[goodberger]

I lucked into a build because someone backed out. It is pretty much how I would have ordered it except I would have gotten the upgraded stereo. Can anyone tell me how the base system sounds? I mean, it can't be THAT bad, right? Ugh.

[cb123]

It's not really good. It's just average. I'm getting used to it but the sound quality is mediocre.

[CTGT2005]

I have it. The sound is clear but somewhat one dimensional/not real musical. I'm planning to upgrade to either Bavsound or Bimmer Tech for about $1200 if you DIY.

People have been replacing the HK system with these speakers and have good results, so I'd reckon it's money better spent than buying the HK upgrade.

[goodberger]

Originally Posted by CTGT2005

I have it. The sound is clear but somewhat one dimensional/not real musical. I'm planning to upgrade to either Bavsound or Bimmer Tech for about $1200 if you DIY.

People have been replacing the HK system with these speakers and have good results, so I'd reckon it's money better spent than buying the HK upgrade.

Do you have a link for these? Thanks!

[CTGT2005]

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/speakers...lifier-for-bmw

I couldn't find a direct link but you'll need to go to Alpha One in products and select the G42 2021+

Bavsound I didn't see they offer a 2 series kit yet but they have G20 3 series products which should be basically same components of you match the sizes.

[applecst]

Tbh…I'm pretty sensitive to the quality of music …and the HK system isn't that impressive lol

[Jashue]

My G42 has yet to arrive, but I can speak intelligently about the system on my F22. In a word (or two), it SUCKS.

I'm not too hardcore a car audio enthusiast, though I once was, and decent audio is pretty important to me. I wound up ditching the speakers the car came with and having installed a BavSound Stage 1 kit — speakers all around, including the sail speakers on the doors. I also added an eight inch sub for the trunk driven by an Alpine PDR-V75 which I already owned. I also beefed up the sound dampening. The resulting sound was miles above the stock system, but nothing that impressive by car audiophile standards. It is interesting to me to see how much the SPEAKERS alone improved things. I assumed that I need to replace not only the speakers but add a second amp to clean things up and provide some punch. This tells me that the amp in the stock system, though anemic, is pretty clean. I can crank the system up to 80% volume and it there is plenty integrity, but it's really not that loud. For what I paid— I had hoped that it would sound better. Probably should have added another amp.

It pains me to hear that the HK system on the car I ordered is not too impressive. I guess we'll see. It's got to be at least as good as my modified stock system— at least I hope it is! I don't care too much about volume. I just want fidelity.

[MPR]

What comes with HK, does it affect the type of radio or anything aside from speakers?

If I plan to replace speakers and amps with aftermarket, should I remove HK?

[TJZ67201]

Daily motor rates the HK system as 'A' tier in their sound system review:

[jpcoop]

Originally Posted by Jashue

It pains me to hear that the HK system on the car I ordered is not too impressive. I guess we'll see. It's got to be at least as good as my modified stock system— at least I hope it is! I don't care too much about volume. I just want fidelity.

The base (hi-FI) system in the F22 was hot garbage. Sounded like bad TV speakers. I replaced the speakers almost immediately with the Bavsound kit. I can’t comment on the G42 base system other than to say I really hope they improved it…

The HK system in the G42 is quite good. I have no desire to change anything. I’m sure some super discerning listener will find an excuse to replace things but there’s really no need. Given that you’re driving down the road and not sitting in a chair in a quiet room it’s all you’ll need, unless you’re a big EDM fan or something and need more bass (it is a bit treble-y).

[Vancouver_M440]

You don't want it to drown out the sound of the engine or exhaust any right?

[MPR]

If the mids/highs are decent maybe Ill roll with the HK system and add a amp/sub

[DriftKing860]

Daily motor reviews every sound system of cars they review. G42 HK system was rated very highly. We worth the 900

[Evilmoretea]

My 2014 Fiat 500 has a better stereo with better base than the stock sound system on the BMW I'm afraid. It's pretty awful imo. Haven't heard the Harmon Kardon yet but I'm hoping for much better things.

[applecst]

Just gonna throw this out here…my HK doesn't sound that amazing. Any specific setting need to be done? Maybe EQ?

[DriftKing860]

Turn off surround sound

Originally Posted by applecst

Just gonna throw this out here…my HK doesn't sound that amazing. Any specific setting need to be done? Maybe EQ?

[jpcoop]

Originally Posted by DriftKing860

Turn off surround sound

This. The system itself is quite good but the lame fake pseudo-surround is not and unfortunately on by default. Go to sound settings, “LOGIC7 Surround”, and turn it off. I’m fine with it the way it is, but if you like a more bass-heavy sound I would also suggest tinkering with the EQ a little.

[DriftKing860]

Jpcoop with the oop

Originally Posted by jpcoop

This. The system itself is quite good but the lame fake pseudo-surround is not and unfortunately on by default. Go to sound settings, “LOGIC7 Surround”, and turn it off. I’m fine with it the way it is, but if you like a more bass-heavy sound I would also suggest tinkering with the EQ a little.

[viperdriver5150]

Base stereo blows. My Chrysler Pacifica was light years ahead of this base system and have owned the 240 since December.

[Ravenseal]

If you care about music and sound quality, the base stereo sucks. If you don't care, then it's fine.

I spec premium sound on all my cars because why the hell wouldn't I add $800 when I'm paying $50,000+ for a car. The sound system is the thing that gets used the most on the interior except for the steering wheel.

[MPR]

My argument is you can probably get aftermarket speakers that are better than HK for less (or cost a little more but 10x better than HK). Assuming the HK doesn't get you a better radio or the car lacks the ability to add amps. This is why I'm on the fence with HK, I am going to miss my component setup w/sub that I have in my BRZ

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by MPR

My argument is you can probably get aftermarket speakers that are better than HK for less (or cost a little more but 10x better than HK). Assuming the HK doesn't get you a better radio or the car lacks the ability to add amps. This is why I'm on the fence with HK, I am going to miss my component setup w/sub that I have in my BRZ

You're going to find a complete set of speakers that sound 10x better for under $800?

In reference sound systems for a car, you can't even get a single high end speaker for $600. That's not even accounting for the labor of replacing all 12 of them.