Bavsound Stage 2 upgrade.

PeterTKelly · 07-20-2022, 04:31 PM

Both my X5 and 540i came with the HK system and I was underwhelmed by the sound quality. This surprised me as I was satisfied with the HK systems on my MB’s before they switched to Burmeister. I am certainly no audiophile but the HK sounded “muddy” to me and lacked bass.

I had the installation done by a Bavsound dealer as I was a bit intimidated by the fact that you need a heat gun to remove the HK subs. I suspect I could have done it myself but I didn’t want the risk of damaging the sub housing. I understand that BMW only sells the complete unit with the HK sub mounted at $500 or more. In addition I checked with my local dealer and he said there would likely be a 2 month wait or longer to get a new unit.

I have about 20 hours on the new speakers and subs and the difference (to my ears) is remarkable- great clarity and separation and significantly improved bass response.

It’s not a cheap exercise but I’m a happy camper……

ppointer · 07-20-2022, 08:54 PM

Thanks for posting. Thinking of the same upgrade, but from one level system below HK, so hoping for a dramatic improvement.

WretchedRefuse · 07-20-2022, 10:11 PM

A full Bavsound system is still less than half the cost of the B&W if you install it yourself. That leaves more than enough for a powered subwoofer in the trunk. I'm sure the B&W system is fabulous but I'd love to hear it side-by-side sometime with the HK+Bavsound+subwoofer combo.

07-20-2022, 04:31 PM	#1
PeterTKelly New Member 6 Rep 7 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW X5 2021 BMW 540i Join Date: Jun 2022 Location: Vancouver BC and Palm Desert CA iTrader: (0)	Bavsound Stage 2 upgrade. Both my X5 and 540i came with the HK system and I was underwhelmed by the sound quality. This surprised me as I was satisfied with the HK systems on my MB’s before they switched to Burmeister. I am certainly no audiophile but the HK sounded “muddy” to me and lacked bass. I had the installation done by a Bavsound dealer as I was a bit intimidated by the fact that you need a heat gun to remove the HK subs. I suspect I could have done it myself but I didn’t want the risk of damaging the sub housing. I understand that BMW only sells the complete unit with the HK sub mounted at $500 or more. In addition I checked with my local dealer and he said there would likely be a 2 month wait or longer to get a new unit. I have about 20 hours on the new speakers and subs and the difference (to my ears) is remarkable- great clarity and separation and significantly improved bass response. It’s not a cheap exercise but I’m a happy camper……
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07-20-2022, 08:54 PM	#2
ppointer Major 743 Rep 1,091 Posts Drives: '01 Z3M, '12 335is, '22 540i Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: FLL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 335i [5.25] 2012 BMW 335is [5.00] 2008 Infiniti QX56 [0.00] 1967 Chevrolet Corv ... [10.00] 2001 M Roadster [10.00] 2022 BMW 540i [0.75] 2009 528i [9.50]	Thanks for posting. Thinking of the same upgrade, but from one level system below HK, so hoping for a dramatic improvement.
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07-20-2022, 10:11 PM	#3
WretchedRefuse Lieutenant 209 Rep 494 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M550i Join Date: Feb 2022 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	A full Bavsound system is still less than half the cost of the B&W if you install it yourself. That leaves more than enough for a powered subwoofer in the trunk. I'm sure the B&W system is fabulous but I'd love to hear it side-by-side sometime with the HK+Bavsound+subwoofer combo.
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