Harmon Kardon

Box · 03-30-2013, 02:52 AM

Hi All, is the HK system worth the money, could I live with the standard system or do I go half way with the HiFi option your thoughts please.

Zero71 · 03-30-2013, 03:16 AM

I wish I'd gone HK.

dan172 · 03-30-2013, 03:19 AM

I have only had the HK for one day! However, if you like your music and listen regularly in the car then it is a must in my opinion. The sound clarity and depth is amazing.
I have come from an Audi that had B&O, I thought that was good, this is another level up.

You have to try it for yourself with music on a memory stick and out for a test drive. Make sure the Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system is turned on in the system options.

To finish my opinion, I would configure it again tomorrow if I was ordering again.

RobUK · 03-30-2013, 03:21 AM

Sound quality seems to be a very subjective thing - some here like the standard system, while others (including myself) are quite 'disappointed' by it. There is no doubt that if you go for either of the upgrades then you will get a better sound, but the only way to decide if it's worth the money in your case is to listen to the different systems back to back and then decide.

My particular gripe with the standard system? Lack of clarity and definition. I have various tracks where if I listen to them in the car then certain elements, e.g. a particular instrument, seem to be completely 'lost'. My analogy is - take a bowl of 4 differently flavoured ice creams. The HK system lets you taste each one, while the standard system is like mixing them all together into a mush

RichardM · 03-30-2013, 04:10 AM

I couldn't have lived with the standard system after the test drive and having a good play. I'd suggest you go down to the dealer and have a listen to make your own mind up. Some people are very happy with it.

You probably won't find a car with hifi to listen to as most people go for HK as it's not much more but I had it in the E92 and it was very good.

venkata · 03-30-2013, 04:30 AM

Having not heard any of the uprated audio systems, the standard setup sounds very good to me...

I won't miss anything I've never heard or seen ...

matx1982 · 03-30-2013, 05:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by venkata

Having not heard any of the uprated audio systems, the standard setup sounds very good to me...

I won't miss anything I've never heard or seen ...

I've not heard an F30 with the standard setup, but the HK is ok in the touring I have. It is quite easy to hear it's not as good as the Individual in the M3, which you can't get on the F30 for some reason. So that logic makes me think go for HK if you like listening to music.

If it's a choice of HK or something else, then good luck!

Mat

Box · 03-30-2013, 05:09 AM

Thanks Mat

sunscreemer · 03-30-2013, 05:22 AM

From what i read it's the standard or HK to choose, no halfway house really (i.e. the middle option not worth it). I came from an A3 with the Bose upgrade which was superb so i felt it was on my list of "must have's". I've listened to some tracks and feel I can now hear some more elements to the tracks that I missed with the Bose which if true is quite a compliment to the system.

F30AM · 03-30-2013, 06:20 AM

Music on the move is very important to me. I had the opportunity to listen to the Standard and HK systems back to back with some of my favourite Classical CDs which are mainly Opera and Symphonic music. The HK was far superior to my ears and felt it was brilliant value for money. So I specced it. I could not have lived with the Standard setup, especially as I had a very expensive custom installed system in my Golf GTI. I stripped the GTI of amps, sub-woofer etc, but left the very expensive speakers in it, as removing them would have wrecked the car. My only wish is that I should have removed the Morel Silk Dome Tweeters and installed them in my F30.

claykin · 03-30-2013, 07:56 AM

@Box

This is one you really need to decide for your personal liking. It all depends on your level of audiophile as to whether you'd even appreciate the HK option.

For me, it was a must. I've had HK in my last 4 BMW's.

MiamiF30 · 03-30-2013, 08:06 AM

I find it a must as well. Easily a deal breaker for me if I'm buying a CPO and the BMW doesn't have it . If your ONLY into Sirius however do not spend the $$.
Good luck...

claykin · 03-30-2013, 08:09 AM

Very true @ MiamiF30. Sirus is like listening to AM anyway. Like their programming, but sound quality is abysmal. I surely won't pay for it after the free year expires. Well, unless I get back into Stern.

changed · 04-01-2013, 02:41 PM

simples..

yes

R32Paul · 04-01-2013, 03:01 PM

Hi,

I have driven two tourings, one with HK and one without.

The choice is easy, HK all the way.

It is far better that the standard system and an improvement over the B&O in my audi.

morellomax · 04-01-2013, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30AM

My only wish is that I should have removed the Morel Silk Dome Tweeters and installed them in my F30.

Respect - a man who knows his hi-fi !

To the OP - the F30 HK system is great. One of the few factory systems I've felt like I could just sit back and really enjoy, the kind of system where you're still in the car listening, 30 minutes after you finish your journey....

Zero71 · 05-21-2013, 04:06 AM

Digging up this old thread - I have to say that HK is one of the best things about the car. It's just a wonderful sound system. I'm even running it with L7 on, against my normal hifi-purist-instincts because I love the sound, and the stereo spread regardless of whether your driving or sitting in the passenger seat. Its a very rich, detailed, beautiful sound, for all kinds of music. I'm running mine completely flat with the exception of the 100hz frequency which I have dropped two notches to please my ears.

