I originally had the 03 HK system and thought it was great.However, I wanted to get my XM and Ipod in the mix. I tried installing an Alpine CDA 7995 using a rockford amp and the HK speakers and managed to blow out all the tweeters. I then tried to reistall the HK system and blew out my amp. I finally broke down and went for a whole new system. I now have focal 165 ca components in the front,165 V2 in the rear with an Alpine 9855 head unit and alpine 545 DMR 4 channel amp driving those. I also added an alpine mono amp for a rockford P2 10" sub. I had the XM receiver and the Ipod adapter. I have to admit that the sound and ability to manipulate the sound out does the HK system.
I did all the work myself, so I can see that if one is not into that kind of work and does not want to put out the extra money that the HK system is by itself great. So either way you'll have a great system.

 

Sounds like a kick-*** setup man, how much you put into it?

 

About a $1000 RR

 

Any pics of the install, or after shots?

 

I have never heard the HK system, but the stock one was really less than I liked. I put in an Eclipse CD5444 (Deck),Infinity Kappa Perfect 6.1 Component Speakers (Front), Infinity Kappa 692.7i 2-way Speakers (Rear), and Infinity Perfect 12.1 Sub and love it now. You can't always whip around turns and gun it from a traffic light, but you can always listen to very good sounding music!

 

I will put in pics when I am completely done, I'm still cleaning up and installing steering wheel control.
Also, taking corners was tough on the sub so I fixed it to the back seat with velcro.