2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
 

2010 2011 BMW 5 Series Forum F10 F10 Technical Topics Navigation, iDrive, Audio, Video, Bluetooth, Phone, Coding Edmunds pans the F10 audio system
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      03-14-2011, 04:30 PM   #1
Argelius
Private
Argelius's Avatar
19
Rep
70
Posts

Drives: 2011 535xi (on order)
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Chicago, IL USA

iTrader: (0)

Edmunds pans the F10 audio system

Well, now I am depressed. Current owners - anyone care to refute this?

2011 BMW 528i: Audio System
__________________
Currently Driving: 2010 Lexus HS 250h


Appreciate 0
      03-14-2011, 06:25 PM   #2
Ict528i
New Member
1
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: 2011 528i alpine white
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: ICT

iTrader: (0)

My wifes lexus kicks my bmw's tail in terms of audio. But she does not have ipad/iphone integration and she doesnt have the drive I do either. But it would be nice if we could have it all. Is it that hard to produce decent audio?
Appreciate 0
      03-14-2011, 06:33 PM   #3
gatoman39
Major
gatoman39's Avatar
United_States
114
Rep
1,346
Posts

Drives: 2011 E92 335 M-Sport
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: LA

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
totally subjective. If you are Mario Andretti every car is going to seem slow and dimwitted. If you're Quincy Jones, perhaps you'll be able to differentiate certain sound qualities. The only thing that matters is that you (yes you personally) like the stereo or not. If you've every listened to the base audio in a 328i loaner you know it's pretty poor. This is not the case with the F10. I found the base stereo to be more than sufficient and the premium stereo to be excellent.
So unless you're some audiophile, I doubt it will be that much of an issue.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 12:59 AM   #4
d-rive
the iREAL STIG
Romania
13
Rep
182
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 3.0d 2007 & 530d 2011
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Europe, Romania

iTrader: (0)

With all respect, the edmuns are eating sh1t!
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 02:20 AM   #5
stickypaws
Dictator
stickypaws's Avatar
55
Rep
1,811
Posts

Drives: people crazy
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: where you want to be

iTrader: (0)

I kind of agree with their assessment. I spent some time testing both the F10 and the Mercedes E550. Both are really the same and both aren't that great. I even brought my own CDs and DVD-As. Both systems tend to sound better with Logic 7 turned off (with most source content) but still nothing to be excited about.

They are okay systems but not that great. For the premium option price, it's too much money, imho.

The Jaguar Bowers and Wilkins system was better. Not super spectacular but still quite a bit better.

Although I've yet to hear it, the SLS has probably the best system currently available. It's a B&O Beosound system that was designed specifically for that car. Unfortunately it's an option that's around 9k USD. http://www.emercedesbenz.com/autos/m...-sound-system/ Audi A8 has a 6.5k USD B&O option, too.

If BMW (and others) offer a 'premium' sound system option, then they should be really truly good. The current premium option should be the base system, and then they need to offer a true premium system option, imho.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 03:41 AM   #6
M1rcea
Enlisted Member
Romania
2
Rep
32
Posts

Drives: 2011 520d
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Bucharest

iTrader: (0)

I don't think it's a good idea to compare these systems by costs. Let's not forget that you pay a lot of money for the brand names.
B&O is great for their "sound lens" technology, which projects pinpoint accurate staging. The Hi-fi pro (as it's called in Europe) in the f10 also does that, without being branded B&O, the clarity of the sound is exceptional and noise-free (thanks to the Dirac Live filters - http://www.dirac.se/dirac_live.asp).
You can find here, http://www.dirac.se/media.asp, a bunch of reviews by German magazines that are very well researched and proffesional written articles compared to Edmunds' review.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 04:13 AM   #7
delvek
Major
delvek's Avatar
Germany
32
Rep
1,134
Posts

Drives: 2014 550i Msport
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Tampa, FL

iTrader: (0)

wow, if thats the review on the premium hifi I wonder what it would be on the standard, which I find to be pretty darn good. From what I understand quality is lost when moving music from CD to itunes (never noticed it) but when I plug my ipod into the hookup, my standard 5 series radio cranks!
__________________
2014 550i M-sport
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 05:04 AM   #8
Breach
First Lieutenant
No_Country
75
Rep
369
Posts

Drives: F10 520dA M Sport
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: EU

iTrader: (0)

Don't read reviews based entirely on somebody's subjective listening experience.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 05:35 AM   #9
james d
DOME
United Kingdom
119
Rep
455
Posts

Drives: G21 M340
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Kent

iTrader: (0)

Anyone who wants butt-shaking bass;1-should be treated with vilipend,2-probably doesn't get Bach and 3-should carry on thinking that in Rap,music has reached its zenith.
P.S. Pro hifi(Europe) is fabulous for Classic/Jazz/Spoken word.If you want your posterior shaken there are numerous firms selling after-market items with so many giga-Watts of power to give you that true gangster nuance.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 07:00 AM   #10
LuvMyE92
Occasionally frequent poster
LuvMyE92's Avatar
2994
Rep
2,742
Posts

Drives: CT5V-Blackwing
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: RTP NC, USA

iTrader: (0)

First of all, BMW audio has never been good, although now it's much better than it ever was.

