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      02-07-2016, 09:52 AM   #1
dkuznetsov92
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Question about Premium HiFi vs B&O

How big of a difference is there? I currently have an M4 and I am getting into a M6 GC. I didn't opt to go for the B&O, how big of a difference is there? Is it similar or better than the HK in the M4?
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      02-07-2016, 02:33 PM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkuznetsov92 View Post
How big of a difference is there? I currently have an M4 and I am getting into a M6 GC. I didn't opt to go for the B&O, how big of a difference is there? Is it similar or better than the HK in the M4?
b&o is obviously much better, and looks better, but i don't have it, and im fine.
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      02-07-2016, 03:42 PM   #3
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Its a lot of extra money but I enjoy how it sounds. I still think it could use a bit more base but the mids and highs really are the best I have heard in a production audio system
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      02-07-2016, 06:53 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkuznetsov92
How big of a difference is there? I currently have an M4 and I am getting into a M6 GC. I didn't opt to go for the B&O, how big of a difference is there? Is it similar or better than the HK in the M4?
Simply going from a convertible to a fixed roof will be a difference.

I've had a mixture of F06, F10, F12, and F15 with different audio systems. In some, the old Premium Hi-Fi (what was BMW Individual Sound with Enhances Bass) was very good, especially in the F06, and terrible in the F12. B&O in F06 was better at its limits than the Premium Hi-Fi, but below that, hard to distinguish with the audio sources I use. HK in F15 wasn't very good period (Interior Volume was greater than the speakers were capable of handling is the best way I can describe it). F10 is a coin toss. I had a loaner 550i with HK for a while and never found myself missing B&O. But once back with my car, didn't miss the HK.

As dumb as it sounds, try to test each system with the same song using the same source. I personally use Billie Jean by Michael Jackson. It covers the full range and will always highlight the lackluster areas of a sound system.
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      02-07-2016, 08:26 PM   #5
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As a music producer- I can tell you B&O is more for show than anything.

Save yourself the money and use it elsewhere. Neither the Harman kardon nor B&O systems in the m6 are anything to write home about but they both serve its basic purpose.

Then again, I'm an audiophile and really picky with sound...so. Yeah.
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      02-07-2016, 11:31 PM   #6
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I had B&O in my previous Audi however my new 6er doesnt have B&O and i do miss it a little sometimes, its not something that bothers me too much though as the stock speakers I have are still decent.
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      02-08-2016, 10:33 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dentaltech View Post
Its a lot of extra money but I enjoy how it sounds. I still think it could use a bit more base but the mids and highs really are the best I have heard in a production audio system
It is phenomenal when the roof is up or parked in the garage and cranked ... the days I actually have it turned on and do not listen to the akra exhaust ... but may not have been worth the coin in a cabrio with the akra exhaust as princess only goes out if topless .. she is a bit of an exhibitionist
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      02-08-2016, 11:41 PM   #8
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I have the B&O in my M6, my wife's 2015 7 series had the standard HiFi. The B&O sounds better, but not that much better. I'd be totally happy without it and about $6k more in my bank account.
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      02-08-2016, 11:51 PM   #9
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Originally Posted by PackerFan View Post
I have the B&O in my M6, my wife's 2015 7 series had the standard HiFi. The B&O sounds better, but not that much better. I'd be totally happy without it and about $6k more in my bank account.
I'd agree .. although the B&O does have a nice classy look and finish
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      02-09-2016, 11:16 AM   #10
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I have HK instead of B&O and I've read that both suck in the low end, but very good in the mid to highs.
I had a 428i M sport loaner recently that had the HK audio and that one had some really nice bass. Getting back into my car, I felt like I was missing a subwoofer.
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      02-10-2016, 03:59 PM   #11
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If you're getting a used M6 GC, then find one with B&O (and FULL leather option). But brand new, you'll be fine with HK. However, the B&O speakers give the interior a more upscale feel to it. You're going from an M4 to a M6. Go with B&O. Might as well go for a full upgrade.
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      02-11-2016, 11:25 AM   #12
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Actually the full leather option gives the interior a much higher quality feel than the B&O option. For about the same cost, if you had to choose one, go for Full Leather. I did and I feel very sorry for anyone without full leather. Full Leather should not even be an option, it should be mandatory.
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      02-11-2016, 11:33 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by speedracerlo View Post
Actually the full leather option gives the interior a much higher quality feel than the B&O option. For about the same cost, if you had to choose one, go for Full Leather. I did and I feel very sorry for anyone without full leather. Full Leather should not even be an option, it should be mandatory.
+1.
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      02-11-2016, 11:56 AM   #14
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Originally Posted by speedracerlo View Post
Actually the full leather option gives the interior a much higher quality feel than the B&O option. For about the same cost, if you had to choose one, go for Full Leather. I did and I feel very sorry for anyone without full leather. Full Leather should not even be an option, it should be mandatory.
+1
Full leather is a must for M5/M6
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      02-11-2016, 10:05 PM   #15
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+1
Full leather is a must for M5/M6
+2
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      02-13-2016, 11:25 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.SugarSkulls View Post
As a music producer- I can tell you B&O is more for show than anything.

Save yourself the money and use it elsewhere. Neither the Harman kardon nor B&O systems in the m6 are anything to write home about but they both serve its basic purpose.

Then again, I'm an audiophile and really picky with sound...so. Yeah.
Well if you are comparing it to any decent professional system then of course there's no contest.

But I do agree with you, BMW's stereo in general is average. Mark Levinson in my company car Lexus LS460 is better and cheaper.

I still got the B&O for my M6 and M5 though, because it does look better.
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      02-13-2016, 11:28 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Phatcat
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.SugarSkulls View Post
As a music producer- I can tell you B&O is more for show than anything.

Save yourself the money and use it elsewhere. Neither the Harman kardon nor B&O systems in the m6 are anything to write home about but they both serve its basic purpose.

Then again, I'm an audiophile and really picky with sound...so. Yeah.
Well if you are comparing it to any decent professional system then of course there's no contest.

But I do agree with you, BMW's stereo in general is average. Mark Levinson in my company car Lexus LS460 is better and cheaper.

I still got the B&O for my M6 and M5 though, because it does look better.
For sure.

I did add that last bit at the end- that says I'm extremely picky with sound, so considering what I work with- I don't expect a car to have a sound system to satisfy my ears needs without going after market, so I wasn't disappointed in any of my cars.

Both are good for the purpose if you're just cruising though
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      02-14-2016, 10:28 AM   #18
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Agree with Mr.SugarSkulls. I'm a producer and audio engineer as well and find the B&O to be a money trap. There's no real difference in sound quality that I could notice except that the B&O has slightly better bass output at high volumes than the standard system. BMW automatically trims the bass ass you drive the volume up on their systems to protect the speakers, seems this trimming is more subtle on the B&O but that's all I can see as an advantage. Aside from that they're both "ok" systems for a car at best. The B&O does look much better though.
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      02-14-2016, 10:55 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr.SugarSkulls View Post
For sure.

I did add that last bit at the end- that says I'm extremely picky with sound, so considering what I work with- I don't expect a car to have a sound system to satisfy my ears needs without going after market, so I wasn't disappointed in any of my cars.

Both are good for the purpose if you're just cruising though
Just out of curiosity ... Did you hear/have you heard the Bermister system in the S63 AMG ... I think it kills the B&O ... But once again it's in a hard top with the three pointed star with much sound insulation from the exterior noises ... Don't hate me for asking
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      02-17-2016, 11:22 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dkuznetsov92 View Post
How big of a difference is there? I currently have an M4 and I am getting into a M6 GC. I didn't opt to go for the B&O, how big of a difference is there? Is it similar or better than the HK in the M4?
So did you get an M6 with B&O/FULL Leather?
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      02-17-2016, 11:58 PM   #21
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B&O is a must have if you're not interested in your exhaust note.
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      02-18-2016, 12:16 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Royce Martin
B&O is a must have if you're not interested in your exhaust note.
Sorry, but definitely not a must have. (Unlike full leather)

It's nice, but there are better things to spend on considering the quality of sound.
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