I have a theory about the high-end-dominant sound that you experienced (and I hear in the video as well): the B&W system adds just 4 more speakers (20 total) than the HK system (16 total), and IIRC all 4 are up high in the roof/door frame, and they're all tweeters. I suspect the extra tweeters, especially with their proximity to your ears, and whatever soundstage is configured for the B&W is making things too higher-frequency dominant instead of nicely blended/balanced as with the Harmon Kardon system (which doesn't have above-head tweeters). It's just a theory, but seems plausible. Until I test both different systems in person, my ears seem to prefer the HK sound dynamics better than the B&W.
@@degou3438I don't believe the Rolls Royce being that good. It's simply the same setup as in a BMW just different speakers... for me the L405 Range Rover is still king. Bowers volvo also brutal
So, would you recommend this over the Harmon Kardon system? I am considering a X5 50e for my next vehicle, but it doesn't have the option for the B&W, and I would need to get the m50i to get it. From your review, it seems like it wouldn't be. I am coming from a GX460 Mark Levinson which is probably the best sound system I have ever heard. Any thoughts?
Pick nothing and go aftermarket with bmw specific speakers and match up amp it is plug and play and if you have good installers installers which know how to make use of a digital sound processor u will spend less than 3K on a system with the same power as BW and believe me which fits your needs. I have no idea why anybody would spend so much money on just a brand. BW just manufactures the speakers. You simply pay too much for something that has too little impact at some degree you will reach the point of deminishing returns where a more expensive better speaker will not result in better sound . BW is a brand for home audio as well as Burmester not for car audio (two completely different worlds) The same speaker in your home theatre sounds completely different in your car. There are brands out there who produce speakers for not much money for decades suited for only car audio. Like Audison. You can have a total of 6 speakers as a 3 way front system which is the best solution possible. A solid set would cost u 400-900 EUR max a plug and play amp costs 850 EUR with a install you will result in 2500 EUR max. DSP can solve the problems which happen because of the room in car. They also can shift the stage and delay speakers so that the driver has a central sound stage. I would never ever buy a top end system because you will always be disappointed if you have in mind what you paid for a mediocre system. I would rather take the HK system and have a blast with that knowing I spend very little money but a solid system.
Just found you today - thanks for the awesome work! Question: Do you calibrate your audio instruments (binaural microphones, etc) the exact same way before each test/video? I ask because I'm listening to this video's music sequences side-by-side/split-screen with your 2024 BMW X5 Harmon Kardon one (play one, listen for 5 seconds, hit pause, go to the other one, listen for 5, hit pause, etc), and the HK system sounds more crisp/tight with richer bass, whereas this video (B&W) sounds more muddy and 'echoy' with moderate bass. Could this just be due to one of the 4 'sound stages' selected in the B&W system? Frankly, I'm shocked, but *very* pleasantly surprised at how well the HK performed, which appears to be even better (for my preferences anyway) than the B&W. Thoughts? Edit: I'm listening with Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro studio headphones, and I experience the same outcome with both flat equalizer settings as well as with my preferred EQ adjustments. In both listening tests, the HK video music segments sound better to me.
Thanks, and you're welcome! Yes, the mics are the same for every video. I trust your videos are both playing at the same bitrate? But yes, I found the H/K to be surprisingly strong compared to the B&W. Many of the H/K systems in the new BMWs have been strong. Often times the premium sound systems try to add fluff and gimmicks that don't always equate to the best pure sound.
@@DailyMotorSoundI just ran the comparisons again, this time ensuring identical bitrates, and yes, same results, and the HK sounds great. I think at this point, the best thing to do if someone is cross-shopping these two sound systems is to go to a showroom and listen to them yourself back-to-back with the same audio tracks and then decide for yourself, because they might be that close. Regardless, I do feel confident that, as you said, BMW and Harmon Kardon listened to customers and reviewers and really cleaned up the HK system so it's finally a solid choice for many people. Again, thanks for your channel and the work you do. You've got a new subscriber 👍
Had a 2021 X7 with the B&W system and it was amazing. Tons of great bass. Tested an iX with B&W and noticed it lacked deep bass. Clean sound and loud but the deep thick bass was not there. Even with the adjustments. Then I tried the i7 with the B&W and noticed more bass. Ended up purchasing the i5 with B&W and oh my it has no bass. Clean clear sound but absolutely lacking bass. Really miss the x7 B&W system. So far the best I have ever heard in a vehicle so far.
After testing both H/K and B&W on a newest X5, can you say that there is a day and night difference between the two systems? I have a 2020 X5 M50i with H&K and my mind constantly keeps going back to B&W as I'm an audiophile. I find my H/K to be really fine and you can't say it's not hi-end system but I still find Bose 14-speaker audio system in my 2007 Cayenne S to be audibly better even though it technically has 350W while H/K in the X5 is said to push out 464W. In the Cayenne I always feel the soundstage, there is crispness and a lot of punch despite the fact that it's a 16-year old software and hardware.
