Premium Sound- Opinions/Settings

I haven't seen any of these threads about the premium sound for a while so I figured I'd give it a go.

First, I have to say I expected to be (based on other bmw stereo systems), and am disappointed in the premium sound. I went from a '09 Z4 with standard sound. It was such a weak stereo system that it was pretty pointless to even have the radio on with the top down at highway speeds. Then I drove a hummer H3 with the base stereo for a year and I would take that stereo over the $900 premium upgrade in the f10 any day. I just don't understand how they miss the mark here.

It's not "bad", but it just isn't "special" in any way.

Next, I'd love to see how others tune their premium systems. So far I just can't get over the harshness that comes through with voices. So I hate to admit it, but for now the best setup I have tuned is with both the treble and bass at the max setting (surround off). This seems to work best at all volumes to drown out the tinggy harshness I hear from the vocals of most songs.

I searched and found some settings from a few years ago, but something must be different because those settings were not pleasing at all.

Thanks for any thoughts and suggestions.

sorry wrong forum but I think the sound suxs and no amount of adjusting will fix it.

Try adjusting your equalizer.

This is what a pro audio guy posted on another forum it changes the system 100% try it.

Did wonders for me.

Fader +2 towards rear
Treble +4
Bass 0
Surround off!!!
100Hz -2
200Hz -1
500Hz 0
1KHz +2
2KHz -3
5KHz +4
10KHz +6

Originally Posted by Supercomputers

This is what a pro audio guy posted on another forum it changes the system 100% try it.

Did wonders for me.

Fader +2 towards rear
Treble +4
Bass 0
Surround off!!!
100Hz -2
200Hz -1
500Hz 0
1KHz +2
2KHz -3
5KHz +4
10KHz +6

Was this done on a F10 originally?

I was very dissapointed in the SQ of this BMW audio system, until I sat in the back one day. It is truly designed for all 4 passengers. In fact, I think the system sounds better when sitting in the rear vs the front.

Not sure what people expect out of a stock (premium or not) audio system. If you're that hard up for audio, then just go aftermarket since NO manufacturer can beat that.

For me it sounds great and although kinda ghetto, I love heavy bass lol. I'm no expert in car audio by any means, but even for the average novice, just play around with the EQ until you hear what sounds best for YOU and YOUR type of music.

I'm quite happy with the premium audio in my '13 550i...definitely a step up from the premium audio in my '11 M3. Hope you're not drawing your conclusions from listening to Sirius

Also, I made the equalizer changes posted earlier in this thread and like them.

I dont think I have ever heard a better $800 upgrade system.

Guys the settings I got from the audio guy reall fine tune the system,

However if you like more bass just adjust it, I think I am plus 4 on the bass with everything else as posted and it rocks.

Sirius sounds the worse of available inputs so I assume that is what you are using? I use pandora and it sounds amazing. Better music selection as well.

Originally Posted by Jasonalec

Sirius sounds the worse of available inputs so I assume that is what you are using? I use pandora and it sounds amazing. Better music selection as well.

Do you have the subscription Pandora or the free? I haven't compared the two, but I hear the subscription is high quality and the free is quite low.

Originally Posted by Supercomputers

This is what a pro audio guy posted on another forum it changes the system 100% try it.

Did wonders for me.

Fader +2 towards rear
Treble +4
Bass 0
Surround off!!!
100Hz -2
200Hz -1
500Hz 0
1KHz +2
2KHz -3
5KHz +4
10KHz +6

I have tried a variation of this and it does improve the sound. The key adjustments are at 100 and 200 Hz and at 2kHz, that for sure has to be at least -3 to get the "shrill" out of the sound for me anyway. But it depends what you are listening to. A CD is pretty good and some music videos are decent too depending on how they are recorded. Also, if you download music on your hard drive, you can manage some good quality results.

Originally Posted by TGray5

Do you have the subscription Pandora or the free? I haven't compared the two, but I hear the subscription is high quality and the free is quite low.

I subscribe but I think the BMW gives you premium access when plugged in anyway. Well worth the $36 as I use it at home/office and at the gym as well as in the car. It works seamlessly either via Blue tooth or tethered to the console. I have actually begun to use my iphone for navigation as the car system is not as good as the new google maps.

Since sound is very selective, I have a variation on the list from 'supercomputers'. I leave the front / back fader control at neutral and I would definitely agree and turn off 'surround'.
My former E60 sounded much better with 'surround' on.
Go figure.
GL