Are you happy with your E70 sound system?

[AzNMpower32]

I think all these comments should be taken with a grain of salt, since audio preference is another one of those subjective traits of a vehicle.

The stock system in the E53 wasn't great at all, zero bass (4/10). The upgraded DSP system I tried on a facelift E53 was decent, perhaps a 7.5/10.

The X3's base system isn't great, but its better than many of the other BMW standard ones. Could use more midrange, and the bass can lose the "tightness" of sound at higher volumes. Also sounds a bit muddy on certain types of music 6.5/10.

I've enjoyed the Logic7 systems in the latest BMWs. I played with some of the many settings on a 335i coupe. Quite comparable IMO to the Acura ELS Surround on my friend's '04 TL, likely due to different location of subwoofers. Both get a 9.5/10.

I don't ride in a recent Lexus enough to evaluate the Mark Levinson system. Last time I tried to play with one on the GS, I got lost in the touchscreen menus and gave up.

[X5FX]

btw- its also important to note that if you are not listening to CD's, the stereo will sound like crap. The only way to enjoy good sound is with a good source like the CD or HD radio. Both the FM and Sirius signals sound bad regardless of the quaility of the system.

[lakai]

i have the premium sound system in my x5 and its crap. Even the crappy premium bose sound in my chevy avalanche sounds better. I think alot has to do with the accoustics of the interior of the x5 rather than the components. Either way Bmw needs to team up with a premium sound company like everyone else. The most recent is jaguar's partnership with B&W for its sound system.

[swesson]

I think I went to too many rock concerts in the 70's and 80's, so my ears may not be as 'tuned', but I have the premium sound system in my 08 X5 and love it. I think one has to be careful with how you ripped your MP3's. In the early days when disk space was at a premium, many of us ripped at a low rate to fit more songs on our players. With 120GB iPods now, you should rip at the highest rate possible and use lossless if at all possible. If you have an old ripped collection, I would recommend re-ripping the whole CD library. Takes a long time, but the quality is worth it, particularly in a tight enclosed space like a car.

[lakai]

I know what you're saying.. Most of my files are Apple Lossless or at least 256-320k mp3's I just really think the Accoustics are bad inside the car. Either that or my ears are spoiled by my B&W 802d's in my home theatre

[drod]

what about just upgrading the speakers? I believe there was a vendor who posted an E70 speaker upgrade kit that would replace all pre-installed speakers, including the subs... for about $650 bucks!

if its acoustics and speaker brand/design maybe it pays to just swap them out...

i can't remember where the link is....but it may be the ticket we're looking for..

[SailinSand]

I have an 08 X5 w/ with the premium sound...it's "okay."

Sounds better to me that the premium in my '07 335 convertible did for some reason.

[~KaiFy GaiwanY~]

i have the premium sound system in my e70 .. and its the best .. i couldnt ask for anything more

[drod]

i just came from one of those custom autosound shops and they had suggested swapping out the 4 main speakers (door speakers w/tweeters) to Polk db6501 kit to improve on sound quality...

i asked about swapping out all 12 speakers and he suggested not to simply because the stock amp wouldn't have enough power to effectively power the upgraded speakers...doing so will result in weakening signal strength thus giving you negative results.

my vehicle is already in products so i dont' have much of an option on upgrading to the premium sound... (and i also don't need the changer) so i believe swapping out the main speaker/tweeter set to better quality ones makes alot of sense... and saves alot of money!

i understand BSW is coming out with an X5 speaker upgrade kit soon but swapping out all 12 speakers while using my current amp may not work for me...

any thoughts? has anyone considered this??

[buschy]

I don't know what you guys have, but I have the permium in my X and I think its actually pretty damn good.
I had dsp in my 2004 X and it sucked, untill I put the stealth box and jbl amp. then it has some kick. however still not as good as the premiun I have now.
What are you guys listening to?
and I think the premium sounds better then any of the other manufacturers stock sytems, cept maybe lexus(in terms of quality sound).