B&O vs. Harman Kardon on 2015 X5

[MJX5]

Looking to buy a new X5. The easy answer would be to listen to both of these and compare. The problem is I cant find any dealership where the B&O was installed in the X5. Anyone compare the 2? B&O is an additional $3500 over the HK which is $850

[oshevtsov]

A couple of months ago had an opportunity to listen to BO and HK in two F16s parked near each other. BO does sound better - but only when a car is idle/stationary. As soon as you start engine and drive away, ambient noise significantly dilutes BO advantages over HK. Financially I was fully prepared to opt for BO, but found it to be marginally better in daily driving situations. So went for HK

[oshevtsov]

I would also add that crossover cut-off frequency is better tuned on HK (for my ear). BO's cutoff seems to be lower, which makes me feel there is certain gap in the range. So for 'acoustic' styles requiring flat response I would prefer HK. BO seems to be somewhat 'punchier', possibly explained by a more powerful amplifier.

And one more observation - HK seems to better digest lossy files/radio. BO is not forgiving, it is that crisp and sharp.

[POBA]

I would go with the HK. Good luck...

[cy07]

oshevtsov has nailed it. B O is better for sure, but the difference is so minimal once you start driving unless it's turned up quite a bit.

For regular folks like me HK is more than adequate.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by oshevtsov

A couple of months ago had an opportunity to listen to BO and HK in two F16s parked near each other. BO does sound better - but only when a car is idle/stationary. As soon as you start engine and drive away, ambient noise significantly dilutes BO advantages over HK. Financially I was fully prepared to opt for BO, but found it to be marginally better in daily driving situations. So went for HK

Exactly. I was also prepared to opt for the BO, but after listening to both, I couldn't justify it. With typical sources like ACC, MP3, and FM radio, I really couldn't tell much of a difference. If you are an audiophile listening to higher quality sources, I suppose the BO would sound good in your driveway, but road noise is going to nulify the very small advantage over HK. $3700 was just too much of a price to pay, in my opinion, unless there was an obvious advantage, and I just couldn't hear it.

[hanman]

I went with the HK couldn't get my head around the price difference.

[MtgMaster]

Hk is very good. I would apply the money elsewhere.

[Zipforia]

I listen to both. B&O is definitely better. I personally would say it more than just marginally better....be it idle or with wind/road noise if both cars with either systems were driven. Would I say it's $2650 better? Probably not....but I chose it anyway and didn't mind paying for it. I think it's a matter of, if you want it, get it. If it doesn't make sense to you, then don't. Personal taste and preference....like all things.

Z.

[MJX5]

I am curious, has the implementation of B&O changed in the X5 for 2015? I know the X5 has been around for while and wondering if they modified it at all to sound better? (changing crossover values (or other tuning), using a different amp/amps

I am specifically looking at the X5 here. I was able to listen to it in I think a 700 series BMW convertible yesterday in the show room with the top up. And it sounded pretty good but I was in a much smaller soundstage than the X5

When I demoed the HK system yesterday in a new X5.. It sounded to me as a little muddy. Now I could clean this up some in the equalizer but I may not be able to which is concerning.

[BMWboy]

Well then, at least when the middle speaker rises from the dash, I have a ($3,500) conversation piece!

[Stunnaz]

If you want good sound you have to go aftermarket. There isn't a single factory system out there that can compete with even a mediocre aftermarket system.

I'm not sure if doing aftermarket audio works for people who lease though. If your car is purchased I definitely recommend going aftermarket.

[Mabi]

I have a HK
Previously I had a Mercedes also with HK and around 700W with 12 speakers which was the top sound option
I adore music and appreciate a lot the sound details
I' haven't heard any BMW B&O

BMW HK sound is pretty good but... it lacks something to equal the Mercedes HK
Probably it's a marketing trick to position a higher B&O option
When I chose it I considered that the upgrade to B&O was too much money, so I opted for the HK
I'm not disappointed . With some equalizing and sound "adjusting" the sound is very good

[F15GorDe]

Compared the two and noted the very small difference. You HAVE to tune the HK equalizer to your liking in order to appreciate its capabilities. IS there a difference, a qualified yes, but I couldn't discern that difference going down the road. Like noted above, sitting still it's more apparent. The question for most, is that very small difference worth the $$$$?

[wjbender]

I have the HK, after making some Eq adjustments to suite my ear, I am very pleased. I just could not justify the extra cost for the B&O

[JoseSportM]

Originally Posted by Zipforia

I listen to both. B&O is definitely better. I personally would say it more than just marginally better....be it idle or with wind/road noise if both cars with either systems were driven. Would I say it's $2650 better? Probably not....but I chose it anyway and didn't mind paying for it. I think it's a matter of, if you want it, get it. If it doesn't make sense to you, then don't. Personal taste and preference....like all things.

Z.

Same opinion. I tested both before purchasing mine and without 2 thoughts. 1option was B&O. HK is good but you can feel the difference between 600w and 1200w.

I have also Rear seats entertainment and if you run the movie sound trough B&O wow. You may like to pass more time in the rear seats

I usually do 2200km trips only with fuel stops and if you have pleasure to listen music B&O is the choice.

[1230vani]

Do you care about bass? Compared to B&O, HK has almost none. I thought there was something wrong with the HK woofers on a loaner car, even told the service department about it. HK has great clear sound, but low on bass.

[1230vani]

Originally Posted by jose260gti

Same opinion. I tested both before purchasing mine and without 2 thoughts. 1option was B&O. HK is good but you can feel the difference between 600w and 1200w.

I have also Rear seats entertainment and if you run the movie sound trough B&O wow. You may like to pass more time in the rear seats

I usually do 2200km trips only with fuel stops and if you have pleasure to listen music B&O is the choice.

2,200 km trips? Wow! I do about 1,600 and I thought that was a lot! I really enjoyed B&O on it, though after a while am exhausted from both the road and the semi loud music

[ducatirdr]

I have to add that you MUST upgrade the sound system to either HK or B-O. The stock system really is unacceptable for a vehicle at this price point. I went with HK and am pleased with the clarity and vibrancy of the sound.

[MJX5]

Does anyone have optimized Equalizer and other setting for both the HK and B&O?

On home theater equipment a lot of times people will post their optimum settings

[Taran.J]

Originally Posted by MichaelJamesX5

Does anyone have optimized Equalizer and other setting for both the HK and B&O?

On home theater equipment a lot of times people will post their optimum settings

I have HK and yes I have advanced equalizer settings which I have set for higher bass

[letsddp]

Here's one for you all to ponder. I have the logic 7 HK in my e60 sounds amazing still sounds amazing even after 70k worth of speaker rattling miles.

Just picked up the F16 and the HK is no where near as good. How can that possibly be?