Harman Kardon audio

[TDudette]

Greetings. I have recently made a purchase for a GT Line S HEV. After perusing past discussions on this platform and gathering information from other sources, it is widely believed that the sound quality of the enhanced audio, particularly on DAB, is subpar. However, there are a few remarks suggesting that a software upgrade implemented last year could have resolved the issue.

Is there anybody who has the HK kit and can provide their feedback? What is the current status or condition?

I acknowledge that sound quality is a matter of personal preference, and I am not seeking audiophile-level sound quality in a vehicle. However, I would appreciate knowing whether it works well.

[ByteStorm]

The audio quality on HK has been enhanced with the software upgrade in November 2023. Nevertheless, I hold the opinion that the HK technique is not very effective when used at low numbers. However, the more you increase the volume, the significant improvement it exhibits.

[Mistral]

The upgrade resulted in some improvement, albeit it was starting from a somewhat subpar level. However, it still falls short of the desired performance for a high-end audio system, but it is now more tolerable than before.

[ianwh4]

As someone who is not an audiophile and has partial hearing loss in one ear, I find it satisfactory, but I can only perceive half of the sounds.
Setting aside humour, I saw a significant improvement in the audio quality after the upgrade, which also resulted in a decreased volume need for comfortable listening.

[Rashman4u]

I am under the impression that I came across information suggesting that there are disparities across HK music systems. Although I have always found the system in my Optima to be exceptional, I am unaware of its specific placement within the HK range of automotive systems.

The non-HK system in my current Hyundai car is as satisfactory and I am content with it.

[guyskin]

I previously had a gasoline-powered vehicle with Kia audio, and now I have a Maxx EV with HK audio. The disparity between the two is quite remarkable.

[Ortsmatt]

It is likely that this feature is only available on the latest models.

The 2019 Optima and my 2017 Optima with HK were great.

I only use Spotify and maintain the phone volume at maximum, since it also regulates the level in my vehicle.

[Chrishazle]

The whole auditory experience was satisfactory. Except for the subwoofer. I am not an enthusiast of bass, yet the sound produced by the speaker is hardly imperceptible. There is a suggestion that the programme has been intentionally limited or restricted. I installed a £100 under-seat subwoofer under the passenger seat. Flawless.

[CheresX]

I consider the HK sound systems in our vehicles to be satisfactory, but nothing more. Despite experimenting with the equaliser configuration, the results are still unsatisfactory. The November update notably enhanced the volume setting, however I did not see any other improvements.