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      11-10-2015, 04:02 PM   #23
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BO come with 16 speakers right? What about the HKs? Are there subs as well?
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      11-10-2015, 04:14 PM   #24
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Head unit is a 600W Harman Kardon surround sound system with 16 speakers (including tweeters). Subs under each front seat.
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      11-10-2015, 04:17 PM   #25
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Thank you sir! Can't wait to get my x5!
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      11-10-2015, 04:25 PM   #26
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gdido2k10 View Post
BO come with 16 speakers right? What about the HKs? Are there subs as well?
B&O Info: http://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/car-a...s/bmw/BMW,-,X5

There's more to B&O than just more wattage. It delivers every sound clearly and precisely, there's no excess noise or distortion other than the pure sound of the audio source. It really feels like you're in a concert orchestra hall, it doesn't just flood the cabin with sound but position each speaker strategically to create a full surround effect. Every note, every guitar drift, and every vocal sound can be heard clearly. I also coded ASD off for less distractions.

The X5's B&O is worth every penny.

I had a chance to listen to the new 7 series' B&W. For $3,400, it is the best sound system ever offered in a BMW.
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      11-10-2015, 04:28 PM   #27
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It's 2x wattage of HK
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      12-29-2015, 03:21 PM   #28
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SriRamJaiRam View Post
Can anyone comment on the sound quality difference/details between the two? I'm wondering if B&O is worth the $4,500. Thanks in advance...
yes it is absolutely worth it... the b&o system is clear all through-out the volume range. i have had b&o in every vehicle i have owned when it was available as an option but that being said the HKL7 system is definitely not junk but pales in comparison to the RR/RRS offering.
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      12-29-2015, 05:23 PM   #29
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You'll hear many differing opinions on this, and it just comes down to price vs. value for YOU. I couldn't justify the uptick in price from the HK to the B&O, you on the other hand might be able to justify it. The HKL7 system was, and still is, more than satisfying for my audio needs.
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      12-29-2015, 05:30 PM   #30
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In theory the difference between the two should shrink soon as HK bought automotive part of B&O. Though there has to be some premium destinction
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      12-30-2015, 01:19 AM   #31
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The wife and I both agreed that the B&O just wasn't worth the $$$
Have been very pleased with the HK, you will spend a bit of time tinkering with the settings to dial it in.
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      12-30-2015, 07:30 AM   #32
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Quote:
Originally Posted by F15GorDe View Post
As has been posted by others, use your sound system budget to fund a custom install to your liking for LESS than what the B&O upgrade will cost you!
Lots of great options available out there.
then you have warranty concerns and have to deal with custom boxes or chop up the interior to hide stealth boxes etc. it just isn't worth it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by JNoSol View Post
B&O Info: http://www.bang-olufsen.com/en/car-a...s/bmw/BMW,-,X5

There's more to B&O than just more wattage. It delivers every sound clearly and precisely, there's no excess noise or distortion other than the pure sound of the audio source. It really feels like you're in a concert orchestra hall, it doesn't just flood the cabin with sound but position each speaker strategically to create a full surround effect. Every note, every guitar drift, and every vocal sound can be heard clearly. I also coded ASD off for less distractions.

The X5's B&O is worth every penny.

I had a chance to listen to the new 7 series' B&W. For $3,400, it is the best sound system ever offered in a BMW.
indeed, gone are the days of poor german oem audio systems. well porsche still has to wrap it's head around this but for audi, bmw & mb (burmester) there are enough audio options to satisfy the most finicky audiophiles. even volvo's b&w system is quantum leaps ahead of anything they have offered before. i had the 1400w L7/HD system in my L322 RRSC and it was phenomenal but fell short of the L494 Meridian system that was 1700w of pure insanity. it was clear and audible at any level. by far the best factory system i have heard in a vehicle yet. (for anyone considering these options test the systems with cd audio or apple lossless files otherwise you're not getting the true experience).
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      12-30-2015, 09:53 AM   #33
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All of this is pointless when you're driving at highway speeds and the road noise pollutes your listening pleasures...
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      12-30-2015, 12:53 PM   #34
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or on some models the artificial exhaust note sent through the speakers... gross.
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      12-30-2015, 03:05 PM   #35
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My quick 2cents... I have never heard B&O system, but got the HK and its awesome.. especially if you set the EQ correctly. I listen to mostly Reggae(lots of bass), Bollywood(lots of voice and instruments and SOCA(just loud).. I WOULDN'T spend another $4000k for B&O even if I could afford it, over the HK.
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      12-30-2015, 09:55 PM   #36
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@gtmassive75 can you share your eq settings pic?
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      12-30-2015, 10:58 PM   #37
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Yes, I'd be interested in seeing that, too. I've been struggling to find the right tone on my HK. When not listening to music, I do listen to news and podcasts, and often they sound like they're in a tunnel (even the professional podcasts). The only way I've found to minimize that effect is to turn off the surround sound.
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      12-31-2015, 12:52 AM   #38
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My tone settings got wiped today with a software update. Could immediately tell when I turned on the music. The settings really make a big difference. I suggest spending a good 30 minutes of tweaking to get the best sound. As others have suggested, you will want to use CDs.

