H&K system

[Derekz4]

Is it just me or does this system just not have any kick to it?

[E92TTCoupe]

It has some kick but definitely needs more bass that’s for sure.

[Qsilver7]

Originally Posted by Derekz4

Is it just me or does this system just not have any kick to it?

Since you didnt' mention it...we don't know how much tweaking you've done. Have you gone in to iDrive to adjust the EQ and tone to the type of music you listen to and turn on the surround sound option? I'm sure you're aware that you have more than treble and bass adjustments, right? And I only ask because we have no bases to go by as to what you've done...and I've seen (in the past) where owners aren't aware as to the ability to turn on surround sound and adjust the 7-band EQ (or how to adjust the 7 bands correctly for the type of music they listen to).

Again, depending on what type of music you listen to...plus what you find personally pleasing...you may or may not want the function of surround sound...and may lean toward your own EQ settings...or you may want both. And sometimes it's better to decrease a EQ frequency rather than to turn it up (fight the temptation to "turn it up higher" to fix it).

{do you have surround sound turned on?}



{how do you have your 7-band EQ set?}

[thebmw]

I own both HK and B&O. I'm past the days of pumping up the music (plus, all the music nowadays sucks). Anyway, the B&O definitely pumps out more (and cleaner) bass with its dual subwoofers. The sound (esp treble) is clearer. You should definitely change the EQ settings, but there is a limitation with the speakers and lack of subwoofers.

[Derekz4]

Here is where it’s set to now.

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by Derekz4

Here is where it’s set to now.

Why? Not the optimal settings. What kind of music are you listening to?

[Derekz4]

Mostly rock. I think I copied it from some guy that was an audio “expert “ from another forum. Can’t remember the bmw series but it wasn’t from a 6 series.

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by Derekz4

Mostly rock. I think I copied it from some guy that was an audio “expert “ from another forum. Can’t remember the bmw series but it wasn’t from a 6 series.

Everyone is an expert . Definitely increase the lower frequencies and play around with it to YOUR liking. You'll see an improvement for sure, but you still won't get the bass-thumping sound that you are looking for. Simply don't have the subwoofers for it.

[thebmw]

Gosh, looking at your setting again, I can't believe a so-called expert told you that. You have 1k up and 200k way down and 500k somewhat down. Literally the opposite of what you are looking for. I can only imagine how crappy is sounds.

[Derekz4]

If you get the chance, take a picture of your settings and I’ll have a listen.

[BMPOWERED]

Originally Posted by thebmw

I own both HK and B&O. I'm past the days of pumping up the music (plus, all the music nowadays sucks). Anyway, the B&O definitely pumps out more (and cleaner) bass with its dual subwoofers. The sound (esp treble) is clearer. You should definitely change the EQ settings, but there is a limitation with the speakers and lack of subwoofers.

The HK system has subwoofers under the seat as well. They just aren't as high quality as the B&O. The B&O also uses more powerful amps.

[BMPOWERED]

Originally Posted by Derekz4

Here is where it’s set to now.

I had the HK system in my 550 and have the B&O in my 650. I was actually surprised to learn that I got more bass by lowering the bass (100hz) frequency down to about the halfway point or one notch below, and keeping everything around the midpoint (slightly below or above) depending on your preferences. What happens is that by raising the 100hz, it only increases the mid bass, which in these cars make for a very "boomy" sound. That boomy bass drowns out the clean bass being produced by the subs (contrary to above posts, your HK does have subs under the seat as well). Once I lowered the 100hz, my lower frequency bass 80-100hz sounded much louder and cleaner.

[Shawn M]

I also think I prefer the 'Logic 7' option turned off on my H&K system. I think the sound quality is "over processed" with the option turned on, so I just use the EQ. Just my opinion.

[Cmb6s]

I actually think the HK system has plenty of low end, and I think it's surprisingly tight for a mid-range stock system. My biggest issue with the HK system is in the clarity. About a year ago, we picked up a new XC90 with the B&W system for my wife and every time I drive her car, after I get back into mine I think that somebody has put earmuffs on me while I'm driving. It just sounds completely muddy... almost like there's a wet towel over the speakers. The sound stage in the Volvo is significantly better than the BMW and I feel like there's a lot more separation between the instruments/notes. Vocals are a lot punchier, etc. It obviously depends a lot on the type of music you're listening to and how you have your EQ set up, but I think the HK system is lacking more in the mid-upper ranges than the lower frequencies.

[hugo_nz]

I listen to everything from opera to metal and find the HK system to hold up very well compared to the B&O in our X5.

I coded the full B&O sound menu on my car which is equipped with the HK system. Switching between the B&O sound profiles makes a noticeable difference. It's easy enough to code too. Just get someone to code HIGH-END-AUDIO-MENUE in the HU_NBT to "volle_insz".

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by BMPOWERED

I had the HK system in my 550 and have the B&O in my 650. I was actually surprised to learn that I got more bass by lowering the bass (100hz) frequency down to about the halfway point or one notch below, and keeping everything around the midpoint (slightly below or above) depending on your preferences. What happens is that by raising the 100hz, it only increases the mid bass, which in these cars make for a very "boomy" sound. That boomy bass drowns out the clean bass being produced by the subs (contrary to above posts, your HK does have subs under the seat as well). Once I lowered the 100hz, my lower frequency bass 80-100hz sounded much louder and cleaner.

Interesting. Will try that.

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by Shawn M

I also think I prefer the 'Logic 7' option turned off on my H&K system. I think the sound quality is "over processed" with the option turned on, so I just use the EQ. Just my opinion.

Agree. The HK system has some flaws and conventional tweaks don't play out as expected.

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by Cmb6s

I actually think the HK system has plenty of low end, and I think it's surprisingly tight for a mid-range stock system. My biggest issue with the HK system is in the clarity. About a year ago, we picked up a new XC90 with the B&W system for my wife and every time I drive her car, after I get back into mine I think that somebody has put earmuffs on me while I'm driving. It just sounds completely muddy... almost like there's a wet towel over the speakers. The sound stage in the Volvo is significantly better than the BMW and I feel like there's a lot more separation between the instruments/notes. Vocals are a lot punchier, etc. It obviously depends a lot on the type of music you're listening to and how you have your EQ set up, but I think the HK system is lacking more in the mid-upper ranges than the lower frequencies.

Mostly agree. The clean and crispness is really bad compared to B&O and even some "average" systems. Quite surprising. HK has low end, but not plenty IMO, especially when compared to B&O.

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by hugo_nz

I listen to everything from opera to metal and find the HK system to hold up very well compared to the B&O in our X5.

I coded the full B&O sound menu on my car which is equipped with the HK system. Switching between the B&O sound profiles makes a noticeable difference. It's easy enough to code too. Just get someone to code HIGH-END-AUDIO-MENUE in the HU_NBT to "volle_insz".

I have a X5 with HK. Sounds way better than the HK in the 650. Perhaps it is due to speaker placement or acoustics of the vehicle (more air to displace in the X5)? I have HK and B&O in 650. Very different from each other.

Tell us more about the B&O sound menu coding in the HK. Are you referring to just the EQ or something totally different? How do you code "HIGH-END-AUDIO-MENUE in the HU_NBT to "volle_insz"?

[SpooldYou]

I have the Bang system in my car and I don't even use it, 90% of the time it's off when I drive... #oldman

[thebmw]

Originally Posted by SpooldYou

I have the Bang system in my car and I don't even use it, 90% of the time it's off when I drive... #oldman

I used to not care either and thought B&O was just another decent audio system, until I heard the HK system in the 650. It does sound "muddy" or muffled compared to B&O.

[SpooldYou]

Originally Posted by thebmw

I used to not care either and thought B&O was just another decent audio system, until I heard the HK system in the 650. It does sound "muddy" or muffled compared to B&O.

Don't get me wrong, as far Stock sound systems go, the B/O system is amazing, I also sell audio/video for a living, so that's why I could care less.

Hot tip: download TIDAL