Next spec Q - Harmon Kardon or Stnd?

[Director76]

Looking at ways to make my next T8 RD slightly different and a bit more interesting than the current one...toying with Harmon Kardon upgrade over standard audio? I’m not that bothered about the Apple car play that comes with it, but interested if it makes a real world difference to the audio?

I have found the standard system OK, but not amazing, probably not as good as the standard system in our high spec Tiguan.

Any thoughts gang?

Thanks
D76

[VOLVOL0VER]

Originally Posted by Director76

Looking at ways to make my next T8 RD slightly different and a bit more interesting than the current one...toying with Harmon Kardon upgrade over standard audio? I’m not that bothered about the Apple car play that comes with it, but interested if it makes a real world difference to the audio?

I have found the standard system OK, but not amazing, probably not as good as the standard system in our high spec Tiguan.

Any thoughts gang?

Thanks
D76

Well... i drove a XC90 for some days before buying my current car. It was a test drive car. I wasn't sure if i should buy XC90 or XC60. I also drove a XC40 test drive car but soon i discovered it wasn't for me. I was looking for more space and i felt that the XC40 didn't fit my needs.

XC40 had Harman Kardon sound system. XC90 too. A XC60 that i also drove as a test drive car had standard sound. I can assure you here and right now, that you'll notice a big difference between standard sound system and the Harman Kardon sound system.

The Premium Sound system from Harman Kardon - developed with the renowned audio brand - guarantees a high-level sound experience, with 600 watts charged to its 14 speakers via a 12-channel amplifier. This system optimizes the response of each individual speaker, in order to ensure a powerful sound experience for everyone in the car. Automatic level regulation creates a consistent volume and intensity level, while special algorithms adjust the flow to compensate for outside noise.

You'll notice a slight better difference in terms of spatiality between the upgraded Bowers & Wilkins and the Harman & Kardon sound system. But the extra money (way more), you spend on the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, is not worth.

Harman & Kardon sound system is the right choice because the difference to the standard sound system is BIG.

Good luck 👍

[Cull06]

Another here to vouch for the HK system. I have had a few courtesy cars recently with the standard sound so I’m in a good place to be able to compare and there is a substantial improvement.

One of them had the B&W which was another improvement again but probably for more than I was willing to pay.

But the HK is well worth it.

[VOLVOL0VER]

Originally Posted by Cull06

Another here to vouch for the HK system. I have had a few courtesy cars recently with the standard sound so I’m in a good place to be able to compare and there is a substantial improvement.

One of them had the B&W which was another improvement again but probably for more than I was willing to pay.

But the HK is well worth it.

definitely 👍

[CocoPops]

For me, I wanted CarPlay, so the HK was a very easy decision.

I’ve always spec’d the premium audio option in my cars, DynAudio in VW, Bose in Audi etc.

The B&W was just a step too far at £3k for me!

[WhatNext?]

When I ordered mine, I had to pay for Android Auto too.

I felt £800 quid or so was expensive. Now that this includes smartphone integration, go for it. Just be aware, you need to tune in the equaliser (in two distinct settings) to suit your preferences.

[Bonefishblues]

I was a little sceptical, and still probably wouldn't spec on a new car, but TBF HK is very good indeed and nice to have on the C70.

[simonjedrake]

Originally Posted by Cull06

Another here to vouch for the HK system. I have had a few courtesy cars recently with the standard sound so I’m in a good place to be able to compare and there is a substantial improvement.

One of them had the B&W which was another improvement again but probably for more than I was willing to pay.

But the HK is well worth it.

Similar experience - the best feature of the HK system not often mentioned is the built in Sub-Woofer that is a must for music lovers.
Agree that the B&W system whilst being a nice to have option does not justify the additional cost......as after the car is a pretty big metal box powered by several noisy mechanical drivetrain units that propel the car over pretty rough pot holed road surfaces!

[Baconbaronen]

I've bought the HK as well, the price jump up to the B&W was just too much, and the value for money for the B&W wasn't that good.
I could hear a noticeable difference between the standard and HK, but the B&W just wasn't worth the extra money.

[James77]

Seen reviews from Autogefuhl (apologies no umlaut), no doubt the system is far superior but the cars also vibrated showing up quality issues. I can't live with vibration in the cabin so I'm out.

I can image the sound is great on your drive but take it on the road! Road noise, kids in the back other external sounds will no doubt reduce your listening experience.

I've given the XC60 to my wife and I now have a Porsche Cayenne, my word everything is just better I also have a tow bar which is fully electric out and in no pulling into position. Yes it cost more but so are the residuals.