked for the first 1000 miles.

What I learned is that it doesn't, but it sounds weak.....because it appears BMW deliberately turned the volume adjustment and display to indicate weakness.

Disclosure: I'm not an audiophile, just a guy who likes good clear sound.

So for example, on a 'good sound system', when the volume displays 50%, you get really good all around sound, bass, treble, etc. - and it's clear assuming a good audio source.

On the stock sound system, you need to make that adjustment closer to 75% - but you still get the same results.

However, on the stock system, you can't get really thumping bass and obviously you can't get clear super high volume either.

Neither of those things is a problem for me personally, and I've found I really enjoy the stock system...albeit at 70% of the display volume adjustment when I have the windows down.

...

This relates to the H&K in that with that system you get clearer volume and sound at much lower volume adjustment levels. You get more bass, more treble, and EQ adjustment.

[1stm3f80]

I always used radio in 535i. Got HK in M used 3-4 times. Engine/exhaust why I bought car. Pretty good actually.

[Mikster]

The HK system has an equalizer (I think 7 band...gotta check). And it also has "Logic 7 Surround" or something like that. It takes the audio signal and processes it throughout to give you what sounds like a wider soundstage. Haven't played with it that much. My ears are particularly sensitive to treble and the quasi-sibilance when tweeters shrill and don't roll-off smoothly. My X6 has the stock system and I deplore it...it actually hurts my ears.
So far on the F80, seems okay. I gotta play with it, and of course it needs to break in a bit.
M

[filip75]

Originally Posted by gtr

The option is worth it just for the EQ. For the price the sound quality is excellent. Wish it had better bass and or maybe a proper subwoofer.

Overall the sound quality is pretty good, but bass is indeed not all that great.

[Hoopumpers]

.

[Hoopumpers]

sibilance sibilance...

[AreOut]

it's not anywhere close to top class systems but it's certainly best bang for the buck

[brianeck]

I had it on my ED car. . . It's a really good "stock" stereo. 2 bumps for the lowest band 1 for the second lowest and then a minor tweak to the high end and a light bump to the secondary bass setting and it was cooking.

And for everyone cracking jokes about not listening to the stereo because its an M car ~ don't forget that those speakers are porting in your delicious engine sounds directly

[RocketBoots]

If you're into audio, the HK system will disappoint

It does not have time alignment.

It's better to have the base stereo, as it's easier to upgrade

That being said, if you don't plan to do any upgrades, the HK is decent bang/buck.

[nonagon]

Originally Posted by ISM4

For the 800 bucks it's worth it. Besides why would you use the speakers when you driving an M :

To hear the engine I kid.

[ISM4]

Originally Posted by nonagon

To hear the engine I kid.

When you have the windows down you hear everything that's going on in the motor and soundtracks from the exhaust. It's only when you have the windows up that you need the speakers to enhance the sound. I guess that's when the HK comes in and makes the sound better