Secondly, I'll wager that the reviewer did all of his testing with the car stationary. How the system sounds while the car is moving, with all of the associated road noise, wind noise, engine noise is where most of us actually do our listening. These systems are tuned to accommodate all of those conditions.

Thirdly, I care primarily how the car drives, handles and rides, not about the stereo. If that was my priority, I'd buy a Lexus where obviously driving feedback is not a consideration. Not a slam against Lexus, they are great cars for people who enjoy driving a Buick but want something nicer.

Fourth, no factory system is going to please everyone. If you want a kick-butt system, you go aftermarket. Throw in some powered subs, better speakers, etc. That will usually cost less than getting their "premium" system.

Branding is for wimps. I don't care if it says B&O or H-K (who used to do some BMW premium stereos, if I recall correctly) or Radio Shack, and I don't want to pay for the name. I'd rather that they just put in a decent system.

I think the stock (not premium) system in the F10 is decent. It does some great things with the spatial imaging and has fair clarity. Could it be better? Without a doubt. Is the car too damn expensive already? You bet. Am I glad that they didn't put in a "better" system and charge me another $1000 for a designer name? You betcha.
__________________
Current inventory:
F22 & G05
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing w/3 pedals
Past: E24,E28(3),E34,E36,E37,E38(2),E39(4),E46,E89,E92 (obviously),F01,F06,F10,F30,F87,G12,G30(2),G82(2)
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 08:26 AM   #11
hilljf
New Member
4
Rep
17
Posts

Drives: 2011 550i Xdrive
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Connecticut

iTrader: (0)

Its Good

I find it to be really good. Does it compare to the $40k system in my house, well no, but then my house doesn't drive as well as my BMW either.

Its a great system for the price and when combined with the car, the sum total is awsome!

John
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 09:42 AM   #12
sequal
First Lieutenant
sequal's Avatar
22
Rep
328
Posts

Drives: BMW F10 2011
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: NJ

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
2006 BMW 330i  [0.00]
"The woofers under the front seats couldn't muster butt-shaking low bass -- but did induced a bit of annoying panel rattle on some of the deepest notes."

I agree and its very annoying.
__________________
2011 - F10 Alpine White / Black Dakota Leather/
2006 -E90 330i Sparkling Graphite/Black Leather
2004 -E46 Bmw 330CI Black / Black Leather/ Sports
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 02:13 PM   #13
stickypaws
Dictator
stickypaws's Avatar
55
Rep
1,811
Posts

Drives: people crazy
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: where you want to be

iTrader: (0)

People are missing the point. It's not about "branding being for wimps" (um, you do buy a BMW F10 because you know the brand and have certain expectations), nor comparing prices, nor comparing home systems versus mobile systems. Edmunds even clearly states that brand names do not necessarily equate to great quality given each specific car (acoustic space.)

It's about charging an option price for a relatively mediocre sound system. And that's what Edmunds is primarily trying to point out. Maybe BMW should just call it an "upgrade" option instead of "premium."

As far as a system "tuned" for stationary versus moving, that's nonsense. Road conditions, tire tread noise, weather conditions, all make for a huge variety of ambient noise. That's why Edmunds tests while stationary yet with the motor idling (since different cars have their own different motor sound decibels.)

Auto mfgs pick from vendors and speakers are placed with certain compromises to accommodate space, design, and assembly. Only when you get into very expensive OEM or aftermarket options are they custom designed for a specific car (like the B&O Beosound for the SLS), and then they tend to get very expensive.

Edmunds is not being "solely subjective" and if you take the time to read their test procedure you'll note it uses specific recordings that have test tracks on them (which is something Edmunds started doing several years ago) http://www.edmunds.com/car-technology/sound-advice.html

We all use brand names when comparing only because the systems are branded. Jaguar uses B+W, Audi uses B&O, BMW and MB uses Harman, etc.. Systems are better not because of the cost or the brand, but because of the individual components and the layout in a contained and poor aural space (i.e., a car.) And brands are associated with those specific components and known build qualities. Just like we associate all branded products, including a BMW.

