Wanting to improve the sound system, ideas?

[weareweird69]

We currently have the H&K in our 2014...

We upgraded from a 2006 E90, with the high end sound system, and it sounded better than the X5 on every account. Don't get me wrong, the X5 doesn't sound bad, but its lacking. Ive adjusted the EQ properly, and am using a high end sound source, not XM/Sirius....

So, what options are out there for an upgraded sound system in these? I don't want to get into major installs, with external amps, and subwoofers. Im not into that with this vehicle.

Ive seen places like Bimmer-tech and Bavauto sell complete systems, but I don't know if they are worth the money etc.

Thanks

[bmwx1sq]

Originally Posted by weareweird69

We currently have the H&K in our 2014...

We upgraded from a 2006 E90, with the high end sound system, and it sounded better than the X5 on every account. Don't get me wrong, the X5 doesn't sound bad, but its lacking. Ive adjusted the EQ properly, and am using a high end sound source, not XM/Sirius....

So, what options are out there for an upgraded sound system in these? I don't want to get into major installs, with external amps, and subwoofers. Im not into that with this vehicle.

Ive seen places like Bimmer-tech and Bavauto sell complete systems, but I don't know if they are worth the money etc.

Thanks

There is a couple of us that can shed some light light on this with you. I think the best option for you is the bummer tech amp/dsp. Start there then upgrade speakers as needed. There are plenty of speaker options. Bavsounds speakers have mixed reviews.

[weareweird69]

Thats why I asked, I know a few of the members here have done upgrades. Curious as to what works, and what doesn't.

[r33_RGSport]

I have sold and installed BavSound to a full range of BMW and Mini cars.
So far I haven't heard any complaints from any of them.
BavSound have satisfaction guarantee. So, nothing to lose if you are planning to do installation yourself.

[bmwx1sq]

Originally Posted by weareweird69

Thats why I asked, I know a few of the members here have done upgrades. Curious as to what works, and what doesn't.

The biggest thing I have seen across with bmws is upgrading the one amp with a bimmertech amp and dsp. If you are talking about installation. The doors are pretty easy, the under the seat woofers aren't too bad either.

[weareweird69]

Im not too concerned about installs. Ill figure it out. haha

I just don't want to blow money where it doesn't need to be blown.

[theove]

Have a nice new Bavsound set for sale: https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1474195

[Therealmatzaman]

I had the base system and I did the speakers. That helped a lot.
In my f15 I have the H&K and it sounds more or less the same with the ‘surround’ disabled and the eq set right.
Before I did anything serious I’d dynamat the panels. That helped a ton.
Then I’d add an amp. But I personally only think the lows are the issue. So I’d want a woofer, maybe the under seats or the jbl stealth.

Start with the dynamat. Will never hurt and it’s cheap.

[fbuzila]

MPE is the best upgrade for real sound

[sj22]

You guys should sit in a car with B&O. 100 times better than HK. I miss it.

Any idea how Bavsound compares to it?

[spike5150]

I just added a sub to HK and it made a gigantic difference. 10” JL Audio and 600W Alpine amp.

[weareweird69]

Having messed with sound deadener, I don't feel like messing with it in this thing. Too much crap to go around lol The deadener is more for isolating the speaker, and keeping the exterior noise OUT, which gives better clarity.

Id like to try the B&O out, but I don't know ANYONE else with an X5.

Ive never heard of MPE.

I really want to avoid adding an external sub and amp. I already have something I can use to do that if I really wanted to. Its literally sitting in the basement, out of our original 325xi we used to have years ago.

[TheUltimateDrivingManiac]

Originally Posted by weareweird69

Ive never heard of MPE.

M Performance Exhaust

[spike5150]

Originally Posted by weareweird69

Having messed with sound deadener, I don't feel like messing with it in this thing. Too much crap to go around lol The deadener is more for isolating the speaker, and keeping the exterior noise OUT, which gives better clarity.

Id like to try the B&O out, but I don't know ANYONE else with an X5.

Ive never heard of MPE.

I really want to avoid adding an external sub and amp. I already have something I can use to do that if I really wanted to. Its literally sitting in the basement, out of our original 325xi we used to have years ago.

Next best thing is replacing speakers, but very few good ones available in 4”. Focal make some great ones, but they are pricey.

