440-watt 9-speaker harman/kardon premium audio system sound quality

[Rinker-man]

Isn't that the truth.

[Tom28]

Originally Posted by Rinker-man

Talked with an auto audio specialty shop today and got an estimate for a total gut and rewire with 4 guage, Alpine amp and 10 inch sub, with PheonixGold and Focal speakers and a Subaru matched faceplate. They estimate 9 hours for the install which will keep the steering wheel controls, bluetooth and Sirius. Their total was 3240.00. I told them I'd wait for a bit to decide. That was a lot of money, but it also is excellent equipment and a lot of labor involved. Just to give all of you an idea of what a replacement would run you.

You're getting out cheap!! I put down $5500 in both my truck and car for better audio. Was rocking an iPod interface in both vehicles in 2004.

Never again.

[Thai]

My guess is that aftermarket audio business is dying rapidly...and that these installers try to squeeze every little penny from you to keep their business going. In the past, at least, the volume was enough that they can lower their prices. Nowadays, most cars have "custom" setup from the factory with weird dash shapes and materials. Add in the better stock stereo systems and you have a dying business.

After breaking in my HK system, i have new settings:

Bass -1
Mids zero
Highs zero
SVC +1

For me, this brings out the music much better. Try it out and tell me how you guys think.

[mooble]

Originally Posted by Rinker-man

Talked with an auto audio specialty shop today and got an estimate for a total gut and rewire with 4 guage, Alpine amp and 10 inch sub, with PheonixGold and Focal speakers and a Subaru matched faceplate. They estimate 9 hours for the install which will keep the steering wheel controls, bluetooth and Sirius. Their total was 3240.00. I told them I'd wait for a bit to decide. That was a lot of money, but it also is excellent equipment and a lot of labor involved. Just to give all of you an idea of what a replacement would run you.

He is taking you to the cleaners and it likely won't sound that good. If you are serious about good sound, join a car audio forum and ask questions. Learn from the experts. Find local enthusiasts and sample their cars. Forget brand names and go with what works, not what the salesman is trying to push that week. I've been a car audio fanatic for 25 years and only let a shop work on my car once: when I was 19 and stupid. Never again!

[lashlee]

Originally Posted by mooble

He is taking you to the cleaners and it likely won't sound that good. If you are serious about good sound, join a car audio forum and ask questions. Learn from the experts. Find local enthusiasts and sample their cars. Forget brand names and go with what works, not what the salesman is trying to push that week. I've been a car audio fanatic for 25 years and only let a shop work on my car once: when I was 19 and stupid. Never again!

This is a little harsh without knowing the shop that he got the quote or the equipment quoted. I worked in a shop for 7 years and had all kinds of customers and requests. The customer may have requested a certain brand, install or requirement that matters to them. You also get what you pay for when it comes to installs. If you have been into audio for 25 years then you know that brick and mortar stores are what has kept our hobby alive with the advent of the internet and the keyboard recommendations, things aren't always what you read on a screen. Supporting local businesses is what this economy needs and if he has problems are you going to be the one to help him? We offered a lifetime guarantee with our installs and spent alot of time getting the customer exactly what they wanted, as well as fixing whatever issue that came up.

[Georgeh]

Has anybody on this forum replaced the OEM system (base or HK) with an aftermarket unit that is completely plugged into the Bluetooth, steering wheel, etc? I have to admit I'm very skeptical that somebody without specialized skills & knowledge (i.e., bring it to a specialist) could beat the HK sound for $1k installed w/full integration.

[mooble]

Originally Posted by Georgeh

Has anybody on this forum replaced the OEM system (base or HK) with an aftermarket unit that is completely plugged into the Bluetooth, steering wheel, etc? I have to admit I'm very skeptical that somebody without specialized skills & knowledge (i.e., bring it to a specialist) could beat the HK sound for $1k installed w/full integration.

You don't need to replace it if you are on a budget. Most people wouldn't bother. You can keep the stock head unit and use a processor, of which there are many from JL, JBL, RF, Alpine, Audison, etc. Most factory head units are capable of reading a disc just fine. It's the often abysmal processing they add to it that ruins the sound. With a stand alone processor, you can fix that while still retaining full functionality of all factory controls. Once you've gotten a good signal, buy a few amps and speakers on sale and have someone knowledgeable tune it.

[lashlee]

Originally Posted by Georgeh

Has anybody on this forum replaced the OEM system (base or HK) with an aftermarket unit that is completely plugged into the Bluetooth, steering wheel, etc? I have to admit I'm very skeptical that somebody without specialized skills & knowledge (i.e., bring it to a specialist) could beat the HK sound for $1k installed w/full integration.