On my B&O I select expanded sound rather than theater or whatever that first default setting is called, and I find that it makes the sound really fill the car nicely. I crank the bass way up and the treble down a tad. I also put push the fader up to get an even more immersive surround experience. find the point where the sound doesn't seem to be coming from any particular directional, but from everywhere. The last touch is to tweak the equalizer. I usually go with a near symmetrical concave shape protruding to the right and it sounds great on a vast variety of music genres that I listen to.

I think that a great sound system increases my driving experience, as music is a big part of my life. The B&O sound system was definitely worth the money for me. Having a system that was specifically made for the acoustics of your specific car really make a difference. To be honest I wasn't totally blown way by the B&O when I first heard it at the dealership either, but I got it anyway. Now that I found my sweet spot with the tone settings, this system really shines and I'm loving it. To each his own.

Last edited by deez330; 12-31-2015 at 01:16 AM..
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      12-31-2015, 04:55 AM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by deez330
My tone settings got wiped today with a software update. Could immediately tell when I turned on the music. The settings really make a big difference. I suggest spending a good 30 minutes of tweaking to get the best sound. As others have suggested, you will want to use CDs.

On my B&O I select expanded sound rather than theater or whatever that first default setting is called, and I find that it makes the sound really fill the car nicely. I crank the bass way up and the treble down a tad. I also put push the fader up to get an even more immersive surround experience. find the point where the sound doesn't seem to be coming from any particular directional, but from everywhere. The last touch is to tweak the equalizer. I usually go with a near symmetrical concave shape protruding to the right and it sounds great on a vast variety of music genres that I listen to.

I think that a great sound system increases my driving experience, as music is a big part of my life. The B&O sound system was definitely worth the money for me. Having a system that was specifically made for the acoustics of your specific car really make a difference. To be honest I wasn't totally blown way by the B&O when I first heard it at the dealership either, but I got it anyway. Now that I found my sweet spot with the tone settings, this system really shines and I'm loving it. To each his own.
Please take a photos of your settings. Thank you!
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      12-31-2015, 09:03 AM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnupT View Post
@gtmassive75 can you share your eq settings pic?
all HK system users should post their EQ settings.
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      12-31-2015, 09:09 AM   #41
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There are several threads with some settings by some users already.
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      12-31-2015, 09:25 AM   #42
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any for us B&O owners?
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      12-31-2015, 09:45 AM   #43
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I've had both systems in an X5.


The B&O is hands down better.


For everyone that is complaining about the lack of Bass I would suggest that you make sure you are using quality media. Don't expect to get great audio from crappy MP3's or from a bluetooth connection.

Either rip your music into the system from an original CD or make sure you get a high quality file like FLAC.

Also, just because you plug into the USB doesn't mean you will get better quality. If the source file is of low quality like 128 bps than you are missing a lot of data in the music and that is how low bitrate MP3's work. They drop out "un-needed" highs and lows to save space and compress the dead space.


My favorite quality of the B&O is the complete lack of distortion or overdrive. The highs stay crisp, the S's and P's do not hiss or pop and the lows do not fade out or get the feeling you are overdriving the subs. This comes from quality speakers and good magnets that can reset the speaker quicker.


There are songs that the HK can not handle that I have played on both and on the B&O plays it like it was meant to be heard.

I had the HK in my previous X5 and in my Z4 35is I had the premium audio and both fall short compared to the B&O system.


What good is the Ultimate Driving Machine if you can't crank up the tunes to 11!!!
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      12-31-2015, 11:44 AM   #44
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I agree, 100%

I have new X5 with BO since yesterday, and i have fresh comparasion between HK. When I play something from Tidal, BO is clear, perfect, there us every detail.

Last 4 months before delivering I had 535i with HK. It is realy about more than little difference, I know, it is also about money, but if you like music and if you have good source, go for it!!!

Btw. My last car was X6(2011) with individual sound (maximum what was in bmw pricelist in 2011) , it was great, but BO now is better. Big step forward...



Quote:
Originally Posted by Kessler35is View Post
I've had both systems in an X5.


The B&O is hands down better.


For everyone that is complaining about the lack of Bass I would suggest that you make sure you are using quality media. Don't expect to get great audio from crappy MP3's or from a bluetooth connection.

Either rip your music into the system from an original CD or make sure you get a high quality file like FLAC.

Also, just because you plug into the USB doesn't mean you will get better quality. If the source file is of low quality like 128 bps than you are missing a lot of data in the music and that is how low bitrate MP3's work. They drop out "un-needed" highs and lows to save space and compress the dead space.


My favorite quality of the B&O is the complete lack of distortion or overdrive. The highs stay crisp, the S's and P's do not hiss or pop and the lows do not fade out or get the feeling you are overdriving the subs. This comes from quality speakers and good magnets that can reset the speaker quicker.


There are songs that the HK can not handle that I have played on both and on the B&O plays it like it was meant to be heard.

I had the HK in my previous X5 and in my Z4 35is I had the premium audio and both fall short compared to the B&O system.


What good is the Ultimate Driving Machine if you can't crank up the tunes to 11!!!
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