Quote:
Originally Posted by ukwildcat
I did not evaluate the stock system carefully, but..
I have to admit, I am underwhelmed by this "Premium" system.
I had the Mark Levinson system in my Lexus GX470. It was very, very nice. I'm a little biased, in that I have Mark Levinson at home as well and it really (subjectively) doesn't get any better than that. (I also use Lexicon in my home theater and Arcam in a living room system)
If they offered the LOGIC7 system on the X5, it would be perfect, but I think they only offer this on the 5 and 7 series, which is really a shame.
This is one system where I'm going to have to sit down and fiddle with the equalizer a bit, and I don't like to have to do that - it should sound nice and clean right out of the box. It is not as dead and lifeless as many other car audio systems, but for a $1900 option, I feel a little cheated, sorry to say.
From what little I heard from the stock system, however, it's still an improvement. I'm not sure it's $1900 better, but you pays your money and you takes your chances.
I was actually very surprised at how reasonably priced most of the options are on this vehicle, compared to other makers (both luxury and otherwise). To be honest, though, this one is a little overpriced. For that kind of money, I want my CD changer back.
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Actually, the years with the Logic 7 the BMW sound was completely unacceptable for a high end luxury car audio system. No matter which vehicle. Of all the luxury brands it was the bottom of the barrel. By a ways. The current "premium" systems are much better. Probably still at the bottom but at least worthy. (I think the Mark Levinson is the best I've heard, but it is double the cost of the BMW system. The only system I know more expensive is the Burmester in the Panamera.)
And I agree, for $1,800 the BMW should be really, REALLY good and it's just pretty good. But pretty good is still pretty good and I've been having a great time riding around in the new rig listening to all kinds of stuff uncompressed (Apple Lossless) off the iPod and having fun. Conversely, the alternative of not having it is completely unacceptable to me. So as you say, you pays your money....
By the way, way to go on having Levinson/Arcam in the house! I have Jeff Rowland/Meridian gear and Thiel speakers. Just have to figure out how to get them into the new 35d!!