[VetteGuy]

I’m planning to order a 2021 soon, our first BMW in 6 years. I generally upgrade sound systems in my cars to whatever the upper option is. Sometimes I’m happy, sometimes I’m not, and find myself upgrading speakers.

I’ve read some threads here on aftermarket speaker replacement, but I am curious about what owners generally think of the HK system. Order it, or invest that $875 into aftermarket upgrade?

[FrostNixon]

Depends on you, for some people, me included, the hifi system (base system in the USA) is enough, for others even the HK is inferior and they replace the speakers. So question is what are you coming from and what are you aiming for? Better go to a dealership and listen to the HK, if you don't like it then just go for base and upgrade it.

[themnmd]

HK is above average not great, base radio sucks. For the HK price it may be a challenge to beat the HK though. I have the HK and I like it but not as much as if I had $2500 or more for a killer system. Unless you are an audiophile you may not care about any of this. Hope you are happy with your choice

[TheBingoBalls]

Audiophile or not, HK is a must. Even to the casual and passive listener, the base system just won't cut it. It will likely be a regret afterwards if you don't order it.

[VetteGuy]

Thanks. I may not be an audiophile but I know base systems are generally of average quality at best. I’ve listened to the base Hi Fi and it’s in that category. The cost of the HK system really isn’t that bad compared to some other systems, especially the Bose “upgrades” in GM cars. I’ll most likely order the HK and upgrade speakers later on since I’ll be buying not leasing.

[del82]

Originally Posted by VetteGuy

Thanks. I may not be an audiophile but I know base systems are generally of average quality at best. I've listened to the base Hi Fi and it's in that category. The cost of the HK system really isn't that bad compared to some other systems, especially the Bose "upgrades" in GM cars. I'll most likely order the HK and upgrade speakers later on since I'll be buying not leasing.

I agree with this approach. The HK system may not satisfy those who want super high sound from their car set up, but it is night and day over the standard base system and is a nice middle ground that will satisfy 99% of people.

Also if you do upgrade later on, the digital processors are already in the car with HK so it gives more options.

[AustraliaG20]

100% definitely go for HK. I have a G20 Hifi, and an X5 with HK, and they are light years away from each other. I have now upgraded all the speakers in the G20 with Bavsound which is nicer, but there is no real amplifier upgrade - so you are really stuck due to the new RAM iDrive 7 design. Maybe there will be an upgrade in the coming months, but who knows.

100% pay the extra, it's not even a question.

[VetteGuy]

Thanks.

[Gdiddy23]

I have HiFi system and wish I would have opted for HK. My F30 had Bavsound speaker upgrades and had a better amp and 10" sub. Was a very nice set up without being too obnoxious.

The HiFi is fine for casual listening but I wish I optioned the HK when I ordered mine

[pneumodoc]

Originally Posted by Gdiddy23

I have HiFi system and wish I would have opted for HK. My F30 had Bavsound speaker upgrades and had a better amp and 10" sub. Was a very nice set up without being too obnoxious.

The HiFi is fine for casual listening but I wish I optioned the HK when I ordered mine

Sort of similar, although I upgraded all the speakers, and looks like HiFi (and not HK) will soon have plug n play amp upgrades.