Looking at a new S, Cab and looking at options. Is the base radio as bad as folks say and is the Harmon Kardon worth the extra or is it better to go with after market?

 

I just got my car a week ago, I have the HK and I am VERY happy with it. Even with the top down the radio is great.

I do not have any real experience with the base radio, so I cannot speak to that.

 

Drove a loaner for a week which had base radio. Trust me, get the HK

 

I'm no audiophile, but I do like to have good sound, and I'm loving the HK audio system.

 

I am not sure about the newer models, but I have an 05 with h/k and I really hated it. the bass was super muddy and overwhelming, the highs were too bright and there was almost no mid range.

I replaced my system with polks in the front and rear and a 300 watt crossfire amp to power them. the bass is loud and clean mids are much better. the highs are still a little bright but I knew they would be. polks are known for that.

 

Sounds as if the majority of folks like the HK. I do like good sound so it sounds like a no brainer. If the HK does not work then I know that I would not have liked the base and I can always upgrade. Again, thanks for the input.

 

I really like the Hk system. I understand the newest HK is better than the previous HK but do not know when it changed. Maybe 2011?

But I seem to remember someone said the aftermarket upgrade was easier from the base system than from the HK system.

 

Here is a great post from Integral Audio talking about the MINI sound system:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-upgrades.html

He doesn't recommend upgrading the HK speakers.

 

I got the base system. Yes, it sucks.

 

Thanks for the Internal Audio link. Looks interesting. The only issue is that if I went with the base and upgraded to the sub system, I would still be stuck with the stock speakers. Have contacted Internal and will see what they say. Thanks again for all who have contributed to my concerns. This forum is very informative and helpful...

 

Whoah Chuck, if you get the base system with the intent to upgrade...which I did, the first thing you would most likely do is upgrade the speakers. I did that and was very impressed with the improvement in sound. I have HERTZ speakers in the front door stock locations. Now, the sound is not as great as it could be, but I couldn't perform all of the sound system upgrade at once. I am very tempted to go with the Integral Sound System upgrade. I would need a new Amplifier (old one doesn't have enough channels) and purchase the Integral Audio latest flat subwoofer enclosure setup. HERTZ has one they just released as well.

If you get the H/K upgrade, it's not impossible, but more convoluted to upgrade the H/K sound system setup...as you'll learn, like I did, reading the threads.

I liked the idea of the base system and performing the upgrade on it, lots more options with less hassle. Good Luck!

 

Good food for thought. Am looking into the Integral Sound System to see what that would run. Need to upgrade my other vehicles front speakers as well. Not an audiophile but do like good sound and would hate to settle for the next number of years. Thanks for the info.

 

I test drove the car with both systems and went with the H/K and I'm glad I did. I listen to music on long trips and with the top down I hear it fine even at highway speeds.

 

I did decide to go with the HK. The Nav and certain packages I believe makes it mandatory. I am fairly pleased with the HK. It is not an audio heads dream but for normal listening it is fine. I looked at keeping the HK or spending another two grand to upgrade and there are there things I would rather have for two grand. Again, the HK is much better then the base but a true audiophile will not be pleased with it and should look at the base system and going after market.