Harmon Kardon Sound System

[Jesse]

I picked up a GT Limited earlier this week, which contains the 15 speaker surround sound system. I broke the speakers in at low volume for a few hours, and have been trialing it at different volumes and tones. Currently, the bass is +3, mid at +6, and treble at +5, with Clarify and On-stage options selected. Mostly, I listen to rock, alternative, and pop.

It's a little lackluster.

While it is no Bang and Olufsen or Bowers and Wilkens system, I was hoping for a little higher sound levels and quality.

I'm now looking into replacing the lows and tweeters in each door, and perhaps the subwoofers (I don't believe the mids or center speaker are feasibly replaceable). Either Hertz Mille or some sort of JL speakers are at the top of my list for aftermarkets.

I've never replaced stock speakers in a brand new car like this, and I'm a little lost as to a starting point. Is the amplifier hidden somewhere, or is each speaker individually and locally amplified? Are component wires, coaxial cables, or fibre optic cables run to each speaker? If the speakers are replaced, would this void the basic and extended warranty on the infotainment system?

If anyone has dug up some detailed info regarding the specifications of the sound system, or if you have comments on the sound systems installed in the Stinger, please drop a reply!

 

[hen555]

You must be an audiophile because I thought the speakers sound good...but my type of music is hip hop so the bass is really good with the dual subs under the seats.

Would be interesting to know how to improve the sound system even more

 

[Jesse]

You must be an audiophile because I thought the speakers sound good...but my type of music is hip hop so the bass is really good with the dual subs under the seats.

Would be interesting to know how to improve the sound system even more

I did find the system sounded good with bass filled songs! The subs are powerful, but they seem to have a low, narrow frequency range. I've found with many rock songs the sharper sounds hiss, such as in certain vocals, and the crash, high hat, and snare sound messy. Isolation of different frequencies and tones to each of the three speakers in the door seems jumbled at times, and the center channel speaker can be over powering.

Perhaps I'm just being picky haha, because they do sound okay, I just feel the sound could be more unified, with slightly higher quality

 

[Kia Stinger]

Very interesting, @Jesse. Which was your previous car that you liked the stock audio system in? This might help us know your standards...

 

[Jesse]

Very interesting, @Jesse. Which was your previous car that you liked the stock audio system in? This might help us know your standards...

Every car previous I've had crap stock audio in, but my buddy's 2006 BMW SUV has a good stock system. I also upgraded my 1991 Passat to four MTX speakers with an 8" sub, and while it wasn't a loud system, I thought it sounded a little more unified.

Don't get me wrong! The system in the Stinger is definitely adequate, and sounds pretty good with some songs. I just think a few after market speakers would bring the 15 speaker ensemble together a bit more. My biggest question is: can it be done without rewiring the car, making physical modifications, and adding external amplification? Because in any of those cases, the changes wouldn't be worth it - the system does sound pretty decent!

 

[Kia Stinger]

It's a little lackluster. I was hoping for a little higher sound levels and quality.

Okay, understood! I haven't heard the sound system yet so after seeing what you said above - it made me wonder if the Stinger's audio system was actually bad...

Every car previous I've had crap stock audio in, but my buddy's 2006 BMW SUV has a good stock system. I also upgraded my 1991 Passat to four MTX speakers with an 8" sub, and while it wasn't a loud system, I thought it sounded a little more unified.

Don't get me wrong! The system in the Stinger is definitely adequate, and sounds pretty good with some songs. I just think a few after market speakers would bring the 15 speaker ensemble together a bit more. My biggest question is: can it be done without rewiring the car, making physical modifications, and adding external amplification? Because in any of those cases, the changes wouldn't be worth it - the system does sound pretty decent!

 

[Jumpy]

Isn't it pointless to have all three bands boosted above 0? Those are relative values, so what matters is how they differ from each other. Just keep the mid as your baseline 0, and boost the bass and treble accordingly.

 

[Jesse]

Isn't it pointless to have all three bands boosted above 0? Those are relative values, so what matters is how they differ from each other. Just keep the mid as your baseline 0, and boost the bass and treble accordingly.

Hmm i thought the sound quality was a little better with the tones set up. It seemed to cancel some of the hiss in the vocals. If you look at it as an advanced frequency control board, I believe dragging the tones up will drag frequency levels up around 100, 1000, and 6000 Hz, kind of like hills in the range. If you set an equalizer to rock, it accomplishes a similar end, except 500 Hz will be set to minimum. I set the bass up because I like a bit of a fuller bass guitar and drum sound. I think after market 6 1/2" (I think that's the size?) in each door will keep up with the center channel volume.

 

[Jesse]

I have the tech at Visions Electronics searching for audio info. I'll post here what he finds out! See if the speakers can just be swapped. I'll ask the dealer about how it would affect warranty, as well.

 

[Bonburner]

I have the tech at Visions Electronics searching for audio info. I'll post here what he finds out! See if the speakers can just be swapped. I'll ask the dealer about how it would affect warranty, as well.

I don't know about Canada but in the US there's no way replacing audio components will harm your warranty. As long as you don't run in there saying why isn't your audio working/speakers working. The dealer has to prove that its your modifications that has led to the problem that you are trying to claim warranty work for.

