[oyakf]

Long time listener, first time caller. Thanks for the sage guidance provided here.

I am one of the X7 4.0 purchasers afflicted by an inability to purchase a Harmon Kardon system (and a similar affliction of being too thrifty to upgrade to the M5.0 for that purpose alone). To that end, I'd be interested in hearing about others' experience with upgrading X7 amps and speakers with an aftermarket product. I've seen some of the commentary about how this is better than a factory system, but would be interested in whether an aftermarket solution introduces any incompatibilities, problems from removal of door panels, or other traps for the unaware.

Not an audiophile by any stretch of the imagination, so if the HiFi system is suitable for mere mortals, also interested in views on that too.

[Wardman]

I have BavAudio in my X5, that a local shop installed. If I was getting/keeping an X7 for some time, I think I'd invest in Focal from a certified installer.

[RAJENT]

The base Hi-Fi shockingly abysmal and its a shame that BMW would even install such an inferior system in X7. I am not an audiophile by any means and most times have the stereo turned off so that I can enjoy some silence. But the base system is a complete joke, even for someone like me.

[twinrink]

I disagree.I’m somewhat audiophile especially in car audio with past custom systems as much as 30k.
Yes there is room for better sound.Yes staging and dynamics are not perfect and so on…But for mild volume listening at front seats it is decent.
To not order new x7 because of the audio unsatisfactory is pure excuse for people who are not ready financially or overall to purchase x7.
I got my wife x7 couple weeks ago and after taking it to 2000 mile road trip there is zero regret!!!What a fantastic machine

[Olekiller]

I added a sub and amp. And someone coded the B&w in to the car. Didn't think it would make a difference not having the physical amp and extra speakers. But it sounds amazing

[sibirnaya]

Check out this install, Morel speakers, Audison sub and Audison amp, it's in czech, however, pictures are quite expressive, $3500... https://www.ahifi.cz/clanky/detail/b...-od-morelu.htm

[G39x]

I think upgrading the base Hi-Fi system is more involved than upgrading the HK speakers. I think the HK speakers and AMP are plug and play whereas the base system requires a more involved install.

I think what makes the base speakers in the x7 bearable is due to the sound isolation we get so we don't need to have a thumping sound to hear the music.

Let us know how it goes!

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by twinrink

To not order new x7 because of the audio unsatisfactory is pure excuse for people who are not ready financially or overall to purchase x7.

You're wrong. Speaking as someone who quite literally cancelled my X7 order because of the lack of HK on the Executive Package, it had nothing to do with not being "ready financially or overall to purchase an X7".

If I am spending $85k+ on a vehicle and am being told my only sound option is a 10 speaker 205-watt system vs a 16 speaker 464-watt system which was formerly available, then I am not unreasonable in not being willing to compromise. Spending $85k+, I should not have to compromise.

I wanted the x40i engine because of longevity and lack of issues, as I planned to keep the X7 for 7+ years. I am not willing to spend an extra $15k+ to go to the M50i just to get HK and sacrifice potential reliability.

At this point it looks like I am waiting for the MY2023 LCI to purchase my X7 so I don't have to compromise on an almost six-figure purchase.

[crackerjack15]

Originally Posted by Phasers

You're wrong. Speaking as someone who quite literally cancelled my X7 order because of the lack of HK on the Executive Package, it had nothing to do with not being "ready financially or overall to purchase an X7".

If I am spending $85k+ on a vehicle and am being told my only sound option is a 10 speaker 205-watt system vs a 16 speaker 464-watt system which was formerly available, then I am not unreasonable in not being willing to compromise. Spending $85k+, I should not have to compromise.

I wanted the x40i engine because of longevity and lack of issues, as I planned to keep the X7 for 7+ years. I am not willing to spend an extra $15k+ to go to the M50i just to get HK and sacrifice potential reliability.

At this point it looks like I am waiting for the MY2023 LCI to purchase my X7 so I don't have to compromise on an almost six-figure purchase.

Exactly. That would be 7yrs listening to crappy audio. Nope. The HK upgrade does make a considerable difference in listening pleasure if its something you appreciate. If you listen to talk radio all the time, then maybe you wouldn't care. And, everything is not predicated on the fact that you can't afford something.

[twinrink]

Originally Posted by Phasers

You're wrong. Speaking as someone who quite literally cancelled my X7 order because of the lack of HK on the Executive Package, it had nothing to do with not being "ready financially or overall to purchase an X7".

If I am spending $85k+ on a vehicle and am being told my only sound option is a 10 speaker 205-watt system vs a 16 speaker 464-watt system which was formerly available, then I am not unreasonable in not being willing to compromise. Spending $85k+, I should not have to compromise.

I wanted the x40i engine because of longevity and lack of issues, as I planned to keep the X7 for 7+ years. I am not willing to spend an extra $15k+ to go to the M50i just to get HK and sacrifice potential reliability.

At this point it looks like I am waiting for the MY2023 LCI to purchase my X7 so I don't have to compromise on an almost six-figure purchase.

Ok then keep waiting….or man up and get the M50 if you really want the better sound system.Oh…wait the M50 is not reliable engine lol.
I’m telling you you not ready sir!

