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S60 & V60 '18> / XC60 '17> / S90 & V90 '16> / XC90 '15> General Forum for the SPA-platform 60- and 90-series models |
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Next spec Q - Harmon Kardon or Stnd?Views : 3569 Replies : 13Users Viewing This Thread : |
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Aug 4th, 2020, 22:17 | #1 |
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Next spec Q - Harmon Kardon or Stnd?
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
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————————— MY21.5 XC90 T8 Recharge R-Design |Bright Silver|Lounge|BLIS|HK Tech|Family|Towbar| |
Aug 4th, 2020, 22:47 | #2 | |
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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 👍
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MY19 XC60 D4 R-DESIGN P☆ Last edited by VOLVOL0VER; Aug 4th, 2020 at 23:44. |
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Aug 4th, 2020, 23:05 | #3 |
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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. |
Aug 4th, 2020, 23:59 | #4 | |
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Aug 5th, 2020, 09:48 | #5 |
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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! |
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Aug 5th, 2020, 10:23 | #6 |
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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.
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MY19 XC60 - September 2018 XC60 T5 Momentum Pro with HK, 360 Camera & Intellisafe Pro (Pilot Assist & BLIS) |
Aug 5th, 2020, 11:58 | #7 |
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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.
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Aug 5th, 2020, 15:33 | #8 | |
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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!
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XC60 T5 AWD Inscription Pro (MY19). Electric Silver. Xenium & Intellisafe Packs, HUD, HK Sound, Heated Rear Seats, 4 Zone Climate, Towbar, Exterior Styling Kit, Apple CarPlay, Polestar |
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Aug 7th, 2020, 08:49 | #9 |
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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.
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Aug 7th, 2020, 09:59 | #10 |
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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.
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MY19 Volvo XC60 T5 AWD, Fusion Red, Blonde Leather, Dark Tints, 19inch wheels on summers, 18inch ALUTEC on winters. |
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