Harman Kardon worth the upgrade?

I recently did test drives of about an hour and a half in an F30 with the standard audio and one with HK. I listened to the sound systems for a good portion of each of those drives (turning them off when things got interesting on back roads and enjoying the sound of the engine). The standard system is OK. Certainly listenable. It is not nearly as good a system as the HK. If you can and you enjoy listening to music spring for the HK. You won't regret it.

Originally Posted by jlukja

You have an F30 with the base system?

I have to disagree. Although not what I would call audio nirvana, the base system is very good. Definitely not a POS. Much better than the system that came in my TSX (which I upgraded) or the systems I've heard in my friends vehicles. I have not heard the HK system in the F30 nor have I heard the systems that came in the E90.

A POS audio system can meaning many things to different people. If one really like loud and well defined music, then the base system is a POS because its under powered and lacks seperation. If all you listen to is talk show and music at low volume, then the oem system is fine.

Another update. I played my benchmark song this am to compare - Chop Me Up bu Justin Timberlake. I played at very loud volume with windows rolled up ofcourse. It sounded AWESOME. Made me want to have a dance party in the car. Highly recommend the HK.

Justin Timberlake has a benchmark song ????

If they offered the Bang and Olufsen Sound System on the 3...

Originally Posted by The X Men

Justin Timberlake has a benchmark song ????

LOL. No, that's my benchmark song to compare audio systems. Been using it for years. Used it to pick Beats HI FI over Bose. And to measure stock F30 system against HK.

Originally Posted by 328i2013

Another update. I played my benchmark song this am to compare - Chop Me Up bu Justin Timberlake. I played at very loud volume with windows rolled up ofcourse. It sounded AWESOME. Made me want to have a dance party in the car. Highly recommend the HK.

you lost me at Justin Timberlake....

Originally Posted by windsor027

you lost me at Justin Timberlake....

Well, Ella Fitzgerald wouldn't have cut it

Originally Posted by 328i2013

Well, Ella Fitzgerald wouldn't have cut it

Personally I like to challenge all my audio equipment with Led Zeppelin's Black Dog.

Originally Posted by windsor027

Personally I like to challenge all my audio equipment with Led Zeppelin's Black Dog.

Zeppelin = before my time.
Though it might be good for benchmarking.

Originally Posted by 328i2013

LOL. No, that's my benchmark song to compare audio systems. Been using it for years. Used it to pick Beats HI FI over Bose. And to measure stock F30 system against HK.

I understood what you meant, but Justin Timberlake??? Really?? At least you didnt say justin bieber

I must be a bit older than you, I use the live Eagle sound track of Hotel California from the album "Hell Freezes Over" to compare audio systems. The Drums and the bass guitar in the opening squence is incredible.

Cranked up some Bob Marley and The Wailers the other day. Gotta say it sounded rather awesome on the standard system. Not sure if my hearing could detect $800 improvement in the audio system. However I can't help but occasionally consider if the HK system may have been worth the upgrade. It may be worth the peace of mind knowing that you got all the best that the brand had to offer at the time of purchase.

Originally Posted by windsor027

Personally I like to challenge all my audio equipment with Led Zeppelin's Black Dog.

Classic.

Originally Posted by The X Men

I must be a bit older than you, I use the live Eagle sound track of Hotel California from the album "Hell Freezes Over" to compare audio systems. The Drums and the bass guitar in the opening squence is incredible.

Yes. Another classic.

im all about EDM. and it sounds ****ing awesome on the HK.

any fellow EDM fans, let me know and i ill give you some epic songs for HK

On our ED we listened to nothing but mp3 on our flash drive. Andrea Bocelli at 192bps in the Italian Alps sounded very nice on the stock system.

Muse is always a quality choice to check audio. The complexity of their sound, level of bass and clarity of vocals makes them a fun choice. Plus their sound is a great mix of classical influences with electronic and hard rock sounds.

Originally Posted by jlukja

On our ED we listened to nothing but mp3 on our flash drive. Andrea Bocelli at 192bps in the Italian Alps sounded very nice on the stock system.

Andrea Bocelli! Very nice. Italian Alps! Perfect.

Originally Posted by kevins950

Andrea Bocelli! Very nice. Italian Alps! Perfect.

+1

.

Originally Posted by The X Men

I understood what you meant, but Justin Timberlake??? Really?? At least you didnt say justin bieber

I must be a bit older than you, I use the live Eagle sound track of Hotel California from the album "Hell Freezes Over" to compare audio systems. The Drums and the bass guitar in the opening squence is incredible.

I thought Justin Timberlake and Juston Bieber were the same guy,

I frequently use Steely Dan AJA as a benchmark. When I was a recording engineer that album was a benchmark.

CA

Originally Posted by windsor027

Personally I like to challenge all my audio equipment with Led Zeppelin's Black Dog.

Nice Choice!

Another, tamer choice, but with good range and clean, crisp guitar is Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms"

Originally Posted by JohnnyO

Nice Choice!

Another, tamer choice, but with good range and clean, crisp guitar is Dire Straits "Brothers in Arms"

Oh yea another great choice.

I would highly recommend the HK over the base system. No comparison, 600 watts and 16 speakers with the HK. Only have 1200 miles on my F30 with HK. Seems like the music from my HK system gets better each day. Must be the speakers are going through a burn in and sound is getting better. Used the HD Radio today for the first time and sounds better than SAT radio for sure. SAT radio seems more compressed and not as clear....but is still very good.

The HK is worth it.

I'm not much of an audiophile but the sound from my audio set up (Alpine Amplifier MRV450, Kenwood KDC-X959 head unit, Infinity 6000 comps front, JBL GTO 6 1/2 3-way rear, Alpine Type S 12" Sub) in my RSX is comparable though the sound in my RSX is much clearer at higher volume due to the amp.

I suggest upgrading if possible. The stock system is good, but not great. Satellite E Street station with Bruce is rocking,but was actually better on my previous Passat Monsoon system--crisper highs, better defined bass over the road and car noises.