[heinzena]

It might be my imagination, but I think there might be a short in my subs. I feel like sometimes the base really kicks in, but then disappears. Doesn’t matter the media source, and usually the base is not that substantial. I was always a bit unimpressed with the HK base, but when this happens, it has me thinking the subs are only working some of the time.

Is there a way to test for this?

[X5_CC]

Get an app on your phone called Tone Gen. Hook up your phone to the car as audio source and then pick a low frequency to play. You can test it that way.

[MystroX5]

Originally Posted by X5_CC

Get an app on your phone called Tone Gen. Hook up your phone to the car as audio source and then pick a low frequency to play. You can test it that way.

Yup.
Even stream a YouTube bass frequency test.

[claykin]

While the lower frequency tones are playing, reach under your driver's seats and touch the grill. You'll feel the vibration from the speaker. Or not if you've got a problem.

[RowanBuds]

I just got mine about 8-9 hours ago and it seems evident to me there's a missing part of the sound stage in the Harmon Kardon system.

It's because we have woofers here. They're not subwoofers. That's the part that's empty- I think.

Full disclosure I've had quite a few adult beverages this evening, and obviously the car is brand new to me.

[VTENGR]

This could be in part due to whatever you're listening to might be playing frequencies that happen to be right at the subs crossover range. I would imagine this is 80Hz or 120Hz. So if your music track is straddling that line it will sound like your subs are going on and off. Especially if you've setup your equalizer to really pump up the lowrange bass but doesn't taper to mid range. Does the HK system have a crossover that you can adjust? If so you may want to adjust it up so the subs are active more of time.

[Aimster82]

Anyone know how to add a powered sub system to the X5? Is it just plug and play or do I have to splice some wires?