[ebirotedu]

I wonder if it's possible that your original system sounded better because it was tuned and the settings were wiped or lost when the booster was replaced?

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

So recently my car went in for the booster/amp replacement due to faulty units installed in BMW’s built in 2020.

Here’s the kicker, before I brought it in I swear the bass hit harder, had to keep it dialed down cause it overpowered the sound system….but bass would cut out randomly so definitely wanted it taken care of while under warranty.

It sounds ok, I max the surround sound to bring in additional volume coming from the rear speakers….it is not a true surround sound system, all it seems to do is increase volume behind your head without touching the volume knob.

Do not have a point of reference for the base system, I purposely seeked out mostly loaded CPO M40i’s before purchase.

[MisanoblueZ4]

Originally Posted by ebirotedu

I wonder if it's possible that your original system sounded better because it was tuned and the settings were wiped or lost when the booster was replaced?

IDK, the loudness is the same but the bass is less with similar settings. I’ve spent too many hours screwing around with EQ settings, I’ve settled on some satisfactory settings that are a good mix for the different inputs I switch from (usb, FM, XM).

For sure the input changes things as well, FM seems loudest compared to my USB stick.

[crashd]

Originally Posted by Mastakko

It's a 2019 so maybe not that specific issue but it's had it's fair share of gremlins. I have a CPO until next July so I'm going to take it in like you all are suggesting, thanks for listening to my gripes 😜

I have a 2019 and the booster got replaced under warranty because it kept loosing sound from the subs.

[Mastakko]

Thanks all for your input.

I tried something different today because I have bimmercode and a OBD II link. I managed to get into my system where it has the head unit and did a refresh or code reset and it seemed to do the trick. I think it may have been goofed up from one of the settings and a recent i-drive update.

Now it's so loud I'm not used to it, but I am so glad it's fixed and it sounds so much clearer and deeper. Like I said before I can barely put it at half volume.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by RigaTony1982

The base Hi-Fi in the Z4 must be better than in the 3 series (maybe due to the smaller cabin?).

Z4 base Hi-Fi is better than any loaners I've had. Most recently, a 230i coupe.

[Westside Guy]

I am more than pleased with my HK system and don’t regret spending the extra money for it.

However I will say that my 2004 CLK500 cabriolet which had a Bose system had a much more powerful bass that could be appreciated when driving with the top down.

[Argo]

Originally Posted by Horseman

If i were to have any singular regret with the new car, it's not just sticking with the basic sound system. Just don't think that the HK surround is worth the $875.

Ignoring resale (just on personal preference): would you take the HK again if it were a "free option"? Or how much extra would you pay for it?

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by Argo

Ignoring resale (just on personal preference): would you take the HK again if it were a "free option"? Or how much extra would you pay for it?

If I could do it again, I'd go base system.

[MisanoblueZ4]

Originally Posted by Horseman

If I could do it again, I'd go base system.

Does the base system have Logic 7 as well or does it sound like the HK with logic 7 OFF?

Some people swear by turning Logic 7 off with the HK, but it sounds like crap to my ears. With L7 ON it sounds much richer and full.

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

Does the base system have Logic 7 as well or does it sound like the HK with logic 7 OFF?

Some people swear by turning Logic 7 off with the HK, but it sounds like crap to my ears. With L7 ON it sounds much richer and full.

With logic 7 off, it sounds absolutely awful so no... I really don't think so. Turning that off just turns off all of the rear speakers. I don't even understand the point in it.

[BMWGirlFL]

Originally Posted by Argo

Ignoring resale (just on personal preference): would you take the HK again if it were a "free option"? Or how much extra would you pay for it?

Originally Posted by Horseman

If I could do it again, I'd go base system.

What do you like/prefer about that system sound over HK?

[perryinva]

I can emphatically reply that the base system with the Alpha One or MatchUP 8DSP, (the Match cost roughly the same as the HK option) blows the HK system out of the water. I am very happy with the upgrade I made. If I ever were to decide to move up, I’d gonfor base system and take the 8 DSP with me!

[Bigmouth Studio]

Try disable the ASD by coding, the bass will be much better.

[hilld]

Originally Posted by Argo

Ignoring resale (just on personal preference): would you take the HK again if it were a "free option"? Or how much extra would you pay for it?

Take the $875 savings and apply that towards the Fisher AudioTec 8UP DSP amplifier/DSP.

[hilld]

Originally Posted by perryinva

I can emphatically reply that the base system with the Alpha One or MatchUP 8DSP, (the Match cost roughly the same as the HK option) blows the HK system out of the water. I am very happy with the upgrade I made. If I ever were to decide to move up, I’d gonfor base system and take the 8 DSP with me!

^^^ What he said. ^^^

[tracer bullet]

Are the speaker drivers the same between the various levels? Meaning, if you get the base system and add the amp, are the actual front speakers and behind-the-seat subs the same?

(In the 1-series, the different systems changed the actual speakers - you would get smaller speakers under the seat and no tweeters in the door sail panels. I am not too familiar with how the Z4's are configured, but may very well end up owning one and would love to know.)

[hilld]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

Are the speaker drivers the same between the various levels? Meaning, if you get the base system and add the amp, are the actual front speakers and behind-the-seat subs the same?

(In the 1-series, the different systems changed the actual speakers - you would get smaller speakers under the seat and no tweeters in the door sail panels. I am not too familiar with how the Z4's are configured, but may very well end up owning one and would love to know.)

I am almost certain that the subs will be the same, the door speakers are going to be different. But in either case, they are not really that great, once you remove them, you will understand what I am saying. The good news is that simply upgrading the fronts is usually enough of a difference.

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by BMWGirlFL

What do you like/prefer about that system sound over HK?

Base system had more depth of sound and deeper/more pronounced bass punch. Filled the cabin, made me feel it in my chest. Not so much with this HK system.

[ebirotedu]

First time driving the Z4 in a few weeks.

I did enable the Spotify car app, only to realize that I need to set up a playlist in Spotify so I have something to compare.

Will have the playlist ready for the next clear weekend.

Originally Posted by ebirotedu

Signed up for the 3 month free Spotify Premium trial. Convenient.

I have used the USB connect in the past, when I was first connecting my phone. But that was before I set up CarPlay. Don't recall noticing any difference in sound quality or even output level with USB vs BT/CarPlay.

Will report back after I have a chance to try the native Spotify app.

[ebirotedu]

Finally put a Spotify playlist together that mostly mirrors one I use in the car often. Should be warm enough to test it out tomorrow, top up and top down.

Wish I were doing this today but waiting on a call and need to be in front of the computer….

[strive-ajil]

Hey guys, I bought a 2020 m40i last week and love it with the exception of the sound being lackluster. I thought it was because mine doesn't have the executive package and thus the premium audio. Reading through this thread the regular sound system is supposed to be loud? I have to turn mine up to 75% to really even hear it. Got in and messed around with the settings but nothing seems to help.

[Wynnsiensheng]

Originally Posted by strive-ajil

Hey guys, I bought a 2020 m40i last week and love it with the exception of the sound being lackluster. I thought it was because mine doesn't have the executive package and thus the premium audio. Reading through this thread the regular sound system is supposed to be loud? I have to turn mine up to 75% to really even hear it. Got in and messed around with the settings but nothing seems to help.

Congrats on the purchase. Any photos? 😁

Can’t really help you on the audio, mine seems fine but then again I’m not really bothered about audio much. 🤷‍♂️