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      07-08-2016, 03:52 PM   #1
DGStopGo
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Question about Upgrading Stock Hi-Fi sound system

I made the horrible decision of not upgrading to Harmon Kardon. I asked a buddy of mind what he thought about stock system as he has and he said its fin however to me its sounds like Crap.

Has anyone here just upgraded the amp ? I don't feel like ripping out door panels on a new car. If so which Amp do get and what kind of results should I expect.

My 2 biggest complaints is not enough clarity and not enough power.
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      07-09-2016, 05:35 AM   #2
krackdawg
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DGStopGo View Post
My 2 biggest complaints is not enough clarity and not enough power.
i wholeheartedly agree with you, i'd have chosen the audio upgrade but didnt want to wait 10 weeks for another to arrive to spec... joys of hindsight

eager watching this thread to see the suggestions
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      07-09-2016, 07:22 AM   #3
TallTrees
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Sadly changing the amp will not do much to improve low quality speakers. When it come to audio your system is only as good as the weakest link.
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      07-09-2016, 09:19 AM   #4
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I also have the standard stereo, its not a feature I really care that much about hence I wasn't going to throw money at upgrades. But even as low quality stereo's go it sucks, really hollow sounding like being in a canyon with the sound echoing off the canyon walls. Hey at least the antenna works which is more than I can for my Ram 1500, every station was full of static even FM.
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      07-09-2016, 02:10 PM   #5
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BAVsound has what you are looking for... However, you'll be kicking yourself in the ass as the HK upgrade is far less expensive then the BAV sound option. That being said, yes, BAV has an amp and full speaker upgrades now for the F15. I have the HK system but still upgraded the underseat woofers to the BAV woofers and the difference quite remarkable: Tighter, punchier lows with much improved midbass response. Your looking at $2200 for the entire system including new amp. Everything is plug and play so you can install yourself.....

Last edited by jugdish; 07-09-2016 at 02:16 PM..
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      07-09-2016, 07:08 PM   #6
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Unfortunately, I agree with you. The stock system is nothing to write home about. That is why I wanted to make sure I had a vehicle equipped with HK when I moved from the E70 to the F15.
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      07-09-2016, 07:13 PM   #7
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I'm not sure why anyone would get anything less than HK unless you are intentionally getting a stripper X5 just to have a BMW X5...
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      07-09-2016, 11:15 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzang View Post
I'm not sure why anyone would get anything less than HK unless you are intentionally getting a stripper X5 just to have a BMW X5...
The HK isn't exactly anything to write home about...
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      07-09-2016, 11:42 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by P1et
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzang View Post
I'm not sure why anyone would get anything less than HK unless you are intentionally getting a stripper X5 just to have a BMW X5...
The HK isn't exactly anything to write home about...
And according to a few B&O is not better than HK. At least HK noticeably better than stock.
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      07-10-2016, 06:06 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Kzang View Post
I'm not sure why anyone would get anything less than HK unless you are intentionally getting a stripper X5 just to have a BMW X5...
No BMW stereo will compare to my 100 watt 6L6 tube amp and a 412 cab so I was fine with the standard stereo.
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      07-10-2016, 11:53 PM   #11
alanza84
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Upgraded my sound system on my ex- E70 in local car music shop
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      07-11-2016, 07:23 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jugdish View Post
BAVsound has what you are looking for... However, you'll be kicking yourself in the ass as the HK upgrade is far less expensive then the BAV sound option. That being said, yes, BAV has an amp and full speaker upgrades now for the F15. I have the HK system but still upgraded the underseat woofers to the BAV woofers and the difference quite remarkable: Tighter, punchier lows with much improved midbass response. Your looking at $2200 for the entire system including new amp. Everything is plug and play so you can install yourself.....
^this

Love the BAVsound ghost subs. I have H/K and wasn't impressed until I got in my wife's Tahoe with top Bose stereo after a month in the X5. Man does Bose suck it big time. Based on my experience with the ghost subs, I preordered the stage 1 speaker upgrade that BAVsound is releasing. H/K tweeters are really harsh so hoping for some improvement.
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      07-11-2016, 09:43 AM   #13
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In the UK we have a mid level system, "BMW Advanced". I had one in my 1 series and then upgraded to HK in my 3 series. I wasn't completely knocked off my feet by the HK tbh. The BMW Advanced system was more than adequate with enough bass end due to subs under the front seats.
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