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by twinrink

I disagree.I’m somewhat audiophile especially in car audio with past custom systems as much as 30k.
Yes there is room for better sound.Yes staging and dynamics are not perfect and so on…But for mild volume listening at front seats it is decent.
To not order new x7 because of the audio unsatisfactory is pure excuse for people who are not ready financially or overall to purchase x7.
I got my wife x7 couple weeks ago and after taking it to 2000 mile road trip there is zero regret!!!What a fantastic machine

Pretty ignorant statement to say someone cant afford an X7 because they dont want a crap stereo. I would never buy any of these cars with the base system. HK is the minimum.

If the B&O is not available when we order our M50 I will just wait.

[mjr24]

I think he is saying you guys look at stats too much. If I didn't tell you one was 200 some watts and the other was 400....and you then listened to them both to get real world difference, it would not be a deal breaker for most.

I suppose if you were keeping it 7 years then I can see you waiting....but for a 2-3 year lease, not a deal breaker versus waiting a year to finally have an X7 with that.

[Wardman]

Just get the Focal or BavAudio upgrade. It's less than the former options for HK if I recall, and I have done this in my F15-X5. The crackling at the top end in the stock stereo was annoying and if I wanted to crank it up, I wanted quality sound. It's been worth the $500 I spent to have it installed for sure.

[Staszek]

Originally Posted by mjr24

I think he is saying you guys look at stats too much. If I didn't tell you one was 200 some watts and the other was 400....and you then listened to them both to get real world difference, it would not be a deal breaker for most.

I suppose if you were keeping it 7 years then I can see you waiting....but for a 2-3 year lease, not a deal breaker versus waiting a year to finally have an X7 with that.

Its not the Watts, they truly sound different. I wouldnt call HK a great stereo but its what the base stereo should be in an $80k plus vehicle.

I have had enough base stereo's in BMWs over the years there is a difference especially once they are broken in.

In my M3 I bought the "Enhanced Premium" out-of-the-box new car it sounded better then the standard, but not a ton better. That is until its was broken in, now its night and day difference.

As you said for a lease it may not be a big deal, but if you are purchasing, get what you want. My 750 is leased so I didnt care as much about the options, although the HK was standard, even though I didnt care as much I would still have a hard time with a base stereo in a car that listed for over $100k. It's just cheap.

[twinrink]

Originally Posted by mjr24

I think he is saying you guys look at stats too much. If I didn't tell you one was 200 some watts and the other was 400....and you then listened to them both to get real world difference, it would not be a deal breaker for most.

I suppose if you were keeping it 7 years then I can see you waiting....but for a 2-3 year lease, not a deal breaker versus waiting a year to finally have an X7 with that.

Thank you!

[oyakf]

Originally Posted by Wardman

Just get the Focal or BavAudio upgrade. It's less than the former options for HK if I recall, and I have done this in my F15-X5. The crackling at the top end in the stock stereo was annoying and if I wanted to crank it up, I wanted quality sound. It's been worth the $500 I spent to have it installed for sure.

Thanks, Wardman. It looks like BAVAudio doesn't have an X7 offering, so that leaves me with Focal (which does appear to have some tailored to the X7). You're not the only one who suggested Focal -- did you install that, or the BAV?

[dmanb2b]

Originally Posted by twinrink

Ok then keep waiting….or man up and get the M50 if you really want the better sound system.Oh…wait the M50 is not reliable engine lol.
I’m telling you you not ready sir!

Compared to a closed deck inline 6? That's rookie talk...sorry but BMW's track record with v8s says otherwise and has nothing to do with $ or being a man. Beautiful experience and powerful yes...owning outright out of warranty...no thanks, not on a family hauler.

[Wardman]

Originally Posted by oyakf

Thanks, Wardman. It looks like BAVAudio doesn't have an X7 offering, so that leaves me with Focal (which does appear to have some tailored to the X7). You're not the only one who suggested Focal -- did you install that, or the BAV?

I installed BAV - had a local shop do it. I never upgraded the amp or added the sub, it is pretty bass biased out of the box. I'd call them. Bet they are working on it or will have an opinion.

Today I would do Focal for the amp and then add the CarBahn tune (4.0 engine which is very good - i agree). I'm looking at it for the X7 or X5. I just don't want 3rd row seating, just the extra space of X7.

[oyakf]

Thanks, Wardman. This was good advice. I called the folks at BAV -- no current plans to create something for the X7 but they were, as you correctly predicted, very knowledgable. They also suggested the Focal speakers as a very good aftermarket option.

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by oyakf

Thanks, Wardman. This was good advice. I called the folks at BAV -- no current plans to create something for the X7 but they were, as you correctly predicted, very knowledgable. They also suggested the Focal speakers as a very good aftermarket option.

Did you reach out to Focal?

[oyakf]

I looked up their local distributor but haven't contacted them yet.

[Phasers]

Originally Posted by oyakf

I looked up their local distributor but haven't contacted them yet.

I found this link on the focal website, but I am not sure what options are available for the X7 with base (non-HK) audio.