[fbuzila]

Originally Posted by sahiljain22

You guys should sit in a car with B&O. 100 times better than HK. I miss it.

Any idea how Bavsound compares to it?

I have HK on X5 and B&O on X6M. In my opinion is not a huge difference and for sure is not worth the price if you buy the car new. But the center speaker is awesome!

[SROC3]

BAVSOUND is amazing......2 of my friends have it and it really changed the sound. one of them even has the regular Hi-Fi system. totally worth it in my opinion. getting an X5 soon with hi-Fi and installing it for sure

[weareweird69]

Originally Posted by TheUltimateDrivingManiac

M Performance Exhaust

I had a feeling

Originally Posted by fbuzila

I have HK on X5 and B&O on X6M. In my opinion is not a huge difference and for sure is not worth the price if you buy the car new. But the center speaker is awesome!

Ive heard this before lol


As far as replacement speakers. What has everyone used, and what does everyone like?

[IndyJer]

Originally Posted by weareweird69

As far as replacement speakers. What has everyone used, and what does everyone like?

I have the BAVSound upgrade in both my and the wife’s X5. It is a noticeable upgrade from H/K, at least to my ears, and I would recommend it. Easy install and no need for a new amp if you have H/K.

If you’re going to bother pulling the door panels off to replace the speakers, you might as well add the dynamat as was previously suggested. That probably made a bigger impression on me than the speaker upgrade. I covered the inside of the door panels and it wasn’t all that difficult to do.

And, the BAVSound ghost subs are a decent upgrade from stock, but not earth shaking. Only so much air you can move with 8” cones. Just tempering your bass expectations on that...

[fbuzila]

Originally Posted by weareweird69

We currently have the H&K in our 2014...

We upgraded from a 2006 E90, with the high end sound system, and it sounded better than the X5 on every account. Don't get me wrong, the X5 doesn't sound bad, but its lacking. Ive adjusted the EQ properly, and am using a high end sound source, not XM/Sirius....

So, what options are out there for an upgraded sound system in these? I don't want to get into major installs, with external amps, and subwoofers. Im not into that with this vehicle.

Ive seen places like Bimmer-tech and Bavauto sell complete systems, but I don't know if they are worth the money etc.

Thanks

before you change speakers and amps, I would recommend to add a subwoofer, something like this:
https://f15.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1041781

at least this is what I will do soon, once I figure out what harness I need to connect to HK amps

[rptam1]

I have the HK system on a 2015 x5 I recently purchased. The mids and highs are fine, but there is no low end and what is present is mushy at best. I picked up a JL 500 watt mono amp and will install it near the factory amp. Making a box to hold a Focal 10" sub in the dead space near the battery under the floor in rear of x5. ( I have the 3rd row so not a lot of room in that dead cavity space. Once you remove the plastic piece back there that makes a "storage compartment", there is more space. Also adding an Audio Control LC2i and remote bass knob in blank cube by headlight adjustment.

For about ~$600 you can get the amp, sub and LC2i, make your own box and do your own install and have everything hidden and no loss of cargo space.

Just a thought to get a lot of bang for your buck since the bavsound ghost subs are about $500 and you won't get a great low end sound out of that little plastic enclosure they sit in.

[fbuzila]

Originally Posted by rptam1

I have the HK system on a 2015 x5 I recently purchased. The mids and highs are fine, but there is no low end and what is present is mushy at best. I picked up a JL 500 watt mono amp and will install it near the factory amp. Making a box to hold a Focal 10" sub in the dead space near the battery under the floor in rear of x5. ( I have the 3rd row so not a lot of room in that dead cavity space. Once you remove the plastic piece back there that makes a "storage compartment", there is more space. Also adding an Audio Control LC2i and remote bass knob in blank cube by headlight adjustment.

For about ~$600 you can get the amp, sub and LC2i, make your own box and do your own install and have everything hidden and no loss of cargo space.

Just a thought to get a lot of bang for your buck since the bavsound ghost subs are about $500 and you won't get a great low end sound out of that little plastic enclosure they sit in.

and there is a harness too, plug-and-play

https://technicpnp.com/product/hifi-...ub-harnessloc/

I didn't finish yet my current project and now I have another one...damn

[fbuzila]

actually this is for HK:
https://technicpnp.com/product/logic...sub-t-harness/