What's the difference?

gnpower · 01-05-2009, 04:50 PM

Hi-fi premium package vs non premium.

What's the difference in hardware? Has anyone had the chance to hear both and to see if it sounds any better? Is it worth getting the upgrade?

MOCKBA · 01-05-2009, 05:01 PM

Better post the question in Audio forum. I have regular audio, however I remember I had premium sound in my Z4. The premium was based on using DSP and Carver amplifier. It should be really good, however BMW uses crappy speakers which make no big different between regular and premium audio. Premium audio gives you equalizer, HD radio and some other features which can be valuable for you.

ZIPNBYE · 01-05-2009, 09:29 PM

The difference was noticable enough for me to spring for the added cash.

former · 01-05-2009, 10:20 PM

I listened to both and didn't notice an appreciable difference between the two to pop for the $850 difference.

However, audio is completely subjective so what one set of ears notices, another might not. You'll really have to listen to both and determine whether its worth it.

I did talk to one after-market company and they indicated that they would keep most of the speakers in their upgrade to the 1 series. He also felt that there wasn't much benefit to the $850 upgrade - but then, he was trying to sell me a $2500+ upgrade package so I'm pretty sure he was just being agreeable. :wink: Their upgrade had mostly to do with additional power and some sort of processor upgrade to make better use of what he called "decent" speakers.

Rawhide · 01-05-2009, 11:22 PM

Honestly, I was not impressed with the sound of either stereo system.

I'm thinking an audio upgrade is coming this spring. Any suggestions\advice?

AtomiK · 01-06-2009, 02:21 AM

Kind of off topic, but I don't want to start a whole new thread for this. I am just wondering if the shark fin antenna comes with the HD radio, since I got with my navigation system.

Sorry for the hijack.

corpsman · 01-06-2009, 07:04 AM

:

Quote:

Originally Posted by AtomiK

Kind of off topic, but I don't want to start a whole new thread for this. I am just wondering if the shark fin antenna comes with the HD radio, since I got with my navigation system.

Sorry for the hijack.

gnpower · 01-06-2009, 07:50 AM

Manual also states that there are 10 speakers in the car. Where are they all located?

4 in the doors
2 in the rear
2 subs under the front seats?
Missing 2 more

Lester · 01-06-2009, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnpower

Manual also states that there are 10 speakers in the car. Where are they all located?

4 in the doors
2 in the rear
2 subs under the front seats?
Missing 2 more

The rear speakers are dual cone, so they count as doubles.

ptack · 01-06-2009, 12:14 PM

I have the premium system and think it's great. I am always noticing details in certain songs that didn't notice before. Basically though, even the standard system will sound relatively good. What most people may not realize is that cars provide excellent opportunities to provide an ideal accoustic spaces for music. The seats are fixed, the walls are fixed, the finishes are fixed - basically the engineers can design a system for that specific environment which puts the best possible sound right about where your ears have to be. Car makers like BMS do employ serious efforts in designing the sound systems. While it's possible you can get a 3rd party to upgrade some of the components, it's not likely you could tell much difference - especially when the car is running.

01-05-2009, 04:50 PM	#1
gnpower Lieutenant 18 Rep 475 Posts Drives: BMW ///M Sport 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Red Sox Nation iTrader: (0)	What's the difference? Hi-fi premium package vs non premium. What's the difference in hardware? Has anyone had the chance to hear both and to see if it sounds any better? Is it worth getting the upgrade? __________________ ///M 135i
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-05-2009, 05:01 PM	#2
MOCKBA Captain 54 Rep 870 Posts Drives: 135 convertible Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: SFBA iTrader: (0)	Better post the question in Audio forum. I have regular audio, however I remember I had premium sound in my Z4. The premium was based on using DSP and Carver amplifier. It should be really good, however BMW uses crappy speakers which make no big different between regular and premium audio. Premium audio gives you equalizer, HD radio and some other features which can be valuable for you. __________________ 535i/HUD Kamerton brings me true sound fidelity
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 09:29 PM	#3
ZIPNBYE Let's save military ranks for those who earn it! 45 Rep 1,161 Posts Drives: ...on the Ragged Edge Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada iTrader: (6) Garage List 2013 BMW e92 M3 Cou ... [7.50] 2013 BMW e84 X1 xDr ... [7.00]	The difference was noticable enough for me to spring for the added cash. __________________ Richard 2013 BMW M3 Individual -- Fire Orange (sold) 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i M-Sport -- Valencia Orange (sold) 2011 BMW 1-series M Coupe (#205/220) -- Valencia Orange (sold) 2009 BMW 135i M-Sport Coupe -- Space Grey (sold)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 10:20 PM	#4
former Practical Idealist 9 Rep 408 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Coupe Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Greater Los Angeles Area iTrader: (0)	I listened to both and didn't notice an appreciable difference between the two to pop for the $850 difference. However, audio is completely subjective so what one set of ears notices, another might not. You'll really have to listen to both and determine whether its worth it. I did talk to one after-market company and they indicated that they would keep most of the speakers in their upgrade to the 1 series. He also felt that there wasn't much benefit to the $850 upgrade - but then, he was trying to sell me a $2500+ upgrade package so I'm pretty sure he was just being agreeable. :wink: Their upgrade had mostly to do with additional power and some sort of processor upgrade to make better use of what he called "decent" speakers.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2009, 11:22 PM	#5
Rawhide Captain 363 Rep 792 Posts Drives: 2022 M340ix Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: USA, KC iTrader: (0)	Honestly, I was not impressed with the sound of either stereo system. I'm thinking an audio upgrade is coming this spring. Any suggestions\advice?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-06-2009, 02:21 AM	#6
AtomiK Second Lieutenant 32 Rep 279 Posts Drives: Around Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: USA iTrader: (1)	Kind of off topic, but I don't want to start a whole new thread for this. I am just wondering if the shark fin antenna comes with the HD radio, since I got with my navigation system. Sorry for the hijack.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-06-2009, 07:50 AM	#8
gnpower Lieutenant 18 Rep 475 Posts Drives: BMW ///M Sport 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Red Sox Nation iTrader: (0)	Manual also states that there are 10 speakers in the car. Where are they all located? 4 in the doors 2 in the rear 2 subs under the front seats? Missing 2 more __________________ ///M 135i
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-06-2009, 12:14 PM	#10
ptack Brigadier General 266 Rep 4,469 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2008 Location: NJ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 135i [6.50]	I have the premium system and think it's great. I am always noticing details in certain songs that didn't notice before. Basically though, even the standard system will sound relatively good. What most people may not realize is that cars provide excellent opportunities to provide an ideal accoustic spaces for music. The seats are fixed, the walls are fixed, the finishes are fixed - basically the engineers can design a system for that specific environment which puts the best possible sound right about where your ears have to be. Car makers like BMS do employ serious efforts in designing the sound systems. While it's possible you can get a 3rd party to upgrade some of the components, it's not likely you could tell much difference - especially when the car is running. __________________ 135i, SGM, Coral, Sport Package, Auto, Premium Hifi, USB/ipod, Apex EC-7s, PPK Stage II
	Appreciate 0 Quote