2012 weak rear speaker output

[Sandroad]

There are many variables that determine what comes out a sound system and what each of us hears. The rear door speakers in my '11 H-K system are much quieter than the fronts at the same master volume level. That creates an excellent sound stage in the front seats. I couldn't agree more that the H-K system depends on a good signal for good sound. Feed it a good signal, spend some time with the audio controls, and it's possible to get really outstanding sound from it.

[hawkeye252]

lashlee-could the hiss sound in the Limited HK system be resolved as easily as simply replacing the tweeters? I have noticed that when the sound is faded to the rear speakers, that the hiss is gone and the hiss does seem to come from the tweeters.

When I had my Limited, I had a couple of high end car audio stores listen to the hiss and they were not confident that they would be able to do anything for it. Neither of the stores was interested in me spending money for something that they weren't certain would work; I appreciated that.

Boy oh boy, this would be a dream come true for me since I really do like this vehicle otherwise.

[lashlee]

Maybe. Usually hiss is related to an overdriven signal to a given set of speakers. A different set could make the difference but it's hard to say. It could also be remedied by changing the crossover point (which can be done with a set of aftermarkets) but without knowing what H/K has the OEM's set at it's still a guess. I would think if you could lower the gain on those channels it would help. I've got a few sets of tweeters laying around and I'll see if it helps before I put the new radio in.


When I working in the business I always tried to keep someone from spending money on something I couldn't guarantee was going to get rid of their problem, whatever that was! It helped my stores stay in business as well as keeping the customer coming back to me since I was up front all the way. Your experience is yet another reason for people to stay away from big boxes and support the real backbone of the custom stereo industry.

[skinnysticks]

I have a different but related question. The upgrade HK audio system is advertised as a 9-speaker system. I can only count 7 speakers in my 2.5 Premium, namely two tweeters on the dash, a speaker in each of the doors, and the subwoofer. Does anyone know where the other 2 speakers are? Are perhaps the front door speakers some of those two-speaker-in-one kind of deals?

[OBnube]

Originally Posted by skinnysticks

...... Are perhaps the front door speakers some of those two-speaker-in-one kind of deals?

Yup. But IIRC it's the rears that are the co-ax speakers.

[skinnysticks]

Originally Posted by skinnysticks

I have a different but related question. The upgrade HK audio system is advertised as a 9-speaker system. I can only count 7 speakers in my 2.5 Premium, namely two tweeters on the dash, a speaker in each of the doors, and the subwoofer. Does anyone know where the other 2 speakers are? Are perhaps the front door speakers some of those two-speaker-in-one kind of deals?

Originally Posted by OBnube

Yup. But IIRC it's the rears that are the co-ax speakers.

If that is correct then this thread becomes even more hilarious. I too have noticed that when I put the emphasis more towards the rear with the fader setting then the sound loses all body, and the woofer stops contributing. I just accepted that the HK stereo is not too amazing (but definitely better than the standard audio). But if the rear speakers are co-ax and still produce that tinny sound then that is certainly mind boggling.

[TDOG]

I kept fooling around trying to use the fader to add more volume to the rear speakers. I have discovered leaving it at 0 sounds much better. Also something that is mentioned in this thread 440-watt 9-speaker harman/kardon premium audio system sound quality
using the aux headphone jack cable sounds MUCH better on my iphone than using the iphone dock cable. That is very strange, the dock cable should be a digital all the way through connection. But the volume output is much better with the AUX connection.
I wonder if replacing the rear speakers would help, or if it has lower amp output and they would not make much difference?

I just bought the car, so it will be a while before I do anything like that. I will keep tweaking it as I drive more.

[borakid]

Jeff -

What was the resolution to this? I noticed the same problem in my car (HK w Nav). Doesn't matter what source - if I set the volume to even like 20 and fade between the front/back, there is almost zero sound coming out of the back speakers. It's definitely got to be defective... Did you go back to the dealer?

Thx. - Matt

Originally Posted by JP4

Hi,

Just got my 2012 Limited with the HK system a few weeks ago and although I don't seem to have any hiss in the stereo, when I turn the fader all the way to the rear speakers only, I only get a very weak, thin sound. It's not even half the volume of the front for an equivalent volume setting. I also went around to the back and listened to the sub, and there is very little coming out of that even with the radio cranked.
For comparison, my 2000 outback with the stock radio sounds much fuller and louder than my 2012. The speakers are definitively working, just not much coming out. Could it be a bad amp or Head unit? Anyone else have this problem? Couldn't find anything that matched this in search.

Thanks,
Jeff

[borakid]

bump ...

Would a fellow OB owner, with the HK/NAV setup (2010-2012?) be able to test this out? I'm not sure if my speakers/HU/amp is/are defective or "working as designed".

Basically the rear speakers are really, really quiet. I had someone sitting in my car and he even asked me if they worked.

Could one of you just say set your radio to like volume 20 and fade from front to back, and let me know if you hear a dramatic difference? I have an appointment at the dealer (under warranty still), but don't want to have them break out the tin snips if this is how it's supposed to work.

Thx.

[lashlee]

It was brought up in another post that H/K probably designed the stereo to function in a sound quality way that has the majority of the information coming from the front speakers and some lower level (background) information coming from the rear speakers. Most of the time when you go to a concert the majority of the sound is in front of you and the only thing that you hear from behind is simply reflected. Wihout replacing the H/U and wiring around the H/K amp that is nothing that can be done.