saurabh

The stock sound system can never be compared to an aftermarket system.

Does anyone know if there is any way to upgrade / improve on the L7? I have been searching the net but cannot find anything related to the Harmon Kardon. Can anyone assist?
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You can't compare a stock to an aftermarket system. IMHO, the L7 sounds a lot richer and cleaner compared to any aftermarket system. I used to have a $1,500+ aftermarket system in my Honda Accord but I don't think that was even close to the L7 in quality.

Think of it like this, with the aftermarket you get pure power sound as compared to the L7 where you get the elegance out of the sound. Same comparison with Lambrogini vs. Ferrari. The Lamb is just raw power, where the Ferrari has style and finesse.

cheers

Rudy

I'm no expert either but I think there are various levels of "aftermarket." I feel the L7 is worth the price due to it's overall excellent sound and it's total integration (and warranty) that goes along with it.

If I want perfect sound, I'll spend the money on a home system. The car is a difficult place to achieve perfection. I'm sure you can throw money at an aftermarket solution that will sound better than the L7 but in the end, I don't think it's worth it...

joel_BE

Agreed but this is not the car's fault. It sounds clean and you play it loud. We all now the sound deadening in an E60 is phenomenal.
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Had exactly the same experience. Always like to have the music on while I give the car a wash. But it sounds awful from the outside, you only hear beats. Is there a L7 wireless headset option available ? (very useful in winter as well...)

subterFUSE

That is absolutely incorrect. I could spend the amount of money that the Logic 7 costs and build a system that is a significant improvement in quality of sound. The unfortunate part is, the E60 design makes this difficult because of the dash layout and integration of computers, iDrive, etc...

Aftermarket does not just mean more power. The quality of the components is better, as well. (depending on what you get, of course) Ultimately it comes down to your system design. Yes you can spend $1500 on an aftermarket system and it can still sound like crap. But if you know a little bit about the subject, you can spend a small amount and make a fabulous system.

But your point about the Logic 7 being richer and cleaner than any aftermarket system is absolutely ridiculous. It's clear to me your position has been formed with some level of ignorance on the subject of car audio, and particularly high-end audio.... so its somewhat understandable how you might make that conclusion.

I have had competition quality audio systems in my previous 3 vehicles.... and can tell you that by comparison the Logic 7 is completely outclassed. But, at the same time.... it's not a fair comparison because the Logic 7 is OEM. But this was my whole point made above.... Logic 7 is good by OEM standards (which are very low standards). It is not good compared to a decent aftermarket system.

my530i

LuvE60,

Which one sound better to you ML or L7 if you try them with one CD and back-to-back?

Thanks.

subterFUSE

This is correct. The sound quality difference between CD audio (16 bit) and DVD audio (24 bit) is noticable. I listened to the Acura TL system and was VERY impressed.

The availability of DVD audio dics is, of course, limited..... but, like DVD video and HDTV, the standard will soon become more predominate.

300TTto545

I would disagree but this is certainly not the focus of the thread but there is every reason to believe that DVD-A will not takeoff. The market is VERY limited. Joe 6 pack does not notice the difference. There are competing DVD formats. There is no difference at all with an average stereo system.

Look at satellite radio. It sounds pretty bad but it is taking off. MP3 format also sounds worse than CD but it is becoming the standard. People don't care that much about audio quality. Video quality is another story.

m630

...i agree that its one of the best stock systems, i just am annoyed that BMW is again ripping us off... e60 owners are basically paying $1800 for a cd changer

... the e90 330i has this system included for free (less the cd changer), so BMW NA is just milking us again as they know we will have to pay for it.. plus we add sat radio and thats another $600 when the TL includes it free as well... its just annoying to know they are ripping us off so much over the little things and we have to take it with a smile

saurabh

I agree with you in some points regarding the different levels of aftermarket systems. And i'm not arguing with you about who knows about Audio systems more, but I can tell you from my experiences, being part of two car clubs in the past here in New Jersey, gone to many custom car competitions which included audio mods, visual mods, etc. etc., I can say that pound for pound, the L7 is a better system. I have heard systems that cost $10,000 - $20,000 that blow the L7 away (its not even a comparison) but for the money and the QUALITY I haven't heard a better system. If you are an audiofile guy then I can understand your strong standpoint but looking at it from a layman person, L7 would beat out an aftermarket system that costs the same. Remember my friend, more bass does not mean better!!

You have your opinions and I have mine....accept it!

Merzbow

FYI my new 1800-watt system is now in. It makes mincemeat out of what I had in my Lexus (which was an excellent aftermarket system), and it beats the Logic7 with an ugly stick and makes it cry like a little girl. (It should for $9500). Details and pics after I get my car back from the dealer with the aux input installed.