[zephyr1108]

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I've heard many reviews of the B&W and how incredible it is, but haven't seen as much feedback on the HK system you get with the Convenience or Premium package. For those that have heard both, how does it compare? I don't consider myself an audiophile per se, but I am someone who appreciates great sound where available. If the HK is a fairly standard system, I may splurge on the B&W.

[patbrass]

If you look on that HK site, you can see all the basic specs of all the HKs in all BMW models: https://www.harmankardon.co.uk/bmw.html

The one in the iX is the one with the most speakers and watts. More than 7 series or X7. So there's that.

They also say: "Discover uniquely engaging sound with a bespoke 18 speakers and 655 watts Harman Kardon Surround Sound System in the all-electric BMW iX. A combination of two central bass speakers and two additional subwoofers located under the rear seat unit has never been seen before in a BMW model and ensures a rich and powerful sound experience"

I had the HK in both a M235 and M2 and it was great. Better than the Bose 3D in my Q7 or the acclaimed one in my friend's Tesla Model 3.

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by zephyr1108

I've heard many reviews of the B&W and how incredible it is, but haven't seen as much feedback on the HK system you get with the Convenience or Premium package. For those that have heard both, how does it compare? I don't consider myself an audiophile per se, but I am someone who appreciates great sound where available. If the HK is a fairly standard system, I may splurge on the B&W.

Generally you will see a massive difference between a 655W audio system and a 1600W audio system. In this case the 1600W audio system is designed by the world's best audio company so it is incredible.

But that said, a 655W audio system is generally pretty solid. You should go listen to something of that spec in another car and see how you like it. What do you have in your current car?

[sor]

I'm hoping with the B&W bass shakers, this will be the first car system where I don't feel like I have to add a subwoofer.

[zephyr1108]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

Generally you will see a massive difference between a 655W audio system and a 1600W audio system. In this case the 1600W audio system is designed by the world's best audio company so it is incredible.

But that said, a 655W audio system is generally pretty solid. You should go listen to something of that spec in another car and see how you like it. What do you have in your current car?

I've got a Burmester system in my Mercedes. Looked up the specs and it's less wattage and less speakers than the HK system in the IX

[stealth.pilot]

Originally Posted by zephyr1108

I've got a Burmester system in my Mercedes. Looked up the specs and it's less wattage and less speakers than the HK system in the IX

There are different levels of Burmester. In the EQS for example the base Burmester is 710W, and the High-End 4D burmester is 1800W.

In the BMW IX HK is at 655W and the B&Q is at 1615W.

Obviously the wattage varies based on the size of the car. I don't know what Mercedes you have, but it sounds like you have the low-end Burmester which is probably comparable to the HK.

The HK will be a pretty good sound system, but it won't wow like the 1615W B&W or the other high-end systems.

[zephyr1108]

Originally Posted by stealth.pilot

There are different levels of Burmester. In the EQS for example the base Burmester is 710W, and the High-End 4D burmester is 1800W.

In the BMW IX HK is at 655W and the B&Q is at 1615W.

Obviously the wattage varies based on the size of the car. I don't know what Mercedes you have, but it sounds like you have the low-end Burmester which is probably comparable to the HK.

The HK will be a pretty good sound system, but it won't wow like the 1615W B&W or the other high-end systems.

Yes it's def a lower end Burmester as it's on a simple C300.

Appreciate the feedback here! I found out today that my state is adding a $4000 tax rebate for EVs so with this plus the glowing reviews of the B&W, I decided to call my SA and add it to my build

[venom21]

I'm actually interested in what the energy consumption of each sound system is and whether that will impact the range.

[sor]

Originally Posted by venom21

I'm actually interested in what the energy consumption of each sound system is and whether that will impact the range.

It would be great to have an option by option breakdown of how they all affect range, but I doubt we will ever see that.

For something like the sound system I'm sure it's variable. They likely don't use class A or A/B amplifiers which would have high consumption even when unused, but I could see listening to heavy bass and exercising the bass shakers a lot on the 1600w system might sap a few miles. The amps, wiring, and speakers might add some weight too.

[Evrim]

I had posted a message earlier on another topic related with sound systems on iX. Copying here again just for reference maybe it’s good that should be under sound systems topic.

-Q-

I am driving an iX 50 with B&W. Also had a chance to test an iX with HK earlier.

