How does Harmon Kardon compare?

VVC-Geeza · 14th June 2011, 14:26

I'm looking to add an amp and sub to my DD in the near future and are undecided whether to source a complete 75 HK system or just fit a none OE amp and sub.

How does the quality of the HK compare to more modern ICE on the market?

kissifer1972 · 14th June 2011, 15:50

Am not surehow I could compare it as I have always just had the standard audio in my previous cars. But I can tell you that the sound is crisp all the way up to max, which has never been the case in any previous car I have owned.

Jakg · 14th June 2011, 15:52

Aftermarket > HK. I would only recommend HK to a "purist".

HK speakers + aftermarket amp is a good comprimise tho.

HarryM1BYT · 14th June 2011, 17:12

HK amp plus HK speaker system with my DD sounds pretty good, better than it was working with the original Hi-Line system.

MisterTomez · 14th June 2011, 17:15

As I've said before, the H/K I find is excellent, as Harry has said, an improvement over the hi-line when the DD was added.

Jakg · 14th June 2011, 17:23

Remember the comparison is between the HK or an aftermarket system, afaik very few members have made this particular swap... (I have).

VVC-Geeza · 14th June 2011, 17:40

I'm sure HK gives a much better quality of sound than the standard OEM ICE or that of the DD,i've only listened to a HK system for a few seconds so didn't really get chance to judge it.I'm still in two minds at the moment

grendel · 30th June 2011, 18:52

I've fiddled about a bit with my sound system over the years, the standard fit Kenwood HU was ok, but the OEM speakers were pretty "hollow" sounding.
Currently have an upgraded Kenwood CD player with iPod remote rather than a CD multichanger, Pioneer speakers in all doors & added OEM tweeters to the rears to match the front. Bought a second hand HK sub and rigged that up to a Sony amp and I'm pretty happy with the sound right now. The sub isn't yet ported into the cabin via the parcel shelf yet (future job when I have time) but it still sounds pretty good.

14th June 2011, 14:26	#1
VVC-Geeza This is my second home 2005 Connoisseur SE 1.8 Turbo,2004 45 1.8 Connoisseur and my beloved 1998 VVC Coupe. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Derby. Posts: 8,816 Thanks: 2,022 Thanked 1,016 Times in 739 Posts	How does Harmon Kardon compare? I'm looking to add an amp and sub to my DD in the near future and are undecided whether to source a complete 75 HK system or just fit a none OE amp and sub. How does the quality of the HK compare to more modern ICE on the market? __________________

14th June 2011, 15:50	#2
kissifer1972 Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Conn Tourer & Rover 75 CDT Conn SE Saloon Join Date: May 2010 Location: Queensbury Posts: 1,368 Thanks: 0 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Am not surehow I could compare it as I have always just had the standard audio in my previous cars. But I can tell you that the sound is crisp all the way up to max, which has never been the case in any previous car I have owned. __________________ Mods so far X-Power Performance Upgrade LED interior lights and sidelights Genuine Rover Xenons - now removed and sold Kenlowe fan Synergy 2 EGR Bypass

14th June 2011, 17:12	#4
HarryM1BYT This is my second home 75 Contemporary SE Mk II 2004 Man. Sal. CDTi 135ps, FBH on red diesel, WinCE6 DD Join Date: May 2010 Location: Leeds Posts: 17,273 Thanks: 2,160 Thanked 2,061 Times in 1,586 Posts	HK amp plus HK speaker system with my DD sounds pretty good, better than it was working with the original Hi-Line system. __________________ Harry How To's and items I offer for free, or just to cover the cost of my expenses... http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...40#post1764540 Fix a poor handbrake; DIY ABS diagnostic unit; Loan of the spanner needed to change the CDT belts; free OBD diagnostics +MAF; Correct Bosch MAF cheap; DVB-T install in an ex-hi-line system; DD install with a HK amp; FBH servicing. I've taken a vow of poverty. To annoy me, send money.

14th June 2011, 17:15	#5
MisterTomez Gets stuck in '00 BMW 535i Auto M-Sport, '99 Rover 75 2.5 V6 Connoisseur SE Auto Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Midlands Posts: 733 Thanks: 0 Thanked 7 Times in 2 Posts	As I've said before, the H/K I find is excellent, as Harry has said, an improvement over the hi-line when the DD was added. __________________ ` [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] "Trimmed like a first class cabin on the Titanic...before it sank." ---------- "The LPG'd, civilized psychopath."

14th June 2011, 17:40	#7
VVC-Geeza This is my second home 2005 Connoisseur SE 1.8 Turbo,2004 45 1.8 Connoisseur and my beloved 1998 VVC Coupe. Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Derby. Posts: 8,816 Thanks: 2,022 Thanked 1,016 Times in 739 Posts	I'm sure HK gives a much better quality of sound than the standard OEM ICE or that of the DD,i've only listened to a HK system for a few seconds so didn't really get chance to judge it.I'm still in two minds at the moment __________________

14th June 2011, 15:52	#3
Jakg This is my second home N/A Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Suffolk Posts: 6,867 Thanks: 0 Thanked 397 Times in 302 Posts	Aftermarket > HK. I would only recommend HK to a "purist". HK speakers + aftermarket amp is a good comprimise tho.

14th June 2011, 17:23	#6
Jakg This is my second home N/A Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Suffolk Posts: 6,867 Thanks: 0 Thanked 397 Times in 302 Posts	Remember the comparison is between the HK or an aftermarket system, afaik very few members have made this particular swap... (I have).

30th June 2011, 18:52	#8
grendel Regular poster MG ZT Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Birmingham Posts: 75 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	I've fiddled about a bit with my sound system over the years, the standard fit Kenwood HU was ok, but the OEM speakers were pretty "hollow" sounding. Currently have an upgraded Kenwood CD player with iPod remote rather than a CD multichanger, Pioneer speakers in all doors & added OEM tweeters to the rears to match the front. Bought a second hand HK sub and rigged that up to a Sony amp and I'm pretty happy with the sound right now. The sub isn't yet ported into the cabin via the parcel shelf yet (future job when I have time) but it still sounds pretty good.