Sadly, after all your efforts to provide a True-To-Life sounding experience, RUclips converts all audio in the video to AAC format, therefore we cannot listen to what you hear. We Highly appreciate your efforts tho. Thank You!
I would largely agree with your findings. I've had this system in my 20202 Outback Limited XT for 7+ months now. I'll pass on some of thoughts that the OB community has come up with. -After a few months of playing at moderate volumes (I'd say level 20 and up) the system "breaks in to sound better. - Alos, covering the center dash midrange with a thick rubber dash tray, greatly improves the soundstage. It also tones that harshness that you speak of down. Sounds crazy but it makes a significant difference. With these things done, and a couple of EQ/Fader tweeks, I'm fairly happy with the system. That said, If I have any gripes they would: -the lack of controls ( as you describe) and in particular the lack of DSP controls as well as a lack of seperate output controls for for the center dash midrange and subwoffer ( which outputs are set too high and too low respectively.) . - the complete secrecy of system specs from Subaru and HK. Neither company will share things like wireing schematics, speaker impedence, crossover /filter points , RMS output /channel, etc. These specs are fairly important in choosing components should you want to upgrade the speakers down stream. What is in there now is a complete mystery and they would like to keep it that way, p.s. Nice choice of music .
BTW, Subaru just released a software update for the 2020 Outback( in July 2020.) It sems to address some of the issues listed above. In particular the center dash speaker has been toned down and seperation sems increased. Additionally, mid base has been cleaned up.
I bought a 2020 touring XT in July; it has this sound system. Blew me away. The clarity is amazing. The only change I made to factory default settings was to cut the bass back a bit to accommodate my wife’s preference. I have pretty eclectic taste in music, and every genre presents well with this system. Honestly the best I’ve ever heard in a factory installed system, and better than most aftermarket systems I’ve heard. The lack of road noise in the Legacy is gravy.
@@adriano8809 I don't believe so. My buddy has a 2022(pretty sure it's a 22¬ the 21)&he said he hates how it doesn't have the extra subwoofer in it. I have a 21 legacy limited with the 12 speaker HK&he said it sounds way better than his since I have a extra 4 speakers, including the extra subwoofer mounted behind the rear seat head rests.
@@rickastley4041 my buddy has the crosstrek as well, &I didn't think his HK system sounded that bad. It's nothing like the Legacy or Outback, but still better than the base model system.
Btw if you want to experience the sound at its best I’d suggest to play CDs, you cannot pull the audio at 25 because your ears start hurting. I played the radio, HD radio, Spotify but the best experience remains an original CD and this car comes also with a CD reader indeed.
I had a fleet of 12 2014 Subaru Foresters with the 440(?) watt Harmon Kardon sound system in my business fleet. I found that the systems were phenomenal for most music tastes. Most of the time we had on SiriusXM 69 escape, other times we had on classic country-western, other times we had hair band rock classics. It sounded phenomenal across all genres. Our clients didn’t really prefer rap music, but the low end bass was a bit much so I can see how that would be preferable for some. Subaru has had decent sound systems for many years.
That’s great to hear, I’m thinking about getting an older Outback Limited with this same 576 watt system as the Legacy once I’m done paying off my Accord. I’m just done with adding aftermarket systems that aren’t ever as good functionality wise and always take up a ton of space, it’ll be nice for once to have a factory system hidden away without taking up any room & just working how it should so I really value the higher trims with the premium audio systems now.
"Lack of controls"... Yeah, that's it. Even after the software update, my '20 Legacy Limited has none of the controls stated in the Subaru Starlink Manual on page 90 and 140 (Canadian Model). It doesn't even have the Speed Volume Control. What a bummer. I'm in discussion with my dealer as to what gives and would like to get in touch with a Subaru Canada/USA expert on this issue of lack of controls. It definitely needs another update. The EQ would return to flat settings everyday before the first update.
Overall I wasn't a huge fan of the driving dynamics or the infotainment. It's quite wallowy and soft in a way that I expect for an SUV but not a car. I prefer an Outback, where at least I'm getting a large and capable crossover box in return for the numb handling. But that's personal preference, overall the Legacy is very solid. Also, I'm remembering now, the CVT pared with the turbo engine was not very linear or pleasing to the ear.
The sound we hear will be limited to the quality of the speakers we use to listen. If you want to know how it sounds, you'll need to find one and listen to it live in the flesh.
Would this work in the Convience model? Picking the car up in 2 days 11,000km at a steal from the dealer. I'd like to upgrade to keyless entry push to start and an audio system
Thank you, but you said that the iPod/iPhone feature didn’t work, I feel that the iPod/iPhone does work, the way it works plug 🔌 the iPod 📱 in one of the USB ports under the touchscreen, select media, select iPod/iPhone, select the song you want to play on the device, & then playing will start, that’s how the iPod/iPhone feature works
This rarely works. If you have stock audio the trick is that you need to find a way to install an amplifier and better speakers, even adding speakers. This is ofter costly, but the perk is that you can really design the sound EXACTLY as you want it. It will cost you though.
