[ProsperX3]

I have an sDrive 30i on order (with M Sport and Premium Package) that is very close to going status 150, i.e, no changes allowed. My wife and I sat in a 2023 X3 in the showroom yesterday to listen to its std "HiFi" sound system. We were underwhelmed to say the least. It's shockingly bad. So now we're considering the HK option for (gulp) $875.00. To those of you who are familiar with the HK, my question is this. Does the HK system sound a whole lot better than the standard HiFi? And do you consider it worth the extra $875?

[Steadyhand]

Our X3M (2021 model year) F97 (G01) has the HK system and we have the exact same experience you had - underwhelming. We're looking to upgrade the sound system with something like the Match Up 7DSP amplifier and a subwoofer set-up for the back space.

[Navypilot]

HK when set up based on my hearing likes was way better then the Bose in my Macan.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by ProsperX3

I have an sDrive 30i on order (with M Sport and Premium Package) that is very close to going status 150, i.e, no changes allowed. My wife and I sat in a 2023 X3 in the showroom yesterday to listen to its std "HiFi" sound system. We were underwhelmed to say the least. It's shockingly bad. So now we're considering the HK option for (gulp) $875.00. To those of you who are familiar with the HK, my question is this. Does the HK system sound a whole lot better than the standard HiFi? And do you consider it worth the extra $875?

A lot will depend on what sound you call better. The HK with EQ and Surround DSP adjusted sound good to me. If you want a lot of sub base there is no sub in the X3.

[AllBlackBimmer]

HK is an absolute must have. I would not own my car without it.
With that said, the HK is also underwhelming until your play around with the EQ settings.
HK is not the best car system, but IMO much better and worth it over the 'base' system

[Gritty]

Originally Posted by AllBlackBimmer

HK is an absolute must have. I would not own my car without it.
With that said, the HK is also underwhelming until your play around with the EQ settings.
HK is not the best car system, but IMO much better and worth it over the 'base' system

I did read somewhere that the base system is much easier to upgrade with a plug and play amp vs the HK. If you are looking to upgrade go base.

[Dandle]

Turn off Logic 7, That makes it sound awful.

[X3rd Time Is a Charm]

I have the base hifi system and find it adequate. I did have an X5 loaner that had the Harmon kardon system. While it sounded better, unless you are an audiophile I'm not sure it's worth it . The base hifi to me is fine .

[bbb83]

does anyone have recommended settings for HK? Would love to play around with it some

[cls49bmw]

I've had HK sound in my past 4 BMW's. I have heard the standard HiFi, and it just isn't as good as HK.
I just took delivery on my new X3M40 with HK. I'm very impressed with the sound in my car, considering the speakers haven't been broken in yet.
HK is well worth $850.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by Dandle

Turn off Logic 7, That makes it sound awful.

Like I said, it’s in the ear of the beholder. Without adjusted logic 7 there is no sense of space.

[cls49bmw]

Originally Posted by bbb83

does anyone have recommended settings for HK? Would love to play around with it some

Search this forum for HK EQ settings. There's a thread on this with suggested settings.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by bbb83

does anyone have recommended settings for HK? Would love to play around with it some

https://totallyev.net/bmw-ix3-audio-...harman-kardon/

I’ve been into audio for a while, and the one thing I’ve learned is there is no one size fits all. But here you go… also rolling the pano blind back improves the sense of space

Also source quality makes a difference.

[davfer86]

I kept my full Bavsound speakers/subs and AMP.
Since the AMP was no longer compatible with the RAM module I sold it for $650 on ebay minus fees, and decided to go for HiFi Audio and use the $850 towards the Bimmer-Tech Alpha One Amp.

I already installed the speakers, the AMP should arrived today, takes around 15 minutes to get it installed, and on the weekend I will install the two subs.

[ASAP]

yes and it still sucks... it lack bass and mids

[ProsperX3]

Originally Posted by ASAP

yes and it still sucks... it lack bass and mids

Are you referring to the Harman Kardon?

[ASAP]

Originally Posted by ProsperX3

Are you referring to the Harman Kardon?

Yes I mean the base hifi is laughable but the hk is still not amazing... however it is far better, i would have to get it.

[BimmerXdrive]

Hi-Fi sound quality has changed. My 19 Hi-FI sounds phenomenal not leaving needing more. Although I have had 21-2022 LCI x3 and 3 series loaners with standard Hi-Fi which sounds horrendous. Doesn't even compare to my 19. I personally believe it's the result of post covid cost cutting that I noticed in a few other areas as well.

[Burr001]

at the end of the day, if this is a lease and keeping it short term spend for HK, but if you keeping this x3 long term and enjoy listening to music loud get hifi and upgrade as the 850 dollars could be used towards an aftermarket amp which can improve sound quaility significantly alone for few hundred more. For example

https://x3.xbimmers.com/forums/showt...ght=bimmertech this is my install with amp and speakers.

[VikDXB]

Originally Posted by ProsperX3

I have an sDrive 30i on order (with M Sport and Premium Package) that is very close to going status 150, i.e, no changes allowed. My wife and I sat in a 2023 X3 in the showroom yesterday to listen to its std "HiFi" sound system. We were underwhelmed to say the least. It's shockingly bad. So now we're considering the HK option for (gulp) $875.00. To those of you who are familiar with the HK, my question is this. Does the HK system sound a whole lot better than the standard HiFi? And do you consider it worth the extra $875?

I had to settle with standard sound system as HK was never an option. My source is mostly AppleMusic or YouTube via CarPlay. I download songs for offline from AppleMusic in hi-res lossless format when I am connected to home or office wifi. Similar from YouTube Music as well. I just choose a preset from EQ settings on the phone depending on the playlist. If I still want to tweak the bass or treble, I have set the EQ (from Sound settings) as favourite. It is anyways compressed audio so not curious for hifi details. FM audio quality is below average.

[davfer86]

Originally Posted by BimmerXdrive

Hi-Fi sound quality has changed. My 19 Hi-FI sounds phenomenal not leaving needing more. Although I have had 21-2022 LCI x3 and 3 series loaners with standard Hi-Fi which sounds horrendous. Doesn't even compare to my 19. I personally believe it's the result of post covid cost cutting that I noticed in a few other areas as well.

Is good as before, but not as good as an aftermarket speakers.

[The Libertine]

Really depends on your music source. If you primarily listen to Sirius, or basic FM/AM radio HK will, at best, be a negligible improvement over the stock system.

Listening to streaming/digital like iPhone or CarPlay will make a noticeable difference and easily worth the investment.

You’re driving a nice car, might as well have an upgraded system to listen to.