Anyone thinking about it, get it. Anyone without it, I feel for you.

browellm · 05-21-2013, 05:41 AM

I had HK on an E60 and it was epic. Easily the best stock system I've heard in a car. Had B&O in an A4 and it was a significant jump in quality above that.

zorroone · 05-21-2013, 06:15 AM

I agree. I have my F31 just over a week. Didint listen to the standard however the HK is just superb. But my favourite option is the HUD what a brilliant piece of kit. Super safe driving.

stefan4 · 05-21-2013, 06:24 AM

Having never heard the HK system - which I'm sure is a superb, I'm more than happy with the stock system

You don't miss what you never had

F30AM · 05-21-2013, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stefan4

Having never heard the HK system - which I'm sure is a superb, I'm more than happy with the stock system

You don't miss what you never had

The HK system is good but not brilliant. But it is good value for money. The metal dome tweeters have that customery twang. Silk dome tweeters are far better and produce more natural sounding high frequencies. I'll most probably repalce the tweeters as I find them quite jarring.

I listen mainly to Classical music and specifically Opera (Wagner, Verdi etc) and large scale Symphonic muisic (Mahler etc), so a transparent midrange and treble are pretty important. For Rock, Pop etc, the HK tweeters are more than up to the job.

pferdestarke · 05-21-2013, 07:30 AM

When I test drove an f30 for the day with standard set up, I couldn't believe how bad it sounded compared to my e90 standard set up.

Lack of bass depth, lack of mid, crashy treble and no detail.

It was even noticeable on the phone at higher speeds with the wind noise.

That's why I've pushed to have HK even though I'd already gone over my budget with work.

I'll just need to remember to turn it down when I reverse on to the drive ormmymwife will be accusing me of having chav tendencies.

03-30-2013, 02:52 AM	#1
Box New Member 6 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 330d MSport Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Lancashire iTrader: (0)	Harmon Kardon Hi All, is the HK system worth the money, could I live with the standard system or do I go half way with the HiFi option your thoughts please.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

