strong, captivating, and completely dynamic. BMW’s Harman Kardon audio system offers unrivaled listening pleasure. For more than 30 years, Harman Kardon sound systems have been skilfully created to fill the distinctive interior of each BMW model with nuanced, well-balanced music that mesmerizes you. Every moment spent behind the wheel is improved by this listening experience, making every drive extraordinary.
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Harman Kardon speakers for BMW
The BMW HK Hi-Fi system (S674A) has 12 speakers and an integrated 8-channel BMW amplifier (with only 7 channels used to power the speakers)… In other words, while the overall audio quality is respectable, it falls short of audiophile standards.
On the other hand, if you’re thinking of a high-end sound system, you presumably picture the BMW Harman Kardon surround sound system (S688A). This generous choice typically comes with 16 speakers, including 2 (8 Ohm) woofers, 7 mid-range speakers, and 7 tweeters distributed throughout larger vehicles like the X5, 3 or 5 Series. And while they are undoubtedly better than the majority of the stock alternatives, they are still not quite at the enthusiast-level quality.
It’s also important to bear in mind that the BMW Harman Kardon subwoofers have an 8-ohm impedance, which is higher than what you’ll find in other BMWs, for those who have them and are into sound system tweaking. Therefore, maintaining a same impedance when switching to a pair of slightly beefier woofers will be far more advantageous to the audio effect.
Standard stereo system
The most basic audio option for BMWs is the Base system, as its name suggests. It is not available in vehicles built after 2012 in some nations (such as the US and Canada), and the HiFi system has taken its place as the default choice. That ought to be sufficient proof that even casual music listeners would be best advised to avoid this choice.
There are only a few options for equalizer settings available here:
It typically consists of 2 underseat woofers and 4 mid-range speakers. Music will sound flat because there are no tweeters in this vehicle (this can be seen by the absence of the mesh tweeter grilles that are typically found inboard of the side mirrors or on the a-pillar covers).
Furthermore, there is no separate amplifier; rather, the head unit itself, which has four audio output channels, performs the function of an amplifier. This lowers the audio quality and output capacity. As a result, there might not be enough volume, and you could wish you had a louder car than your BMW. You might want to hold off on turning the volume all the way up because you might start experiencing distortion at the top of the scale.
Furthermore, BMW chose to employ 4 Ohm woofers instead of the Base woofers, which are harder to power by weaker sources like the iDrive system head unit. Since the amplifier in these systems is able to handle the greater load of lower impedance woofers, HiFi automobiles have 2 Ohm woofers as a point of comparison. The Base woofers are “lightweights” both literally and figuratively, since they weigh barely more than the air they take up and don’t create any bass at all, except from having a higher, simpler to drive impedance. Instead, they offer a really lackluster, cardboard-likely boomy kind of bass.
An ASD module is another piece of hardware that might or might not be included in the Base system. It will be situated in the trunk between the head unit and speakers if it is included in the vehicle. Its function is to play phony engine noises through the speakers inside the vehicle, so the sound quality isn’t the best. However, since the bracket housing the ASD module also has all the mounting holes for an amplifier, it does make the refit process for an amplifier much simpler.
Explicit BMW Factory Audio
It’s crucial to understand which BMW audio system you have at the outset! The original equipment sound system from BMW comes in three different levels:
There are no tweeters or amplifiers in the six-speaker stereo system. The head unit supplies power to the speakers. The side mirrors’ inboard mesh tweeter grilles are missing.
The head unit signal has undergone significant equalization, while the back signal has undergone high-pass filtering. The front signal is as follows:
The front-facing tweeters and amp of the HiFi system. (While many 2010–2011 models have 8 speakers instead of the ten found in 2006–2009, the back tweeters were removed.) The head unit’s menu has only bass and treble settings, no graphic equalizer, and no “Surround On-Off” option. The dash does not have a center-channel speaker. Premium Audio Premium Sound, often known as “Top HiFi” within BMW, is marketed as:
All of these systems have a similar architecture, with comparable speaker dimensions, counts, placements, and channel complements.
A “Logic 7 On/Off” or “Surround On/Off” option, as well as visual equalizer settings, are always available for Premium Sound systems in the head unit’s menu.
Additionally, the E9x 3-series will include two sets of rear speakers and center-channel dash speakers (side and rear deck).
The center speaker and the second pair of rear speakers will not be present on the E82/7 1-series (so check the head unit menu for the equalizer).
Sound System and Audio Features for the BMW X5
The 2020 BMW X5 is probably being attentively scrutinized by those looking for a superb premium automobile. There are many elements on this machine that are designed to please each of the five senses. Hearing, one of our favorite senses, is surely not ignored. What stereo systems and standard audio equipment does the 2020 BMW X5 offer to satisfy our auditory pleasure?
A 10-speaker HiFi stereo is standard equipment in the 2020 BMW X5. The sound systems on offer include a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins surround-sound system at the top of the list, as well as 12- and 16-speaker Harman Kardon alternatives. Continue reading for more details on each of these aural configurations.
