Wonder why the Stinger sound system is different from my Optimas?

[NismoDPB]

Based on what I've seen in the threads on the audio system, it seems some vehicles system can play louder and sound better. In the 2018 I could max out the system and still have a conversation. In the 2019, you don't want to be in the car with it at max level and it just sounds better overall. I had thought about taking off the doors on the 2018 to remove the felt between the speaker and cover to get better sound but now, I don't need to. I would suggest folks with systems that don't play well should start visiting their dealers and reporting the issue. Not sure if it's an amp issue or something in the head unit but it is an issue.

The sound system is becoming something of an enigma in this car. My 2018 has the HK and it is so fricking loud I dont think I've even had it up half way. Having the volume at 3 or 4 seems to be the most comfortable if you want background music.

 

[NismoDPB]

I think the only thing that is driving the difference in audio performance with cars equipped with the HK system must be the different head units. The ones equipped with the larger touchscreen must have better audio handling software. Just a guess

 

[westcoastGT]

Search ....."Stinger Sound System Explained " I posted a review last year that was pretty interesting . This system is 100 % custom to the Stinger

 

[Waynerm002]

I think the only thing that is driving the difference in audio performance with cars equipped with the HK system must be the different head units. The ones equipped with the larger touchscreen must have better audio handling software. Just a guess

The HK system is supposed to be the same across the line. My 2018 and 19 are both GT2 and the they do not sound the same.

 

[NismoDPB]

The HK system is supposed to be the same across the line. My 2018 and 19 are both GT2 and the they do not sound the same.

Right but what I am saying is the head unit that runs the firmware and software differs depending on whether you have the 8" or 9"(?) Touch screen with the additional infotainment options.

 

[Waynerm002]

Not following. The vehicles with the smaller screen do not have the HK system, in order to have the HK system, you get the same size screen on the 2.0T Premium and on the GT trims. If there was a different size screen with the HK system as well as options, that could be a possibility. From the vehicles I have driven, only the non HK systems have the smaller screen.

 

[Mike_TX]

While we're talking about the sound system, I have two other 'observations':

1. The speed sensitive volume does not work well at all (if at all). In other cars I've had with SSV, the difference was very obvious, but with the Stinger I have to raise and lower the volume depending on moving or sitting still, or highway vs. city speeds. I can tell no difference, even though it is set to "On". In fairness, it didn't work well in my Optima's either.

2. The volume adjustments on both the dial and the steering wheel toggle are too coarse. One click makes too much difference up or down, and as fate would have it, one click down is a little too low and one click up is a tad too loud. ): On my Optima's, it took 2 clicks to equal one on the Stinger, so that allowed more precise adjustment.

 

[Kamauxx]

@Mike_TX
If there is one thing I could carry over from the Optima, it would be the stereo and not having the tablet glued to the dash syndrome.

That's two things.

Unlike you and Mike I don't think the Stinger sounds better than my SXL did. If anything they are equally just okay.

It did have a better interior and more tech than the Stinger though.

 

[NismoDPB]

Not following. The vehicles with the smaller screen do not have the HK system, in order to have the HK system, you get the same size screen on the 2.0T Premium and on the GT trims. If there was a different size screen with the HK system as well as options, that could be a possibility. From the vehicles I have driven, only the non HK systems have the smaller screen.

Good point. In that case the only other thing I can think of is that the software versions differ based on production date. It's the only reason I can think of that people would have such vastly different experiences with audio quality and volume.

 

[CaliSting]

My experience with sound system was OK. Not the best but not too bad . My dodge Beats Audio system is nicer with better more rounded sound to my ear .

 

[Never thought]

My ‘13 Optima SX Infiniti sound system was better. But this system isn’t bad. I think a lot of the issue is that there is no rear deck for bigger speakers.

 

[Waynerm002]

Those that have the system that plays comfortable “loud” at 10 with a a normal listening experience at about 4, have a different sounding system than the lower sounding systems mentioned by a lot of folks with 2018 versions. We may need to start another thread to get some info on this and probably find that there are enough people with systems, that KIA will need to fix/swap/replace to bring it up to the full sound that it should have. I recall the early discussions on whether the subs were working and other sound issues, with having 2 different year vehicles, I can say my 2018 was certainly not as powerful as the 2019 is. If I still had it, I would be visiting the dealer to have them reach out to KIA corporate to get things sorted.

 

[Revvdmedia]

Those that have the system that plays comfortable “loud” at 10 with a a normal listening experience at about 4, have a different sounding system than the lower sounding systems mentioned by a lot of folks with 2018 versions. We may need to start another thread to get some info on this and probably find that there are enough people with systems, that KIA will need to fix/swap/replace to bring it up to the full sound that it should have. I recall the early discussions on whether the subs were working and other sound issues, with having 2 different year vehicles, I can say my 2018 was certainly not as powerful as the 2019 is. If I still had it, I would be visiting the dealer to have them reach out to KIA corporate to get things sorted.

I would say mine is "comfortably" loud at 10, but usually set to about 5 with the wife in the car, so I probably have the "louder one." I also have not had the fader issue, and I found my sound quality improved with age. Mine is a March 28, 2018 build.

 

[BigPlum]

Just to add to the numbers, I have a 2018 and am pleased with my HK system. I concur with the "no louder than 3-5 if I want to have a conversation" comment earlier. Normally, I am alone in the car, so depending on my mood, I could cruise at 10-12 volume; or crank it all the way to 25 with the windows down. I will say that I typically listen to hip hop and country, but the one day that I threw on some 90s metal, my ears were ringing after listening at 20 for my commute home.

 

[Ucinn]

Just to add to the numbers, I have a 2018 and am pleased with my HK system. I concur with the "no louder than 3-5 if I want to have a conversation" comment earlier. Normally, I am alone in the car, so depending on my mood, I could cruise at 10-12 volume; or crank it all the way to 25 with the windows down. I will say that I typically listen to hip hop and country, but the one day that I threw on some 90s metal, my ears were ringing after listening at 20 for my commute home.

You haven't been in the front row of enough rock concerts then if 20 makes your ears ring...lol

 

[BigPlum]

You haven't been in the front row of enough rock concerts then if 20 makes your ears ring...lol

It might have been 25, but that is still a true statement.

 

[RUFFSTUFF]

The sound in my GT2 with HK is better than the sound from my last car, Optima SX-L with Infinity. Listening to complaints it's obvious none have had the "pleasure" of listening to a Nissan Bose system. It's a joke.

 

[Liljaeger]

I really like the sound in my Awd Gt2, as a comparison i have a QLN music setuo at home. The sound is full sounding at all levels, a little bass heavy, but with DAB or such it sounds really nice.