I�m looking at the options for speaker upgrade. Is the Bowers/Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS for an extra $3,400 really worth it from the Harmon Kardon? Is it noticeable and worth it? Pros/cons? Thank you again.
07-19-2022, 10:06 AM
#2
Something Wild Is Loose
Drives: 2022 iX xDrive50, DGM
Join Date: Jun 2019
Location: Midwest
Depends on your definition of "worth it."
I have it on my current G05, and it was, to me. But my X5 has acoustic glass, and I often play uncompressed music files from a flash drive. The B&W is the first high-end system I've had in a car that was actually practical and usable as a consequence. It doesn't benefit you to put a high-end sound system in an open top
convertible. BMWs in general are fairly well isolated from road and engine noise, but only you can judge. The HK system is a good system, and most drivers won't be disappointed with it. The B&W is the best system I've heard, including the top B&O in Audis I've owned - it's perfectly tuned to the interior of the car. But all that said, if you only listen to streaming audio, or are satisfied with lower bitrate recorded tunes and not uncompressed original files, you won't miss it.
07-19-2022, 10:16 AM
#3
Captain
Drives: BMW X5 45e
Join Date: Jan 2022
Location: TX
Quote:
Originally Posted by JupiterM418
I�m looking at the options for speaker upgrade. Is the Bowers/Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS for an extra $3,400 really worth it from the Harmon Kardon? Is it noticeable and worth it? Pros/cons? Thank you again.
For some, absolutely. For some, HiFi is more than adequate. It's a very personal decision honestly.
07-19-2022, 01:41 PM
#4
Enlisted Member
Drives: '18 M4 Black Sapphire
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Jupiter, Fl
Thanks so much to both!
07-19-2022, 02:33 PM
#5
Lieutenant
Drives: 2022 X5 45e
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: VA
Unanswerable question. As noted, it depends on how important music reproduction is to you. You absolutely would recognize the difference immediately. Is it "worth" $3k? Would be to me, and I am still unhappy it wasn't available w/the 45e. Between spending on the HK "upgrade" and my aftermarket fixes, I'll probably spend nearly as much and doubt the sound will be as good.
07-19-2022, 02:34 PM
#6
Second Lieutenant
Drives: '21 X5 45e M-Sport
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Chicago
I think only you can answer this question, based on your love (or lack thereof) of high quality audio.
The B&W is pretty incredible. I'd love to have it. I don't think I personally value $3.4k worth when HK is a totally suitable option.
But if I found a car on a lot matching most of my requirements, and it had the B&W, I'd open up my piggy bank a bit more and would be really happy to have it.
07-19-2022, 03:59 PM
#7
Lieutenant
Drives: M340i Xdrive, X5 M50i
Join Date: May 2020
Location: North East USA
Quote:
Originally Posted by JupiterM418
I�m looking at the options for speaker upgrade. Is the Bowers/Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS for an extra $3,400 really worth it from the Harmon Kardon? Is it noticeable and worth it? Pros/cons? Thank you again.
I have B&W on my M50i. It sounds so amazing in high volume. I do uncompressed files to fully take advantage. It still makes me smile to this day. H&K is ok but needs a bit of tuning. I had one on my m340i. Less power and clarity but acceptable for daily. B&W also makes your interior look nicer.
07-20-2022, 01:00 AM
#8
Lieutenant
Drives: 2018 X3 M40i 2019 BMW X5 5.0
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Virginia
The B&W lacks bass ... so if you do not care for bass then it is a great system.
07-20-2022, 01:08 AM
#9
Lieutenant
Drives: 2018 X3 M40i 2019 BMW X5 5.0
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Virginia
The B&W lacks bass ... so if you do not care for bass then it is a great system.
07-20-2022, 06:29 AM
#10
Private First Class
Drives: 2022 X5 M50i
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Massachusetts
B&W wasn't available when I ordered, so I just spent $4K to have Focal speakers installed. I was disappointed with the HK system coming from a Meridian system.
If you are ordering the executive package, then get the B&W audio for $3400. But if you don't want the executive package, the Focals for $4K are an excellent aftermarket option.
07-20-2022, 06:47 AM
#11
Private
Drives: 2022 X5 xdrive40i
Join Date: Dec 2020
Location: Canada
I have the B&W in my new 40i. I haven't ever used the Harmon system, but compared to the hifi system in my wife's X4, and the hifi system in the X5's I test drove, the B&W seems like a big step up. That said, only you can decide if its worth the money to you. If you are someone that mostly listens to podcasts, news, etc, I don't think I'd spend the money. If you love music, then its a serious consideration.
07-20-2022, 10:13 AM
#12
Lieutenant
Drives: 2022 X5 45e
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: VA
Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul-in-MA
B&W wasn't available when I ordered, so I just spent $4K to have Focal speakers installed. I was
disappointed with the HK system coming from a Meridian system.
If you are ordering the executive package, then get the B&W audio for $3400. But if you don't want the executive package, the Focals for $4K are an excellent aftermarket option.
did you replace the amp as well? I have the 2-way door replacement spkrs in my shopping basket while I try to figure out what I want to do w/the woofers and amp
07-20-2022, 12:00 PM
#13
Private First Class
Drives: 2022 X5 M50i
Join Date: May 2021
Location: Massachusetts
Quote:
Originally Posted by cellarrat
did you replace the amp as well? I have the 2-way door replacement spkrs in my shopping basket while I try to
figure out what I want to do w/the woofers and amp
Kept the amp, but replaced all the speakers including the center dashboard speaker, door speakers, rear pillar speakers and the subs under the front seats. Those under seat subs really crank up the bass. Here is the list of items from the invoice: - Focal Inside ICC BMW 100 5” center channel dashboard speaker - Focal Inside IS BMW 100L 5” component speaker system (front doors) - Focal Inside IS BMW 100L 5” component
speaker system (rear doors) - Focal Inside IC BMW 100L 5” 2-way speakers (rear pillars) - Focal Inside ISUB BMW 8” 4 OHM subwoofer speakers (under front seats)
Last edited by Paul-in-MA; 07-20-2022 at 12:23 PM..
07-21-2022, 02:57 AM
#14
Enlisted Member
Drives: Z4 M40i & X5 45e
Join Date: Feb
2020
Location: Norway
I had HK in my 40e and now B&W in my 45e (because I was forced to - HK not available). The B&W is a step up, but pushing 55 I guess my ears are the weak link here
. The HK is a very good option and better value in my opinion. But, I would probably go for the B&W again. Gotta have the
best...