Hi-Fi now standard for 2012; opinions?

[bigx5er]

I've noticed no difference in the base audio from my 2011 to 2012.

[Marauder73]

Originally Posted by bigx5er

I've noticed no difference in the base audio from my 2011 to 2012.

That's odd. BMW indicates that there was a change between 2011 and 2012 model years for the Base Audio System. Do you mean that it sounds the same to you, or is it exactly the same?

[tonypap]

I just gave back a 2009 X5 with base audio and picked up a 2012 X6 with premium sound. I was expecting "significant" difference in the sound quality, but to be completely honest its not significant at all. Very modest upgrade at best, definitely not worth the $$. I could have better spent the $$ on an aftermarket system and seen, or actually heard, much better results.

just my $0.02

[NOX 3.2]

Originally Posted by BGM

No according to BMWUSA.com the base sound is 10 Speakers, 2 Subs and a 7 channel amp with 205 watts. Premium Sound package is still the same--- has 13 speakers, 9 channel amp with 600 watts.

They told me I had 16 speakers (counting the 2 subs) and 600 watts
9 channel amp. [Premium HiFi]

It sounds ok, but not as good as my Acura TL SH-AWD / 5.1 surround sound system, which came for free (or built-in with the price).

I've heard the X5 speakers quality is not that good, many people have upgraded their speakers to the BSW system and they are very happy with it.

[bigx5er]

So now that I realized they added the tweeters, I made a minor change and it sounds much better. The new tweeters caused a lack of midrange. I moved the fader slightly to the back, and now I really like the sound and imaging has improved (albeit for a base system).

[bigx5er]

Originally Posted by Marauder73

That's odd. BMW indicates that there was a change between 2011 and 2012 model years for the Base Audio System. Do you mean that it sounds the same to you, or is it exactly the same?

It sounds the same regardless what BMW says. I see they added two tweeters up front and I guess I can hear them but nothing special.

[alistairg]

I just traded on '09 X6 with "base" audio, and test drove a '12 X5 with "premium" and was blown away by the improvement in overall sound quality.

Yes, the X6 was pretty dreadful, but the X5 sounded great to me.... to each their own, I guess

[radelow]

To me there is a difference in the quality between the two. I don't think it necessarily justifies the cost difference. But for me, I would rather upgrade through BMW then go aftermarket. I have done the aftermarket route in the past and most times it ended up screwing something up. Nowadays the electronics in these cars are so intertwined...

Case in point, in my '05 X5 I wired in an aftermarket subwoofer/amp combo. Well I had some electronic problems and the dealership blamed it on the splicing of the subwoofer in. They would not do anything about it until I removed the subwoofer and even then they told me I had to pay for it. Yes you can run it up the flagpole, you can quote the law, etc. etc. But time is money and I don't have time to dick around trying to convince someone that they need to fix something under warranty...

All stock for me from now on.

[Marauder73]

I'm not a huge audiophile, so I'm sure I won't even be able to tell much of a difference. With 10 speakers, including 2 subs, I'm sure it will be adequate for my purposes. Whatever it is this year, it must be an improvement over last year's Base audio system. I agree with previous statements about messing around with aftermarket alternatives, that it creates more problems than it solves.

[4MoJoe]

I have the Premium Sound in my 2011 x35d and frankly it's not that exciting. My 2004 Passat with Monsoon sound system sounded better than this. In my 2001 X5 I did the entire BSW Stage 1 and Sub upgrade over the base system. The difference was really nice; great clarity, (highs/lows) bass was awesome.

I had BMW's DSP in my 2004 x5 and I think looking back now it was better than this.

The 2011 seems like it's too muddy and all the sound seems to come from the center dash speaker. There is a lot of base, not great highs at all. Maybe I need to play with the controls more, but frankly the price of Premium Sound to me wasn't worth it.