im really new at this so can anyone please tell me what and what the difference between an HK and a non-HK sound system is?

 

If you do a search, you will find lots of information. Basically, the difference is an added amp and upgraded speakers. The sound for what you get is wonderful but some folks complain that it is not loud enough. Although I find it very loud.

 

I do not know if you know this so if you do I am sorry.

H/K or Harman/Kardon is a top of the line audio and video manufacturer and it puts out a greater quality of sound over any stock speaker on the market.

IMHO it sounds great.....but the amp does not shake the earth. Like daflake said it is loud!

 

I was told that the volume compensator is adjustable in the non-HK equipped stereo while it's fixed in the HK equipped cars.

 

For me the difference was $500. My ears told me that the HK was too boomie for me. The standard raidio sounds very good to me. I used the $500 to buy the LSD.

 

I had the same problem in deciding myself. I went with the standard CD stereo system. The H/K was just too overpowering and at higher volume levels it seemed distored to me for some reason. The amount of bass (even with bass turned down to halfway) was still too much. It will definately be worth taking your favorite CD in for a visit to your MA to listen to both systems

 

Very good advice. ^^^

 

Hmm... I was able to take the boom out of it by just adjusting the radio but everyone has different ears.

 

Does anyone know if the stock system can play wma format songs?

 

Nope.

 

If you mean "fixed" as in "not adjustable by you" then you are right. The VC is dynamically controlled by the H/K system to make it seem as though there is no volume change at all. Most VCs that I've heard seem to take steps up or down in volume that are noticeable... where as the H/K, IMHO, does it more smoothly... like a flow of volume change.

 

Nope as in don't know or

Nope an in won't play

Earl

 

"Nope" as in -> "I'm an idiot"

Yes... Yes the HU CAN play WMAs

 

so the stock HU can play wma format, right?
can any other person confirm it?
Thanks in advance!!!

 

wow could you just imagine if we all had to share the same ears? (sorry, couldn't let that pass by... ).

for my $0.02 worth, i am glad we got the h/k. the sound when set to flat/mid on bass/treble was a little boomy, but can be compensated and made to sound great with the nominal adjustments. i think this is one of the better stock sound systems i've heard, in my opinion. worth the extra bucks for us...

 

i haven't tried wma but it does play mp3... i have been using cd-rw and putting together big batches of mp3 and they play and sound great. a little funky on selecting different folders & tracks and the readout on the hu takes a little interpretation to figure out, but otherwise works great.

 

Is this an upgrade??? Mine doesn't seem to be able to play them and I have the H/K system...

 

I don't think it's an upgrade...

well crap... now you have me doubting myself again... I'll go home tonight and try.

I could swear that I made an entire CD of wmas and it worked.

 

If your stereo is 2005+ it will play MP3, wmas, etc.

BTW, I love my H/K stereo.

 

See... I told you I wasn't crazy

 

I have the HK upgrade in El Kabong. When I first got it I wasn't overly impressed with it. I printed the following article but it was weeks before I had the time to go out and work on the settings. I spent maybe 20 minutes reading and adjusting and am absolutely thrilled with the final product. I'm sure I could have a more impressive sound, but it would cost upwards of $2000.00 (based on some pricing I did around Atlanta at various places).
One day I may upgrade, but that will be way down the road when I feel like just going nuts on the sound, for now this system rocks!
http://www.in2guitar.com/minihkreview.html

Annette

 

Day & Night it's kinda like if I have to explain it, you wouldn't understand just go with the H/K if for no other reason better resale should you ever want to sell the worlds most perfect automobile ......

 

If you generally listen to music with the volume turned down, the stock system should be fine for you (I found it pretty impressive for stock). But if you like to 'rock out' while driving and play your music loud, but you don't consider yourself an audiophile, then it's definitely worth looking at.

Again, the best advice is to just bring a CD over to your dealer and hear the difference. I did that, and for me I didn't think the h/k was enough (the bass sounded 'tinny' and everything wasn't as crisp as I'd like), so I ended up just getting the stock sound system and replacing all of the components over a couple months time, as well as adding a subwoofer and amps.

 

Does anyone know if the speed adjust volume works on HK? I like it in our non HK 04 but I cant seem to figure it out in the 06.

 

I have an 05 HK equipped car and the speed sensitive volume adjustment does NOT work. Mini Reps have told me everything from "it should work," to "it is built in with HK" to "no it doesn't work." Built it in or not, when its on loud all the time, it doesn't need to adjust with speed.