[Shane_ATX]

Originally Posted by EneS52

I also have a 2023 540 with the Harmon Kardon option and it's terrible. I actually think a BMW without the Harmon Kardon option sounds better than the Harmon Kardon in the new 540! Really disappointed.

Agreed. HK isn't great at all.

I have aftermarket subwoofers getting installed later this month. The only obstacle will be disabling the re-produced engine noise.

[WretchedRefuse]

Originally Posted by Shane_ATX

.... The only obstacle will be disabling the re-produced engine noise.

This is easily coded. Bimmercode and Protool both offer this capability. Look for "Disable Active Sound Design."

[Shane_ATX]

Originally Posted by WretchedRefuse

This is easily coded. Bimmercode and Protool both offer this capability. Look for "Disable Active Sound Design."

OBDLink CX is arriving tomorrow. I plan to take care of it then!

[WretchedRefuse]

Sounds good! Disabling ASD is the first thing I recommend to anybody interested in improving their audio quality, regardless of which audio system you have.

[BMW3DK]

Have to say I'm agreeing with you.

The system is overall OK, but if you have some basis expectations for sound (home or in-car), then the HK system is far from good.
Alone the way the tonality changes with the volume is frustrating.

Anyway - I'm working on my system now and will soon be ready to install a decent aftermarket system.

Originally Posted by aerof16

I’ve searched a bit but the one thing that I really am disappointed with in this car (540i) is the sound. I’ve messed with the equalizer a bit but overall it’s very disappointing. My other (non BMW) vehicles, one with a factory HK system and one with a factory McIntosh system, sounds significantly better using the same audio sources.

Starting to wonder if maybe something is wrong with my stereo or if this is just how the G30 HK is. I’d say my overall complaint is it just lacks fullness to the sound, not sure how to describe it. If I didn’t know better I’d just assume it was the base stereo in the car.

[MRDILLONS]

I don’t like it as much and sometimes I really wished I had something better, but I was driving today and just being able to step on that gas and feel the rush, makes me forget about the radio.

Plus the vibrations on the body from my sub bass music isn’t a sexy look, for me.

[Nai1ZuTe]

I have the B&W and I am a little disappointed at the quality at first with AA and Youtube Music. Recently I switched to Spotify (built in app from car, not from AA) and it's a night and day difference. The source makes a huge difference. Don't use wireless AA or carplay

[BrocksM550i]

I’ve just picked a 2020 M550i with HK system and only use the Spotify on the Idrive system. In my opinion, it sounds great. Bass hits hard. Highs and mids are crisp. I think the source plays a huge difference

[Mike 540]

Gents,

I just upgraded the speakers in my G31 (No Harman Kardon). All I can say is that the built quality of the stock speakers, especially the subs from under seats is very low. Before messing up with coding and source quality, I would first concentrate on the speakers. And if the drivers are poor, whatever source you play, you only get this much of fun of it. After swapping the speakers, everything suddenly sounds way better... and adding an amp adds to the overall joy.