X5 Premium Sound System????? - Page 3

TheWanderer66 · #21 09-25-2010, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LDVBMW

OK, I am confused.

I thought the Premium Sound on the X5 was a Logic7 system.

That is how it is described on my list of options --- "Logic7 sound system with Surround Sound and Digital Sound Processing."

Here's another reference, from the Dirac site itself:

Dirac Research :: BMW Products [BMW, 3 series, 5 series, individual high end, Dirac Live]

It appears from what they're saying there that the Dirac signal processing system is used in the high end audio system. That doesn't necessarily mean it's not a "Logic 7" system, but honestly I don't know myself.

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robfix · #22 09-25-2010, 01:26 AM

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.

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!!

robfix · #23 09-25-2010, 01:53 AM

Actually, it may be that the speakers are the weak link. It seems BMW doesn't have a current relationship with a high end speaker manufacturer. I can't even figure out where they source them from. (The days of Harman Kardon were nothing to write home about, although nowadays Harman has some of the finest speakers (Revel) in the world under their tent.

And, although I would rather go up to the roof and jump before I ever allowed a Bose speaker anywhere near my house, I have been in a Maserati Quattroporte with a Bose system that sounded terrific.

Again, I think the premium sound upgrade is well worth it and, although somewhat pricy at $1,800, a solid upgrade for anyone who enjoys music.

Rob

MRV99 · #24 09-25-2010, 03:55 AM

MY11 build sheet for the X that I ordered, the ZPS package lists "Premium hi-fi system" so and not "Logic 7" which my MY07 did had. Maybe logic 7 is a thing of the past.

BGM · #25 09-25-2010, 09:10 AM

I think people are lumping BMW in with Lexus, Acura, whatever as far as sound systems is not realistic. BMW's #1 concern is road performance. If they could have it their way they wouldn't even have a Prem Sound, back-up camera, Nav or iDrive. They are only doing that to be competitive in the US. Asking BMW to focus on these features is like asking Lexus to make their cars handle and perform better. Pick your poison---for me I would rather take a corner at 45 mph in a BMW than drive straight and boring in a Lexus with a Mark Levinson system. I'm not making excuses for BMW they should put the best product out there but it's not their bread and butter.

robfix · #26 09-25-2010, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGM

I think people are lumping BMW in with Lexus, Acura, whatever as far as sound systems is not realistic. BMW's #1 concern is road performance. If they could have it their way they wouldn't even have a Prem Sound, back-up camera, Nav or iDrive. They are only doing that to be competitive in the US. Asking BMW to focus on these features is like asking Lexus to make their cars handle and perform better. Pick your poison---for me I would rather take a corner at 45 mph in a BMW than drive straight and boring in a Lexus with a Mark Levinson system. I'm not making excuses for BMW they should put the best product out there but it's not their bread and butter.

Good point on the Lexus! But on the other points, if that were the case why would Porsche do this?

Porsche Panamera's £3,000 Burmester audio system: So good, you'll forget to steer | Crave | CNET UK

TheWanderer66 · #27 09-25-2010, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRV99

MY11 build sheet for the X that I ordered, the ZPS package lists "Premium hi-fi system" so and not "Logic 7" which my MY07 did had. Maybe logic 7 is a thing of the past.

I did some more searching and Logic 7 is a Lexicon brand. I have the impression that it's being phased out of their model lineup. Indeed, with the new 6 sedan, they announced a relationship with Bang & Olufson.

BGM · #28 09-25-2010, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robfix

Good point on the Lexus! But on the other points, if that were the case why would Porsche do this?

Porsche Panamera's £3,000 Burmester audio system: So good, you'll forget to steer | Crave | CNET UK

That Panamera is very much a niche car for them--so they can put in a high end audio system.

TheWanderer66 · #29 09-25-2010, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BGM

That Panamera is very much a niche car for them--so they can put in a high end audio system.

It's also available in the Cayenne. The Cayenne and the Panamera represent the vast majority of their sales in the U.S. at least. That option is most certainly not though I'm sure :-)

LDVBMW · #30 09-25-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheWanderer66

I haven't been able to find a reference as yet for what it is. I've scoured the brochure, the owners manual, and BMW's USA web site and there is no reference to either Logic 7 or Dirac.

My reference comes from BMWUSA.com:

When I go to track my vehicle (already delivered), under the list of options, that is how the Premium Hi-Fi is described, Logic7.

It is not described in my build sheet that way, but given the generic descriptions on the build sheet what else could one expect.

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