[SeaSkiAndMe]

I wouldn't spend that to upgrade the HK, either, but I have the base system, so I had less $ spent on the front end when purchasing the car.

That said, my other option is, as more products that fit the car become available, I could go to a local automotive AV guy who has great prices and is a total pro; he re-did our system on our old van and did a fabulous job.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by SeaSkiAndMe

I wouldn't spend that to upgrade the HK, either, but I have the base system, so I had less $ spent on the front end when purchasing the car.

That said, my other option is, as more products that fit the car become available, I could go to a local automotive AV guy who has great prices and is a total pro; he re-did our system on our old van and did a fabulous job.

vans are the best when it comes to aftermarket stereo. they can easily be turned into a concert hall on wheels! (which was what I did when I was young)

[DestinationMoon!]

Could someone with the Base system in the USA post a picture of either front door and the door pillar where the tweeter is on the HK systems?

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by DestinationMoon!

Could someone with the Base system in the USA post a picture of either front door and the door pillar where the tweeter is on the HK systems?

first pic is as basic as it comes... U.S. X1, base model without X-Line and practically no options, with MSRP of $39000. (notice how the door panel is all plastic... not the Sensatec with stitching)

second pic is U.S. X1 with Harmon Kardon as part of $4,200 Premium Package.

third and fourth pics show the rear door speaker grills

[SeaSkiAndMe]

The pictures reminds me that I'm still a little puzzled why the seat memory buttons are on the door and not on/near the seat.

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by SeaSkiAndMe

The pictures reminds me that I'm still a little puzzled why the seat memory buttons are on the door and not on/near the seat.

because we declared independence in 1776 and as a result, we don't drive on the wrong side(left side) like the UK and Australia? Their BMW X1 has the seat memory buttons on the driver's seat on the right.

56 people signed the Declaration of Independence. 53 were right-handed and 3 were left-handed: Benjamin Franklin, Robert Morris and Thomas Jefferson. (which means the right-handed majority would probably prefer driving on the right side like we do today... although they didn't have cars just yet in 1776)


pic is from YouTube, showing X1 in Australia:

[SeaSkiAndMe]

SpaceSilver.X1 Interesting!

[DestinationMoon!]

Originally Posted by SpaceSilver.X1

first pic is as basic as it comes... U.S. X1, base model without X-Line and practically no options, with MSRP of $39000. (notice how the door panel is all plastic... not the Sensatec with stitching)

second pic is U.S. X1 with Harmon Kardon as part of $4,200 Premium Package.

third and fourth pics show the rear door speaker grills

Thanks so much! It's hard to tell, are the black panels solid without perforations to let sound out? I ask because I'm going to put tweeters there since the Base doesn't have any.

Are there triangular panels (in other bmw models they call them sails) in the door pillars for the 1 inch tweeters? Or are the tweeters by the door handle?

[SpaceSilver.X1]

Originally Posted by DestinationMoon!

Thanks so much! It's hard to tell, are the black panels solid without perforations to let sound out? I ask because I'm going to put tweeters there since the Base doesn't have any.

Are there triangular panels (in other bmw models they call them sails) in the door pillars for the 1 inch tweeters? Or are the tweeters by the door handle?

I have not seen them in person, but I imagine that the black grill panels have tiny openings? If not, you can always just drill tiny holes all over.

alternatively, you can buy the aluminum grill cover for with Harmon Kardon logo... but it's $94 for each piece(!!!) I would not do that, of course.

https://bmw.oempartsonline.com/oem-p...er-51425a60066

[DestinationMoon!]

They have those tape on metal grills on Amazon and Alibaba for a lot less

[MolarBear32]

Does anyone know if the plug-in and play amp upgrades work with the current x1? Bavsound, alpha one, match7 all seem to get positive feedback. HK speaker upgrade seems fine (better than base) but $1000 for an amp to make them shine seems like a good purchase. Any ideas on those amps compatibility at this point? I'd probably start there before adding in speaker changes.

[A1eksey]

Originally Posted by MolarBear32

Does anyone know if the plug-in and play amp upgrades work with the current x1?..

I'd like to share two links that I think will answer the question:

Bavsound. See compatibility list below.

Czech company with MATCH solution. Turn on Google translate to English.

[alimzia]

I've got the HK system and have found out that the rear speakers barely put out any sound in normal setting (Enhanced sound off and fader & balance in the middle). It practically feels like there are no speakers in the rear.

They are much more noticeable with the Enhanced sound on.

Is it the same with others as well? Or do I have a faulty system?

[GusNYC]

Originally Posted by SeaSkiAndMe

Bought my X1 last week, and SAME! I should have really spent more time listening to the audio. Even worse for me, I have the base model audio system w 7 speakers. It literally sounds like I'm "sitting" on the music - there is no sound up near my ears. Another way to describe it is imagine standing in a pool of water, the water comes about waist high. All of the sound (in my metaphor, the "water") is swirling around at that waist level. And mid-range sounds are rather muffled-sounding.

If I crank the volume too high, a lot of distortion on the speakers. As others have noted, only a very basic bass and treble slider function, no true equalizer. I've looked at aftermarket products already, but from what I can tell, only replacement subwoofers and a new amp are what I can install?

Oof, this is a problem I have to live with, I guess, until more aftermarket products become available.

And I agree with others that the cabin is pretty quiet, so at least the droopy speakers aren't fighting against road noise.

I was toying with the idea of keeping some Bose bluetooth speakers in the car at least for jamming tunes on longer drives.

I'm visiting my dealer in a few days for some services I'm having done, and my salesperson offered to look at it for me, but after pretty extensive research on my part, I think it's a lost cause.

I completely agree with your description. The sound stops at waist level, and that’s with the HK system! I had the XC40 before the X1 and the HK system was outstanding. I don’t understand how this implementation doesn’t have speakers at ear level. Disappointing “premium” audio in an otherwise excellent small car.

[Tomduck]

Agreed the XC40 HK system is substantially better than the X1. However the base X1 system is poor so it’s worth the upgrade unless you plan to spend 2-3 times the cost aftermarket later on a much better upgrade.

[Hartside]

I was going to take the HK option in my X1 but after a test drive in one with the std audio I decided not to. After a few tweaks to treble and base I’m more than happy with the sound from the base system. Sounds much better than the HK I had in the 128ti had before the X1. Wifey even reckons it sounds good and she likes her sounds

[mike_k]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

I’ve had mine faded towards the front since March-ish and the bass bumped up as well and that’s what made a big difference to me as well.

Agree with the tweaks mentioned above. I’m not an audiophile but those adjustments did make a subjective improvement to me.

[rittiej]

The Match 8 DSP. Found out the hard way. Told to get the Match 10. Wrong. There is not a separate amp in the HK in the X1.

[ficuswhisperer]

The amp is in the rear cargo area under the panel on the left side.

Here’s a video from BimmerTech showing how to do the install:

[J-RO]

Originally Posted by ficuswhisperer

The amp is in the rear cargo under the panel on the left side.

Here’s a video from BimmerTech showing how to do the install:

Unbelievable what you have to do to access the battery.

[Yorksdales66]

I ordered HK as a £600 option and expected it to be better based on the HK system in a friends 8 year old BMW 3 series.
I havent heard the standard 6 speaker system but if the HK 11 speakers are mediocre I hate to think what the standard system is like.

The X1 is so good a car in almost all areas I fail to see why the stereo is not up to the standards of the rest of the car. In comparison, the standard stereo in my wifes Audi X2 has a surprisingly good sound.

[rittiej]

I put in Match 8 DSP AND MATCH speakers all around. If you can deal with the cost, well worth it. HK system.