Harmon Kardon any good?

[FraggleChops]

I've heard mixed opinions on the Harmon Kardon speaker option. Is it worth the extra dosh, or am I better off getting the bog standard speakers and upgrading to some Kenwood's later?

Cheers people

[Moppie]

Well if thier Auto motive speakers are as good as thier Computer speakers then its definitly worth it. There probobly better than some after market Kenwoods.

[EdgarFan659]

Does the dealership have any cars on the lot with the Harmon Kardon option? If they do just bring a CD along with you when you go to look and ask if you can hear the stereo system.

[JFischel]

Hey, just thought I would chime in. I just got a new 2001 "left over" yeasterday with the HK system in it and it pounds. I'm not talking the earth moving hear you from 9 miles away type pound, but it's sounds really good. For the cash that it costs as an option, you're not going to be able to beat the system. Remember, there is more involved than just the speakers. There's a whole pile of amps that need to be matched to the speakers via wattage and ohm load. Hope that gives a little insight...

Josh

[gang$tarr]

Harmon Kardon is worth it, I have it on my car. It's really high quality sound, like a mark levinson system in a Lexus

[sq_man]

Harmon Kardon option is OK, but save your money and
get an aftermarket system. I've heard stock systems in
Civics that sound better than the HK. For 2-3k you can
get some real good sound in a car that is absolutely perfect
for high-end audio (well-damped and quiet at speed)

[JFischel]

I'm sorry, but you're on crack or something...the HK with it's amps and matched speakers sounding not as good as an underpowered generic tuner with paper coned speakers that come stock in a Civic?

[gang$tarr]

plus it's not a 3k option... ofcourse you can get a better system for 3k. Actually i think the sound quality on a HK would be alot better, maybe the other system is just louder

go harmon-kardon

[Tuarus SHO]

I think it depends on what your listening styles are. If you want the Booming "hear me coming from 2 miles away" Then of course go aftermarket system. If you want just good highs, and good matched lows, then I say go for the HK. My opinion.

Chris

[s0yb0mb]

I checked them out at the dealership, and I'd say they're definitly better than stock, but not the greatest. I'd get the option (I don't know how much the option is, but if it's over 1k it's too much), and then if it's not enough power just build up a custom system. Keep in mind this is your car, so unless you have a top notch (stock or otherwise) stereo you will loose sound quality at higher speeds so you be the judge.

The stock system in the IS300 is one of the best stock ones I've ever heard. Not earth shaking in power, but overall a great system, and that's WITHOUT a brand name stereo... I believe the speakers are paper cones too! I'm planning on trying out some Boston Acoustic 2-ways in the back...

[328isRob]

Yes, it is good. Plus you get the additional resale value of a factory option and a system that matches the car. If you can find me another head unit that matches the rest of the controls on a bmw or a 3 piece component set I'd love to hear about it.

[gang$tarr]

Originally posted by s0yb0mb
The stock system in the IS300 is one of the best stock ones I've ever heard. Not earth shaking in power, but overall a great system, and that's WITHOUT a brand name stereo... I believe the speakers are paper cones too! I'm planning on trying out some Boston Acoustic 2-ways in the back...

Lexus offers a Mark Levinson sound system, it's one of the highest quality sound systems you can buy. The one in my neighbours SC430 sounds really good, the sound quality is just amazing. Mark Levinson only has their sound systems in Lexus cars because it claims that lexus is the only car manufacturer that has a quite enough ride

[agapehme]

I have a 97 M3 with the Harmon Kardon setup and it sound pretty darn good. I don't believe the speaker/amp system is the issue. It is the head unit. It lacks cleaner bass and high end response. Change you deck and the speakers come to life. Amazing, it like a new system. Get a deck like a Nakamichi CD-40Z with pre outs direct to the factory amp, best way, or an adapter to the pre-existing hookup and you will be thrilled. I have done car audio installations in the past and I believe that if you can work with the standard system it's best. I also have a 92 325I with an external amp and a Sony Explod 10" box in the trunk. It sounds great, deep bass ect. However, the HK with a deck change come pretty close. Not as deep vibrating bass but very good.
Good luck.

[axboi2001x]

I really think the HK system is good if you enjoy the music INSIDE the car and not for show. It's called acoustic guys, not music for everyone. Also if you will be hauling people around, make sure you turn the bass down, since a lot of my friends get headache when I turn the volume up too high. The subwoofer sometimes overpower the rear speakers, making everything sound all distorted, but from the front passenger, it's just perfect. I believe the HK option is around 800 dollar? But stock wise, with 10 speakers, that's good enough, 800 dollar I think you can do better...

[makoto]

id have to agree with soybomb, they are definately better than stock:badass: especially with that speed sensitive equalizer. if you really want premium sounds, id suggest jl audios. you can also get a 1000watt rockford& fosgate amp for around $500, but theyve been known to blow easy.