[Marksw76]

What is everyone's opinions of the HK surround sound?

This was a 'must have' on mine after upgrading to the business loudspeaker system on the previous E81, and knowing how shit the standard system can sound.

I do like it, but I can't help thinking you need to have EXCELLENT source material to get the full benefit of it. I think I can even tell when a radio station hasn't got a high enough bit rate of a song on the HK, there are noticeable differences between one track to the next. It does seem to highlight any imperfections in the download, to the point where I purchased better versions of my playlist, it was doing my head in.

Even though it's an upgrade on the business loudspeaker system, at times I feel that this was more consistent.

Also, do you tend to have the Logic 7 on or off? I started off by switching mine off, but now I've tweaked with the equalizers I get a better result with it on.

[willjames]

I have logic on, seems better to me but I'm no expert on sound. I'm sure there is a thread around that covers this and the ideal equalizer settings (however this is subjective). I'm sure someone will post it up when they see this thread.

[JLR1969]

On for me

[Rbrown]

On for me too.

IMHO, think it sounds better.

[badgerbrock72]

On for me too.. and I followed a mega-thread (if you search it should come up) - some american installer who is highly regarded over there (cant recall the name) - his settings sound pretty good to me.

Also - I have ripped all my music in FLAC lossless. Find that helps a bit too.

Cheers

Garry

[andyhazza]

On for me also. Can't quite put my finger on how it's better, but I think it does. Will have to have a look for the "perfect settings" and see if it's better

[Kal101]

Another on for me

However like all the settings etc it's purely subjective.

After all I imagine it's going to vary a lot dependant on personal choice, engine ,road and tyre noise etc etc

[stefan4]

on for me, Just had more depth. I know what you mean about the sources, I think its because the system produces such clear highs with is where the reduced bit rates are really evident - symbols are a dead give away.

it took me 6 months to tweak the system in, the master bass and treble controls are affected heavily by the eq, I had to get the eq right before adding weight to the sound by upping the master base and counter balancing with the master treble.

I'm in no way an audiophile, Just sharing my experience.

[bimmer456]

I have it on. Will have to try it off

[Tengocity]

When I took apart my doors and saw the actual speakers I really struggled to believe it is anything like a top end system!

However, adding dynamat to the doors and around speaker enclosure definitely helped.

On the subject of quality of source material- does anyone know what format CDs loaded directly in to the hard drive are?

[GCinFLA]

Definitely OFF

Logic 7 plays with the phasing to make it sounds like the sound is coming from all around you.

However, to accomplish this, the phasing badly distorts the sound. Most ignore this to get the encompassing sound ignoring the distortion.

However, when you listen to music that is good quality, if you listen for the actual sound of the instruments, it's rather easy to hear how bad they are being distorted.

Thing is, between MP3s via computer speakers, then laptops and iPods/MP3 players, then smartphones, people are used to distorted audio and now sadly accept it.

[CazuaLLUK]

Mine was off, gonna try it on tomorrow.

[JustChris]

Close your eyes. Let a friend toggle it on and off 10+ times then listen to the Pepsi challenge so you actually have no idea which mode is active.

Then stick with your decision.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by GCinFLA

Definitely OFF

Logic 7 plays with the phasing to make it sounds like the sound is coming from all around you.

However, to accomplish this, the phasing badly distorts the sound. Most ignore this to get the encompassing sound ignoring the distortion.

However, when you listen to music that is good quality, if you listen for the actual sound of the instruments, it's rather easy to hear how bad they are being distorted.

Thing is, between MP3s via computer speakers, then laptops and iPods/MP3 players, then smartphones, people are used to distorted audio and now sadly accept it.

I may have to try it off then, I don't like using sound effects in my home theatre for listening to music or surround sound. In the car as long as the bass and treble sound clean I think I'm good, I'm usually listening to hip hop or pop music but sometimes I do like to listen to some opera tracks so prefer a more pure listening experience.

[GCinFLA]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

I may have to try it off then, I don't like using sound effects in my home theatre for listening to music or surround sound. In the car as long as the bass and treble sound clean I think I'm good, I'm usually listening to hip hop or pop music but sometimes I do like to listen to some opera tracks so prefer a more pure listening experience.

Even Bass and other things in Hip Hop is distorted using Level 7.

A great stereo system at home gives you a good soundstage. Unfortunately, that type of design and speaker placement is impossible. Thus people like to play games with the audio to "encompass" the car. That is done by taking the audio from one channel, phase shifting it and reinserting in the opposite channel with a slight time delay.

Yes, it makes the sound appear to be coming from everywhere.

But take the time to listen and you will the actual instruments are very distorted to where they sound "fake". The human mind is just "filling in the blanks" in making you accept something that doesn't sound right.

[GCinFLA]

Originally Posted by JustChris

Close your eyes. Let a friend toggle it on and off 10+ times then listen to the Pepsi challenge so you actually have no idea which mode is active.

Then stick with your decision.

One push is all it takes.

If the sound spreads out, Level 7 is on.

If the sound is concentrated, but cleaner, Level 7 is off.

[Soul_Glo]

ON.

Although the centre speaker is a phasing disaster the system can be tuned.

These are the best settings for me and I have had them for more than 6k miles on the F32 and 43k miles on the F30.

The guy must have ears of Ken Ishiwata.

Thanks again glennQNYC

[bimmer456]

I tried it with off now and prefer on, sounds louder and fuller, bass is stronger with it on. Don't really notice any distortion as I detest that or that sounds are coming from all directions. Seems I can still hear stereo separation properly. I have equalizers all set to neutral, but max out bass and treble. Fader and Balance in the middle. Seems to give extra bass with these settings, cure the woes of the HK system not having enough bass or somewhat crappy sound quality when compared to premium factory audio in other cars I've driven.

[Rukka]

On for me. But then I am 40% deaf

My ears need all the help they can get......

[JD6]

Originally Posted by Broken_Gearbox

ON.

Although the centre speaker is a phasing disaster the system can be tuned.

These are the best settings for me and I have had them for more than 6k miles on the F32 and 43k miles on the F30.

The guy must have ears of Ken Ishiwata.

Thanks again glennQNYC

I'm surprised that this chap suggests that the fader should be centered. It needs to be biased towards the rear in my view (about halfway between centre and rear) in order to balance the surround sound. With the fader centred, I can't hear the rear speakers at all, and I have my seat positioned as far back as it will go.

[teaston]

OFF!

[Soul_Glo]

Originally Posted by JD6

I'm surprised that this chap suggests that the fader should be centered. It needs to be biased towards the rear in my view (about halfway between centre and rear) in order to balance the surround sound. With the fader centred, I can't hear the rear speakers at all, and I have my seat positioned as far back as it will go.

Post your settings and I will try them out. Always good to experiment. I prefer the soundstage up front so curious to see if I'd lose that with yours.