Deceptive Marketing: Harmon Kardon 900 Watt Stereo System

[Rpaulg87]

I kinda prefer pounding low bass and mid with some rock tunes in the Challenger, fits the mood, I have no experience with the HK system, but I have NEVER liked them in my parents cadalics or range rovers. And yeah, all stock systems are a lie wattage and actual speaker wise, they say 12 speakers but if it's a single 3-way 6x9 or 6.5, they put it down as 2-3 speakers even though it is ONE, wattage wise they only rate PEAK from my understanding, which you never reach unless you crank it to 30+ I never need mine above 22.

The stock SRT Kicker system I like, though it lacks mid-bass and the tremble on notes voice wise can actually hurt my right ear with rock at times it's just too "shrill" compared to my older Infinity Kappas in my Toyota, basic fact is stock speakers aren't that good, and we have a built in cross-over under the dash so upgrading unless you get a epiccenter or something to regain everything it cuts off stock for proper sound, you are screwed

[skeety]

Originally Posted by Randy M

Hopefully later today or tomorrow I'm taking delivery of my SRT8 with this HK system in it and you guys are upsetting me...

I prefer the term "preparing" you...

you have time to mentally prepare yourself to focus on the other parts of the car. It's still something to be VERY excited about.

just brace yourself for disappointing audio.

But hit the throttle, and don't even sweat it for now!!

[skeety]

Originally Posted by Randy M

You guys are making the HK system sound like an AM radio in the original '70 Challenger lol.

that's not a bad analogy! haha

kidding aside, we ALL know factory systems are sub-par. I accept that.

However, THIS one..was advertised as an exception to that rule. And it was not.

in fact, it was even worse than normal factory systems. At least, that's MY opinion.

It seems that 90% of the power is in the high's/mid. and the bass (when it does kick in) is either a low barely audible rumble, or it's a 6x9 that's obviously reaching past it's bass range and only conveying a crappy rattle.

18 speakers, 2 of which are 10" subs, and there's NO punch.

There's some vibration...but NO punch.

so disproportionate power towards the higher range, and sub-par performance in the lower range. The end result sounds simliar to those knock-off ipod docks you can get at the cash register aisle at Walmart.

And all for a system advertised as premium at a cost of $2,000+

[the727kid]

You guys bash it so bad I want to hear it. I'll convince someone at the dealer to let me listen when I get my oil changed. They owe me a favor since their lift caught on fire and were far behind on changes today.

[skeety]

Originally Posted by the727kid

You guys bash it so bad I want to hear it. I'll convince someone at the dealer to let me listen when I get my oil changed. They owe me a favor since their lift caught on fire and were far behind on changes today.

do it!

Make sure you listen to a few songs in it.

Come back...let us know what you think!

[gr8srt8]

AND that $2000 car stereo will "net" you, what?, maybe extra $200 at trade in. I'm just saying...

[Randy M]

The HK system is required when your car has Nav correct?

[ROBOCOP]

My biggest complaint is that my rear tweeters right behind the front seats have been blown since day 1. They just crackle. I just havent had time to go back to the dealer.

[skeety]

Originally Posted by Randy M

The HK system is required when your car has Nav correct?

With the 730N system, yes.

With the 430, I'm not sure..but I still think yes...

[Randy M]

I just checked the site and it is required. So if you want factory Nav, you gots to cough up the dough for the HK.