I have purchase recently an outback 2020 in Switzerland (2019 for US) with the harman kardon system. I’m a sound engineer, so i’m a bit biased… To my ears, it’s overwall a good système, but, at first the bass is a bit overpowered… i have calm down in the eq. For me, the mid/high speakers are more problematic. The high are metalic, passed 15/20 in the volume. It’s lacking i bit of « warming » bass, around 300hz. The power are really ears spliting level, nice 🤣. At the rear place, it’s really bad…. Highs are even more agressive, they are a phase problem with the sub…. It’s really not good…. I don’t understand why there is no a fully parametric EQ… it will solve that problem…
Why it wasn't eq settings test, spotify thru android auto / apple car play test, outside car sound test. It is not enough just to play some tracks. Was there comparation with mp3/flac/alac? How is the sound on rear seats? Definately don't like it. Sorry (
The HK stereo in these cars is terrible. Really disappointed. Ended up passing on buying an outback because I know it would irritate me to much and I'd end up spending money to try and improve it. Honestly a MacBook Pro has better fidelity than the system.
It is according to what model you have. If you have the limited and up, they will come with 12. Or if you buy the Harmon Kardon Speaker upgrade it will have 12.
@@SakuraSakura8596 Then I have no clue lol. Have you checked on the dash? I have a 2014 Subaru crosstrek and some of mine are on the dash and in the trunk area.
Sadly, after all your efforts to provide a True-To-Life sounding experience, RUclips converts all audio in the video to AAC format, therefore we cannot listen to what you hear.
We Highly appreciate your efforts tho. Thank You!
If you want to sell a car, show a video like this one. I love driving and listening to good music.
I would largely agree with your findings. I've had this system in my 20202 Outback Limited XT for 7+ months now. I'll pass on some of thoughts that the OB community has come up with.
-After a few months of playing at moderate volumes (I'd say level 20 and up) the system "breaks in to sound better.
- Alos, covering the center dash midrange with a thick rubber dash tray, greatly improves the soundstage. It also tones that harshness that you speak of down. Sounds crazy but it makes a significant difference.
With these things done, and a couple of EQ/Fader tweeks, I'm fairly happy with the system.
That said, If I have any gripes they would:
-the lack of controls ( as you describe) and in particular the lack of DSP controls as well as a lack of seperate output controls for for the center dash midrange and subwoffer ( which outputs are set too high and too low respectively.) .
- the complete secrecy of system specs from Subaru and HK. Neither company will share things like wireing schematics, speaker impedence, crossover /filter points , RMS output /channel, etc. These specs are fairly important in choosing components should you want to upgrade the speakers down stream. What is in there now is a complete mystery and they would like to keep it that way,
p.s. Nice choice of music .
BTW, Subaru just released a software update for the 2020 Outback( in July 2020.) It sems to address some of the issues listed above. In particular the center dash speaker has been toned down and seperation sems increased. Additionally, mid base has been cleaned up.
would a rubberized mousepad work for covering the midrange?
They don't want you to find out it is cheap stuff they are selling for a high price.
I bought a 2020 touring XT in July; it has this sound system. Blew me away. The clarity is amazing. The only change I made to factory default settings was to cut the bass back a bit to accommodate my wife’s preference. I have pretty eclectic taste in music, and every genre presents well with this system. Honestly the best I’ve ever heard in a factory installed system, and better than most aftermarket systems I’ve heard. The lack of road noise in the Legacy is gravy.
You must have heard some terrible aftermarket systems if this is better
@@ekimandersom4478 mine is really quite good. Most after market systems I’ve heard were set up for loud, not listening at normal levels. ☹️
Love my 2020 Subaru Legacy limited. I've had it now for 9 months. The Harmon Kardon sound system is amazing. Could not be more pleased with this car.
I have a 2021 subaru crosstrek sport...the Harman kardon system sound like absolute garbage, there is literally NO punchy bass to it at all.
@@rickastley4041 oh wow, doesn’t it come with a subwoofer? The legacy HK system comes with a subwoofer
@@adriano8809 I don't believe so. My buddy has a 2022(pretty sure it's a 22¬ the 21)&he said he hates how it doesn't have the extra subwoofer in it. I have a 21 legacy limited with the 12 speaker HK&he said it sounds way better than his since I have a extra 4 speakers, including the extra subwoofer mounted behind the rear seat head rests.
@@rickastley4041 my buddy has the crosstrek as well, &I didn't think his HK system sounded that bad. It's nothing like the Legacy or Outback, but still better than the base model system.
@@halvorson566 I see, that makes sense because I have a 2021 Legacy, I didn’t know about the other.
Thanks for taking me in with you for a drive.
Btw if you want to experience the sound at its best I’d suggest to play CDs, you cannot pull the audio at 25 because your ears start hurting.
