Base sound system in my X5 / BSW speakers

[vnabmw]

Hello to everyone- First of all, I should Thank you to all those who post some great deal of information regarding our cars, there are quite lot of readers than contributors - myself incuded, so really appreciate all the responses.

Coming to the subject, and a long one: I have base audio in my brand new X5 (2011 35d). The base sound system is pretty decent, actually- but it is a shame that BMW couldn't include the front tweeters for some higher resolution. I have other cars which have a base sound system with 10 drivers( '02 5 series) and a Bose system(sister's Audi Q7), and although the Base BMW sound system is fine, the others put it to shame- the factory systems in the other cars has I feel, is less harsh and is warmer, balanced and has higher resolution. For crying out loud, even something like the Suzuki Kizashi has a kick-a$$ sound system.

I just wanted a better sound system that sounds less harsh (less ringing in my ears) and provides warm highs. After a lot of pondering and research, I decided on the BSW speakers which had pretty good reviews and were simple plug and play. I jumped in, got a great deal on the speakers. (I should add that the guy @BSW customer support (Halston) is awesome indicating it is a decent company to deal with.) I replaced the BSW speakers prompt with the factory ones- and after hours and hours of listening and being in denial, I was convinced that the BSW system, although providing much greater detail, was causing me the dreaded ringing the ears/headache effect, not sure if you want to term this listening fatigue. I should also say that the installer and quite a few folks who listened to my system before/after love the BSW speakers though.

It seems my ears are extremely picky- The exact same thing happened when I wanted to upgrade my VW factory speakers 6 years ago. Tried various combinations- speakers, head units, alpine amp etc etc- just couldn't make the ringing go away even after break in periods (20-30 hours).When I went back to the factory system, every thing was good with my ears. I didn't have any spectacular sound, but atleast I had no fatigue.

And I just couldn't nail down the reason why (I don't think this is a hearing/ear/Tinnutis issue). I googled and found various topics for listening fatigue and unbalanced sound, etc, but my question is this: most factory systems, even the upgraded ones- induce no listening fatigue in my experience, it seems I have a problem with the even the highest quality after market components. Why is that? Inside the house, I enjoy my music life with the likes of Rotel/Parasound Amps, B&W/Definitive Technology speakers and had not once, experienced listening fatigue ever!

Not sure if anyone has the time to go thru my long email- but I do appreciate you reading thru it and posting any similar experiences/suggestions. and I think I will be going back to the factory speakers for now, and think of some solutions after the Manufacturer's warranty ends.

Thank you all!

[4MoJoe]

Very thorough. FWIW - I installed the BSW Stage 1 and their Sub in my 2001 X5 with base system and it just blew me away how much better it was. I did it in 2 stages so the speakers first and then the sub when it first came out for the E53. When I added the sub is when it all came together. I'm no audiophile by any means but I was really pleased with the sound, no fatigue, I felt like I was in this sound 'cocoon'; isolated from the rest of the outside world.

I kind of feel like the Premium Sound in my 2011 isn't that great and have been toying with the BSW speaker upgrade.

I've tweaked the equalizer settings but now realizing that the Satellite stations and even HD radio do not compare to how great the music sounds from my iPod (for obvious reasons). Not sure what source of music you re listening too...but for now I'm choosing my iPod music.

[997usa]

I picked up my new 2011 35D on Tuesday and must say that I am very pleased with the base sound - i am in no means an expert or a critical listener however i am not disappointed and actually glad i didnt spent the additional $ on the premium sound - there is a good bass, good sound overall.

[aimtimes100]

anyone here a radio expert? I want to order a new MID for my X.i found one on ebay but its for a 4.4i that was dsp equipped.my X isn't dsp equipped.is there a problem with the wiring harness going into that MID?

[Syndicate]

To the OP, if you are interested in selling your BSW speakers, PM me a price. I installed some of their speakers in my previous M3 and was very pleased with the results. I'm sorry that they caused listening fatigue for you.

Cheers,

[vnabmw]

Update: I went back to the factory speakers, and I like it much better although not up to my standards. As a matter of fact, NOW I think the BMW base sound system is much better than some other standard sound systems.

For all folks with new X5s on the fence whether to go with premium sound, or upgrades- I would say buy the base sound system (BMW Premium sound NOT worth it for me), give it a while with your base sound system, see how you like it, then if you still don't like it, contemplate on after markets like BSWs.

Good luck!