I'm a big fan of Harmon Kardon and have owned a couple of their A/V receivers. That said, they are more known for their receivers than speakers. This system is impressive in my opinion, though I have heard better in much higher end vehicles such as my parent's Acura MDX with ELS surround sound. I had an older Audi A4 with a Bose system which was also very good considering it was only 6 speakers.


Bose is designed to emphasize the highs and lows, and hence they initially impress the average consumer. Those who know audio appreciate Harmon Kardon for a more tonally balanced approach with mid-range as well. Where the Outback advertising is slightly misleading, as others have said on this forum, is in the actual number and placement of speakers.


That said, find a good reference CD that you love on your current system, and try it out in the Outback.

 

My $.02 -- the HK sound system is a great "factory" upgrade system. It has excellent sound quality for my purposes. I like music to sound good, but I'm not looking to shake the trim in neighboring cars.

I had the same system in my 2013 Legacy, and it seemed to sound a bit better in that car -- smaller cabin and subwoofer sitting above the trunk instead of all the way to the back right quarter panel.

The source/type of connection makes a huge difference. I find that MP3s sound much better played directly off a USB stick than they do when streamed over the Bluetooth connection. The stereo's built-in MP3 player seems to mess with the sound of the music less than playing it off an app on my phone does.

I do not actually own any CDs, so I've never tried a CD in the car.

 

The source/type of connection makes a huge difference. I find that MP3s sound much better played directly off a USB stick than they do when streamed over the Bluetooth connection. The stereo's built-in MP3 player seems to mess with the sound of the music less than playing it off an app on my phone does.

This is probably because bluetooth audio streaming further compresses an already compressed file. The Subaru supports apt-X, which is a big improvement over old Bluetooth streaming codecs, but it's still going to sound worse than the original file.

 

I find the system seriously underwhelming. My reference point is mostly Sirius XM, with some over the air FM. Haven't tried it with a CD. My 02 Outback came with a McIntosh system and that had great clarity and balance as compared with the HK system.

 

I'm coming from a Gen 4 but, the old "garbage in garbage out" really applies here.

IMO worst to best sound quality through a wired thumb drive where applicable:

FM radio

SiriusXM

Low res MP3's (192mbps and under)

HD Radio

Hi res MP3's (256mbps and up)

CD quality wave or lossless files

 

The sound quality off Sirius is definitely worse than from a USB stick. I tried out the Sirius for awhile . . . ditched it because of the sound quality and the talking/commercials.

 

Loved the HK in my 09 Outback 2.5 limited and really love the HK in my 2015 3.6R. I did drive a 2015 loaner with the lesser HK system and I really didn't like it. I liked the equalizer and wish it was included on the higher end unit, very odd...

 

It's an ok system. I think what has bothered some folks is the center channel speaker, which is basically right in your face. Music that doesn't contain a lot of stereo separation really gets focused into that speaker, which completely collapses the soundstage, and there's nothing you can adjust to prevent this. Seems to be pretty infrequent; I've really only experienced this effect a few times, but I do find it irritating. Otherwise, it's pretty good, if maybe a bit underpowered for the cabin size.


Note that there is no subwoofer in this system, the trunk just gets an extra midwoofer. I'd prefer a bit more bass. People have posted pics of the drivers when upgrading and they are pretty wimpy, but about what I'd expect to see.

 

It's an ok system. I think what has bothered some folks is the center channel speaker, which is basically right in your face. Music that doesn't contain a lot of stereo separation really gets focused into that speaker, which completely collapses the soundstage, and there's nothing you can adjust to prevent this. Seems to be pretty infrequent; I've really only experienced this effect a few times, but I do find it irritating. Otherwise, it's pretty good, if maybe a bit underpowered for the cabin size.


Note that there is no subwoofer in this system, the trunk just gets an extra midwoofer.[/B] I'd prefer a bit more bass. People have posted pics of the drivers when upgrading and they are pretty wimpy, but about what I'd expect to see.

Is it possible to replace the midwoofer in the back with a proper subwoofer without having to add any extra power? If so, do you think it would improve the lack of bass? Thanks.

 

I can't recall who makes the sound system for the premium trim, but I'm pretty happy with the limited's HK system, although I agree it's a bit odd that there's no equalizer.

I listen to a lot of electronic stuff and my previous car was a 2006 Accord EX sedan. I was pretty happy with the 6 speaker plus sub audio in that car.

I think the HK system sounds better though, for all but 2 songs where the growl of the bass isn't as distinct. But, I may try it from USB playback versus Bluetooth. I do think the HK's default settings need to be played with some, though. I have the bass down 1-2 notches and the mid up 3-5, depending on what I am listening too. I also have the fader set to the middle of the back seats. For the stuff I listen to, the default bass setting can be a bit too much for my apparently sensitive ears

 

I can't recall who makes the sound system for the premium trim, but I'm pretty happy with the limited's HK system, although I agree it's a bit odd that there's no equalizer.

Not a "bell shaped curve" type equalizer, but it does have a low/mid/high level control. My HK (2017 Limited) impresses the heck out of me. Wonderful.

 

Yeah, the system has a good amount of mid and upper bass, probably too much as you say, but just about zero low bass, unfortunately. There's no substitute for a proper sub - it can do wonders to balance out the tone of a system.

 

I saw on subarus website a tweeter upgrade. Does anyone know if that's worth ordering. I'm going to order next week sometime.

 

I have a Limited with the HK system and find the sound excellent. My taste in music is broad and eclectic (classical, jazz, pop, rock, folk, bluegrass and so on) and prefer a natural sound. I'm not into high volume and thumping bass. If you like the latter, you'll likely not be impressed with the Outback's system.

 

I think the HK system is good. Not horrible, not exceptionally good, just good.

 

At low volumes(where us old people like it ) it is pretty center channel weighted. With volumes higher it sounds better. I use Pandora a lot and have found that if I keep the output of my phone low and raise the HK levels It sounds better.

 

Guess I need to make it clear that my criticism of the system's bass response has nothing to do with pumping out ridiculous vibrations, which is of no interest to me. Like I said, there's no substitute for a well integrated subwoofer to round out the overall tone of the system. I'm afraid if you haven't experienced a properly (i.e., tastefully) installed sub (which most people haven't, IME), you likely won't understand what I'm talking about anyway. But the design of the stock system, with FIVE low-quality midwoofers, is just too heavily weighted in one band, which can make for a bloated sound in the portion of the bass spectrum it's able to reproduce. That said, I think the included 3-band EQ is able to manage it pretty well.

 

@ltspd1
Good question, I've been thinking about that, but there's not much room to work with in those midwoofer enclosures. I don't really know very much about car audio, I'm just extrapolating from home theater experience, but I have heard some very nice aftermarket systems in cars, so I know how I'd like it to sound. My sense is that to do a car sub right, it would be best to consult a professional. Maybe Crutchfield could make some helpful suggestions. I'm considering just swapping out the stock woofers for something a bit more substantial (larger magnets with more cone excursion), which should help extend the bass response a bit without requiring other modifications (like a new amplifier). I think there was a thread about that in the Legacy forum - I'll see if I can find it.
Someone also has a thread in the Gen5 section detailing a professional (and relatively costly) installation, and I think they built the sub driver into the floor/cover of the trunk, and the woofer's basket extended down into the space above the spare tire. That's probably the best you can do without eating up interior space, but not exactly easy.

 

Thanks. I find the sound of my HK system to be mostly OK, but would like to boost the bass a bit without a lot of additional expense. I may visit a few auto sound shops to see if there are any affordable options.

 

The best info I have found on the 2015+ HK is here;

Sites-HK-US-Site

They do mention mid-bass with an enclosure but no lower frequency response is specified. Somewhere I read where owners have switched the HK speakers for Kickers you can get for the Crosstrek. I won't know if this is possible until my 2016 3.6R Limited arrives at the end of August.

 

Thanks for posting, very helpful.

 

It sounds mediocre at best even with high quality MP3s through the USB port. This is because the speaker cones are paper-based and are cheap, the head unit outputs average audio quality, and the amp EQs the whole system to bring everything back on par.

 

I am in the camp calling certain systems: Blose. I am much happier with it removed from my (older) Corvette.

While any car is hardly a critical listening environment, I'd like more bass in the OB,especially at lower volumes, more flexibility in equalization, different sound focus and faster up/down volume from that control. For my ears, the system is weak at low volumes but livens up when cranked. Our ears are why loudness buttons were invented.

I find iPod play superior to Sirius and otherwise only listen to one fine classical FM station.

I own a few McIntosh components ( real system is better) and have yet to be unhappy with any. Harmon Int'l snapped up a number of audiophile brands over the years, not always with the best audio result. I expected better, but the OB is primarily my non-audiophile wife's car.

 

[I just noticed this thread is similar to one re: infotainment system, so am re-posting here as well.]

Former lurker, this subject motivated me to register and post. [FWIW, I reviewed home theater equipment for 10 years.]

In answer to the OP, yes and no. No, it is not the worst sounding car stereo in the world. Yes, for a so-called name brand top-of-the-line system, it sounds pretty bad compared to the competition. I just got back from a road trip in a friend's 2014 Acura RDX, which kicked ass on the Outback's stereo; even the XM sounded significantly better than the Subaru. Things sound especially bad with compressed stations and Blutooth audio, not too bad with CD's. And the comments about the center channel speaker are spot-on, I would disconnect it if I could.

If Subaru didn't play up the sound quality of the H-K stereo, I would say it's better than the usual stock system. But with the heightened expectations, it's a disappointment.

 

You can replace the HK woofer with a real sub without loosing any functional space, but you'll need to add a small amp to power it up. The amps are small enough so they can be hidden out of sight. Worth it 100%.

Here's mine.

Work in progress:

http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...49d1432059306-audio-upgrade-amp-speakers-sub-2015-outback-premium-untitled2.png

Final:
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...4d1431412455-audio-upgrade-amp-speakers-sub-2015-outback-premium-untitled-2.png

More here:
http://www.subaruoutback.org/forums...-2015-present/245289-audio-upgrade-amp-speakers-sub-2015-outback-premium-3.html

 

We have HK in a 2014 Forester and a posh 14 speaker E350 - in both the sound is the best I've had and far better than the Bose in the 350Z we had....IMHO

 

Am a long-time stereo enthusiast (and likewise big waster of $$), also know well a high exec at HK. HK is a shadow of its former self, they've staked their prior well-earned reputation to become a shameless volume seller, and their new stuff is run of the mill crap, including the receivers. The exec confirms what I experience firsthand.

That said, you can never expect a non-luxury marque to have a decent stereo, even an "upgrade stereo". The marketing of Bose, HK, AR, etc. is just marketing and a production contract arrangement. For the masses, the HK should do just fine. However, if you have an inkling that it doesn't sound great, it's because that's the truth.

You will still fly high by swapping for after-market components, even modest ones. Always start with the tweeters and end at the head unit.

Also, we own a 2012 Limited (Legacy) and a 2015 OB Limited. The 2012 system sounds better IMHO, although that could be sedan over wagon effects. But both are muddy and have too many peaks and valleys, difficult to correct with the EQ.

My aftermarket HU on my Honda saves EQ settings for each Source, have not checked if the 2015 HK does this, but its very necessary given the disparities between CD, XM, Pandora, BT Audio MP3, etc. It also has multiple speed-sensitive adjustments (rather than just one) that make a big difference (Honda has a lot of road noise for one).

 

The HK sound system with factory settings is, IMHO, quite inferior. I couldn't listen to music until I'd adjusted the treble, mid and bass settings. (Please keep this in mind if you are testing the system at the dealership.) I'm quite happy with the sound now with these settings:

- Treble - plus 2
- Mid range - plus all the way
- Bass - minus 2
Speakers - almost all the way to the rear. (Speaker position is very important to sound quality in the OB.)

 

Thanks, will give that a try... we've faded a great bit to the rear already.

Another poster mentioned a lack of stereo image, completely agree, that's one reason would hit the tweeters first.

 

I've had my 2016 OB for about a month now, and compared to the Bose system in the Vette, it leaves a lot to be desired. I'm sure replacing speakers would help, but the placement of the speakers is an important issue. The Vette has midrange speakers mounted high at the inner corner of each door and a tweeter at the outer edge, actually slightly behind the diver's and passenger's heads. The result is a perfectly balanced surround sounds that's impressive. With the OB, most of the sound seems to be coming from the center speaker in the dash. At first I though there was a problem, but the corner dash speakers are working, there's just not much stereo effect. Have other folks found that to be true? Just not much stero effect with the HK. Almost sounds mono.

 

http://www.harmankardon.com/content?ContentID=automotive-subaru

 

Coming from the HK Premium audio 2013 OB Lim I traded in, the HK on the 2015 HK on my 3.6 Limited is awesome. Why? Just because there is no annoying HISS. Yuck...