[ImGoingPlaces]

Am i the only one who thinks its horrible? My m3 sounded a million times better

[char1982]

I agree. It’s horrible.

[orion1977]

I was going to ask if anyone changed their system and if it affected their electric usage?

[Jo-Sta07]

Sound system is total garbage.

[ImGoingPlaces]

What can we do?

[zagaboo]

Think you are out of luck.

If you search the forum I recall Skinrock attempting to replace the upgraded HK speakers and sub (he must love his music!) for something more powerful and having difficulty at that.

Upgrading stock speakers, sub and amp would be even more problematic.

TBF I haven't come across many i8s that haven't got the HK upgrade. One of those 'must have' options I suppose.

[Coastali8]

Try listening to different music. Rap and Country always sound like crap no matter what sound system you have.

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by zagaboo

Think you are out of luck.

If you search the forum I recall Skinrock attempting to replace the upgraded HK speakers and sub (he must love his music!) for something more powerful and having difficulty at that.

Upgrading stock speakers, sub and amp would be even more problematic.

TBF I haven't come across many i8s that haven't got the HK upgrade. One of those 'must have' options I suppose.

Yea, I gave up. There was a dealer (an hour away) that supposedly offered installation for the speakers, but I imagine the price was going to be very steep and I couldn't justify it for speakers alone.

Replacing the 6x9 in the rear with a CDT "sub" did help quite a bit with the bass, but ultimately it's the amp and processing that are severely lacking in this car. Upgrading the remaining mids and tweeters would have likely resulted in little to no improvement, considering that most upgraded components usually don't shine until you throw some decent power at them - and even the HK "upgraded" system in the i8 starts clipping far before that is possible.

[ImGoingPlaces]

well i assumed everyone has the harmon kardon - i have it and thats what im referring to, it sucks too.

[vance]

In the U.S., the HK sound system is standard, in Europe or UK at least, I believe it’s an option

[orion1977]

So the 6x9 speaker is replaceable?

[mspeed]

yes for some reason the HK sucks. in the i3 it sounded better even though its supposed to be the same system but with less speakers.

you can swap the speakers to Focal ES100K and add a new amp

http://bmwi.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1369027

http://www.audiofile-incar.co.uk/aud...7-and-x-series

[ImGoingPlaces]

for a 140k you shouldnt have to upgrade anything

[zagaboo]

Originally Posted by ImGoingPlaces

for a 140k you shouldnt have to upgrade anything

Correct!

Btw can you imagine how bad a stock UK car would sound?

[F5506m]

I must not be an audiophile I thought the HK sounds pretty good similar to my old 7-series. I only listen to songs on my HDD.

[ericsi]

Originally Posted by F5506m

I must not be an audiophile I thought the HK sounds pretty good similar to my old 7-series. I only listen to songs on my HDD.

I am with you, I don't think it is as bad as others portray it.

[drlonline]

I imagine most people know this, but the sound quality will vary considerably based on the quality of the audio source. I listen to Sirius for a number of talk shows, but when it comes to music, I choose streaming services with a bitrate of at least 320 kps. The rate Sirius broadcasts varies depending on the channel selected, but is generally half this rate. CD's are of course higher quality still (1411 bps), and then there is high-res audio for the true audiophile (9216 bps)

[fishpond]

Originally Posted by ericsi

I am with you, I don't think it is as bad as others portray it.

Agreed - I don't have an issue with it either.

[ericsi]

Originally Posted by fishpond

Agreed - I don't have an issue with it either.

The funny thing is that i like my music and even took up singing 4-5 years ago, so i'd like to think that i care about what i listen to. The system is not stonking like Burmeister in Porsches and it does not shake the car with very heavy bass but its sound rendering is fair and true. The bass is also good for 'normal' listening.

My porsche 911 turbos with Bose were far, far worse for example.

[iHyperMiler]

Agree with Ericsi. The sound of connection via Bluetooth is rather bad. Connection via USB cable or BMW phone clip of flac or alac higher resolution files (iTunes, check your Settings on a Mac or PC) is pretty good! Make sure your back speakers are not covered by the inevitable jackets and shopping items on the rear seats, though... .

[ImGoingPlaces]

It's more noticeably bad when you literally step out of one car and into the i8 like I did

When you can do a direct comparison and the sound and feel of the previous system is still fresh then it becomes a lot more clear just how bad it is

M3 system shits on it and it's half it's price

[SteveB_UK]

Originally Posted by ImGoingPlaces

It's more noticeably bad when you literally step out of one car and into the i8 like I did

When you can do a direct comparison and the sound and feel of the previous system is still fresh then it becomes a lot more clear just how bad it is

M3 system shits on it and it's half it's price

Just putting focals in the front doors made a nice improvement to my car.