[givenst3k]

Though I like the stock speakers on my premium sound system, are there aftermarket speakers that perform better in my 2011 BMW 535i?

I searched BSW (http://bavariansoundwerks.com), but they don't have speakers for the new model yet.

Any suggestions?

[LACSTER]

BSW would be your best choice. I'm also waiting for them to complete the unit for the F10

[lindros2]

Define "perform better" ?

I think the sound in the 5-series is incredible (and I've owned numerous cars with Harmon Kardon, Bose [crap], Acura/TLS, etc. systems).

Case in point - listen to Ray LaMontagne (w/ The Pariah Dogs) - Beg Steal or Borrow. The sound moves all over the car as was designed when mixed.

HD Radio is also very good.

Now if you compare that with highly-compressed satellite radio (SIRIUS), it sounds like crap. Some also could say the same for iPod-sourced music, but I don't have an issue myself.

[LMOR]

I also think the HI-FI Pro sound is increadable. The sound source/mix/recording is the bottleneck, and not the speakers. There is also a huge difference between digital input (or harddisk or CD/DVD) and analog AUX. And if you use digital input/disk you need 256bps or better to really get the best out of the speakers with a perfect recording...

[DuneMan]

checked with BSW twice, they're still working on it.

So, i'm still waiting...

[givenst3k]

@ lindros2; I too really like the stock system, but I am always looking for something better. When I was first introduced to the BSW Speakers website, I read their speakers specifically target BMW stock speakers. That is what sparked the interest in seeing if there is something better that exists

[Grizzles]

I would only change the speakers if they were broken. Hard-drive / dvd music is the best. I can't get DVD audio to play or download.

[bfv]

I don't understand this. All you people have premium hi fi music system and still complaining! What do you expect? A concert hall? If hi fi system sucks that much, then what about base system with 12 speakers and 200 W, 7 channel amp?

[brask]

My previous E61 I had the standard sound (base) system which really wasn't that much of joy. I had plans for upgrading it myself as I had in previous BMWs but discovered it was kind of hard with everything integrated and early years of E61 it wasn't any good aftermarket options.

So for my F11 I picked up 2 days ago I ordered the professional system. The sound is quality all the way down to around 50hz but I'm missing the deeper base. I guess I hoped that the included base under the seats would perform a bit better on the lower frequencies.

This in the end might be personal taste but the deeper base in my thoughs really enhances the music experience.

Does anyone have experience from BSWs sub options in previos cars as they might have the options I'm looking for?

Just to be clear, even if I miss the deeper base I have to say that the sound experience in all other views are great with the professional system

/nB

[DuneMan]

Originally Posted by bfv

I don't understand this. All you people have premium hi fi music system and still complaining! What do you expect? A concert hall? If hi fi system sucks that much, then what about base system with 12 speakers and 200 W, 7 channel amp?

If i had hifi i'd probably be satisfied.

[LMOR]

Originally Posted by brask

The sound is quality all the way down to around 50hz but I'm missing the deeper base. I guess I hoped that the included base under the seats would perform a bit better on the lower frequencies.

/nB

I have now measured the frequency response down to 25Hz. The are now cut-off. At least in my car the sub-woofer is nearly as good as my $3000 sub at home. I think this boils down to recording and source. Some subs add a lot more volume in the low frequencies, but is really not meant to be there. The HI-FI pro is fantastic, and pure bass, just as it should be.

[lindros2]

I can't find a single fault with the speakers.

SIRIUS XM? I can find *many* faults.

iPod (USB)? Not particularly good.

Even the harddrive utilizes compressed audio (except the new Radiohead album encoded @ 320kbps or pure WAV files).

[strumbringer]

Originally Posted by lindros2

I can't find a single fault with the speakers.

SIRIUS XM? I can find *many* faults.

iPod (USB)? Not particularly good.

Even the harddrive utilizes compressed audio (except the new Radiohead album encoded @ 320kbps or pure WAV files).

The iPod sounds fine if you rip songs uncompressed.

[RyanS]

Originally Posted by strumbringer

The iPod sounds fine if you rip songs uncompressed.

How do you do that? Can it be done on iTunes?

[frenil]

Originally Posted by LMOR

I have now measured the frequency response down to 25Hz. The are now cut-off.

I'm not surprised, I think Hifi pro is fantastic. The mixed phase active filter (by Dirac) is more advanced than what most Hi-end Home cinema systems provide. Simply because it would require the manufacturer to make 100-200 measurements in each customers unique livingroom. Anyone replacing original speakers would ideally want to reoptimize that filter. But that will be a challenge...

Did you measure the whole frequency range? If so, do you have a plot you can post here?

[strumbringer]

Originally Posted by RyanS

How do you do that? Can it be done on iTunes?

Yup. On the "General Settings" tab of the preferences page, click "Import Settings", then click the drop-down next to Import Using and select "Apple Lossless" (this is on a Mac, but it's pretty similar on Windows as well).

[LMOR]

Originally Posted by frenil

Did you measure the whole frequency range? If so, do you have a plot you can post here?

Only from 125Hz down to 25Hz. But I do not have a plot. I used some speaker testing DVD, and as usual DTS sound was more Bass than e.g. Dolby Digital.

But in my view, they are very close to play exactly what the source delivers to them.

[Gtrny]

any update ?
What speaker you guys use for f10?

Thanks

[JNoSol]

Originally Posted by Gtrny

any update ?
What speaker you guys use for f10?

Thanks

Stick with factory hi-fi. If you really wanted it, you could build your next BMW with B&O (I heard it's not worth the money). BMW spent a lot of time and money tuning the sound/speaker placement. BMW even spent time tuning the acousticness of the frame of the car. Anything you do to it will ruin the overall quality of the sound. If you add a sub, you get more bass but that will disturb the sound curve making it bass heavy. The key of a good sound system is balance and the hi-fi system provided that balance.

Aftermarket speakers are for lower end cars with crappy system. One of my buddies added a 12" sub to his E60 M5, it sounds retarded and he added 70lb more weight for nothing.

[Gtrny]

cuz i dont have hifi, try to get upgrade speakers..
thanks

[Boulder Bill]

The B & O system came with the used F10 I just purchased. I have had many high end/premium systems over the years - including some from BMW. The B&O is simply remarkable. Incredibly clean, pure sound. Very aesthetically pleasing as well. Would I have dropped $4,000 ordering a car new? Likely not. But it is an amazing system, particularly with high resolution source material.

[MophoMan]

Yea I wish I had the B & O, it was one of the options I was looking for on a used 535i I was looking for. The hi-fi that came in my car is still pretty good; but I would be interested in upgrading the speakers though.