It depends on what your end goal is. I put a Kenwood in our OB, used an ASWC for the steering wheel controls and put the BT mic into the OEM spot. Was it an install that a novice can do? Probably not. Could you do it with some help from the guys on here? Probably so. What is the hardest part? Putting the mic in the OEM spot is probably the most difficult considering how much of the interior needs to come apart and the modification I performed on the Kenwood mic mount to get it to fit in the OEM spot. All of the buttons on the steering wheel work, and the BT buttons work when my wife's iPhone is paired with the unit.

If your end goal is factory look and integration than stick with the OEM unit and use a processor like someone else noted. That can get pricey since most processors need an amp channel for each speaker to work the best. On top of the processor you need someone with a great set of ears to help tune it.

If your end goal is something the OEM unit doesn't have, like nav or a better iPod integration etc... then I would look into a new unit, an Axxess ASWC and a good installer!

[SubbackHH]

Quote:

It depends on what your end goal is. I put a Kenwood in our OB, used an ASWC for the steering wheel controls and put the BT mic into the OEM spot. Was it an install that a novice can do? Probably not. Could you do it with some help from the guys on here? Probably so. What is the hardest part? Putting the mic in the OEM spot is probably the most difficult considering how much of the interior needs to come apart and the modification I performed on the Kenwood mic mount to get it to fit in the OEM spot. All of the buttons on the steering wheel work, and the BT buttons work when my wife's iPhone is paired with the unit.

If your end goal is factory look and integration than stick with the OEM unit and use a processor like someone else noted. That can get pricey since most processors need an amp channel for each speaker to work the best. On top of the processor you need someone with a great set of ears to help tune it.

If your end goal is something the OEM unit doesn't have, like nav or a better iPod integration etc... then I would look into a new unit, an Axxess ASWC and a good installer!

Having read that, and actually most threads related to sound quality in 2012 Outbacks - after owning the car for 6 months, I still want to upgrade my sound system. Since I want to retain stock look and functionality and avoid tearing up the car (for now), I think I will divide project into few stages, where the stage gates for each are obviously my own satisfaction with results after each upgrade
That and depth of pockets at given moment..

My goals:

Stage 1:

• Get a good -prob refurbished (considering the cost) HU... like this..Kenwood Excelon DNX9990HD Navigation receiver at Crutchfield.com
• Get Dynomat installed on doors and rear gate (subwoofer area)
• Get dash kit to retain stock look. Q: Do i need that or it comes with "stock look"?

Reasoning: Considering the fact that it's a 2-channel setup, as well as type of speakers (4 in rear doors -fillers), 2 in front doors mid with subs, and 2 in dash tweets, it will be hard to replicate that setup without major redesign of sound stage. Amp and sub will have to do for now, as most people on forum think main problem is in the HU.

Budget for stage 1: ~$1200 w install

Stage 2: Amp replacement
Budget for stage 2: $300?

Stage 3: Speakers Replacement (dreading that) - will be hard to go back if not happy...
Budget for stage 3: $1k w install?

Stage 4: DSP of sorts...
Budget for stage 4: $700

I am not sure I am using correct terminology to describe components- so experts out there; I apologize ahead.
I'm in Chicago area, If somebody had gone already through similar process (HU install) I would appreciate tips as well (good installer, satisfaction)
I appreciate evaluation of goals/results and honest feedback in general.


Thanks!

[lashlee]

The install isn't overly difficult if you are mechanical and can deal with ripping apart a newer car. The 9990 is a great unit, I've got the 9980 and don't have any major complaints. If you are in search of an install that looks good you will be hard pressed to find a better option, except for one thing. The Excelon units are sold as the upgrade from the "regular" Kenwood with the extended warranty and some additional bells and whistles but they are shiny. The regular models are a matte finish and the Excelon kind of stands out next to the black dash kit. If you get the silver Metra (which will not match the factory texture) or the OEM silver it might not be an issue. I don't mind it since I like the extras of the Excelon but it may matter for some.

Your plans and budgets are in the neighborhood, except for the amp replacement. A decent 5 channel will probably be close to double with the wiring, but do your research and you'll be happy. Personally I would look into the speaker option second after the radio since the speakers are exactly what you are hearing. The power of an aftermarket amp will be close to what the H/K offers, and swapping the speakers isn't as hard as you think it would be. You can make it where they are replaceable without hacking up the car.

Feel free to PM or email me if there is anything that you need in terms of questions.