I like good audio, and the demo i3 loaner with standard audio was competent, if a little uninspiring. Explaining I wasn't going to pay extra for the HK upgrade unless I'd a chance to run a stereo test CD through the system, the dealer obliged, and I just came back this afternoon after 15 minutes of testing, using audio sweeps from 30-26kHz, along with some of my (known) audio favourites. Better, yet, I could run the test on both i3's, the standard, and HK versions.
As expected, the audio was more natural and full-bodied on the HK, with crystal stereo definition giving an excellent spatial sound whether in the front or rear seats. Standard audio was reasonable in the front, but below par in the rear. Surprisingly, both cars appeared to output the same wattage when turned up full, but it wasn't enjoyable to listen to in the standard set up, I had expected the HK to offer a more vibrant experience, and I wasn't disappointed, but it proved that if you enjoy quality audio, the HK delivers it, with the bass boost able to knock your socks off - the standard audio couldn't match this, and it showed.
As expected, the audio was more natural and full-bodied on the HK, with crystal stereo definition giving an excellent spatial sound whether in the front or rear seats. Standard audio was reasonable in the front, but below par in the rear. Surprisingly, both cars appeared to output the same wattage when turned up full, but it wasn't enjoyable to listen to in the standard set up, I had expected the HK to offer a more vibrant experience, and I wasn't disappointed, but it proved that if you enjoy quality audio, the HK delivers it, with the bass boost able to knock your socks off - the standard audio couldn't match this, and it showed.