2013 Outback Harman Kardon radio hiss

[hawkeye252]

This is a followup to a thread that I started months ago regarding the hissing sound from the 2012 "upgraded" Harman Kardon radio.

If one's ears are sensitive to the background hiss that constantly comes through the speakers with the HK radio, then you will be disappointed to know that the 2013 HK radio is the same as is on the 2012 according to an email that I received from Subaru of America.

Unfortunately, the suck of Subaru sound continues.

[Thai]

Are you going to buy the 2013 and then trade it in a few months later?

On a more serious note, why not buy a Premium without it and install something aftermarket?

[tim3320070]

That's a shame, what a waste for the HD radio option to still be noisy. The whole point of HD radio is quiet background and better fidelity.

[qbizzy]

I am currently right in the middle of dealing with Subaru on this same issue. I have the Premium HK Radio - non navi + Rear Seat Entertainment. For me, the hiss comes when I attach an ipod to an Aux in cable and play music through the Aux option on the radio. AND, when I play movies through the RSE. I bought my car in Jan 2012 and have been back to the dealership 5 times to fix this issue. They have swapped out head units, amps and connection cables and still the hiss is there. They said, "well, why don't you just not use the AUX port. And you can still watch movies, just use the wireless headsets." I even posted on this same topic on this forum under the subject, " What happens when Subaru can not fix my problem?"

This issue isn't just with my OB. They had compared it with the other OB on the lot with RSE and it turns out it has the same issue. To make matters worse, they basically say that they have no solution and that we'll call you when we figure it out.

At this point I want to take Subaru to court because every time I have to take my car in, I lose 2 hours of my life which would otherwise be spent working. But I am just a little ole customer and my 10+ hours invested (wasted) I supposed goes along with owning a car.

I suppose the lemon law only applies to mechanical issues?

This is all ridiculous though - over a radio? WTF - this is my first subaru experience. Thankfully, I love my car otherwise. It won't be my last subie.

[iainb]

Originally Posted by qbizzy

I am currently right in the middle of dealing with Subaru on this same issue. I have the Premium HK Radio - non navi + Rear Seat Entertainment. For me, the hiss comes when I attach an ipod to an Aux in cable and play music through the Aux option on the radio. AND, when I play movies through the RSE. I bought my car in Jan 2012 and have been back to the dealership 5 times to fix this issue. They have swapped out head units, amps and connection cables and still the hiss is there. They said, "well, why don't you just not use the AUX port. And you can still watch movies, just use the wireless headsets." I even posted on this same topic on this forum under the subject, " What happens when Subaru can not fix my problem?"

This issue isn't just with my OB. They had compared it with the other OB on the lot with RSE and it turns out it has the same issue. To make matters worse, they basically say that they have no solution and that we'll call you when we figure it out.

At this point I want to take Subaru to court because every time I have to take my car in, I lose 2 hours of my life which would otherwise be spent working. But I am just a little ole customer and my 10+ hours invested (wasted) I supposed goes along with owning a car.

I suppose the lemon law only applies to mechanical issues?

This is all ridiculous though - over a radio? WTF - this is my first subaru experience. Thankfully, I love my car otherwise. It won't be my last subie.

Why are you connecting an iPod through the AUX and not the USB?

I have no used the RSE, are they connected to the car's audio system or are they separate, each their own enclosed unit?

[Thai]

There is no point to use AUX instead of USB.

[iainb]

Originally Posted by Thai

There is no point to use AUX instead of USB.

My thoughts exactly.

[hawkeye252]

Originally Posted by Thai

Are you going to buy the 2013 and then trade it in a few months later?

On a more serious note, why not buy a Premium without it and install something aftermarket?

Thai-that first comment actually made me laugh a little!

Unfortunately though, Suburu has a real problem with this issue and it certainly has left me dissatisfied. I would not at all be surprised if there isn't a class action suit about it eventually. As is inferred from my inquiry to SOA, I wanted the Outback enough to obtain clarification from them in the hope of purchasing a 2013 but it isn't meant to be.

As for purchasing a Premium, I much prefer the 6 cylinder over the 4 and I really don't care for the cloth seats. Ultimately, it's OK though as there many other car manufacturers and none of them can suit everyone.

[Thai]

Hawkeyes, since you like six cylinders and good sound system, I would check out the new Acura RDX.

[hawkeye252]

Originally Posted by Thai

Hawkeyes, since you like six cylinders and good sound system, I would check out the new Acura RDX.

Thai-you are a mind reader. I have a new 2013 RDX sitting in the garage! Plenty powerful for our mountains and a fantastic factory radio.

I prefer something a bit more rugged looking like the Outback as well as it's AWD for the snowy area that I live in, but the RDX does have excellent clearance. The RDX has excellent visibility as well, something that I find is becoming in more short supply with new car designs. Both of my daughters drive Foresters; now that's car I can see out of.