Premium Bose vs. Harmon Kardon

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

Just traded in my SX-P Sorento for my new SX-P Telly. The Sorento had a Premium Bose sound system. I can state emphatically that the Harmon Kardon system sounds better. May not be for audiophiles - as I realize there are a lot of deficiencies - but I personally won't be spending the big bucks to upgrade (at least for a while ).

 

[PittPa]

It's fine for 95% of us. The other 5% can't understand how anyone can even listen to it!

 

[TellurideCoug]

Just traded in my SX-P Sorento for my new SX-P Telly. The Sorento had a Premium Bose sound system. I can state emphatically that the Harmon Kardon system sounds better. May not be for audiophiles - as I realize there are a lot of deficiencies - but I personally won't be spending the big bucks to upgrade (at least for a while ).

You may think the Premium Harmon Kardon systems sounds good enough, but here's the difference:

The difference between the Factory C-R-A-P, (and a brand name like Bose, JBL, or Harmon Kardon, is just that. The manufacture's use a brand name that is appealing to the mass market consumer. The fact of the matter is....the factory speakers which are specced out by an engineer to cut costs... are paper thin C-R-A-P.

How about his: Manufacture's deceive the public by using big brand names for appeal. It's total deception.

The difference between Factory and Aftermarket is this:

Factory Speakers: Your great, great grandparents in their 1912 house had to use an outhouse to go to the bathroom.

Aftermarket Speakers: A modern bathroom inside the house.

That's the difference, and most all consumers are "just fine" with their factory system.

They simply don't care, or they don't know what they don't know.

Is it worth over $3,000? Worth every penny.....only to those who are not in financial stress, or do not have a lot of consumer debt.

It's simply the most amazing experience ever.

 

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

You may think the Premium Harmon Kardon systems sounds good enough, but here's the difference:

The difference between the Factory C-R-A-P, (and a brand name like Bose, JBL, or Harmon Kardon, is just that. A brand name that is appealing to the mass market consumer. The fact of the matter is....the factory speakers which are specced out... are paper thin C-R-A-P.

The difference between Factory and Aftermarket is this:

Factory Speakers: Your great, great grandparents in their 1912 house, had to use an outhouse to go to the bathroom.

Aftermarket Speakers: The difference from going to an outhouse or going inside in a modern bathroom.

That's the difference, and most all consumers are "just fine" with their factory system.

They simply don't care, or they don't know what they don't know.

Is it worth over $3,000? Worth every penny.....to those who are not in financial stress, or have a lot of consumer debt.

It's simply the most amazing experience ever.

You are not saying anything I didn't already say. So read between the lines. The CRAP Harmon Kardon system sounds better than the CRAP Bose system.

______________________________

 

[TellurideCoug]

You are not saying anything I didn't already say. So read between the lines. The CRAP Harmon Kardon system sounds better than the CRAP Bose system.

Fair enough. I now....read between the lines. Congrats on your new Telluride SX Prestige!

 

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

Fair enough. I now....read between the lines. Congrats on your new Telluride SX Prestige!

Thank you! Marvelous machine at this point.
Back to the topic at hand - a little background. With my Sorento, I was quite dissatisfied with the sound system. My daughter had just completed an audio upgrade with Crutchfield for her Cadillac - her OEM actually sounded much worse than my car if you can believe it. I went with her to pick up the car and got interested in perhaps a similar upgrade (new 2-channel amp and speakers) to the Sorento. (Her upgrade system blew us away and was a lot cheaper than the sterio shops.) Come to find out that Crutchfield had zero information on the Sorento, so they turned down any plans to work up a system for me. This gets into not messing with the receiver but being able to integrate a new amp.) That was 6 months ago. l am pretty sure I will be exploring the possibilities for the Telluride when I build up my cash. My fear though is that just like the Sorento, Crutchfield may not have any info on the Telluride.

 

[TellurideCoug]

Thank you! Marvelous machine at this point.
Back to the topic at hand - a little background. With my Sorento, I was quite dissatisfied with the sound system. My daughter had just completed an audio upgrade with Crutchfield for her Cadillac - her OEM actually sounded much worse than my car if you can believe it. I went with her to pick up the car and got interested in perhaps a similar upgrade (new 2-channel amp and speakers) to the Sorento. (Her upgrade system blew us away and was a lot cheaper than the sterio shops.) Come to find out that Crutchfield had zero information on the Sorento, so they turned down any plans to work up a system for me. This gets into not messing with the receiver but being able to integrate a new amp.) That was 6 months ago. l am pretty sure I will be exploring the possibilities for the Telluride when I build up my cash. My fear though is that just like the Sorento, Crutchfield may not have any info on the Telluride.

I started with of course our local retailer chain in Seattle, ($$$$ Car Toys $$$$), then Crutchfield (MSRP)....

However, purchased most of the components from Abt Electronics, who beat out Crutchfield prices by a significant margin. Do not consider skipping the SoundShield Mats or the Black Hole Tiles. Accoustical treatments are a must. All four doors and the cargo hatch door should be treated.

Some items did come from Crutchfield, such as wiring harnesses, etc, some came from Amazon, and Sounds Good Stereo for the Black Hole Absorption Tiles. Do not buy the Wavetech Link8 LOC on eBay, (which has the older obsolete version). You need the latest generation, so buy the Wavetech Link8 from Crutchfield.

For steep discounts:

Louie Igyarto
Abt Electronics
‭(847) 544-2652‬
louis.igyarto@abt.com

• JL Audio XDM800/8 Channel amp.
• Wavtech Link8 (LOC) Line Output Converter/Processor.
• Focal 165AS component integrated speakers (pair) for front doors, (woofer and tweeter).
• Focal 165AS component integrated speakers (pair) for rear doors, (woofer and tweeter).
• JL Audio Evolution 3.5" Coaxial Speakers (Pair). Mid-range Speakers for rear surround.
• Focal P 20 FSE 8” Shallow Sub.
• JL Audio HD-RLC, HD Amp Remote Level Control and Cable.
• SoundShield Car Sound Deadening Door Kit Mats - 5 Rolls. This covers all four doors and Rear Hatch.
• Blackhole High Efficiency Accoustical Absorption Tiles ~ 40 pack of Foam Tiles. This covers all four doors.
• Wire Bundle Kit for amp with Fuses.
• 4-gauge dual amplifier wiring kit — includes power wiring.
• Wiring Kit for Processors and Low-Current Devices, which includes 18-gauge power and ground wires (25-foot), fuse holders, and fuses.
• QTY 2 EA: American International HKSB110 (= 4 total Speaker Adapter Brackets).
• QTY 3 EA: Metra 72-7302 Speaker Wiring Harnesses (=6 total Speaker Harnesses). Front Row, 2nd Row, and 3rd Row mid-range speakers, (rear surround).

I then had my local guy, (installation) install everything, (labor only). Did not use Car Toys, but a local independent shop. Customer Own Gear, (COG).
The above list is a result of dozen and dozen of hours of research.

Yes, you are correct. Crutchfield could only identify the front and rear, meaning the Focal 165AS Component Integration.
Crutchfield had nothing on what the Rear Surrounds are, (third row) or what the subwoofer is. Crutchfield has nothing on the Center Speaker, but not to worry. Leave the Center Speaker alone and keep it factory. It's used as a mono speaker for Park Assist, Break Assist, Blind Spot Alerts, etc.
The only way to determine what the Sub Woofer enclosure is and the Side Rear Surrounds is your local installer. Since my project is done...you have experience from me. If you use the shopping list above....you will save so much time.

I'll save you time and troubleshooting, as you must go with:

• JL Audio Evolution 3.5" Coaxial Speakers (Pair). Mid-range Speakers for rear surrounds.
• Have your local guy build a custom box for the Focal P 20 FSE 8” Shallow Sub. DO NOT MOUNT THE NEW SUB IN THE FACTORY LOCATION. The factor shallow sub is integrated and enclosed in plastic! It's the worst of the worst. You must have your guy build a new box, and place it in the storage compartment hatch floor, in the rear cargo floor.

If you do the above, with these components.....your system will blow you away. Absolutely blow you away.

 

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

I started with of course our local retailer chain in Seattle, ($$$$ Car Toys $$$$), then Crutchfield (MSRP)....

However, purchased most of the components from Abt Electronics, who beat out Crutchfield prices by a significant margin. Do not consider skipping the SoundShield Mats or the Black Hole Tiles. Accoustical treatments are a must. All four doors and the cargo hatch door should be treated.

Some items did come from Crutchfield, such as wiring harnesses, etc, some came from Amazon, and Sounds Good Stereo for the Black Hole Absorption Tiles. Do not buy the Wavetech Link8 LOC on eBay, (which has the older obsolete version). You need the latest generation, so buy from Wavetech Link8 from Crutchfield.

For steep discounts:

Louie Igyarto
Abt Electronics
‭(847) 544-2652‬
louis.igyarto@abt.com

• JL Audio XDM800/8 Channel amp.
• Wavtech Link8 (LOC) Line Output Converter/Processor.
• Focal 165AS component integrated speakers (pair) for front doors, (woofer and tweeter).
• Focal 165AS component integrated speakers (pair) for rear doors, (woofer and tweeter).
• JL Audio Evolution 3.5" Coaxial Speakers (Pair). Mid-range Speakers for rear surround.
• Focal P 20 FSE 8” Shallow Sub.
• JL Audio HD-RLC, HD Amp Remote Level Control and Cable.
• SoundShield Car Sound Deadening Door Kit Mats - 5 Rolls. This covers all four doors and Rear Hatch.
• Blackhole High Efficiency Accoustical Absorption Tiles ~ 40 pack of Foam Tiles. This covers all four doors.
• Wire Bundle Kit for amp with Fuses.
• 4-gauge dual amplifier wiring kit — includes power wiring.
• Wiring Kit for Processors and Low-Current Devices, which includes 18-gauge power and ground wires (25-foot), fuse holders, and fuses.
• QTY 2 EA: American International HKSB110 (= 4 total Speaker Adapter Brackets).
• QTY 3 EA: Metra 72-7302 Speaker Wiring Harnesses (=6 total Speaker Harnesses). Front Row, 2nd Row, and 3rd Row mid-range speakers, (rear surround).

I then had my local guy, (installation) install everything, (labor only). Did not use Car Toys, but a local independent shop. Customer Own Gear, (COG).
The above list is a result of dozen and dozen of hours of research.

Yes, you are correct. Crutchfield could only identify the front and rear, meaning the Focal 165AS Component Integration.
Crutchfield had nothing on what the Rear Surrounds are, (third row) or what the subwoofer is.
The only way to determine what the Sub Woofer area is and the Side Rear Surrounds is your local installer. Since my project is done...you have experience from me. If you use the shopping list above....you will save so much time.

I'll save you time and troubleshooting, as you must go with:

• JL Audio Evolution 3.5" Coaxial Speakers (Pair). Mid-range Speakers for rear surrounds.
• Have your local guy build a custom box for the Focal P 20 FSE 8” Shallow Sub. DO NOT MOUNT THE NEW SUB IN THE FACTORY LOCATION. The factor shallow sub is integrated in plastic! It's the worst of the worst. You must have your guy build a new box, and place it in the storage compartment hatch floor, in the rear cargo floor.

If you do the above, with these components.....your system will blow you away. Absolutely blow you away.

Excellent stuff all the way - thank you very much. Please give me a ballpark figure for the parts and then the labor. I am guessing 3-5K?

Going to have to rethink the storage compartment for the subwoofer. I am handicapped and one of the main reasons I purchased the Telluride is that in a few years I will be adding a powered wheelchair lift in back (for a collapsible portable electric wheelchair). The base of this lift takes up much of the rear cargo floor. Smaller SUVs like the Sorento can't accommodate. Right now I get by with forearm crutches.

______________________________

 

[TellurideCoug]

Excellent stuff all the way - thank you very much. Please give me a ballpark figure for the parts and then the labor. I am guessing 3-5K?

Going to have to rethink the storage compartment for the subwoofer. I am handicapped and one of the main reasons I purchased the Telluride is that in a few years I will be adding a powered wheelchair lift in back (for a collapsible portable electric wheelchair). The base of this lift takes up much of the rear cargo floor. Smaller SUVs like the Sorento can't accommodate. Right now I get by with forearm crutches.

You actually have another area to place the custom subwoofer box. The box can mount vertical in between the second row seat captain chairs. So you're fine.

This is approximate, but pretty close.

Components and parts: $3,100. (includes sales tax).
Labor to install - local guy: $1,100 (cash). Includes building a custom box. Takes 1 ½ days for the job.
Total project: $4,200

Note: Abt Electronics does offer 12 months with Zero Interest on the Synchrony Card, and does not charge more, when you run it thru at Zero Interest. That's pretty amazing, since Louie will give you an exceptional discount.

Here's a photo, (click photo to expand) of the

• JL Audio XDM800/8 Channel amp.

and the custom build subwoofer box containing the

• Focal P 20 FSE 8” Shallow Sub.

 

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

You actually have another area to place the custom subwoofer box. The box can mount vertical in between the second row seat captain chairs. So you're fine.

This is approximate, but pretty close.

Components and parts: $3,100. (includes sales tax).
Labor to install - local guy: $1,100 (cash). Includes building a custom box. Takes 1 ½ days for the job.
Total project: $4,200

Note: Abt Electronics does offer 12 months with Zero Interest on the Synchrony Card, and does not charge more, when you run it thru at Zero Interest. That's pretty amazing, since Louie will give you an exceptional discount.

Here's a photo, (click photo to expand) of the

• JL Audio XDM800/8 Channel amp.

and the custom build subwoofer box containing the

• Focal P 20 FSE 8” Shallow Sub.

Thanks for the update. Looks like I was spot-on with the cost.

I don't see any change to the speaker for center above the infotainment?

 

[TellurideCoug]

Thanks for the update. Looks like I was spot-on with the cost.

I don't see any change to the speaker for center above the infotainment?

Correct. You leave the factory center speaker in place, leave it alone, which is located above the center dash, right below the window. The only function the factory center speaker serves are chimes and voice or other notifications, unrelated to audio music.

 

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

Correct. You leave the factory center speaker in place, leave it alone, which is located above the center dash, right below the window. The only function the factory center speaker serves are chimes and voice or other notifications, unrelated to audio music.

I listen a lot to SiriusXM NFL channel 88 (talk show). Seems like I hear that coming out of the center dash?

Anyway, I won't touch it.

______________________________

 

[gregorian79]

Correct. You leave the factory center speaker in place, leave it alone, which is located above the center dash, right below the window. The only function the factory center speaker serves are chimes and voice or other notifications, unrelated to audio music.

Thanks for proving all this information. Very useful. I have a couple of questions:

- Does your system use factory speaker wiring for all new speakers? Except sub obviously.

- Do you use the H/K amp as a pre amp at all for 10+1 channels? Or is it completely bypassed?

- Were you able to retain all volume controls on the dash and steering wheel? How about during phone calls and while navigating?

 

[TellurideCoug]

Hi Greg79,

1. Yes. We used all new after market speaker wiring running to all speakers, including the sub.
2. I believed we bypassed the factory integration radio entirely with the 8 Channel Amp and the LOC. I'm not an installer, but any good installer would be your council, on this question, as I may not be 100% sure. Talk to an installer, but I believe we bypassed the integrated radio. Even Crutchfield tech support would indeed give you the correct answer.
3. All volume controls on the the dash and steering wheel were not compromised. Nothing was compromised, including the Blutooth Voice Command Button. Everything works perfectly. Phone Answer and Phone Disconnect, functions perfectly, and everything works perfect during phone calls and during navigation.

Hope this helps.

 

[gregorian79]

Hi Greg79,

1. Yes. We used all new after market speaker wiring running to all speakers, including the sub.
2. I believed we bypassed the factory integration radio entirely with the 8 Channel Amp and the LOC. I'm not an installer, but any good installer would be your council, on this question, as I may not be 100% sure. Talk to an installer, but I believe we bypassed the integrated radio. Even Crutchfield tech support would indeed give you the correct answer.
3. All volume controls on the the dash and steering wheel were not compromised. Nothing was compromised, including the Blutooth Voice Command Button. Everything works perfectly. Phone Answer and Phone Disconnect, functions perfectly, and everything works perfect during phone calls and during navigation.

Hope this helps.

Sure does! Thanks. I'm talking to my installer next week. Your posts helped a lot to figure this out

 

[TellurideCoug]

Sure does! Thanks. I'm talking to my installer next week. Your posts helped a lot to figure this out

An update....my system sounds amazing and it's worth every penny. To each his own, right? Most people don't care about high-end audio. My wife doesn't care, as with most people. You get what you pay for and bottom line....the upgrade with after-market over the factory components is a major significant difference.

Don't forget to treat your doors, and the rear cargo door with acoustical shield treatments! Be sure your installer removes the factory built in plastic subwoofer enclosure and custom build a new composite wood box for your sub, and relocate it in a different area, like the storage area beneath the cargo. This is critical.

You'll be shocked out how cheap the Harmon Kardon speakers are once they are removed....how paper thin they are, how cheap the materials and components are....but more so....you'll be shocked at the factory plastic housing subwoofer. It's all trash. Pennies on the dollar, when purchased by Kia Corporate, then putting a "brand name" for appeal, and deceiving the 2022 customer by calling them "Premium".

Kia does not call the 2023 premium radios, "premium" anymore. They either listened to my input....or their attorneys made them change their marketing. Don't call premium something that isn't premium. You're deceiving your customers, if not lying to them. Frankly, a customer pays for premium....and they're getting paper thin crap. Shame on Kia for being deceitful, however I think all manufacturers do this. I see a reform in this area, regarding their marketing. Again....the word "premium" is now removed from all their marketing.

Make sure your installer shows you the factory components. Usually, he'll throw them into a box for you to examine and discard. You will be shocked!

______________________________

 

[TellmeyourWHAT?]

An update....my system sounds amazing and it's worth every penny. To each his own, right? Most people don't care about high-end audio. My wife doesn't care, as with most people. You get what you pay for and bottom line....the upgrade with after-market over the factory components is a major significant difference.

Don't forget to treat your doors, and the rear cargo door with acoustical shield treatments! Be sure your installer removes the factory built in plastic subwoofer enclosure and custom build a new composite wood box for your sub, and relocate it in a different area, like the storage area beneath the cargo. This is critical.

You'll be shocked out how cheap the Harmon Kardon speakers are once they are removed....how paper thin they are, how cheap the materials and components are....but more so....you'll be shocked at the factory plastic housing subwoofer. It's all trash. Pennies on the dollar, when purchased by Kia Corporate, then putting a "brand name" for appeal, and deceiving the 2022 customer by calling them "Premium".

Kia does not call the 2023 premium radios, "premium" anymore. They either listened to my input....or their attorneys made them change their marketing. Don't call premium something that isn't premium. You're deceiving your customers, if not lying to them. Frankly, a customer pays for premium....and they're getting paper thin crap. Shame on Kia for being deceitful, however I think all manufacturers do this. I see a reform in this area, regarding their marketing. Again....the word "premium" is now removed from all their marketing.

Make sure your installer shows you the factory components. Usually, he'll throw them into a box for you to examine and discard. You will be shocked!

You are wrong on how they call it. Right in the "build" is this:

• Harmon Kardon® Premium Audio System

But, I agree with the main point you are making. It is junk and most of us will put up with it.

 

[Wazzusteen]

You actually have another area to place the custom subwoofer box. The box can mount vertical in between the second row seat captain chairs. So you're fine.

This is approximate, but pretty close.

Components and parts: $3,100. (includes sales tax).
Labor to install - local guy: $1,100 (cash). Includes building a custom box. Takes 1 ½ days for the job.
Total project: $4,200

Note: Abt Electronics does offer 12 months with Zero Interest on the Synchrony Card, and does not charge more, when you run it thru at Zero Interest. That's pretty amazing, since Louie will give you an exceptional discount.

Here's a photo, (click photo to expand) of the

• JL Audio XDM800/8 Channel amp.

and the custom build subwoofer box containing the

• Focal P 20 FSE 8” Shallow Sub.

Hey TellurideCoug, can you recommend an audio shop in Western WA that for a good install? I'm in King County and struggling to find someone I can trust.

 

[TellurideCoug]

Hey TellurideCoug, can you recommend an audio shop in Western WA that for a good install? I'm in King County and struggling to find someone I can trust.

Stereo Centro
Lewis (and wife Laura)
1023 Bronson Way S.
Renton WA 98057
‭(425) 442-8881‬

 

[tellytunes]

Correct. You leave the factory center speaker in place, leave it alone, which is located above the center dash, right below the window. The only function the factory center speaker serves are chimes and voice or other notifications, unrelated to audio music.

hi @TellurideCoug , Thanks for sharing your audio upgrade adventure with everyone... so helpful! I have a new 2024 SX-Limited and while the stock HK system is reasonable as factory audio goes (compared to previous vehicles), I aspire to improve this one by taking some reasonable steps... you've provided an amazing roadmap to follow - thank you.

Regarding the center speaker ... I can hear music coming from it when listening to CarPlay audio, Bluetooth audio, SiriusXM, and AM/FM. So I wonder if you or anyone has details on the size/shape of the speaker and a good upgrade unit? I think as a whole a less-efficient speaker would help to reduce the impact it has on the stereo spread when listening to music.

Thanks all!