HK speakers not what you would think.

[wallace]

I test drove a z4 and it didn't have the hk system and it blew my cars system away. I know it is a smaller car, but my car doesn't even come close. Any thoughts on that upgrade?

 

[MrElussive]

Was it a Z4 3.0? Because the 3.0 model comes standard with a Carver 10-speaker Premium Audio System.

 

[Black330]

The Hk system is the best system I have ever heard.

 

[wallace]

I had the 2.5 L z4, It's stereo rocked. My ears hurt afterwards. Yeah the HK's are an improvement to the stock 325's, just listening to good spearkes all my life. I might be a little spoiled.

 

[bmw4life13]

if you really waqnt a good sound system you should invest in an aftermarket setup. trust me you will not be dissapointed!!!!

 

[PuShAkOv]

I am confused wallace... do you love HK or you hate HK?

 

[MrElussive]

BMW's Harman Kardon sound system is amazing. So is Lexus's Mark Levinson audio system. But this is no surprise as Harman Kardon and Mark Levinson are both under the parent company, Harman International.

 

[PuShAkOv]

I could have sworn there was a thread not too long ago where everybody said HK sucks.

 

[mscoins]

I didn't buy the car for the HK system, but it does have ample fidelity that sounds quite good. The only improvement I would suggest in future offerings is incorporate Dolby Pro Logic II for that pseudo 5.1 sound.

 

[Unit74]

You guys are smokin crack if you think the HK system is anywhere near marginal at best.


My Saturn L300's stock system makes my 330I's sound like an annoying cell phone ringing. HK sucks anyway you tally the votes.

 

[coopernicus]

I have HK and honestly don't notice it as being a great sound system. My wife's Passat has Monsoon and sounds better.

 

[mscoins]

You guys are smokin crack if you think the HK system is anywhere near marginal at best.

I don't think so...

 

[jrt67ss350]

I haven't heard a HK system in an E46, but I was never impressed with the HK systems in the E36s.

 

[bmwrocks]

I look at it this way. The HK system in our cars is not ever going to perform with reference studio fidelity. If you compare it to a Saturn, it sounds hella better (Saturn stock sound systems suck hairy egg balls, everyone knows that). For our purposes driving around it sounds excellent I think. Hell mine has 10 speakers and 2 subwoofers. High mounted tweeters, tweeters in the rear seat sides (so as not to blow out the rear seat occupants), a well thought out system, not the greatest ever, but also not a POS tinny cheap Saturn system.

Pass the crack pipe Unit74 cause thats what you are smokin'.

 

[jrt67ss350]

If you compare it to a Saturn, it sounds hella better (Saturn stock sound systems suck hairy egg balls, everyone knows that).

Ha ha! You have no idea how hard that made me laugh - and you are right, Saturn systems suck.

It sounds like the E46 system is better than the E36 systems were - 10 speakers and 2 subwoofers are a lot of speakers in a relatively small car. I'd love to hear it, too bad I don't know anyone with an E46 that has the HK system.

 

[Dutch]

I think that anyone who says that HK sucks should invest in a good quality CD before putting out BS on this forum. Of course you can achieve higher quality sound with an aftermarket system but if you put in a Celine Dion or Toni Braxton CD for instance it sounds really great. It really depends a little bit on the type of music you put in the CD player.

Have a great day (And thanks for bringing out the subject.... I'm taking a ride in my car to enjoy my HK system...)

 

[Unit74]

You guys are comical.


You pay high dollar for a stereo with a name on it and get all hot and bothered when you get hit with the reality of it being junk. Instead of defending the stock HK garbage, I challenge you nay sayers to go to several car dealerships other than BMW and just listen to the stereo's. Then come back and say what you will.

I have been an audiophile for many years and have had experience in all sorts of home and auto applications. I have been through many different new cars and I think the only worse stock system was a 92 Tercell, which was my wifes first new car.


Pure comedy...........

 

[mikev]

i have a stereo from 1989 i have 4 speakers it sounds ok. I also have a 2.5l straight six upfront and oversized pipes in rear. which do you think i prefer to listen to?

 

[bmwrocks]

Hey Unit74 you need to go back to boot camp and get clobbered by the drill sargeant from Full Metal Jacket. You remind me of Private Pyle.

One more time Private, the HK is not junk and if you think it is only surpassed at the bottom by a 92 Tercel, then you have made it painfully obvious that you are no audiophile at all. Now go clean the garbage cans with a toothbrush. [bmwkick]

 

[MrElussive]

You guys don't like the Harman Kardon audio system in BMW's? I think it truly kicks ass. It is loud and clear and very rich. Harman Kardon has such good car audio systems, that Mercedes is making the switch from Bose to Harman Kardon in their cars now!!
Perosnally, every time I've been in a BMW with the Harman Kardon audio system (which is pretty often), I've always been impressed with the sound quality.