 

[CrisX]

i have to agree with Jesse on the quality of the sound system. it's only okay but i expect quite a bit more from Harmon. i switched from driving a Lincoln with a THX sound system. it took a few weeks of break-in time for that Lincoln THX system to sound good. I'm hoping the same for the Stinger. it's for sure missing something at the moment. The highs are bit messy, and it's missing some mid-bass. Don't crank up the mid as it makes the sound even with more tin-can effect. if anything, move the mid a couple notches down. i'm still trying to find the right tone settings, and will post further updates in a couple weeks.

 

[Jesse]

i have to agree with Jesse on the quality of the sound system. it's only okay but i expect quite a bit more from Harmon. i switched from driving a Lincoln with a THX sound system. it took a few weeks of break-in time for that Lincoln THX system to sound good. I'm hoping the same for the Stinger. it's for sure missing something at the moment. The highs are bit messy, and it's missing some mid-bass. Don't crank up the mid as it makes the sound even with more tin-can effect. if anything, move the mid a couple notches down. i'm still trying to find the right tone settings, and will post further updates in a couple weeks.

Yeah it's definitely lacking at higher volume. It sounds decent at mid level volume where you can hear a passenger in a normal conversion, but above 60% it loses all its sound quality. I currently have the Clarify on, simulated sound projection off, bass at +2, mid at +6, and treble at +5. Im trying to simulate my 3000 dollar 5.1 Sonos surround sound system haha.

I talked to Visions a bit more. For full audio replacement I'm looking at around 8000-12000 dollars. Not worth it to me. They would have to replace the head unit, bypass the factory amplifier, install an after market amp, run new wiring to each speaker, new speakers, dash modifications to replace the center channel, and install new subwoofers and enclosures with new wiring.

f*cking factory systems haha. Plus I'd probably lose the UVO intelligence. So not worth it. Guess I'll have to live with mid level volume with an 'okay' sound quality.

The rest of the car is extremely well put together.

 

[EnricoPalazzo88]

Yeah it's definitely lacking at higher volume. It sounds decent at mid level volume where you can hear a passenger in a normal conversion, but above 60% it loses all its sound quality. I currently have the Clarify on, simulated sound projection off, bass at +2, mid at +6, and treble at +5. Im trying to simulate my 3000 dollar 5.1 Sonos surround sound system haha.

I talked to Visions a bit more. For full audio replacement I'm looking at around 8000-12000 dollars. Not worth it to me. They would have to replace the head unit, bypass the factory amplifier, install an after market amp, run new wiring to each speaker, new speakers, dash modifications to replace the center channel, and install new subwoofers and enclosures with new wiring.

f*cking factory systems haha. Plus I'd probably lose the UVO intelligence. So not worth it. Guess I'll have to live with mid level volume with an 'okay' sound quality.

The rest of the car is extremely well put together.

Never thought i would say this but i agree. The quality tapers off at higher volumes, even on my old punk songs.

 

[CoconutRob]

Can anyone compare to GMC Bose? I' sure the Bose quality isn' the best but it's enough for me.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Welcome aboard, @CrisX! And thank you for signing up. Congratulations on your new Stinger! I hope you're right and like the Lincoln THX audio system, it'll sound better in a few weeks after break-in.

 

[bucktown]

I did find the system sounded good with bass filled songs! The subs are powerful, but they seem to have a low, narrow frequency range. I've found with many rock songs the sharper sounds hiss, such as in certain vocals, and the crash, high hat, and snare sound messy. Isolation of different frequencies and tones to each of the three speakers in the door seems jumbled at times, and the center channel speaker can be over powering.

Perhaps I'm just being picky haha, because they do sound okay, I just feel the sound could be more unified, with slightly higher quality

Interesting. The only reason I'm not getting another Optima SXL is because they replace the Polk speakers with the Harmon-Kardon. To me they just don't seem as bright as the Polk. Was hoping that wouldn't be the case with the Stinger but I'm starting to think so. The stereo system I have in my '13 Optima is the best I've ever had, it absolutely rocks. Mids and highs are crystal clear and awesome.

 

[Jesse]

Interesting. The only reason I'm not getting another Optima SXL is because they replace the Polk speakers with the Harmon-Kardon. To me they just don't seem as bright as the Polk. Was hoping that wouldn't be the case with the Stinger but I'm starting to think so. The stereo system I have in my '13 Optima is the best I've ever had, it absolutely rocks. Mids and highs are crystal clear and awesome.

Oh man Kia used to use Polk?? That's sick... I wish.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Harmon-Kardon is typically pretty good. Let's give these audio systems a little break-in time before we write them off. I'd be surprised if Kia went with a system that could be easily criticized for such an important car to the brand...

 

[CoconutRob]

Can anyone compare the stinger sound to a GM bose or whatever is in the camry xse. I thought the Camry sound system sounded horrible. I own a GMC with Boss and have heard several other cars with boss and thought they sounded great to me (not the best high quality you can get but good enough to very good). When I saw the Korean spec they would not give up the key (what a joke)

 

[Taimaishoo]

Harmon-Kardon is typically pretty good. Let's give these audio systems a little break-in time before we write them off. I'd be surprised if Kia went with a system that could be easily criticized for such an important car to the brand...

Also, the one I listened to earlier, still had the plastic wrap over just about everything in the car, including the speaker vents. I think we will need to adjust the settings to our individual tastes. I just wish there was an equalizer setting and not just a bass, mid and high setting.