Overview and Upgrade of the BMW Harman Kardon Sound System
Choosing the Correct Equipment > Learn More Overview and Upgrade of the BMW Harman Kardon Sound System
Put aside things like horsepower or torque, fuel economy, or heated seats. The single most crucial component a car may have, in the eyes of many, is a high-quality sound system.
And the automakers are aware of that. Because of this, a lot of companies have partnered with some of the best audio companies in the world to create speakers and amplifiers that are superior to those in your neighbor’s car. I believe it is wise to leave sound to the professionals.
In the case of BMW, Harman Kardon is that specialist. The Harman Kardon/BMW cooperation has been continuing strong for more than ten years and features two of the most recognizable names in home audio and a renowned automotive. When two brands with such a history combine, the results have been rather amazing, as you might anticipate.
But what can you anticipate from your BMW speakers and amplifier from Harman Kardon? And are there any even more impressive speakers for BMW? (Spoiler alert: yes ;))
What audio system is used by the BMW 3 Series?
Each BMW 3 Series model’s superior Logic 7 (r) surround-sound systems from Harman Kardon produce natural, high-fidelity sound. The potent DSP multichannel amplifier and up to 16 high-performance speakers provide a distinctive, three-dimensional audio experience.
Which audio system does the BMW 4 Series have?
A luxury interior is created by leather, appealing stitching accents, and exquisite interior trim.
Harman Kardon speakers have a contemporary design. The BMW 4 Series vehicles’ sportiness and dynamism can definitely be felt.
What audio setup does Mercedes employ?
The Harman Kardon audio system is meticulously adjusted in order to enhance the interior acoustics of each individual Mercedes-Benz model. The multi-channel Digital Signal Processor (DSP) amplifier with up to 830 watts and up to 14 high-performance speakers ensure accurate dynamics and great sound balance while maximizing the enjoyment factor. For all passengers, including in the front and back seats, the cutting-edge Logic 7(r) multi-channel surround-sound system converts stereo and separate 5.1 recordings into an exciting surround-sound experience.
Harman Kardon was first used by BMW when?
Since BMW and Harman Kardon have been working together for 11 years, all 2010 E9x 3 Series vehicles and many later versions have come equipped with the S688A Harman Kardon sound system with the strong amplifier.
However, because to space restrictions, the smaller vehicles (such MINIs, 1 Series, 2 Series, and i3) were forced to forgo this feature and instead offer the less reliable S674A alternative.
Is Harman Kardon a standard in BMW?
For BMWs and MINIs, there are two Harman Kardon systems available. BMW models in the 3, 4, 5, 7 Series and X5 have the Harman Kardon system (S688A), whilst MINIs, 2-Series BMWs, and i3s have the Harman Kardon system (S674A). The latter, which still carries the Harman Kardon name, is a more moderate improvement over the typical HiFi system. It lacks the Top-HiFi system’s fiber optic audio wires and stronger amplifier.
Can I add Harman Kardon to my BMW?
The good thing is that upgrading your BMW aftermarket speakers will always allow you to improve your Harman Kardon system. especially when you consider that the versatile DSP and 10-channel HK amp is a capable workhorse.
It’s simple to improve your BMW speaker system, whether you have a Harman Kardon or another radio system, thanks to BMW audio specialists like BimmerTech. Since the Alpha One line of speakers is designed exclusively for BMWs, they can be installed in your vehicle in place of the factory BMW speakers without needing to be modified.
The powerful OEM BMW Harman Kardon amplifier is coupled with finely crafted BMW aftermarket speakers for even greater clarity and performance. It’s the best of both worlds. What is superior to that?
If my BMW has Harman Kardon, how do I know?
OP: The simplest way to determine whether you have HK is to check to see if your car has tweeters next to the door mirrors. There are a total of 6 speakers in “Stereo” (the default audio), including 6″ speakers under the front seats, a stereo-channel amplifier, and analog wiring.
How can I tell if the BMW I own has Logic 7?
The simplest method is to check to see if your dash has a central speaker. If so, you possess Logic 7. If not, you are not. The base HiFi head unit and Logic7 look the same.
What automobiles have Harman Kardon speakers?
The new electric Renault Megane E-TECH Electric is the first automobile with a Harman Kardon audio system. The Megane E-TECH Electric is expected to be on sale in 2022, and drivers will be impressed by its performance, range, and futuristic design.
Which automobile employs Bowers and Wilkins?
Each Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System, which is available in the Ghibli, Levante, and Quattroporte, has been meticulously created with each model’s distinctive cabin architecture in mind thanks to the company’s 50-year history of creating cutting-edge loudspeakers.
Which automobiles have Harman Kardon audio?
If you’re shopping for a new car and consider the audio system to be important, you might be pleased to learn that some models from Kia, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Subaru, and Volvo are equipped with Harmon Kardon audio systems. And if purchasing a new vehicle is out of your price range, aftermarket improvements can still give your vehicle a music hall sound.
We took a drive in the 2018 Kia Stinger, which has the system as standard equipment in the Premium, GT1, and GT2 variants, in order to obtain a real-world test of Harman/QuantumLogic Kardon’s Premium Surround Sound with Clari-Fi. It was really quite amazing.