Enhanced Premium Sound Worth the $1900?

[frankzlin79]

I know there is a rather long thread on this topic, but that one seemed overly technical with testing results.

I just would like a short answer fromn people who have the regular sound and heard the premium and said, "I wish I got premium sound." or a person who has premium sound and heard the regular sound and said, "Man, premium sound was a waste of money."

To me, $1900 is a pretty hefty option that can be used to get other things non-audio related (clearbra, tint, 19" wheels, etc.). I'll either get premieum sound or not (I'm not interested in getting a regular sound system and then replacing it with after-market components, because if I do, I know that I'll spend well over $1900 in components. I use to have a sound system in all of my former cars, but found that to be a big waste since I switch cars about every 2 yrs. However, if I'm going to be getting my first M3, I just might keep it for 5 yrs).

All thoughts are welcome.

[BMWguy206]

Originally Posted by frankzlin79

I know there is a rather long thread on this topic, but that one seemed overly technical with testing results.

I just would like a short answer fromn people who have the regular sound and heard the premium and said, "I wish I got premium sound." or a person who has premium sound and heard the regular sound and said, "Man, premium sound was a waste of money."

To me, $1900 is a pretty hefty option that can be used to get other things non-audio related (clearbra, tint, 19" wheels, etc.). I'll either get premieum sound or not (I'm not interested in getting a regular sound system and then replacing it with after-market components.). All thoughts are welcomed.

In my opinion it's not worth it but I am also not an audiophile guy that I admit.

I had no choice though because the dealer only had one DCT E90 M3 with the color combo that I wanted and didn't want any potential customer to test drive it.

[BMWguy206]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

IMO, yes... once burned in and you get it adjusted properly the system is fantastic. Better than the L7... although it took me a good month or so to get it right... gotta find that sweet spot.

Share us your settings? Mine is in default.

[Big Windy]

Originally Posted by BMWguy206

Share us your settings? Mine is in default.

Check PencilGeek's thread on this...he already EQ'd everything out using all his high tech shit.

To the OP, there are plenty of other threads with opinions on this that don't have technical info. Search around.

But to answer your question: YES. I was teetering on this one and am glad I put down the extra money. It is a great system.

[BMWguy206]

Originally Posted by Big Windy

Check PencilGeek's thread on this...he already EQ'd everything out using all his high tech shit.

To the OP, there are plenty of other threads with opinions on this that don't have technical info. Search around.

But to answer your question: YES. I was teetering on this one and am glad I put down the extra money. It is a great system.

Thanks for the advice! Much appreciated.

[ScottyGams]

Big Windy, thajks for search advice very helpful...

to OP, omg YES! I have spent 2k on aftermarket and not made it sound this good (the price to integrate the system to look stock drains cash).

if you like you music (radio can't use a nice system like this), then 825 watts is the prescription

[Technic]

Originally Posted by frankzlin79

I know there is a rather long thread on this topic, but that one seemed overly technical with testing results.

I just would like a short answer fromn people who have the regular sound and heard the premium and said, "I wish I got premium sound." or a person who has premium sound and heard the regular sound and said, "Man, premium sound was a waste of money."

To me, $1900 is a pretty hefty option that can be used to get other things non-audio related (clearbra, tint, 19" wheels, etc.). I'll either get premieum sound or not (I'm not interested in getting a regular sound system and then replacing it with after-market components, because if I do, I know that I'll spend well over $1900 in components. I use to have a sound system in all of my former cars, but found that to be a big waste since I switch cars about every 2 yrs. However, if I'm going to be getting my first M3, I just might keep it for 5 yrs).

All thoughts are welcome.

Personally, Premium Sound is not worth $1900.

My M3 has it by obligation, as this particular M3 was the only one close to my home with the combination of color/interior/equipment that I was looking for. The second and much better choice (no Premium Sound) was 3000 miles away, so it was no choice.

IMO, if you do not like to upgrade OEM sound systems and you are very happy with whatever the OEM can give you as a sound system, then get it. It has strong bass, nice highs, can sustain a higher than usual volume without discernible distortion and pretty much sound relatively nicer than other OEM systems. But that's it... there's no clarity, no definition. Mid sounds are "muffled", flat; this much lauded DIRAC processing is doing something to the sound that ends up sounding artificial. The front stage is too concentrated in the center speaker, so there is no subtle sense of voices coming from a general front area, just a hit to the face from the dash -even in "Surround".

Regardless of the iDrive EQ settings, the source or the volume that "muffled" sound is there. For the last three weeks I have been trying to find that "Holy Grail" of the EQ setting to avoid slapping a Cleansweep to this OEM amp outputs and remove all that DIRAC crap coming out of that sucker to no avail.

