10-15-2020, 12:18 PM | #23 | |
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I appreciate good sound and prefer FLAC audio due to its much richer and deeper sound. The HK was a no brainer option at $875 over the base system (and is now included in a package in the LCI to make it more common). I expected B&W to be a lot better than it is from the reviews, but at the price point needed it is absurd I think. It looks nicer with the lights in the speaker grills and should sound slightly better due to the mic to help it auto adjust a bit better, but it is still a car sound system. Unless you're going for absolutely fully loaded I'd skip it. Much better options to sink you money into on the car IMHO. I still feel BMW should make the H&K system the base sound system and the B&W should be an upgrade included in the Executive Package. Similar to how MB does the Burmeister in the E-Class. |
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10-15-2020, 05:19 PM | #24 |
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To be quite honest, I never knew how much the B&W stereo cost. It was an included option on my M550. However, having heard it, compared to the HK on the loaners I get when in for service, I would not hesitate to purchase it, and can't imagine not doing so. Quality music, at least as much as one can get in a moving car, is very important to me. I use it more often than I do the quality performance, quite honestly. It enhances each driving experience for me. It is a huge part of the amenities I desire when I buy a premium auto. I realize quality components can be installed aftermarket which surpass any production product, I just don't have the desire to do that. My $.02. YMMV.
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10-15-2020, 07:04 PM | #25 | |
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But I'm still convinced that MB does a much better job with regards to the sound stage in their cars. In my MB the H&K system sounds better than the H&K in my G30 and from a report here, at least, the Burmeister in the E-Class is a much better sounding system than the B&W at a much cheaper cost on the E-Class. If sound is the most important thing than I would say the E-Class is likely the better car. Especially once you include the acoustic package which further reduces road noise (not an option on the G30 at all). But to add another $4200 (in MY2020) onto my $70K build? Not worth it IMHO. Especially for a marginal sound improvement. |
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10-16-2020, 05:10 PM | #26 | |
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10-16-2020, 06:25 PM | #27 |
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You gotta do what you gotta do. I just can't see how anyone who listens to both can say there is no noticeable difference. To me, the difference is just short of astounding for an auto stereo. But, I must admit again, that the price is not the deterrent for me that it is for some. Just do yourself a favor and drive and listen to each one before you decide.....then, YOYO. The only OEM auto stereo I have heard that is better is the Bermester in my wife's new AMG GLE53. It has better bass.
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10-16-2020, 07:28 PM | #28 |
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If I were buying new, there's no way I'd spend $3400 on B&W. I've had HK on multiple cars and they have been good enough. My wife's CPO M550i has B&W and I can tell it's much better than HK, but not $3,400 better. Buying used CPO is the way to go because as used, the B&W pretty much added only $1,000 to the price. Options are worth so little in used cars.
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