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      04-19-2016, 02:14 PM   #1
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The M2 HK sound system: What you should know first

I feel compelled to post this here since a gaggle of questions are bound to be asked about sound system options in the M2.

First thing to realize: In the U.S., the Harman Kardon sound system on the M2 is exactly the same as the optional HK sound system in any other 2 Series. There are absolutely no differences.

In light of this, if you want or need information about the system, please familiarize yourself with the content in this subforum on the 2Addicts forum. You'll discover that the issues with the 2 Series HK system are many, and that upgrading it is immensely beneficial, relatively inexpensive, and fairly straightforward in most cases.

Good luck, everyone. Hope this knowledge (base) helps.
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Last edited by Viffermike; 04-20-2016 at 08:59 AM.. Reason: corrected info
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      04-19-2016, 08:53 PM   #2
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Didn't think Hi-Fi option was available in the US for the M2.
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      04-20-2016, 02:05 AM   #3
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If so, can you someone post information about upgrades here. Perhaps touch on the best posts or topics about this in the 2-Series forum. It would be helpful, not that everyone has to completely dive into it the forum.

MR
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      04-20-2016, 08:58 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zenmaster View Post
Didn't think Hi-Fi option was available in the US for the M2.
Indeed you are correct, sir. Original post edited.
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      04-20-2016, 09:00 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by MR. View Post
If so, can you someone post information about upgrades here. Perhaps touch on the best posts or topics about this in the 2-Series forum. It would be helpful, not that everyone has to completely dive into it the forum.

MR
I'd planned to add a few things to the original post in a day or two. Work is slammin' right now.
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      04-22-2016, 11:56 PM   #6
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I've had no issues with H/K on my M235i and it sounds great. I'm looking forward to seeing these cheap and easy mods/fixes.
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      04-23-2016, 12:42 AM   #7
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http://www.2addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1236238
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      04-30-2016, 06:59 AM   #8
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I dropped in for a closer look at the M2 today (and a quick second test drive!).

Have to admit the HK didn't sound that good at all. Very shallow and sharp. Thanks for this thread. I've poured myself a glass of wine and about to do some research
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      05-31-2016, 09:04 PM   #9
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I like the sound...
If you plan on adding a powerful Amp, get ready to hear what ASD really sounds like @ low hz LOL....Or order the harness...Found out the hard 2400w, Line driver/LOC, Rockford P3 way...Lucky I didnt need my windows replaced.
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      06-10-2016, 01:41 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKM3Power View Post
I like the sound...
If you plan on adding a powerful Amp, get ready to hear what ASD really sounds like @ low hz LOL....Or order the harness...Found out the hard 2400w, Line driver/LOC, Rockford P3 way...Lucky I didnt need my windows replaced.
Yep. This is why research is your friend, friend.
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      06-11-2016, 05:46 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Viffermike
Quote:
Originally Posted by DKM3Power View Post
I like the sound...
If you plan on adding a powerful Amp, get ready to hear what ASD really sounds like @ low hz LOL....Or order the harness...Found out the hard 2400w, Line driver/LOC, Rockford P3 way...Lucky I didnt need my windows replaced.
Yep. This is why research is your friend, friend.
Totally unrelated, but i hate your avatar pic :
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      06-11-2016, 12:19 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2M
Quote:
Originally Posted by Viffermike
Quote:
Originally Posted by DKM3Power View Post
I like the sound...
If you plan on adding a powerful Amp, get ready to hear what ASD really sounds like @ low hz LOL....Or order the harness...Found out the hard 2400w, Line driver/LOC, Rockford P3 way...Lucky I didnt need my windows replaced.
Yep. This is why research is your friend, friend.
Totally unrelated, but i hate your avatar pic :
LOL. I don't hate yours ... but that's only because I know mine's better ...

Die Mannschaft Uber Alles! (Well, except La Liga, but that's another issue entirely ... )
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      06-13-2016, 10:34 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2M View Post
Totally unrelated, but i hate your avatar pic :
was this directed at me?
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      06-13-2016, 11:07 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKM3Power
Quote:
Originally Posted by 2M View Post
Totally unrelated, but i hate your avatar pic :
was this directed at me?
obviously not
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      06-14-2016, 12:50 AM   #15
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While it isn't the best system I've heard I don't have any real issues with it. It sounds just fine for how I use it... And that is Spotify playlists all day long.
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      06-15-2016, 07:14 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 2M View Post
obviously not
Quoting me then making the statement, I think you could see the confusion. I appreciate that it wasnt aimed at me...But I dont think it was obvious,in fact quite the opposite lol...

All good.
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      06-15-2016, 09:33 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DKM3Power View Post
Quoting me then making the statement, I think you could see the confusion. I appreciate that it wasnt aimed at me...But I dont think it was obvious,in fact quite the opposite lol...

All good.
He didn't quote you directly but the app nest quotes so your post was included too...
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      07-20-2016, 11:14 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by zenmaster View Post
Thanks for posting the 2addicts link.
For any who haven't checked it out, It's got lots of good info on cheap tweaks to improve the sound quality. So far I've installed the ASD bypass harness and disconnected the center speaker. Both of which were major improvements and worth the time / effort. I've bought the recommended speakers but haven't installed them yet. The 2addicts site recommends sound deadening (e.g. dynamite extreme and/or closed cell foam) behind the speakers, in the trunk, and in the doors (which need to be apart to install speakers). The tire noise is pretty loud to me, and I would like to cut it down, but only if there's a major improvement that would be worth the weight of that stuff (10 - 30 pounds, depending on thickness and where you use it). I'm not worried about every ounce like some folks, but I don't want major bloat for minor gain. Seems to me that with a car with so little sound insulation overall, it'd might still be loud if you dynamited it and you'd regret adding the weight. But I don't have first hand experience and am just speculating. People in the know, what are your thoughts?
thanks in advance
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      07-21-2016, 01:59 AM   #19
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I ordered my car without HK for the soul purpose of carrying out this upgrade, to date I've purchased the ETON B100W speakers and Alpine Sails - total cost: £192 / €230 / $254. Will be picking up the ASD bypass harness next time i'm in Florida.

Don't think you'll regret sound deadening if you find road intrusive, and unless you're into Time Attack a few extra pounds isn't going to make a noticeable difference to the performance.
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      07-21-2016, 03:02 AM   #20
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I'm going to try disconnected the centre speaker this weekend, appears to be an easy mod for quite a big improvement.
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      07-28-2016, 09:41 AM   #21
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My sound system will be the MPE
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      07-29-2016, 03:45 AM   #22
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I ordered the HK option on my M2…but on a test-drive I was not impressed with the HK audio system (it sounded worse then the HK in my 12 years old e46 325i). If you want to upgrade the audio system with something aftermarket (I don't know what the possibilities are) is it better to start from the base audio system or from the HK system?
I only heard the HK system in a brand new test M2…someone told me the system needs to play at least 10 hours to "play in" and then the sound would be better
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