Otherwise, save the $1900, stick with the standard system and upgrade from there. It will be much simpler and most probably cheaper with much better results to your personal taste.

[Irb Digital]

I wanted the premium audio, but the car I decided on didn't have it. To my surprise the standard audio, is fine for me. From what I've read, paying $2k for the premium, doesn't get you $2k worth of joy. But, thats not from personal experience, so all I can say is the standard audio sounds good, has some decent volume, and looking back, I'm glad I didn't pay $2k for something that wasn't necessary. It would be nice to have an equalizer though, instead of only bass/treble adjustments. Man I've got to squash that aftermarket bug right now!

[808MGuy]

Its not a simple yes or no answer because everyone's expectations are differernt. Like Technic said, are you one that typically doesn't like OEM systems and upgrade to aftermarket? If that's what you're used to, you won't be happy with the premium system either. The other question is if you are thinking of going aftermarket, are you willing to put in the effort to do it right? Its not going to be a simple slap it in and go type install. It will require a lot of planning even for a professional. Are you willing to put in that kind of time and effort? If not, just get the premium system and live with it.

FWIW, you can have near competition level systems built for a little over $2k.

[Atny286]

Why don't you bring your favourite CD and visit the dealer. That's what I did, and it took me 5sec to spend another $1,900...

[montreal red]

premium sound is worth it... if the stock system was at least logic 7 quality, i would not have spent the extra cash but the stock system sucks.

[watrob]

Get the upgraded sound, the sound in all cars is only average including BMW. I always upgrade to the better audio just so I get something reasonable.

[Dascamel]

Originally Posted by Atny286

Why don't you bring your favourite CD and visit the dealer. That's what I did, and it took me 5sec to spend another $1,900...

Just remember both systems will sound nicer after the speakers are broken in, takes a 100+ hours of music to occur. You probably also need to play with the equalizer and balance a bit to get either to sound decent.

[watrob]

Originally Posted by Dascamel

Just remember both systems will sound nicer after the speakers are broken in, takes a 100+ hours of music to occur. You probably also need to play with the equalizer and balance a bit to get either to sound decent.

That's true, I left mine running day & night so to get that 100 odd hours up quicker.

[Atny286]

Originally Posted by Dascamel

Just remember both systems will sound nicer after the speakers are broken in, takes a 100+ hours of music to occur. You probably also need to play with the equalizer and balance a bit to get either to sound decent.

However, that's means you can still hear the difference between Enhanced and stock from the first hour, right?

[SR71M3]

One of the best sound systems out right now. As good if not better than B&O and Mark Levinson.

[slavearm]

Originally Posted by SR71M3

One of the best sound systems out right now. As good if not better than B&O and Mark Levinson.

Wow... get a new hearing aid. Even the premium system does not sound as clean and rich as the Levinson system in my 1999 Lexus RX300. I sat in both the premium and base sound with 3 cds and I can assure you, for me it was not worth the 1900. I don't like the speakers in either system really, and the EQ in the premium is so-so. I think for the money, you are probably better off buying better speakers and aftermarket amp(s). Keep the stock head unit. Most of the BMW stock units are ok, unless you want to dump a BUNCH of money.

Anyways... my 2c. I think I am biased, as my last car was rocking Focal Utopias all the way around with MC amps. Maybe my expectations are real high.

[apw2607]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

IMO, yes... once burned in and you get it adjusted properly the system is fantastic. Better than the L7... although it took me a good month or so to get it right... gotta find that sweet spot.

Exactly. Thats the key. The system has to be broken in ... or more the speakers have to be. When I first got the car, I'm like why did I pay $1900 for this? It sounded ok. As the weeks progressed I noticed the stereo sounding better and better. Now I'm really happy with it.

[footie]

Originally Posted by SR71M3

One of the best sound systems out right now. As good if not better than B&O and Mark Levinson.

I haven't heard the Premium system in the E92, only the basic and the one I have (Logic7), maybe it's a whole lot better than mine but then it would have to be, to make a claim like that because mine isn't a patch on the B&O system in my S5 which also happened to be a lot cheaper than both the L7 system and a hack of a lot cheaper than the Premium system.

Mark levinson systems in the Lexus is very special, effortless and spacious and two words that spring to mind but I still feel the B&O system in the A8 is better but then at £5K it should be.

[moog55]

Enhanced Premium Sound Worth the $1900?

No. If you're an audiophile, you will be disappointed. Wait for the right aftermarket setup.. There are a few in the works right now. Until then, enjoy the sound of the V8...

[EDELWEISS]

yes i think its worth it .

[ase2dais]

got it with Sat Radio and the new iDrive... its worth it for those who can afford it.

Check Out the 09 iDrive DVD with Premium Sound... its Theatre Quality.
just get a microwave for popcorn and you're all set

h