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      04-12-2008, 09:56 PM   #1
hitthemark41
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Standard vs. Premium Stereo

Hi All....I ordered today and have been reading a few reviews that say the standard stereo sounds anywhere from "meh" to "crap/clock radio" haha...soooo...my question is this: Has anyone listened to both and know the difference? I know alot of you have ordered the premium in hopes that it is much better (and pretty sure my test drive was premium..sounded nice)....any opinions/thoughts guy? (note: I listen to alot of sports radio, but from time to time I DO like to crank it up and rock...when I don't wanna listen to that awesome exhast!)

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      04-12-2008, 10:02 PM   #2
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I haven't heard both so I can't answer your direct question.

But I have always just gone and upgraded to the Premium system in all my previous BMW's because the stock systems were always so poor. Whether or not this stands for the new 1 series, I would like to know also. I, yet again, just upgraded to Premium, but maybe the stock system is better now?
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      04-12-2008, 10:03 PM   #3
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Get the upgraded stereo. I'm glad I did.
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      04-12-2008, 10:04 PM   #4
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The std radio is pretty good but you need to adjust the tre/base to +7 treble and +5 base, when its flat it sounds very dull.

that being said I upgraded mainly because I HATE the stereo in my GTI and just had to get the best option that was offered... I have not heard the premium HiFi but did listen to the std and was impressed by it.

For mainly sports radio and the occasional rock session, I would say save your money and get the STD stereo and would not bother with HD radio either.
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      04-12-2008, 10:34 PM   #5
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Thanks for the input...just a quick question...you mentioned not to bother with HD either...I mainly went with this with a thought towards the future...as more and more entertainment and services incorporate HD...am I wrong? Is this option somewhat handy, or should I just take $350 bucks out to the driveway and light it on fire? haha......
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      04-12-2008, 10:37 PM   #6
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Yes its handy, but if the majority of what you are listening to is sports radio you don't need the added quality HD radio gives... I am a huge supporter of HD radio but if the listener does not listen to radio or listens to talk radio then it really is a waste of money... Also its not like HDTV where they are going to stop the analog signal... Its only $350 so part of me says get it but then the other half says you'll never hear the difference with talk radio so save the money.
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      04-12-2008, 10:46 PM   #7
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yeah I see your point...what is really funny is that my CA gave me a list of local stations that have HD...and there were a few AM/sports stations on there! I thought the same thing to myself...how do you make talking better? Overall, I still think it's a small investment over the long road...something I would regret not getting when I wanted/needed it (when I flip over to FM, or if I ever decided to sell.......one of those "lil extras" that might be attractive to the next buyer)
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      04-12-2008, 10:51 PM   #8
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very true and its an option that can not be added later on, unlike sat radio which can be installed at any time by the dealer. If you have any doubt then get it and be safe.
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      04-12-2008, 11:35 PM   #9
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I listened to both systems, one right after the other, with the same song. The Prem system was more crisp and full sounding. However, the standard system sounded very good. I decided to save the $ for a couple reasons. 1, I mainly listen to talk radio. And 2, you can always upgrade the system after market if you end up wishing you had better sound. I want my car to be perfect, but typically air towards frugality.

I had to come back and edit this post... I went with Prem hifi at the 11th hour.
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      04-13-2008, 12:12 AM   #10
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The 'standard' radio/CD player sounds better than anything I've heard in any of my other cars. Ever. Well, OK, I'm accustomed to old American iron with 35+ year-old radios which don't always actually function.

Seriously, I have heard, and, am accustomed to stereos/radios in modern cars, the 'regular' BMW radio is quite adequate. As far as listening environments go, an automobile is the last place to consider remotely possible any serious listening. C'mon, it's a car.
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      04-13-2008, 02:51 AM   #11
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I stuck with the standard version, mainly because I really only listen to my iPod in the car anyway and I'm not the type to blast the radio real loud. As long as it's as least as good as what I have in my PT Cruiser then I'll be happy.

Didn't get HD or satellite for the same reason. Plus I don't think any of the stations around here do HD radio anyway.

Edit: Just checked and there are no HD stations in the entire state of Nevada. There are 20 "coming soon" but all are in the Vegas area and not the Reno/Tahoe area which would be my market.

Dan
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      04-13-2008, 03:04 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan203 View Post
I'm not the type to blast the radio real loud.

Dan
Thank you.
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      04-13-2008, 05:22 AM   #13
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I have the hifi. The speakers are good but definitely not top notch.
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      04-13-2008, 10:15 AM   #14
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I was considering the HD Radio option but decided not to get it. I will get the Premium Hi-Fi option. I got a private message from somebody who has the Premium Hi-Fi and glad he got it.

Plus I HATE changing anything from OEM. Changing the speakers usually doesn't do much. You also need to get a signal processor to clean the signal so you can add a more powerful amp. Like the one from JL Audio. So in order to really change the sound much you need to buy the signal processor-$350, a great amp-$500 minimum, and upgrade to component speakers-$600 MINIMUM.

This doesn't include installation and a wire kit. Another $500.

This would definitely blow away the Premium Hi-Fi system, but expect to pay at least $2100-$2500 to make a good difference.
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      04-13-2008, 11:34 AM   #15
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$875 for upgraded(metal cone)speakers and a 300 watt amp was to good for me to pass on. I also got the USB so I could play music off of a memory stick. HD radio might be the future but, thumb drives are now. (+radio= advertizing=yuck) YOMV
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      04-13-2008, 11:48 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hitthemark41 View Post
Thanks for the input...just a quick question...you mentioned not to bother with HD either...I mainly went with this with a thought towards the future...as more and more entertainment and services incorporate HD...am I wrong? Is this option somewhat handy, or should I just take $350 bucks out to the driveway and light it on fire? haha......
If you have satellite or an iPod, you'll probably never listen to broadcast radio again.
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