[DoctorZoom]

I really wanted to buy the 2024 X3 but have heard from a few people that the sound system is terrible (both factory and HK upgrade)

That’s a deal breaker

Now considering Audi Q5

Can anyone shed additional light on the sound system?

Maybe I should wait for the 2025 version

Thanks
John

[arRod1981]

Originally Posted by DoctorZoom

I really wanted to buy the 2024 X3 but have heard from a few people that the sound system is terrible (both factory and Bose upgrade)

That’s a deal breaker

Now considering Audi A5

Can anyone shed additional light on the sound system?

Maybe I should wait for the 2025 version

Thanks
John

There is no Bose upgrade, it is HK and higher level BMW models are able to option the B&W system.

[dinan5m3]

here we go again...

[gphin]

I have the "factory" in my 30i and the HK in my M40. "Terrible" is the last description I would give either one. Why don't you visit a dealer and judge for yourself as opposed to making a decision based on the opinions of a "few" people? Plenty of info on this subject here if you do a search.

[spangle1980]

Originally Posted by DoctorZoom

I really wanted to buy the 2024 X3 but have heard from a few people that the sound system is terrible (both factory and Bose upgrade)

That’s a deal breaker

Now considering Audi A5

Can anyone shed additional light on the sound system?

Maybe I should wait for the 2025 version

Thanks
John

HK is not "terrible" per se, it's just not what it used to be. Two iterations ago the HK was quite sublime, the last iteration less so. This iteration, by comparison is quite poor. It's still OK for most people, but if you're REALLY into top sounds not so.

Suggest you get some FLAC tracks on a USB stick you like, get to a dealer and sit in it for a period of time to play around with the EQ and see if YOU like it. Don't let others taint you :-)

[avi66]

Originally Posted by DoctorZoom

I really wanted to buy the 2024 X3 but have heard from a few people that the sound system is terrible (both factory and Bose upgrade)

That’s a deal breaker

Now considering Audi A5

Can anyone shed additional light on the sound system?

Maybe I should wait for the 2025 version

Thanks
John

What's a "BMW X3 Xdrive30i 45 sound system" ?

If you're happy with the Audio A5, go with that, but check as a few people may not like it, which sounds (pardon the pun) like a show stopper for you LOL.

Seriously, do your homework and use your own ears to decide on a car, after all the Audio A5 drives just like a BMW X3 SUV, right ????

Here you go a couple of data points from the same reviewer on the Audio B&O and BMW HK for what it's worth, which is precisely what you paid

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

https://totallyev.net/audi-e-tron-au...lufsen-system/

[EWL5]

Has a Bose system ever graced a German car in the past?

[BMWZ4]

I traded my '20 x3mc for a '23 Allroad Progressiv. While the Audi system is nice (B&O), it's no better or worse than what was in the '20 x3. If you're an 'AUDIophile', you'll know that chasing audio perfection is useless IMO...a car is the absolute worst place for audio obviously i.e. all that glass, road noise etc...buy a vehicle for it's looks, performance etc, but not a sound system...again, IMO

[spangle1980]

Originally Posted by EWL5

Has a Bose system ever graced a German car in the past?

I had one in an Audi A4 early 2000s. It was nice. I don't particularly subscribe to the overall Bose ecosystem for home use per se, but it was nice and beefy base in that Audi.

[avi66]

Originally Posted by EWL5

Has a Bose system ever graced a German car in the past?

Porsche and IIRC it still does offer the Bose or Burmester systems.

I had several 911's with the Burmester system, but not a Bose.

The sad thing is there are loads of complaints that the more recent systems aren't as good as the earlier HK Logic7 systems, largely due to the reduction in AMP output. However, IIRC when BMW introduced the HK Logic7 system it had a lower output than the current HK in the G01 at 420w.

[jsh139]

Originally Posted by EWL5

Has a Bose system ever graced a German car in the past?

My 2006 Audi S4 had a Bose system

[biz77]

I've been involved in car audio (and audio in general) for 35 years, including making a career out of it over the past 25+ years. I've built systems and competed in IASCA. I've had the privilege of owning some very premium audio equipment in my vehicles and homes. I currently have a 2,400-watt, 9-channel system in my F-150, consisting mainly of Audio Control and JL Audio components. I really don't think the base Hi-Fi system in my 2021 X3 sounds bad at all. It doesn't have the output I desire, nor does it reach the lowest octaves, but at moderate listening levels, it seems pretty capable. Perhaps 30+ years of high-SPL car audio has done my hearing in.

[jsh139]

I've changed my opinion on the HK system. Once you get the EQ adjusted, it sounds pretty good. It definitely needs more bass, but once you turn it up past 50% it actually really sounds good. It just lacks that punch at the lower volumes.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by jsh139

I've changed my opinion on the HK system. Once you get the EQ adjusted, it sounds pretty good. It definitely needs more bass, but once you turn it up past 50% it actually really sounds good. It just lacks that punch at the lower volumes.

At more than double the wattage of the HiFi system it better sound decent!

[X3rd Time Is a Charm]

Not sure I would buy a car based on its sound system. You can always upgrade a system but that’s not going to make the car any better as far as performance or quality. BMW for me over an Audi . But that’s me .

[ASAP]

i mean i think the hk sucks lol... especially compared to the b&o in the q5... main complaint would be lack of true bass grunt AND just missing that punchy mid range... wouldnt stop me from buying the car but it is one of the most important factors to me... aside from anything that actually drives the car

[dinan5m3]

I'll take B tier, FWIW

And for B&O

Upcoming 2025 MDX B&O has wtf 32 speakers?

And apparently XC90's B&W is at the supreme tier,

[Plimmie]

Interesting 1st post by the OP…..

[avi66]

Originally Posted by jsh139

I've changed my opinion on the HK system. Once you get the EQ adjusted, it sounds pretty good. It definitely needs more bass, but once you turn it up past 50% it actually really sounds good. It just lacks that punch at the lower volumes.

I've also found that DSP-related settings and volume, make a significant difference, as does source/content.

Been experimenting with resampling of lossless content, to establish if there's a sweet spot that mitigates subtle DAC aliasing artefacts on CD level content.

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by Plimmie

Interesting 1st post by the OP…..

Any Post-and-Run (PAR) by a "John" (only post) is a dead giveaway they're not coming back. Poster could have been AI also...

Probably someone's upset there's not enough conversation around said topic and want to up the Google search results. LOL!

[EWL5]

Originally Posted by avi66

I've also found that DSP-related settings and volume, make a significant difference, as does source/content.

Been experimenting with resampling of lossless content, to establish if there's a sweet spot that mitigates subtle DAC aliasing artefacts on CD level content.

Speaking of DSP, I think Mercedes' latest Burmester system has gotten rid of the ability to play MCH FLAC files and offloaded that feature to the pricey 3D Burmester package. Since the GLC doesn't offer the upgraded audio, there won't be a newer GLC that can play MCH FLAC!

[DoctorZoom]

Thanks for all the responses!

Looks like best bet is to bring my own music and play it during test drives to really know how “I” like it

Does anyone have any info on the sound system for the 2025 X3?

Thx again
John