If you're happy with the system, then fine. If you can't tell the difference between a compressed MP3 file and a SACD, then fine. If you don't listen to recordings released by companies like Mapleshade or Water Lily and can't tell the difference, then fine. Or if you just want loud sound and blasting bass (and not wide mid-tone or high note separations), then fine. But it's only "subjective' until you learn to be really discerning, as any musician will tell you.
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 03:00 PM   #14
Chris McCallan
550i Zurück bleiben
United_States
0
Rep
4
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW 550i (F10)
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: North Dallas

iTrader: (0)

I listen to talk radio, sometimes that makes me clinch my cheeks; is that the same as butt-shakin bass ?
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 04:25 PM   #15
B R A N D X®
Second Lieutenant
B R A N D X®'s Avatar
22
Rep
213
Posts

Drives: Fast Cars!
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Raleigh, NC

iTrader: (0)

I'm no audiophile.......thank God as I already have enough hobbies to waste money on. I have, however, had a life-long appreciation for and love of music ranging from Classic Rock and Blues to Electronic and Classical.

Having said that, I think the premium system in the F10 sounds excellent. Of course coming from a late model Carrera with Porsche's truly horrific "premium" Bose system (supposedly designed specifically for the car) maybe I just haven't been truly spoiled yet. My Grandmother could, no doubt, tell that system was lame.

In general I've been very pleased with the sound quality of every system I've had in my numerous BMW's with the exception of the standard system in a 2004 X5. The current systems sound better to my ears than the older H&K systems which also sounded pretty great to me.

And anyway, even though it's beside the point, the F10 is such a serene place to be I tend to leave the stereo off and enjoy its soothing environment in near silence.
__________________
-Stu-
2011 E90 ///M3 DCT ZCP | Space Gray | Silver Novillo |
2011 F10 550i | Space Gray | Oyster & Black Nappa | ///M Sport | 8 Spd Auto
"A toast then: To the BMW M3, the greatest all-around car in the world."
-Arthur St. Antoine, Motor Trend Magazine's Editor at Large

Last edited by B R A N D X®; 03-16-2011 at 11:18 PM..
Appreciate 0
      03-15-2011, 06:20 PM   #16
kel3
Second Lieutenant
15
Rep
296
Posts

Drives: 2011 f10 528i
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Boston Ma

iTrader: (0)

um my hi fi system is fantastic in my f10
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2011, 03:56 AM   #17
northernsole
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: 520d F11
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Essex

iTrader: (0)

How bad/good is the standard system? My F11 is delivered in the next couple of weeks and I had tried to upgrade to the premium system but my dealer failed to give me any cut off dates so it was too late, now stuck with standard system
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2011, 04:31 AM   #18
northernmonkey
Second Lieutenant
northernmonkey's Avatar
United Kingdom
24
Rep
298
Posts

Drives: F11 530d MSpt
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SouthEast

iTrader: (0)

I test drove an F11 before I bought mine and it had the standard system and seemed much better than previous standard (and note I mean standard in the european/uk sense...US standard = BMW Business Speaker package which is an option for us over here) systems i've had in both the E60 and E92.

saying that this time i did go for the "BMW Business Speaker package" option and its very good for the money it cost but I'm sure the standard system will not disappoint either......again depends on how loud you like to crank it up and what kind of music experience you want in the car.
Appreciate 0
      03-16-2011, 02:10 PM   #19
karmakal
Private First Class
Belgium
61
Rep
175
Posts

Drives: G30 530D (iX50 on order)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Belgium

iTrader: (0)

Very pleased with the Premium sound system with Dirac.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2011, 01:28 AM   #20
DuneMan
Private First Class
34
Rep
144
Posts

Drives: 2011 535i, Sophisto Gray
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Arabia

iTrader: (0)

My standard sound system is just terrible!

if no options to after-sale-upgrade, then i'll probably be selling the car, and going back to my Nissan SUV with the rocking Bose sound system.

As far as I'm concerned the most important part of any sedan is the sound system.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2011, 02:30 AM   #21
yreiser
New Member
11
Rep
23
Posts

Drives: E92 325d
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Luxembourg

iTrader: (0)

Forget about this review. I think the tester doesn't even know all features of the system. For example, he states :
"While overall the iDrive interface has improved, the process for getting to a specific track on an iPod is still frustrating.", although we all know that one can easily just speak the name of the artist or the track using voice control, so you can quickly select every single iPod track even without entering any menu.


@stickypaws : The actual system is not Logic7, but Dirac, so there is no L7 option to turn off.
Appreciate 0
      03-17-2011, 05:31 AM   #22
stickypaws
Dictator
stickypaws's Avatar
55
Rep
1,811
Posts

Drives: people crazy
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: where you want to be

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by yreiser View Post

@stickypaws : The actual system is not Logic7, but Dirac, so there is no L7 option to turn off.
How is it spec'd in NA versus ROW? Is Dirac Live® in the 677 option everywhere? It seems that there's the "premium" option in NA (or at least the US, not sure about Canada) then the "professional" in other markets. In Brazil the "professional" is also a "L7 Professional Loudspeakers System" which is also code 677. There seems to be a mixture of available Dirac and Logic 7 systems marketed as either "premium" or "professional" depending on geographical market
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:04 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST