BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Today's Posts
BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum iDrive, Audio, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics + Coding Audio upgrade from basic to Harman Kardon

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools
      01-15-2025, 10:20 AM   #1
Ironeagle
Registered
0
Rep
1
Posts

Drives: BMW G31 LCI
Join Date: Jan 2025
Location: Portugal

iTrader: (0)

Audio upgrade from basic to Harman Kardon

Hello everybody
I have a G31 LCI and would like to upgrade from the basic to the Harman Kardon system. Has anyone done it? Where have you bought it? Is the improvement very noticeable? Thank you so much
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2025, 12:18 PM   #2
rsc1
Second Lieutenant
rsc1's Avatar
United_States
301
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 328i, 2017 G30 540i
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Jupiter, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 328i  [0.00]
2017 BMW 540i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ironeagle View Post
Hello everybody
I have a G31 LCI and would like to upgrade from the basic to the Harman Kardon system. Has anyone done it? Where have you bought it? Is the improvement very noticeable? Thank you so much
Since you're in Europe I'm assuming you have the basic system with no amp. I have H&K in my G30 and it's not worth the money. Plus, I believe it'd be a PITA to install since it runs on the MOST (fiber-optic) circuit. Go aftermarket, there's lots of good options. You'll need to do some wiring to be able to add an amp in your trunk.

You'll also need to figure out what kind of sound signature you prefer. Otherwise, you might end up with something that technically sounds "better" but doesn't agree with your ears. Focal (brighter, more "detailed") and Morel (warmer, more "relaxed") are two well-known and liked speaker brands. What's your budget?
Appreciate 1
430Scud522.50
      01-15-2025, 10:04 PM   #3
GSMCCASH
Private First Class
GSMCCASH's Avatar
United_States
285
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: BMW 550i (2023)
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Columbus, Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I think there are two HK systems out there. One has 12 speakers and lower watt amp, the other is 16 speakers with higher watt (600W) amp. I have the 600w with 16 speaker surround sound. This 600 watt OEM system sounds extremely good. I pulled out the HK speakers and upgraded to Bavsound speakers. The system sounds fantastic.

To go from basic or high, you definitely should upgrade the amp and see if you can go the 16 speaker route: mid range and tweeter in all four doors (8), mid and tweeter on rear deck(4), mid range and teeeter (2) in center dash and bass under front seats (2). I still have my old HK speakers which I’ll sell in springtime. The right speaker placement, new amp, speakers and the interior sound deadening quality should make a great sounding system.
Appreciate 0
      01-15-2025, 10:42 PM   #4
Maxx Power
Member
Australia
70
Rep
79
Posts

Drives: 2019 BMW 530d g30
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: Queensland

iTrader: (0)

The pre-covid HK amps were 600W while the newer ones add a 'booster' to drive the under-seat sub's which they claim takes it up to 600W.

The two version of the HK speakers are the Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system (S674A) and the BMW Harman Kardon surround sound system (S688A). You would want the S688A.

One thing to keep in mind is that the 'base' system doesn't have an amp (or a harness for one) so it can only drive 4 or 8 ohm speakers. Most of the other BMW speakers are actually 2 ohm which means the base HU can't drive them at higher volumes without an amp (the subs in the S688A are 8 ohm so should be OK).

Also, the early HK only had 12 speakers and the later implementation had 16 (the base only has 6). You would have to make sure your car have the spaces and harness to plug them in. You may be able to just replace some of the trim to fit them (eg tweeters and center speaker grill).

As mentioned by others, if you are looking to do the full upgrade you would probably be better served by just going 3rd party.

Personally, I just replaced the 6 base speakers with better 4-ohm speakers, including the 2 under-seat subs (only 6 inch in the base, but room for 8 inch) and added some tweeters in the front and back since there are already holes for them. Fairly cheap upgrade, and 100% better sound.
Appreciate 0
      01-16-2025, 10:52 AM   #5
rsc1
Second Lieutenant
rsc1's Avatar
United_States
301
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 328i, 2017 G30 540i
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Jupiter, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 328i  [0.00]
2017 BMW 540i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by GSMCCASH View Post
I have the 600w with 16 speaker surround sound. This 600 watt OEM system sounds extremely good. I pulled out the HK speakers and upgraded to Bavsound speakers. The system sounds fantastic.
If your car is a 2023 (like your signature says) then you have the lower wattage HK system with booster. It's said that the newer one is arguably slightly worse than the older HK system. I'm aware sound is subjective, and I'm not trying to argue with your opinion, but you're one of few that actually likes it. I have the older 600W HK system, and most (including me) think its subpar for the money, and you're much better off going aftermarket if you want to upgrade. I can't comment on BavSound as I've never heard it in person.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxx Power View Post
One thing to keep in mind is that the 'base' system doesn't have an amp (or a harness for one) so it can only drive 4 or 8 ohm speakers. Most of the other BMW speakers are actually 2 ohm which means the base HU can't drive them at higher volumes without an amp (the subs in the S688A are 8 ohm so should be OK).

As mentioned by others, if you are looking to do the full upgrade you would probably be better served by just going 3rd party.

Personally, I just replaced the 6 base speakers with better 4-ohm speakers, including the 2 under-seat subs (only 6 inch in the base, but room for 8 inch) and added some tweeters in the front and back since there are already holes for them. Fairly cheap upgrade, and 100% better sound.
https://technicpnp.com/product/stereo-24-harness/

That harness allows you to easily add a 4ch amp. Plug 'n Play. Get a decent amp, and pair them with one of these midrange + tweeter sets.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_210IPB....html?tp=47095
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_975C42....html?tp=47095

Then 8" woofers for the underseats..

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_210IPB....html?tp=47095
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_975UP8....html?tp=47095

or Earthquakes if you want lower-extending bass (but these will need a beefier amp, and you'll need midranges that go pretty low to help with midbass)

https://earthquakesoundshop.com/prod...woofer-system/

And you'll have a very good system that's a HUGE improvement over stock while not breaking the bank. I took this same exact route after asking Technic (the resident BMW audio expert) about advice for an upgrade on my E92.

Last edited by rsc1; 01-16-2025 at 01:48 PM..
Appreciate 1
      01-17-2025, 06:51 PM   #6
GSMCCASH
Private First Class
GSMCCASH's Avatar
United_States
285
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: BMW 550i (2023)
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Columbus, Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by rsc1 View Post
https://technicpnp.com/product/stereo-24-harness/

That harness allows you to easily add a 4ch amp. Plug 'n Play. Get a decent amp, and pair them with one of these midrange + tweeter sets.

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_210IPBMW42/Morel-IP-BMW42.html?tp=47095
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_975C42BMW2/MATCH-UP-C42-BMWFRT-2.html?tp=47095

Then 8" woofers for the underseats..

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_210IPBMWSU/Morel-IP-BMWSUB82.html?tp=47095
https://www.crutchfield.com/p_975UP8BMWS/MATCH-UP-W8BMW-S.html?tp=47095

or Earthquakes if you want lower-extending bass (but these will need a beefier amp, and you'll need midranges that go pretty low to help with midbass)

https://earthquakesoundshop.com/product/x84sws-shallow-woofer-system/

And you'll have a very good system that's a HUGE improvement over stock while not breaking the bank. I took this same exact route after asking Technic (the resident BMW audio expert) about advice for an upgrade on my E92.
All I know is it states 600W Surround Sound HK system and it sounds great. The Bavsound speakers definitely improved it on higher volume. I’m sure BW system sounds better. I was also told that you can’t change the amp in the newer cars as they are locked and coded…..not sure if there is any truth.
Appreciate 0
      01-17-2025, 09:46 PM   #7
GSMCCASH
Private First Class
GSMCCASH's Avatar
United_States
285
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: BMW 550i (2023)
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Columbus, Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Because I’m reading that the wattage on the amps may be old advertising 600W (PreIDrive 7) versus 464W (I drive 7), now wondering if mine is actually the 464Watts. I know the version is the S688 surround sound. It does sound great. I see both 600W and 464W show for 2023, I’m a bit confused what amp I actually have.

Last edited by GSMCCASH; 01-17-2025 at 09:47 PM..
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2025, 07:36 AM   #8
rsc1
Second Lieutenant
rsc1's Avatar
United_States
301
Rep
216
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 328i, 2017 G30 540i
Join Date: Jul 2020
Location: Jupiter, FL

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2011 BMW 328i  [0.00]
2017 BMW 540i  [10.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by GSMCCASH View Post
Because I’m reading that the wattage on the amps may be old advertising 600W (PreIDrive 7) versus 464W (I drive 7), now wondering if mine is actually the 464Watts. I know the version is the S688 surround sound. It does sound great. I see both 600W and 464W show for 2023, I’m a bit confused what amp I actually have.
Your amp is 464W, the booster is what brings it back up to 600W.
Appreciate 0
      01-18-2025, 05:07 PM   #9
GSMCCASH
Private First Class
GSMCCASH's Avatar
United_States
285
Rep
192
Posts

Drives: BMW 550i (2023)
Join Date: Jun 2023
Location: Columbus, Ohio

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by rsc1 View Post
Your amp is 464W, the booster is what brings it back up to 600W.
Thanks for clearing that up….I guess that’s why I see 600Watts. It sound better than the 500W Mach system (8 speakers) I had in the Shelby and the 500W Sony system (12 speakers) in my Explorer.
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:06 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST