I've read here that the Harman Kardon sound system in the 3.6R Limited is awesome and also that it is pathetic. Sound quality is highly subjective, but still these extremes don't seem right. I'm really happy with the Bose system in my Corvette, and folks complain about Bose as well. They say it's a bit muddy and could use more power. How would you describe the Harman Kardon?
Harman Kardon sound system - Really good or really bad?
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9ball1104
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Depends of course on what year OB HK system it is. If the more recent models have coaxial dash speakers like the 2018 Impreza, then there is at least reasonable quality sound.
Here are the super lightweight dash "mid or full range" (a plain 2.5" cone with mid-high pass amping) and the rear door ~ 5" coaxials.
If you flip them both over, the cute little button magnets tell the story of why the sound in the 2012 HK Outback is so lacking in clarity, and upper bass impact/speed. Compare that to the magnets on a quality tweeter driver, and just the regular modern Polk db652 shown.
I have 4x Rockford Fosgate s that I am going to stuff into my 2010 outback and then I am going to stuff a sub in place of the factory one
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I'm a mastering engineer, I make records all day. The "Premium" HK system in my 2019 Outback is pretty bad. The frequency points of the equalizer are useless. The system sounds bright and harsh. As for the bass, the sub does more harm than good, I wish I could turn it off, it's just boomy with no impact. I have the low and high bands down -4 each and it's still too bright and boomy. The system needs more in the upper bass range (80 to 150 Hz) range. It's all software controlled DSP and it would be so simple to give us an "advanced" menu for making more meaningful adjustments. This system doesn't sound anything close to right.
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I just wish that SOMEWHERE on this planet there was a reference manual to tell you what all the buttons do...there's literally NOTHING
2022 Outback Touring XT. Also 1995 BMW 525i with 240,000 miles
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You need to be more specific. I have no idea what buttons you are referring to. I assume sound system.
Hyperbole, maybe? Not sure what "buttons" you're talking about, but the Infotainment System Manual(s) for the Fujitsu Ten head units in my 2015 Legacy and 2016 Outback were highly detailed and quite informative.
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I couldn't have been more specific. Look at the post I was replying to...and, I was referring to the fact that there is nothing to tell you about the features of the head unit...the buttons, what do they do? the capabilities etc....The 6 CD changer version of the stock set up in the 2010 Outback limited Harmon Kardon "premium" sound system is in a used car I am thinking of buying...Nobody is using the CD's anymore, and that's fine...but the rest of the features on this head unit need to be explained SOMEWHERE is all I am saying.
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C
Idiocy maybe? did you see the post I was replying too?? "Cricket Sounds" ....didn't think so. You would think there would be some kind of YouTube Video, or even a PDF of instructions on the Radio Operation....features, capabilities etc....looked for a couple days and there is nothing. There are a dozen or so showing you how to pair your phone, which is useful....but woefully inadequate. Nothing to see here...just move along.
2022 Outback Touring XT. Also 1995 BMW 525i with 240,000 miles
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Ok, If you are buying a 2010 OB, it may be best to post on that section of the forum. Search e-bay or google for a set of manuals if they are not with the car.
I believe in providing effort at helping someone who takes time and thought in making their needs known than someone that essentially throws a tantrum and expects everyone to rush to their aid. A rant isn't a good way to get help, and it's not a contribution to the forum.
"my car makes a funny noise oh my god Subaru sux!" Or "Does anyone know what the thingy does?" Makes my eyes roll.
Take a photo an upload it with the button in question circled and someone will be able to tell you what it does.
"my car makes a funny noise oh my god Subaru sux!" Or "Does anyone know what the thingy does?" Makes my eyes roll.
Take a photo an upload it with the button in question circled and someone will be able to tell you what it does.
congrats on your achievements and opinions but you should not expect a luxury car audio experience in a vehicle that costs less than $40k. I just turned in a ‘19 Touring with the HK and it is light years beyond the first HK in my daily beater ‘09.
I'm writing from the perspective of a mechanic of 25 years and someone with high range hearing loss. At the end of it nearly any sub 70k car audio"upgrade" is still going to sound like a standard car stereo next to a aftermarket setup.
That being said. The HK system in my 15 OB sounds ok. Though my fujicartastic head unit crashed when everyone is out of stock of anything that would allow stock integration of the HK amp and system. Maybe it time to learn code and figure out how to make it work with an android auto system.
My preference on upgrades are a Kenwood excelon headunit and infinity kappa series speakers. Usually just stock sized replacements. I'm not an audiophile so that works well for me.
That being said. The HK system in my 15 OB sounds ok. Though my fujicartastic head unit crashed when everyone is out of stock of anything that would allow stock integration of the HK amp and system. Maybe it time to learn code and figure out how to make it work with an android auto system.
My preference on upgrades are a Kenwood excelon headunit and infinity kappa series speakers. Usually just stock sized replacements. I'm not an audiophile so that works well for me.
It’s crap. Worst “high-end” audio system I have heard on any car in the last decade.
We have the HK audio system in our 2021 Touring and I must say it sounds fairly decent. The only thing I think it could use for improvement is better tweeters in the dash at the front corners of the windshield, and elimination of the "center" speaker.
Steve
Steve
The HK system in my '18 Limited sounds great. I've considered changing the door speakers to 6" Polks and updating the sub to something else, but to be honest, it sounds pretty darn good with the OEM cones. My only gripe about the whole enchilada (and I've posted about it here before) is that the satellite radio receiver is several dB louder than any other audio source, and there's no way to pad it down to match.
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upgrading the door speakers to a bit better quality ones will make a difference to midrange/"low" bass, but again, no vocals will come out of those speakers unless you make other upgrades to it. I put Infinity Reference 9632IX coax in the front door locations (cause I removed them from my previous car). there is a difference, just no vocals from those speakers in that location.
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