Is the Carver hifi a must-have option?
- Thread starter tomotomotomo
- Start date
1066 Country
Still not 100% sure what I have (dsp setting+not cubbies +amp) but think its carver and imho sounds bloomin awesome. I find I tweak the setting depending on the type of music but it's far far better than anything else I've ever heard as standard including bose options and whatever it was I had in my lexus is220d (mark levinson was it?).
I find the base tight as a drum and treble is on point if anything midrange could do with a little boost but I'm being picky.
Only cars I've driven with better sounds was my mates old escort (full infinity system including sub) and my old astra (rockford fostgate everything phoenix gold amps, 2 x 12" RF subs) but frankly I don't want the hassle of cutting and installing everything + I still have a boot.
I find the base tight as a drum and treble is on point if anything midrange could do with a little boost but I'm being picky.
Only cars I've driven with better sounds was my mates old escort (full infinity system including sub) and my old astra (rockford fostgate everything phoenix gold amps, 2 x 12" RF subs) but frankly I don't want the hassle of cutting and installing everything + I still have a boot.
Thanks gents, some really helpful replies here 
They're both spot on in terms of servicing and history, but the high miler also has xenons which I've just noticed the low miler doesn't (BMW online parts checker ftw).
I'll be going to see both this week so things may be different in the flesh. When it comes to hifi I suppose what choice you make is really subjective...when I bought my home system I went into the shop with every intention of buying B&W's but came out with a pair of Monitor Audio
They're both spot on in terms of servicing and history, but the high miler also has xenons which I've just noticed the low miler doesn't (BMW online parts checker ftw).
I'll be going to see both this week so things may be different in the flesh. When it comes to hifi I suppose what choice you make is really subjective...when I bought my home system I went into the shop with every intention of buying B&W's but came out with a pair of Monitor Audio
If the car with Carver also has xenons, then get that. 
Xenons are worth going for much more than carver audio. The other problem with carver is it is digital (over copper, not optical) with unusual sub woofer voltage, which makes it difficult to upgrade without replacing the whole system. The other 2 systems are analog and easier to upgrade piecemeal.
One advantage of the nav screen is you get an audio graphic equaliser that does help improve the sound. Without that, there are limited presets, of which only one is worth possibly using.
IMO, the carver system is adequate, but nothing special. With the top down, it's not an issue, there's too much other noise to hear nuance. With top up, it's good enough that I'm not tempted to replace the whole system, partly because the top isn't up that much. My critique is pretty much along the lines of Mowflow's, adding that the midrange isn't great in that it's rather harsh and brassy.
One advantage of the nav screen is you get an audio graphic equaliser that does help improve the sound. Without that, there are limited presets, of which only one is worth possibly using.
IMO, the carver system is adequate, but nothing special. With the top down, it's not an issue, there's too much other noise to hear nuance. With top up, it's good enough that I'm not tempted to replace the whole system, partly because the top isn't up that much. My critique is pretty much along the lines of Mowflow's, adding that the midrange isn't great in that it's rather harsh and brassy.
Standard sound for me - good enough. Most of the time have the hood down, and so don't expect and don't want hifi quality. Personally would actually avoid a car with a high spec sound system, as it would tell me something about the previous owner! 
Not if you don't do much night driving anyway. Remember that whilst OEM Xenon lights may be brighter than halogens they are also a maintenance liability. If a halogen headlamp goes out you can buy a bulb for about a fiver and fix it within five minutes.
If an HID lamp goes out the chances are your ballast has gone and youre looking at around £100 for the part and you have to take the bumper off first to check and even be sure it is the ballast before you buy one.
Be unlucky enough to have a Xenon die just before MOT time when you're busy and need the test to get the tax and you'll be wishing you had halogens!
Mine had the std hifi which is a bit crap.I've spent about a grand upgrading with Focal speakers eveywhere and a badboy amp in the boot. Sounds amazing at the ton with the roof down . No, I'm not a chavvy yoof, I'm a 50 year old regular bloke who likes his music. If I was to buy again , I'd go for the Carver, it's easier.
. No, I'm not a chavvy yoof, I'm a 50 year old regular bloke who likes his music. If I was to buy again , I'd go for the Carver, it's easier.Well I picked up my new zed with the Carver stereo on Friday and spent 7 hours on the M62 in traffic, so plenty of time to listen to the radio 
It sounded ok, just standard car radio really.
However, last night driving back down south on the M6 I finally had the chance to stick a CD on (best of Bowie followed by some classical 8) ) and I have to say, it's absolutely lovely. Couldn't be happier!
It sounded ok, just standard car radio really.
However, last night driving back down south on the M6 I finally had the chance to stick a CD on (best of Bowie followed by some classical 8) ) and I have to say, it's absolutely lovely. Couldn't be happier!
Yep it's the sameZermattV said: