Harmon Kardon vs standard radio

[gwr333]

Interesting find! Apparently I didn't scour the menu enough. I wondered why the sound was like a concert hall/a bit of echo... this is probably why.

I think the SX sound system is pretty good overall. Could use better bass, but I'm happy with it. It does sound like there is a speaker in the dash as well, so advertised 10 speakers doesn't add up. Seems like 11 speakers + subwoofer - a pitifully small one.

Not enough BASS??! Surely, you jest. Mine practically thumps me out of my driver's seat.

 

[Frankie Knuckles]

Not enough BASS??! Surely, you jest. Mine practically thumps me out of my driver's seat.

I have to agree with you. I am so impressed with the SX Prestige Sound system. The Bass rattles my rear view mirror and vibrates my windows when I am jamming. And it’s super crisp and clear, no distortions. It’s incredible imo.

 

[mcbrains001]

I have to agree with you. I am so impressed with the SX Prestige Sound system. The Bass rattles my rear view mirror and vibrates my windows when I am jamming. And it’s super crisp and clear, no distortions. It’s incredible imo.

I have the EX-P and the sound is very good. Ive had installed amp and subwoofers in all my cars. Definitely the standard sound cant be compared to the Harmon but standard sound is way more than average. You get good bass with the right music as well.

 

[JodiM]

I have the EX-P and the sound is very good. Ive had installed amp and subwoofers in all my cars. Definitely the standard sound cant be compared to the Harmon but standard sound is way more than average. You get good bass with the right music as well.

Did you add in amp/sub to the EX? If you do, will you replace speakers as well?

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[mcbrains001]

Did you add in amp/sub to the EX? If you do, will you replace speakers as well?

Naa i did not. The sound in here is pretty darn good enough but if I were to put in amp/sub I wont change the stock speakers right away though. I will test them for a while first.

 

[szillaxl]

Its good for old people. The sound quality is good but its not that loud or bass heavy . But both systems use the same speakers and if you like hip hip or pop music it would be better to upgrade it yourself

 

[Tellthemride]

But both systems use the same speakers

Both HK and non-HK are using same speakers? Doesn’t sound right.

Hop hop music on my HK speakers with SXP trim has perfect bass for me. If you like to be one of those cars with bass that not only vibrates your own car but 2-3 cars around you, yes, you would need to upgrade the sub. I personally don’t like it when those cars pull up next to me or drive past my house.

 

[Lith_SXPN]

On Kia's website it specifically list HK 10 speaker system vs 6 speakers(no mention of brand). I am going to guess they are not the same.

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[szillaxl]

People on this forum have done tear downs and they look the same. Talking about the door speakers here. Not the additional ones. Sorry if I hurt peoples feelings on here. But you know HK just tuned this system and didn't manufacture it. AKG does the same with Samsung headphones. The HK system in my opinion isn't impressive and if you are under 40 or have had higher end vehicles or custom systems its not impressive. It's good but all I'm trying to say is that it should not be a deciding factor in which vehicle you buy. If you could only afford a non HK equipped model just know that you could probably build something as good or better for a couple hundred

 

[Lith_SXPN]

No hard feelings on my part. I just saw the last post and had to check if they were the same from the website. I am not an audiophile and can't tell the difference between base kia system and top of the line. They all sound good to me. HK system was not a deciding factor in purchasing the car for me. Personally, I don't understand why people are so obsessed with improving sound system in a car's limited space. Especially when all they listen to is radio, compressed audio or streaming music(XM included).

 

[szillaxl]

No hard feelings on my part. I just saw the last post and had to check if they were the same from the website. I am not an audiophile and can't tell the difference between base kia system and top of the line. They all sound good to me. HK system was not a deciding factor in purchasing the car for me. Personally, I don't understand why people are so obsessed with improving sound system in a car's limited space. Especially when all they listen to is radio, compressed audio or streaming music(XM included).

Yeah same here all I do is listen to sports talk on xm radio also. So any speaker would work for me. It's hard to tell what people like and don't like in car audio. Had it not come with my Telluride I wouldn't have opted for the HK system.

 

[Frankie Knuckles]

Both HK and non-HK are using same speakers? Doesn’t sound right.

Hop hop music on my HK speakers with SXP trim has perfect bass for me. If you like to be one of those cars with bass that not only vibrates your own car but 2-3 cars around you, yes, you would need to upgrade the sub. I personally don’t like it when those cars pull up next to me or drive past my house.

I agree 100%

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[Tellthemride]

if you are under 40 or have had higher end vehicles

My feelings aren’t hurt either. I just like to contend when generalizations are stated, that don’t apply to me.

I am under 40. I have owned Audi prestige. The HK system is no more and no less than what I need.

 

[szillaxl]

Maybe I shouldnt be using random people on here as sources

Upgraded the door speakers (Non-HK)

For any other audio people out there, here is some pics of the door speakers. I have the base system in an EX.HK and Base use the same speakers. Replaced them with Kicker 6.75". Very, very easy to get them out, moderately difficult to modify existing speakers to use new ones (or just get...

tellurideforum.org

 

[szillaxl]

I agree 100%

This is where I found my info

Upgraded the door speakers (Non-HK)

For any other audio people out there, here is some pics of the door speakers. I have the base system in an EX.HK and Base use the same speakers. Replaced them with Kicker 6.75". Very, very easy to get them out, moderately difficult to modify existing speakers to use new ones (or just get...

tellurideforum.org

 

[Frankie Knuckles]

This is where I found my info

Upgraded the door speakers (Non-HK)

For any other audio people out there, here is some pics of the door speakers. I have the base system in an EX.HK and Base use the same speakers. Replaced them with Kicker 6.75". Very, very easy to get them out, moderately difficult to modify existing speakers to use new ones (or just get...

tellurideforum.org

I am just saying I agree 100% with Tellthemride. The stock system in the SXP is among the best stock system I have ever had in a vehicle, including BMWs, Cadillac’s and The Buick Enclave. I am sure there are way better aftermarket systems and speakers but for me, this is great.

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[szillaxl]

I am just saying I agree 100% with Tellthemride. The stock system in the SXP is among the best stock system I have ever had in a vehicle, including BMWs, Cadillac’s and The Buick Enclave. I am sure there are way better aftermarket systems and speakers but for me, this is great.

Lol in hindsight I shouldn't have even replied to this post as I only listen to Sports talk radio and kids only want to hear Disney stuff in the car.

 

[Tellthemride]

Lol in hindsight I shouldn't have even replied to this post as I only listen to Sports talk radio and kids only want to hear Disney stuff in the car.

Don’t let this discussion deter you from posting. I’m just a forum troll and am always up for a healthy debate.

I always listen to the radio at low volume, bass off, with fade all the way to the front speakers cause my wife doesn’t want any music playing from the rear speakers near the car seats. Only on rare occasions when I am driving alone will I turn up the speaker volume and bass.

 

[szillaxl]

You guys are awesome on this forum

 

[gwr333]

So I thought the same thing until I discovered the “Advanced setting” within the “Sound Settings”

Go to Setup- sound settings- advanced - and check the Quantim Logic and Bass Boost boxes. The sound is night and day difference, believe you me. Super happy with the SX audio package now.

Honestly, my older brother's an audio stickler to the point of PAIN, but I am not. The HK system sounds GREAT to my (and my co-riders') ears in my SXy-ride. It's a vehicle after all; not a listening room.