I played the radio, HD radio, Spotify but the best experience remains an original CD and this car comes also with a CD reader indeed.
Me and my mom will start working next year together to help each other save money 💵 to purchase this new 2020 Subaru Legacy Touring XT
What a smooth intro
I had a fleet of 12 2014 Subaru Foresters with the 440(?) watt Harmon Kardon sound system in my business fleet. I found that the systems were phenomenal for most music tastes. Most of the time we had on SiriusXM 69 escape, other times we had on classic country-western, other times we had hair band rock classics. It sounded phenomenal across all genres. Our clients didn’t really prefer rap music, but the low end bass was a bit much so I can see how that would be preferable for some. Subaru has had decent sound systems for many years.
That’s great to hear, I’m thinking about getting an older Outback Limited with this same 576 watt system as the Legacy once I’m done paying off my Accord. I’m just done with adding aftermarket systems that aren’t ever as good functionality wise and always take up a ton of space, it’ll be nice for once to have a factory system hidden away without taking up any room & just working how it should so I really value the higher trims with the premium audio systems now.
I’m excited to get this car for my mom in 3 years
Damn this sounds very good balanced.
"Lack of controls"... Yeah, that's it. Even after the software update, my '20 Legacy Limited has none of the controls stated in the Subaru Starlink Manual on page 90 and 140 (Canadian Model). It doesn't even have the Speed Volume Control. What a bummer. I'm in discussion with my dealer as to what gives and would like to get in touch with a Subaru Canada/USA expert on this issue of lack of controls. It definitely needs another update. The EQ would return to flat settings everyday before the first update.
The car sounds to be really well insulated with very little road noise so you can enjoy the music. How do you like the Legacy in general?
Overall I wasn't a huge fan of the driving dynamics or the infotainment. It's quite wallowy and soft in a way that I expect for an SUV but not a car. I prefer an Outback, where at least I'm getting a large and capable crossover box in return for the numb handling. But that's personal preference, overall the Legacy is very solid. Also, I'm remembering now, the CVT pared with the turbo engine was not very linear or pleasing to the ear.
The sound we hear will be limited to the quality of the speakers we use to listen. If you want to know how it sounds, you'll need to find one and listen to it live in the flesh.
thanks charlie :)
You're welcome! Full review on the Legacy coming soon!
Would this work in the Convience model? Picking the car up in 2 days 11,000km at a steal from the dealer. I'd like to upgrade to keyless entry push to start and an audio system
I love ❤️ the Harman/Kardon Premium Audio System, I could even use the iPod/iPhone feature to connect my iPod to play my favorite songs
Thank you, but you said that the iPod/iPhone feature didn’t work, I feel that the iPod/iPhone does work, the way it works plug 🔌 the iPod 📱 in one of the USB ports under the touchscreen, select media, select iPod/iPhone, select the song you want to play on the device, & then playing will start, that’s how the iPod/iPhone feature works
Well done. 👍
Rear view mirror shakes even on 50% volume
I have the 2020 with the basic radio is it possible to upgrade?
This rarely works. If you have stock audio the trick is that you need to find a way to install an amplifier and better speakers, even adding speakers. This is ofter costly, but the perk is that you can really design the sound EXACTLY as you want it. It will cost you though.
I have purchase recently an outback 2020 in Switzerland (2019 for US) with the harman kardon system. I’m a sound engineer, so i’m a bit biased…
To my ears, it’s overwall a good système, but, at first the bass is a bit overpowered… i have calm down in the eq.
For me, the mid/high speakers are more problematic. The high are metalic, passed 15/20 in the volume. It’s lacking i bit of « warming » bass, around 300hz.
The power are really ears spliting level, nice 🤣.
At the rear place, it’s really bad…. Highs are even more agressive, they are a phase problem with the sub…. It’s really not good….
I don’t understand why there is no a fully parametric EQ… it will solve that problem…
Why it wasn't eq settings test, spotify thru android auto / apple car play test, outside car sound test. It is not enough just to play some tracks. Was there comparation with mp3/flac/alac? How is the sound on rear seats?
Definately don't like it. Sorry (
Get us 100k subscribers and we'll spend four hours on every sound test :D
still better than the rockford
The HK stereo in these cars is terrible. Really disappointed. Ended up passing on buying an outback because I know it would irritate me to much and I'd end up spending money to try and improve it. Honestly a MacBook Pro has better fidelity than the system.
not as bad as rockford... those systems are worse
💃
It says 12 but I only found 6😂
It is according to what model you have. If you have the limited and up, they will come with 12. Or if you buy the Harmon Kardon Speaker upgrade it will have 12.
@@justinvance3409 mine is harman system. I found out they count high tweets as one speaker and low tweets as the other one.
@@SakuraSakura8596 Then I have no clue lol. Have you checked on the dash? I have a 2014 Subaru crosstrek and some of mine are on the dash and in the trunk area.
Your type of music hurts my ears no matter what sound level.