Harman Kardon vs standard sound system

I8 newbieuk · 08-24-2019, 01:19 AM

Hi , Has anyone done a comparison between the the HK and the standard sound system ?

Is the sound quality MUCH better ? Or just slightly better ?

I am looking to buy an i8 but this one does not have the HK sound system, Is it a deal breaker ?

I do like my sounds.

Comments much appreciated

MajorJump · 08-24-2019, 05:25 AM

I've not heard the standard, but the HK is a little disappointing to be honest. It's not terrible, but it does lack a bit of punch. I can only imagine the standard spec is worse, so definitely put it through its paces before you buy.

JasH · 08-24-2019, 09:15 AM

Standard sound system is truly awful - I heard on a dealership car.

HK upgrade is tolerable, but no more than that. A LOT better than standard though.

MajorJump · 08-26-2019, 01:58 PM

Is there a reasonable way to boost the HK system without any sort of massive overhaul/ re wire?

Iain123 · 08-27-2019, 02:40 AM

Easiest way is to replace the rear sub although it’s hard to find a speaker to fit. I also fitted a cigarette lighter plug powered amp with good results.

https://bmwi.bimmerpost.com/forums/s....php?t=1304784

08-24-2019, 01:19 AM	#1
I8 newbieuk Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: I8 Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	Harman Kardon vs standard sound system Hi , Has anyone done a comparison between the the HK and the standard sound system ? Is the sound quality MUCH better ? Or just slightly better ? I am looking to buy an i8 but this one does not have the HK sound system, Is it a deal breaker ? I do like my sounds. Comments much appreciated
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08-24-2019, 05:25 AM	#2
MajorJump Private 9 Rep 75 Posts Drives: BMW i8 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Manchester, Uk iTrader: (0)	I've not heard the standard, but the HK is a little disappointing to be honest. It's not terrible, but it does lack a bit of punch. I can only imagine the standard spec is worse, so definitely put it through its paces before you buy.
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08-24-2019, 09:15 AM	#3
JasH Lieutenant Colonel 621 Rep 1,646 Posts Drives: McLaren & Ferrari & i8 & i3 Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Kent, UK iTrader: (0)	Standard sound system is truly awful - I heard on a dealership car. HK upgrade is tolerable, but no more than that. A LOT better than standard though.
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08-26-2019, 01:58 PM	#4
MajorJump Private 9 Rep 75 Posts Drives: BMW i8 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Manchester, Uk iTrader: (0)	Is there a reasonable way to boost the HK system without any sort of massive overhaul/ re wire?
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08-27-2019, 02:40 AM	#5
Iain123 Private 15 Rep 76 Posts Drives: I8 Join Date: Jun 2018 Location: Edinburgh, UK iTrader: (0)	Easiest way is to replace the rear sub although it’s hard to find a speaker to fit. I also fitted a cigarette lighter plug powered amp with good results. https://bmwi.bimmerpost.com/forums/s....php?t=1304784
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