Stinger GT vs GT1

[Macallan]

i am currently looking at the Stinger GT and the Genesis G80 and have a quick question about the GT vs the GT1. I would like the upgraded Harman Kardon audio and sunroof in the GT1 however I really don't like the color options in the GT1 line. I would much prefer the Silver/Black combination in the GT and could live without a sunroof. This would also save me money however i can't find any information on the 9 speaker system in the GT line. In the Genesis G80 the base model has the same speakers as the upgraded Lexicon model it just has less speakers and no surround sound processing. Does anyone know if the Stinger is the same concept? 9 vs 15 Harman Kardon speakers and no surround sound processing? Or is the 9 speaker system a significant step down?

 

[Kia Stinger]

Welcome aboard, @Macallan! And thank you for signing up. I'm not 100% sure of the answer so I'll let somebody else chime in. In any event, you're looking at two excellent automobiles. My wife has a 2015 "Hyundai" Genesis - which is the same car as the G80 you're looking at. Amazing. No issues in almost two years now of ownership. I expect the Stinger GT will give you the same kind of reliability. Either way, it sounds like you're going to have yourself a really nice luxury sedan in the coming months...

Now... Can anyone answer the question?

 

[Euljiro1ga]

I can't speak for the US models but in Korea, I'm quite sure the 'standard' speakers are not Lexicon, at least not branded as Lexicon.

By the way, FYI, Samsung owns Harman Kardon now and Lexicon-branded speakers should be identical in terms of built and sound to the Harman Kardon branded ones in other markets.

I have not played with the settings in the 15-speaker set up, so I don't know about the surround sound processing.

To my ears, the sound systems in the Stinger aren't particularly good, both the standard and the upgraded option. Yes, the upgraded system will sound better than the standard setup, but I was not impressed and found it was not worth paying extra for the 'upgraded' sound quality. Thus, you get larger infotainment screen and UVO with that. But purely looking at the sound quality coming out of the speakers, definitely not worth it for me.

They basically sound 'thin' and lack clarity across all frequencies and volume. I might go as far as saying the upgraded system sounds similar to standard speakers for some of the luxury competition (but that depends on the make and model).

 

[Macallan]

I think the base GT and then add an aftermarket subwoofer may be the best way to go. It looks like the 9 speaker system is 3 speakers up front per door + 1 center and 2 rear door speakers. The 15 speaker set up increases the rear door speakers and adds 2 subwoofers under the front seats. I could add a JL audio Microsub to the base GT for less than a grand and it will likely outperform the under seat options. I even think you could build a custom enclosure in the spare tire well but not sure if there is enough space.

 

[oxide365]

the GT has dual subwoofers as well

 

[Macallan]

I didn't know that, so do you know the total speaker breakdown? I could be 2 in the front doors x 2 + 1 center + 2 rear door + 2 subs to equal 9 speakers.

 

[Chris]

the GT has dual subwoofers as well

Not according to Kia's web page.

9 speakers (center tweeter, front door tweeter plus mid and low door, rear door low) including external amp

15 speakers (center tweeter, front door tweeter plus mid and low door, rear door tweeter plus mid and low door, dual under front seat mounted subwoofers) including 12 channel external amp

 

[oxide365]

the GT does not have mid door, only tweeter and low door , and two subs under the seat. bass is pretty good, but i will be adding a external 12 inch sub

 

[Macallan]

the GT does not have mid door, only tweeter and low door , and two subs under the seat. bass is pretty good, but i will be adding a external 12 inch sub

That is good to know, I just found a picture the GT interior and you are correct so the website is wrong. It implies 3 ways up front and no subs. This is actually better with 2 way speakers in the front + dual subs. For the driver the 9 speaker system could conceivably be just as good as the 15 HK model.

 

[Chris]

That is good to know, I just found a picture the GT interior and you are correct so the website is wrong. It implies 3 ways up front and no subs. This is actually better with 2 way speakers in the front + dual subs. For the driver the 9 speaker system could conceivably be just as good as the 15 HK model.

Are you sure the boxes under the seat aren't empty in the GT?

 

[Macallan]

Also, where is the center tweeter? I don't see this in any pics

 

[oxide365]

behind the LCD display

 

[Macallan]

Got it. So 2 ways in the front doors, 1 center, 2 rear doors and 2 subs for the 9 speaker system. That sounds perfect.

 

[Macallan]

I have read people are having problems with the sub-woofers. Anyone have the 9 speaker system? How are the under-seat subs?

 

[Kia Stinger]

I have read people are having problems with the sub-woofers. Anyone have the 9 speaker system? How are the under-seat subs?

There's a busy discussion specifically about the under-seat subwoofers right here:
Under-Seat Subwoofer Issues

 

[English D]

thats news to me if there under the seat there not wired nothing coming out of them at all the grills are them pretty sure the subs are not

 

[Kia Stinger]

thats news to me if there under the seat there not wired nothing coming out of them at all the grills are them pretty sure the subs are not

Welcome aboard, @English D! Thank you for signing up. No sound is coming out of your under-seat subwoofers either?

 

[Macallan]

I can't speak for the US models but in Korea, I'm quite sure the 'standard' speakers are not Lexicon, at least not branded as Lexicon.

By the way, FYI, Samsung owns Harman Kardon now and Lexicon-branded speakers should be identical in terms of built and sound to the Harman Kardon branded ones in other markets.

I have not played with the settings in the 15-speaker set up, so I don't know about the surround sound processing.

To my ears, the sound systems in the Stinger aren't particularly good, both the standard and the upgraded option. Yes, the upgraded system will sound better than the standard setup, but I was not impressed and found it was not worth paying extra for the 'upgraded' sound quality. Thus, you get larger infotainment screen and UVO with that. But purely looking at the sound quality coming out of the speakers, definitely not worth it for me.

They basically sound 'thin' and lack clarity across all frequencies and volume. I might go as far as saying the upgraded system sounds similar to standard speakers for some of the luxury competition (but that depends on the make and model).

I am still debating the GT1 vs the GT. I would look at the GT1 in Ceramic Gray or the GT in Silky Silver. I wish i could just upgrade to the HK as a stand alone option but since that is not possible i am looking at the GT1 or the GT + aftermarket Subwoofer. I would also get the sunroof and the larger screen for the GT1. Sunroof is obviously a personal preference but what about the 7" vs 8" screen?

Has anyone compared the 2? 5K seems like a lot for a slightly bigger screen and an upgraded audio that is still underwhelming. Is the primary cost in the sunroof?

 

[Todd Piefer]

I am still debating the GT1 vs the GT. I would look at the GT1 in Ceramic Gray or the GT in Silky Silver. I wish i could just upgrade to the HK as a stand alone option but since that is not possible i am looking at the GT1 or the GT + aftermarket Subwoofer. I would also get the sunroof and the larger screen for the GT1. Sunroof is obviously a personal preference but what about the 7" vs 8" screen?

Has anyone compared the 2? 5K seems like a lot for a slightly bigger screen and an upgraded audio that is still underwhelming. Is the primary cost in the sunroof?

I got the base GT because it was clearly the best value for the very reasons you describe but the sound system is certainly unimpressive, mostly because of the pitiful low end. Not sure if I'll look into adding an aftermarket sub or not yet.

 

[Macallan]

Thanks for the reply, that is what i figured that the low end would be weak. How is the clarity and volume otherwise? I don't need crazy loud but do like to listen to rock at a decent level from time to time. My wife has an Acura MDX with the base audio and the speakers sound boomy and cheap. I would be fine with clear speakers that i can augment with an aftermarket stealth sub.