Been almost two weeks with the new MCS, so here are some first impressions of the H-K.
In a nutshell:
First, the old MCS had the basic Boost system, but I had swapped all the speakers out for JBL's (1- and 2-ways in the doors and 3-ways in the rear). I had also reversed the front and rears in the connector because someone's extensive research found that there's a fuller-range signal going to the fronts. The front-rear swap didn't change a whole lot, but the JBL's all around did make a noticeable difference over the toilet paper stockers. It sounded
decent; I still had to set the bass just about to the max to get it sounding anywhere near close to as full as I like it, but it still didn't have the feel-it-in-your-bones bass that I crave.
The new H-K system is, simply put, many times better than the base system. (Unfortunately I never heard the earlier premium system to compare it to.) Even with the JBL's, I could only push it so far before it would start distorting; but I can crank the H-K as loud as I can tolerate (and I can tolerate it 'til it vibrates my spinal column) and it retains its clarity all the way up the decibel scale. Plenty of bass, but it doesn't overpower the mids and highs ... it's just
there, like it wasn't in the last system. I like my music sounding full and clear, and with the bass tweaked up just one above neutral and treble up to about 3, the H-K gives me all of that and then some. Sitting still with the engine off, it can get a bit boomy; but you definitely need that boom when you're moving, and it delivers all that you should need, even at highway speeds.
It will never be confused with a Mark Levinson system, but neither should it ever be embarrassed by one. Of course, cars that you'll find ML's in have a bit more room for amps and subs and such, too. I've also heard an ML being pushed a bit above comfortable listening levels, and I'd say the H-K is a good close second, which still puts it in pretty good company.
If you like your music sounding full, if you like to feel the bass but still hear the rest clearly, I'd highly recommend throwing the extra few $$$ for the H-K.
