New IX owner - Harman Kardon Stereo issue

freshxdough · 12-20-2023, 11:20 PM

Dealer can’t “prove” that the sound system is working other than playing a few songs. If there’s no distortion or blown speakers then the system is operating normally. I suggest you modify your EQ settings as that alone can bring out a lot from the HK system. Also listening to high quality audio sources.

darylp310 · 12-21-2023, 01:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Dealer can’t “prove” that the sound system is working other than playing a few songs. If there’s no distortion or blown speakers then the system is operating normally. I suggest you modify your EQ settings as that alone can bring out a lot from the HK system. Also listening to high quality audio sources.

My hypothesis that there is no hardware problem, but a software/firmware bug where the rear tweeter’s high pass cross over frequency is set incorrectly. That’s why EQ tweaks and setting a lower volume would sound fine.

Like everyone else mentions this car is almost perfect. If they could just fix a couple of small issues (like the eSIM bug) it would be a 10 out of 10.

dazzapb · 04-10-2024, 11:18 AM

Appreciate all the info here. I think I have the issue with HK waiting for a software fix (the equaliser settings help) do we know if it’s fixed?

I’m on 07/2023.53 sep 23 build - no OTA updates as yet.

darylp310 · 04-10-2024, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dazzapb

Appreciate all the info here. I think I have the issue with HK waiting for a software fix (the equaliser settings help) do we know if it’s fixed?

I’m on 07/2023.53 sep 23 build - no OTA updates as yet.

dazzapb you might want to check this thread. Someone discovered a possible speaker assembly problem in 2024 models where one of the gaskets is not applied correctly and causes rattling/resonation. https://bmwi.bimmerpost.com/forums/s....php?t=2075659

Equalizer12 · 05-01-2024, 08:17 AM

I picked up my car on March 22, and from the moment I drove it off the lot, the Distortion and Crackling from the Harmon Kardon speakers, was overwhelming. My stock stereo in my prior X3 was outstanding, compared to this. I immediately notified the Dealership, and it has turned into a cluster. I played one of the songs that was exceptionally bad and noticeable, (although all songs had similar symptoms), and they all heard it and agreed. They believed they isolated it to the back Mid Range speaker, and replaced it. So, when they were finished installing it, the Assistant Service Manager said there were still problems with it, and needed to order a replacement left, rear door speaker. Then my husband and I went on a trip this weekend, and I was in the Passenger's seat, and the rear passenger door speaker, was terrible. So, I called the Dealership and spoke with the General Manager, and he arranged for me to bring it in this Saturday, get a Loaner, and leave it for them to make sure everything goes OK. This is very disappointing. I finally relented to the better stereo, and it is not better, in any way, and only causing me unnecessary angst, with my new car. I love the car otherwise, and realize the stereo is only a small part of the big picture of the car, and am grateful, it isn't something mechanical....Crossing my fingers, this will be resolved, soon....

12-20-2023, 11:20 PM	#67
freshxdough BMW Elite Master Tech \| HV Gen 5 \| HV Specialist 3557 Rep 4,245 Posts Drives: 2024 iX 50 \| 2020 X3 M40i Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Orange County iTrader: (0)	Dealer can’t “prove” that the sound system is working other than playing a few songs. If there’s no distortion or blown speakers then the system is operating normally. I suggest you modify your EQ settings as that alone can bring out a lot from the HK system. Also listening to high quality audio sources.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-10-2024, 11:18 AM	#69
dazzapb Brigadier General 1051 Rep 3,154 Posts Drives: 2019 X3M Comp Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: SW London iTrader: (0)	Appreciate all the info here. I think I have the issue with HK waiting for a software fix (the equaliser settings help) do we know if it’s fixed? I’m on 07/2023.53 sep 23 build - no OTA updates as yet.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-01-2024, 08:17 AM	#71
Equalizer12 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 2024 X4 X Drive 30i Join Date: Mar 2024 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	I have the same issue with my Brand New, 2024 X4 I picked up my car on March 22, and from the moment I drove it off the lot, the Distortion and Crackling from the Harmon Kardon speakers, was overwhelming. My stock stereo in my prior X3 was outstanding, compared to this. I immediately notified the Dealership, and it has turned into a cluster. I played one of the songs that was exceptionally bad and noticeable, (although all songs had similar symptoms), and they all heard it and agreed. They believed they isolated it to the back Mid Range speaker, and replaced it. So, when they were finished installing it, the Assistant Service Manager said there were still problems with it, and needed to order a replacement left, rear door speaker. Then my husband and I went on a trip this weekend, and I was in the Passenger's seat, and the rear passenger door speaker, was terrible. So, I called the Dealership and spoke with the General Manager, and he arranged for me to bring it in this Saturday, get a Loaner, and leave it for them to make sure everything goes OK. This is very disappointing. I finally relented to the better stereo, and it is not better, in any way, and only causing me unnecessary angst, with my new car. I love the car otherwise, and realize the stereo is only a small part of the big picture of the car, and am grateful, it isn't something mechanical....Crossing my fingers, this will be resolved, soon....
	Appreciate 0 Quote