I think B&W tuning has changed for the newer vehicles. Less bass. I haven’t check out the newer x7 but our older x7 with B&W system was hands down the best. Had awesome bass with clear mids and highs.
Looking at the cars, this got an A+ and the X7 got an S-, so it's likely a very small difference. In this video, he noted that he didn't like the tuning in this one and that the other systems have a little more power. Although I'd say with a difference this small, it would come down to what the individual thinks sounds better.
Its sounds off because all speakers aren't being used in studio... sound like its coming mostly from center than around you....that is why it defaults in concert to use all speakers and give better rounding of the sound....LOL
I have a theory about the high-end-dominant sound that you experienced (and I hear in the video as well): the B&W system adds just 4 more speakers (20 total) than the HK system (16 total), and IIRC all 4 are up high in the roof/door frame, and they're all tweeters. I suspect the extra tweeters, especially with their proximity to your ears, and whatever soundstage is configured for the B&W is making things too higher-frequency dominant instead of nicely blended/balanced as with the Harmon Kardon system (which doesn't have above-head tweeters). It's just a theory, but seems plausible. Until I test both different systems in person, my ears seem to prefer the HK sound dynamics better than the B&W.
Interesting to see a BW system get A Tier.
Yup, I was not impressed at all with the Bowers & Wilkins in the XC90.
@@electrikoptik Do you think they are different in BMW and Volvo:?
@@electrikoptik For Charlie, the B&W system in the Volvo XC90 is second only to Rolls Royce's Bespoke Audio. Your experience is interesting
@@brianbrian5259they are very different mate.
@@degou3438I don't believe the Rolls Royce being that good. It's simply the same setup as in a BMW just different speakers...
for me the L405 Range Rover is still king. Bowers volvo also brutal
So, would you recommend this over the Harmon Kardon system? I am considering a X5 50e for my next vehicle, but it doesn't have the option for the B&W, and I would need to get the m50i to get it. From your review, it seems like it wouldn't be. I am coming from a GX460 Mark Levinson which is probably the best sound system I have ever heard. Any thoughts?
Pick nothing and go aftermarket with bmw specific speakers and match up amp it is plug and play and if you have good installers installers which know how to make use of a digital sound processor u will spend less than 3K on a system with the same power as BW and believe me which fits your needs. I have no idea why anybody would spend so much money on just a brand. BW just manufactures the speakers. You simply pay too much for something that has too little impact at some degree you will reach the point of deminishing returns where a more expensive better speaker will not result in better sound . BW is a brand for home audio as well as Burmester not for car audio (two completely different worlds) The same speaker in your home theatre sounds completely different in your car. There are brands out there who produce speakers for not much money for decades suited for only car audio. Like Audison. You can have a total of 6 speakers as a 3 way front system which is the best solution possible. A solid set would cost u 400-900 EUR max a plug and play amp costs 850 EUR with a install you will result in 2500 EUR max. DSP can solve the problems which happen because of the room in car. They also can shift the stage and delay speakers so that the driver has a central sound stage. I would never ever buy a top end system because you will always be disappointed if you have in mind what you paid for a mediocre system. I would rather take the HK system and have a blast with that knowing I spend very little money but a solid system.
1. Neither will be as good as your GX. 2. I wouldn't bother getting a trim you don't want just to get the B&W. H/K is close enough.
@@DailyMotorSound Much appreciated. Might wait for the 2024 GX550 and see if that ML sound system is just as good.
Just found you today - thanks for the awesome work! Question: Do you calibrate your audio instruments (binaural microphones, etc) the exact same way before each test/video? I ask because I'm listening to this video's music sequences side-by-side/split-screen with your 2024 BMW X5 Harmon Kardon one (play one, listen for 5 seconds, hit pause, go to the other one, listen for 5, hit pause, etc), and the HK system sounds more crisp/tight with richer bass, whereas this video (B&W) sounds more muddy and 'echoy' with moderate bass. Could this just be due to one of the 4 'sound stages' selected in the B&W system? Frankly, I'm shocked, but *very* pleasantly surprised at how well the HK performed, which appears to be even better (for my preferences anyway) than the B&W. Thoughts?
Edit: I'm listening with Beyerdynamic DT 1770 Pro studio headphones, and I experience the same outcome with both flat equalizer settings as well as with my preferred EQ adjustments. In both listening tests, the HK video music segments sound better to me.
Thanks, and you're welcome! Yes, the mics are the same for every video. I trust your videos are both playing at the same bitrate? But yes, I found the H/K to be surprisingly strong compared to the B&W. Many of the H/K systems in the new BMWs have been strong. Often times the premium sound systems try to add fluff and gimmicks that don't always equate to the best pure sound.
