B&O sound system
Discussion
I've seen a few comments on this forum regarding the B&O sound system option and as it's an option I selected on my recently acquired F10 LCI M5, I thought I'd convey my thoughts.
Most of the posts I've seen relating to the B&O system seem to fall into two categories - how good does it sound and/or is it worth it? Well, it is quite hard to qualify how something sounds in writing. That said, if you think there is not much difference between the BMW Pro system and the B&O in terms of sound quality, then you need your hearing checked. There is a noticeable difference - the B&O system offers much more clarity and responsiveness through all the frequencies, and it just sounds better in the way an M5 is just better than a Mondeo. Other comments I've seen relate to the input quality, i.e. to get the most out of the sound system you have to listen to wav files as opposed to mp3 files. Of course there will be a difference between the two - a wav file is like putting super unleaded in your car as opposed to standard unleaded, in comparison to an mp3. However, an mp3 played through the B&O system sounds far superior to the BMW Pro system (note: I haven't heard the new HK speakers to compare those as well), no contest.
So now onto the question: is it worth it? This is somewhat of a redundant question, because that is simply down to you. It probably isn't for the most part, certainly not if you are say, just a casual radio/audiobook listener. However, music is a big part of my life, so to me, it's worth it - almost essential in fact.
Sorry for all the metaphor!
Most of the posts I've seen relating to the B&O system seem to fall into two categories - how good does it sound and/or is it worth it? Well, it is quite hard to qualify how something sounds in writing. That said, if you think there is not much difference between the BMW Pro system and the B&O in terms of sound quality, then you need your hearing checked. There is a noticeable difference - the B&O system offers much more clarity and responsiveness through all the frequencies, and it just sounds better in the way an M5 is just better than a Mondeo. Other comments I've seen relate to the input quality, i.e. to get the most out of the sound system you have to listen to wav files as opposed to mp3 files. Of course there will be a difference between the two - a wav file is like putting super unleaded in your car as opposed to standard unleaded, in comparison to an mp3. However, an mp3 played through the B&O system sounds far superior to the BMW Pro system (note: I haven't heard the new HK speakers to compare those as well), no contest.
So now onto the question: is it worth it? This is somewhat of a redundant question, because that is simply down to you. It probably isn't for the most part, certainly not if you are say, just a casual radio/audiobook listener. However, music is a big part of my life, so to me, it's worth it - almost essential in fact.
Sorry for all the metaphor!
Thanks, good write up.
I love my music but am in the camp that given most of it that's gonna be played in my incoming M5 will be 260kbps mp3 files from my iPhone, i'd not see the value/benefit from a £3k stereo upgrade, however i felt the stock system would probably under deliver so i opted for the HK upgrade.
We have a Q5 with the B&O upgrade & that's a great system, however in a Q5 it was a £900 upgrade from the Bose system so better value.
I love my music but am in the camp that given most of it that's gonna be played in my incoming M5 will be 260kbps mp3 files from my iPhone, i'd not see the value/benefit from a £3k stereo upgrade, however i felt the stock system would probably under deliver so i opted for the HK upgrade.
We have a Q5 with the B&O upgrade & that's a great system, however in a Q5 it was a £900 upgrade from the Bose system so better value.
W8PMC said:
Thanks, good write up.
I love my music but am in the camp that given most of it that's gonna be played in my incoming M5 will be 260kbps mp3 files from my iPhone, i'd not see the value/benefit from a £3k stereo upgrade, however i felt the stock system would probably under deliver so i opted for the HK upgrade.
We have a Q5 with the B&O upgrade & that's a great system, however in a Q5 it was a £900 upgrade from the Bose system so better value.
Yes, I think the HK upgrade will be the best of both worlds. With hindsight, I probably would have opted for that, but I ordered the old F10 and they upgraded me to the LCI, so I wasn't aware of the option at that time. Still, not complaining in the slightest about the B&O system - it sounds amazing.I love my music but am in the camp that given most of it that's gonna be played in my incoming M5 will be 260kbps mp3 files from my iPhone, i'd not see the value/benefit from a £3k stereo upgrade, however i felt the stock system would probably under deliver so i opted for the HK upgrade.
We have a Q5 with the B&O upgrade & that's a great system, however in a Q5 it was a £900 upgrade from the Bose system so better value.
Cheers
Dinh said:
Yes, I think the HK upgrade will be the best of both worlds. With hindsight, I probably would have opted for that, but I ordered the old F10 and they upgraded me to the LCI, so I wasn't aware of the option at that time. Still, not complaining in the slightest about the B&O system - it sounds amazing.
Cheers
For what it's worth, I was seriously considering the B&O upgrade but went for the HK instead and the sound is very, very good, even at high volume. I've only listened to DAB radio, though, as I simply cannot get my HTC One to stream over Bluetooth from Spotify or Deezer. I would expect the HK sound to be even better when I get around to playing a CD so I don't think I'll regret not spending the £3000. But I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has heard both the HK and the B&O side by side. Cheers
But without trying to highjack the thread, anyone had any success with an HTC One?
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