[Dinans2]

Can anyone tell me who is the vendor for the optional Premium system? I've searched and found no info.

[vdubturbo]

According to THIS THREAD, the head unit, amplifier(s), and combox have Harmon Kardon stickers on them. The speakers are made by another German company (still looking for the name), and the processing is by Dirac.

THEONEWITHTHECAP posted this link in the other audio thread.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...essional+audio
Which also has a link to this thread with some good info...
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=531940

And this one which is blocked from work so I can't see what it says.
http://www.dirac.se/products.asp

[M1rcea]

The speakers are made by a German company called ETON and the amp's signal processing tech is DIRAC. Overall frequency range is from 18Hz to 24kHz and high quality neodymium magnets are used.

Check these out:
http://www.dirac.se/en/reference-pro...-products.aspx

http://www.dirac.se/en/technologies/dirac-live.aspx

http://www.etongmbh.de/

[joey5622]

I'm not an audiophile and don't really know if we're getting quality or not based specs.

Are we getting a good sound system with the premium audio package? Based on specs, how can one tell? Just want to learn and be more informed haha I figure that if i get peaceful when playing classical music then it's good haha

[ibimmer954]

I'm not really an audiophille, but I think the premium audio system is a really nice package. If you're going to keep the audio system stock, then go for it. If you would switch out the audio system anyway, then there's no reason to pay a lot of money to BMW for a system you will replace.

[M1rcea]

@ Joey - Well it's not like you're paying 8000$ extra for an B&O in an Audi... In Europe we have 3 choices:
-standard, 6 spk config aka CRAP
-Hi-fi sys, 12 spk config, 200+Watt (Harman Kardon system actually) - it's very good if you're not a demanding audiophile
-Hi-fi sys pro, 16 spk config, 600W digital amp with Dirac signal processing - it will get your music listening experience closer to the real deal.
Based on your reply I advise you to go for the 12 spk config.

[Jon D]

Originally Posted by theonewiththecap

Overall frequency range is from 18Hz to 24kHz and high quality neodymium magnets are used.

Funny you should mention that, but the last time I was cruising along the motorway, with all the associated wind, road, engine and transmission noise, I thought to myself that my whole life experience would be significantly enhanced with a frequency response of 18Hz to 24kHz, not to mention those fabulous neodymium magnets, they're so much better than the standard dilithium crystal powered units

[M1rcea]

) good one

[ibimmer954]

Do the dilithium crystals go in the flux capacitor? That powers the amp in the trunk on the high-end audio system.

Wait, I think I'm mixing my science fictions.

[vdubturbo]

Originally Posted by joey5622

I'm not an audiophile and don't really know if we're getting quality or not based specs.

Are we getting a good sound system with the premium audio package? Based on specs, how can one tell? Just want to learn and be more informed haha I figure that if i get peaceful when playing classical music then it's good haha

I'm not an audiophile per se, but I'm very picky about sound. The BMW Premium (Professional) audio system is a very nice system. It is sufficiently powered, presents a flat (yet adjustable) reproduction of music, and the power handling of the speakers are well matched to the amp output...meaning you can go loud without significant distortion. Or any, really. I don't think it has ever distorted on me.

The B&O system in the new A6 and A7 is superb, but in my opinion is not worth the $6000 they want for it here in the states. Keep in mind the B&O option in the Audi isn't a package. It's just the stereo. The BMW Pro Audio gives you MUCH better bang for your buck. No reverse pun intended.

Distinguishing between the two systems, I feel the BMW soundstage is too low in the vehicle (meaning the sound comes from waist level instead of ear level). Other than that, I won't complain one bit about it. I love it.

[Dinans2]

Originally Posted by theonewiththecap

The speakers are made by a German company called ETON and the amp's signal processing tech is DIRAC. Overall frequency range is from 18Hz to 24kHz and high quality neodymium magnets are used.

Check these out:
http://www.dirac.se/en/reference-pro...-products.aspx

http://www.dirac.se/en/technologies/dirac-live.aspx

http://www.etongmbh.de/

Excellent, thanks

[Dinans2]

thanks for the replies. I am generally happy with the sound quality: staging, imaging, crisp highs. still lacks the low end bass I was hoping to feel, given the subwoofer placements. but for factory, best yet. And it's a lease, so no upgrades this time.