[iviegatron]

I haven't received my car yet, so I can't judge on the audio, but have heard folks complaining about the sound quality from the Harman Kardon.

I came across this video where the sound was significantly improved by upgrading the amplifier. Only thing I don't like is they tune it for you depending on the genre before shipping. If you decide to change the genre you need to hook up your laptop and call in for support.

Has anyone tried this and can comment on the performance?

[m20e3087]

This looks really promising, may have to give Brian a call to get more detail.

[bri1042]

That's for the Hifi system. I don't recall seeing many folk using the drop-in Match-based solutions on the G-series HK cars. These systems are very different than the head unit-MOST fiber connection-HK amp setup in the F-series HK cars.

[iviegatron]

Originally Posted by bri1042

That's for the Hifi system. I don't recall seeing many folk using the drop-in Match-based solutions on the G-series HK cars. These systems are very different than the head unit-MOST fiber connection-HK amp setup in the F-series HK cars.

On bimmer-tech's page it asked for the VIN to view compatible products, I entered the VIN of another G80 (since I don't have my car yet) and it pulled up the amp. I'll call them on Monday to see if this really works with the Harman Kardon system.

[darrelljs]

I hope this is real.

Darrell

[Encanto]

The current OEM RAM/Booster HK system aftermarket amplifier upgrade is the Match UP-10BMW with the MATCH PP-BMW 1.9RAM-HK harness.

[iviegatron]

Originally Posted by Encanto

The current OEM RAM/Booster HK system aftermarket amplifier upgrade is the Match UP-10BMW with the MATCH PP-BMW 1.9RAM-HK harness.

The Match UP-10 can handle 10 channels. The Harman Kardon has 16 speakers. I'm guessing each channel may have more than one speaker connected to it. Any idea how many channels the HK system is?

[Encanto]

Originally Posted by iviegatron

The Match UP-10 can handle 10 channels. The Harman Kardon has 16 speakers. I'm guessing each channel may have more than one speaker connected to it. Any idea how many channels the HK system is?

HK system is 9ch.

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by iviegatron

On bimmer-tech's page it asked for the VIN to view compatible products, I entered the VIN of another G80 (since I don't have my car yet) and it pulled up the amp. I'll call them on Monday to see if this really works with the Harman Kardon system.

I entered my VIN for fun and all it came up with was the under-seat replacements. I know the amp that they rebranded, I've had one - I wouldn't use it with the HK system. I wasn't very happy with it even against the fake HK system in my M2...it doesn't put out enough power to the under-seat woofers. If you run a second amp off it's output channel to a real subwoofer, it can work but otherwise it isn't a great stand-alone option. The only advantage of it is the DSP capabilities, assuming you are familiar enough with DSP's to make use of it.

Timing and balance are exceedingly important for overcoming the pitfalls of car audio (speaker placement vs. seating position). Unless you are exactly the same size as the person who tuned the system, timing will be off until you adjust it for your seat and height.

Encanto is correct - the new Match UP 10 with the RAM HK harness is the correct option. I'm not sure where to get either one in the US yet.

[ashmostro]

I’m waiting for Bavsound’s amps to get out of back order and become available again. Theirs will do the same as this, but they also have DSP filters preprogrammed to match their speakers, which are the weakest part of the factory system by far.

Such a system would likely sound better than the factory B&W option on the 5er and above.

[bri1042]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

I’m waiting for Bavsound’s amps to get out of back order and become available again. Theirs will do the same as this, but they also have DSP filters preprogrammed to match their speakers, which are the weakest part of the factory system by far.

Such a system would likely sound better than the factory B&W option on the 5er and above.

The issue with the Bavsound presets is that they also lock the DSP down (at least they did on the Revenant version of the UP7). Speaker timing is almost literally the most important thing you do with a DSP, and if you're not sitting where they expect you to be, the system won't sound as good to you as it does to someone who is the right height and has their seat set correctly.

I was deeply disappointed with the Revenant and returned it.

The stock HK AND 676 speakers in the various F-series cars I played with actually weren't the weakest part of the systems...the amplification and awful implementation of the center channel were the main issue. Proper timing, disconnecting the center channel, adding another amp and real subwoofer, and careful DSP work were all that was required in my M2C to make that system VERY nice. That being said, my '16 340 had a full speaker replacement (mix of Morel and Hybrid Audio speakers) and that WAS brilliant...and expensive.

[ashmostro]

That's good to know. I wonder if using their MOST converter with a more advanced aftermarket DSP would be more effective?

[AndroidRobot]

so what's the consensus for the best way to make the HK not sound terrible. I had the B&W in my X5 and loved it, I know the HK won't be nearly as good but I want to make it better

[Encanto]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

That's good to know. I wonder if using their MOST converter with a more advanced aftermarket DSP would be more effective?

There is no MOST in the G-chassis.

[ashmostro]

Originally Posted by Encanto

There is no MOST in the G-chassis.

Thank you! What does that bode for the simplest path to a high quality upgrade? Cost is a factor, but frankly I’m more interested/concerned with ease of reversibility when moving on to the next car.

[Encanto]

Originally Posted by ashmostro

Thank you! What does that bode for the simplest path to a high quality upgrade? Cost is a factor, but frankly I’m more interested/concerned with ease of reversibility when moving on to the next car.

There is no removing the OEM amp or MOST converter install in the G-chassis for aftermarket amp/DSP installation. The RAM and the Booster high-level outputs must be converted to low-level signals, summed and de-EQ before any aftermarket amp be interfaced.

Right now, only the Match UP-10BMW does all that in a single device with the HK system.

[ashmostro]

Yikes. I’ve always wondered how much doing the high to low level summing would introduce noise and artifacts into the system. What’s your experience with that? Are there any audible downsides to a factory system of higher quality (ie just buy a different car)?

[ashmostro]

Also, how does a platform like that handle “overlay” sounds like navigation prompts, android auto, etc? Does all of that happen upstream and therefore irrelevant once the aftermarket DSP/amp is tuned properly?

[kwilliams312]

The Match UP10 Amp is connected to the analog output of the factory amps. It retains ALL of the factory options if tuned properly. Bavsound basically uses the same devices and includes a custom tune for the car.

The Match10 uses the Helix/Audiotec Fischer DSP programming software. It's not terribly hard to use, but if you're doing it yourself you'll want something like an OmniMic system or Room EQ Wizard and compatible mic.

I have this setup on order, waiting for the distributer to ship to my local shop. Hoping to have it installed an tuned by this weekend.

I've used lots of Audiotec Fischer products in car audio sound quality competition and they make a fantastic DSP.

In my experience the line-level input systems work pretty well, noise artifacts (if setup properly) are not an issue. You also get SPDIF input you could have a second signal to use for critical listening.

[kwilliams312]

Originally Posted by bri1042

Encanto is correct - the new Match UP 10 with the RAM HK harness is the correct option. I'm not sure where to get either one in the US yet.

You're in luck, MSC America is the official distributer for Audiotec Fischer in the US. Any MSC-America dealer can order these. I'm in no way affiliated with them either, just sharing knowledge.

https://www.msc-america.com/dealer-locator/

Part numbers:

DSP/Amp combo: Match UP10
BMW HK Harness: MATCH PP-BMW 1.9RAM-HK

[ashmostro]

So, is the consensus among experts that the Match UP10 delivers sufficient power to drive the under-seat woofers on its own in an SQ-oriented application?

[ashmostro]

Originally Posted by kwilliams312

I have this setup on order, waiting for the distributer to ship to my local shop. Hoping to have it installed an tuned by this weekend.

Will you be replacing any of the speakers too, or just the amp/DSP upgrade?

Thanks