No More Harmon Kardon!
98328i
05-25-2004, 09:11 AM
Does anyone know if I keep my factory radio and replace the H/K Amp and speakers will the "Hi-Fi" switch still work?
Stereoinstaller1
06-15-2004, 10:48 AM
Hi.
As far as I know, the HiFi switch is basically a "loudness" switch. Sounded like it to me anyway, but I have never had anyone want to keep the stock deck. I personally like to keep the stock deck unless it is crap (like most domestics).
You will find your HK amp has some unusual stuff happening, like crossovers built into it to control your midrange and tweeters. I prefer to make my own, and augment the system with a single 10" sub built into the passenger floorboard on the Z cars, or a normal trunk install on others. You can use a normal 5 channel amp with (for example) MB Quart "Comp" 3 way passive crossovers and get excellent sound. Those are EXPENSIVE crossovers, by the way. I have found the stock speakers fed by a good amp and excellent crossovers make a very fine sound, most people will not believe the speakers themselves are stock. This is only true if you are using a high pass filter and additional subwoofer, by the way. I would choose an amp that offers 2,4, or 6 channel inputs, with a remote subwoofer level. You can simply intall a knob on the dash to control your subwoofer volume (unless you listen to only one genre of artist and have consistient recordings) so you can use the current 4 channel output on the stock deck, then change later to a better deck with a built in subwoofer level. I prefer the knob anyway, just because it is easier to adjust.
If you have more questions, feel free to IM me!
BTW, I don't know if it is allowed, but I am a dealer for tons of this stuff, if you feel a need to buy from me. I am in the Pacific Norhtwest! (woohoo, raining again!)
Luke
As far as I know, the HiFi switch is basically a "loudness" switch. Sounded like it to me anyway, but I have never had anyone want to keep the stock deck. I personally like to keep the stock deck unless it is crap (like most domestics).
You will find your HK amp has some unusual stuff happening, like crossovers built into it to control your midrange and tweeters. I prefer to make my own, and augment the system with a single 10" sub built into the passenger floorboard on the Z cars, or a normal trunk install on others. You can use a normal 5 channel amp with (for example) MB Quart "Comp" 3 way passive crossovers and get excellent sound. Those are EXPENSIVE crossovers, by the way. I have found the stock speakers fed by a good amp and excellent crossovers make a very fine sound, most people will not believe the speakers themselves are stock. This is only true if you are using a high pass filter and additional subwoofer, by the way. I would choose an amp that offers 2,4, or 6 channel inputs, with a remote subwoofer level. You can simply intall a knob on the dash to control your subwoofer volume (unless you listen to only one genre of artist and have consistient recordings) so you can use the current 4 channel output on the stock deck, then change later to a better deck with a built in subwoofer level. I prefer the knob anyway, just because it is easier to adjust.
If you have more questions, feel free to IM me!
BTW, I don't know if it is allowed, but I am a dealer for tons of this stuff, if you feel a need to buy from me. I am in the Pacific Norhtwest! (woohoo, raining again!)
Luke
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