@@DailyMotorSoundI just ran the comparisons again, this time ensuring identical bitrates, and yes, same results, and the HK sounds great. I think at this point, the best thing to do if someone is cross-shopping these two sound systems is to go to a showroom and listen to them yourself back-to-back with the same audio tracks and then decide for yourself, because they might be that close. Regardless, I do feel confident that, as you said, BMW and Harmon Kardon listened to customers and reviewers and really cleaned up the HK system so it's finally a solid choice for many people. Again, thanks for your channel and the work you do. You've got a new subscriber 👍
It's neat that you literally drove right past where I go to college! I noticed the same in the i5 video!
Nice! Beautiful area.
@@DailyMotorSound It is! I've lived here since 2005!
Is it possible that tuning low-end via equalizer would improve feelings so this system would receive S tier then?
Awesome and honest review as ever!! 💯
Had a 2021 X7 with the B&W system and it was amazing. Tons of great bass. Tested an iX with B&W and noticed it lacked deep bass. Clean sound and loud but the deep thick bass was not there. Even with the adjustments. Then I tried the i7 with the B&W and noticed more bass. Ended up purchasing the i5 with B&W and oh my it has no bass. Clean clear sound but absolutely lacking bass. Really miss the x7 B&W system. So far the best I have ever heard in a vehicle so far.
After testing both H/K and B&W on a newest X5, can you say that there is a day and night difference between the two systems?
I have a 2020 X5 M50i with H&K and my mind constantly keeps going back to B&W as I'm an audiophile. I find my H/K to be really fine and you can't say it's not hi-end system but I still find Bose 14-speaker audio system in my 2007 Cayenne S to be audibly better even though it technically has 350W while H/K in the X5 is said to push out 464W.
In the Cayenne I always feel the soundstage, there is crispness and a lot of punch despite the fact that it's a 16-year old software and hardware.
Just found your channel. Would love for you to rate Rivian's R1S system. I know I have my own concerns with it as many others do as well.
Trying to get one from them, their PR department is a bit scattered. Had an R1T briefly, but it had no way of playing my lossless files.
Maybe its not worth the money but it sure sound great. I sold my x5 with the hk and ordered the x5 60i with theB &W. I love it
If I had the money I’d go BW without even thinking ! But I’m looking for used 22-23 max fully loaded and BW still hard to come up
very nice car, how would u rate sound system between 0-10 range?
7
How can you rank bowers and Harman on x5 both at A. I would have more categories. B&W of x5 is high B Harman low c
I think B&W tuning has changed for the newer vehicles. Less bass. I haven’t check out the newer x7 but our older x7 with B&W system was hands down the best. Had awesome bass with clear mids and highs.
How does it compare to the new X7’s system? What would you say was better about that system to deserve the S tier
Looking at the cars, this got an A+ and the X7 got an S-, so it's likely a very small difference. In this video, he noted that he didn't like the tuning in this one and that the other systems have a little more power. Although I'd say with a difference this small, it would come down to what the individual thinks sounds better.
This guy summed it up pretty well. I'm sure BMW told Harman to back off the X5's system a bit in order to make the flagship X7 sound better.
@@bandguymichaelman idk he gave the i4 h/k an S Tier but when I tested the car it wasn't nearly that good 😅 would have gave it a B+, A max
Bro u drive right my my school in this hahah
So the both H/K and the B&W get A tier. Interesting
Yes, that's strange. I thought Bowers will receive at least A+, compared to A in HK.
But B&O is just a better audio experience imo and I’ve had both and will always choose that over HK
it sound goods in my PC speakers and subwoofer!
Is it better than the H/K sound system?
Yes it is!! 🙌
can you do a new tesla model x 22 speaker system test? thanks!
Should have seen this vid months ago. I specced the car with the 4.8k Euros Bowers Wilkins. Absolutely not worth it.
Your testing seems to generally bypass vocals. I didn't hear any rock vocalists nor any male vocalists. Is there a reason for this?
Harder to find copyright free high fi tracks with vocals. But I am open to adding some
Its sounds off because all speakers aren't being used in studio... sound like its coming mostly from center than around you....that is why it defaults in concert to use all speakers and give better rounding of the sound....LOL
What's better HK or BW?
BW
@@DailyMotorSound It seemed to me that a rock song sounds better on HK ))
B&W sound systems used to be top tier but I guess it's no longer the case :(
The BMW Bowers and Wilkins have never really been exceptional. Volvo is where it’s at!
@@mmiguelyareddSomehow B&W nearly nailed it in the BMW i4 but yeah, B&W aren’t as impressive in most BMW’s.
If I'm not mistaken, there's no B&W in i4, just Harman Kardon, which yes, is great.
@@DailyMotorSoundyou are correct.
perhaps, Bowers & Wilkins in bmw i7 with 4D surround might be considered
what's that color called?
This one is Santorini Blue
Please play Shakespeare by sushi B on your next review
BMW X5 with HK also had A tier 🤔
Yeah, I don't think the BW is worth the upgrade for most people
thank You for answering, I am very interesting if it is the same situation with B&O premium and Advanced in Audi A6
So basically not worth the upgrade over the base system.
Maybe not worth the upgrade over the Harman kardon. We haven't tested the base system but I'm sure this is much better than that