03-30-2013, 03:16 AM	#2
Zero71 👽 207 Rep 668 Posts Drives: X3MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	I wish I'd gone HK.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 03:19 AM	#3
dan172 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 46 Posts Drives: F31 320d M Sp. xDrive Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Amesbury iTrader: (0)	I have only had the HK for one day! However, if you like your music and listen regularly in the car then it is a must in my opinion. The sound clarity and depth is amazing. I have come from an Audi that had B&O, I thought that was good, this is another level up. You have to try it for yourself with music on a memory stick and out for a test drive. Make sure the Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system is turned on in the system options. To finish my opinion, I would configure it again tomorrow if I was ordering again.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 03:21 AM	#4
RobUK Brigadier General 2812 Rep 4,935 Posts Drives: 340i MPPSK Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Sussex, N.Yorks, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 340i MPPSK [0.00] 2001 Yamaha FZS1000 [0.00]	Sound quality seems to be a very subjective thing - some here like the standard system, while others (including myself) are quite 'disappointed' by it. There is no doubt that if you go for either of the upgrades then you will get a better sound, but the only way to decide if it's worth the money in your case is to listen to the different systems back to back and then decide. My particular gripe with the standard system? Lack of clarity and definition. I have various tracks where if I listen to them in the car then certain elements, e.g. a particular instrument, seem to be completely 'lost'. My analogy is - take a bowl of 4 differently flavoured ice creams. The HK system lets you taste each one, while the standard system is like mixing them all together into a mush __________________ Life is a state of mind
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 04:10 AM	#5
RichardM Colonel 133 Rep 2,046 Posts Drives: G21 M340i LCI Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Essex UK iTrader: (2)	I couldn't have lived with the standard system after the test drive and having a good play. I'd suggest you go down to the dealer and have a listen to make your own mind up. Some people are very happy with it. You probably won't find a car with hifi to listen to as most people go for HK as it's not much more but I had it in the E92 and it was very good.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 04:30 AM	#6
venkata Lieutenant 27 Rep 583 Posts Drives: F30 330e MSport Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Lancashire iTrader: (0)	Having not heard any of the uprated audio systems, the standard setup sounds very good to me... I won't miss anything I've never heard or seen ... __________________ Driving: F30 330e // /M-Sport \| Mineral Grey \| Coral Red Leather \| M Sport Plus Pack \| Media Pro Plus Pack \| Active Security Pack \| Adaptive LED Lights \| Advanced Parking Pack \| Interior Comfort Pack \| Enhanced Bluetooth with Wireless Charging\| Black Performance Grill \| Heated Seats \| Heated Steering \| Speed Limit Display
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 05:09 AM	#8
Box New Member 6 Rep 29 Posts Drives: 330d MSport Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Lancashire iTrader: (0)	Thanks Mat
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 05:22 AM	#9
sunscreemer Captain 35 Rep 715 Posts Drives: 320i xDrive M Sport Saloon Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: East Midlands, UK iTrader: (0)	From what i read it's the standard or HK to choose, no halfway house really (i.e. the middle option not worth it). I came from an A3 with the Bose upgrade which was superb so i felt it was on my list of "must have's". I've listened to some tracks and feel I can now hear some more elements to the tracks that I missed with the Bose which if true is quite a compliment to the system.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 06:20 AM	#10
F30AM Major General 706 Rep 5,021 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport sDrive Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	Music on the move is very important to me. I had the opportunity to listen to the Standard and HK systems back to back with some of my favourite Classical CDs which are mainly Opera and Symphonic music. The HK was far superior to my ears and felt it was brilliant value for money. So I specced it. I could not have lived with the Standard setup, especially as I had a very expensive custom installed system in my Golf GTI. I stripped the GTI of amps, sub-woofer etc, but left the very expensive speakers in it, as removing them would have wrecked the car. My only wish is that I should have removed the Morel Silk Dome Tweeters and installed them in my F30. __________________ Previous: Superman 330d sDrive M Sport + Toys Present: Red Tornado Golf 7R 5 Dr, DSG + Toys
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 07:56 AM	#11
claykin Brigadier General 1588 Rep 4,553 Posts Drives: various BMW Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	@Box This is one you really need to decide for your personal liking. It all depends on your level of audiophile as to whether you'd even appreciate the HK option. For me, it was a must. I've had HK in my last 4 BMW's.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 08:06 AM	#12
MiamiF30 Private 0 Rep 59 Posts Drives: '13 F30 328I AW Sportline Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: MIAMI iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 BMW 550I [0.00]	I find it a must as well. Easily a deal breaker for me if I'm buying a CPO and the BMW doesn't have it . If your ONLY into Sirius however do not spend the $$. Good luck... __________________ F30 AW '13//Sportline//HK//Lighting Package//Technology Package//Sport Transmission
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-30-2013, 08:09 AM	#13
claykin Brigadier General 1588 Rep 4,553 Posts Drives: various BMW Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Very true @ MiamiF30. Sirus is like listening to AM anyway. Like their programming, but sound quality is abysmal. I surely won't pay for it after the free year expires. Well, unless I get back into Stern.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-01-2013, 02:41 PM	#14
changed Lieutenant 25 Rep 410 Posts Drives: F10 Msport Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Surrey iTrader: (0)	simples.. yes
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-01-2013, 03:01 PM	#15
R32Paul Private 3 Rep 62 Posts Drives: 330d X-drive Touring Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Hi, I have driven two tourings, one with HK and one without. The choice is easy, HK all the way. It is far better that the standard system and an improvement over the B&O in my audi.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2013, 04:06 AM	#17
Zero71 👽 207 Rep 668 Posts Drives: X3MC Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Glasgow iTrader: (0)	Digging up this old thread - I have to say that HK is one of the best things about the car. It's just a wonderful sound system. I'm even running it with L7 on, against my normal hifi-purist-instincts because I love the sound, and the stereo spread regardless of whether your driving or sitting in the passenger seat. Its a very rich, detailed, beautiful sound, for all kinds of music. I'm running mine completely flat with the exception of the 100hz frequency which I have dropped two notches to please my ears. Anyone thinking about it, get it. Anyone without it, I feel for you.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2013, 05:41 AM	#18
browellm Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 258 Posts Drives: 330d Join Date: May 2013 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	I had HK on an E60 and it was epic. Easily the best stock system I've heard in a car. Had B&O in an A4 and it was a significant jump in quality above that.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2013, 06:15 AM	#19
zorroone Captain 67 Rep 650 Posts Drives: Dravit Grey G21 M340d Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Northern Ireland iTrader: (0)	I agree. I have my F31 just over a week. Didint listen to the standard however the HK is just superb. But my favourite option is the HUD what a brilliant piece of kit. Super safe driving.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2013, 06:24 AM	#20
stefan4 Colonel 1084 Rep 2,376 Posts Drives: 340i on order Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: sheffield iTrader: (0)	Having never heard the HK system - which I'm sure is a superb, I'm more than happy with the stock system You don't miss what you never had
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-21-2013, 07:30 AM	#22
pferdestarke Private First Class 17 Rep 147 Posts Drives: f30 320D M-Sport Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	When I test drove an f30 for the day with standard set up, I couldn't believe how bad it sounded compared to my e90 standard set up. Lack of bass depth, lack of mid, crashy treble and no detail. It was even noticeable on the phone at higher speeds with the wind noise. That's why I've pushed to have HK even though I'd already gone over my budget with work. I'll just need to remember to turn it down when I reverse on to the drive ormmymwife will be accusing me of having chav tendencies.
	Appreciate 0 Quote