If you like to listen top pure quality music during driving, in my opinion, B&W is essential. This doesn’t mean that HK is bad but B&W is moving the sound output quality in a different level. You should also consider that B&W has nearly doubled number of speakers\output which includes the shakers in the front seats which is awesome stuff.

In regards to sound quality level; when we use Apple carplay, phone is connected to car with wifi, not bluetooth. This enables a larger data transfer rate and more quality of sound to be transferred to car audio system. If you listen your music through Tidal, Apple Music (where you can have lossless music) you can feel the quality better. Spotify is still not in lossless mode, maybe soon.

As per my observation, iX with B&W is one of the most powerful sound system on a car. Most probably in the top two, other is new Range Rover.

Needless to say that HK is definitely enough if you are not that much into the top sound quality. In website of HK, the system they used in iX is the best within all BMW models in terms of specifications.

Another important detail is; since the cabin is super quiet, this creates a fantastic accoustic in both systems.

HK system: 18 speakers, 655 watts
B&W system: 30 speakers, 1615 watts

https://www.harmankardon.co.uk/bmw.html
https://www.bowerswilkins.com/en-us/collaborations/bmw


-UQ-

[nosnoop]

I wish they have Dolby Atmos support like Lucid Air.
Here you have real multiple channels source instead of upmixing 2 channels to more and more speakers they put in the cars.

[Evrim]

Originally Posted by nosnoop

I wish they have Dolby Atmos support like Lucid Air.
Here you have real multiple channels source instead of upmixing 2 channels to more and more speakers they put in the cars.

Dolby Atmos support would be great. However, lossless music is even in developing phase and expanding the coverage.

When playing a song with Dolby Atmos on Apple Music, the Dolby Atmos label goes away but sound quality is a bit affected positively, of course not like original.

I assume that many premium car audio systems will have advanced features such as spatial audio and Dolby Atmos in 1 or 2 years time.

[NomoTesla]

Sorry for the basic question, but is it possible to play music from a USB stick?

[Paladin1]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

Sorry for the basic question, but is it possible to play music from a USB stick?

Good question to ask - I had assumed the either of the USB C ports in the front console could be used to read data and play a flash drive, but I don't know that anyone here has verified. Hopefully so - if they can only be used for charging, mmmmm....

[cruzer666]

Originally Posted by NomoTesla

Sorry for the basic question, but is it possible to play music from a USB stick?

Sure can! 2 USB Ports you can use in the center console.

[cinoh2000]

cruzer666, where did you find this clip? It appears to be from the separate navigation/entertainment manual, but I can’t find that online. On the bmwusa owners’ area, searching with my own iX VIN (production scheduled in 3 days!) just throws an error message.

[cruzer666]

Originally Posted by cinoh2000

cruzer666, where did you find this clip? It appears to be from the separate navigation/entertainment manual, but I can't find that online. On the bmwusa owners' area, searching with my own iX VIN (production scheduled in 3 days!) just throws an error message.

Search for "BMW Driver's Guide" in the App Store. Then you can add your car using your VIN. This will give you access to the most up-to-date manual for your car and you can easily search through it. I just put "USB" in the search box and it gave me the info.

This app is also great if you're expecting a car to familiarize yourself with it before you get it. Just add a VIN for the model you're getting, it doesn't have to be your own. I should say this is a BMW maintained app and that's how BMW delivers manual updates to customers vs printing a new manual.

[cinoh2000]

My VIN doesn’t work there, either. I’ve emailed the he genius line but got no response.

[cruzer666]

Originally Posted by cinoh2000

My VIN doesn’t work there, either. I’ve emailed the he genius line but got no response.

Use this: WB523CF08NCJ58189
This is a random IX VIN, but it will give you access to the manual, they're all the same regardless of VIN. Your VIN is probably not in the app database since it's new.

[cinoh2000]

Cool. That helps. Genius says my VIN’s manuals should show up after the wiring harness is installed. Sounds odd, but ok. Just in the past few minutes I’ve moved into the paint booth!

[nosnoop]

Originally Posted by cruzer666

Use this: WB523CF08NCJ58189
This is a random IX VIN, but it will give you access to the manual, they're all the same regardless of VIN. Your VIN is probably not in the app database since it's new.

Actually, the driver's guide content is customized according to the VIN. It is not meant to show you content which is not available in your region or your build.

[hugo_nz]

Originally Posted by nosnoop

Actually, the driver's guide content is customized according to the VIN. It is not meant to show you content which is not available in your region or your build.

Would be so great if that was the case but it’s model line specific and not down to the actual spec of your car