I disagree, I think the Harman Kardon is a very good. I did the kicker speaker upgrade in my 2016 Impreza with my own JL Audio Amp before I got the 2023 WRX with the Harman Kardon and I think there's a world of difference. Amp could be a bit more powerful, but I am more than satisfied.
Thanks for showing the locations! You’re the only RUclips so far who’s done this! I was so confused looking on Subaru’s website. I’m not a fan of Subaru counting the 1 speaker with a coaxial midrange and speaker as 2.
Couldn’t disagree more. My system sounds phenomenal. The only issue with the system I have is you can’t lower the volume before it kicks in when you start the vehicle.
Just picked up a 2023 with the HK system. On the first drive from the dealer I had Sirius playing and was VERY disappointed. I thought perhaps it wasn't installed correctly. Then connected via Bluetooth and it sounded great. Not sure why Sirius sounds weak, but to me it's not even close to my playlist from my phone.
Very few automakers use Harman Kardon nowadays, so it's sad to see Subaru not take full advantage of what Harman can produce at this price point. The H/K systems in the Kia stinger, optima and cadenza are best H/K systems I've heard in the mainstream segment.
I know they're terrible, but I would love if you reviewed the base model's sound system too. I really don't want a moonroof so looking at the base model.
Can I ask why you're against the moon roof? Is it a performance thing or just visual clutter? Can you not "close" the moonroof with the panel that goes over the glass so you don't get the sun in if it's too bright? I've never had one and wasn't aware that many people are against moonroofs/sunroofs
@@diallo1347 You can get a 2022/2023 WRX premium trim without the optional package (Harman Kardom system and moonroof). I was on the fence between getting the package or not. I went with the premium trim with the optional package. I’ve always had the base system in Subarus and want a better OEM system.
@@diallo1347 my family has never had a leaked moonroof and we own cars 10-15 years or so. But we never use it and park in the garage. Not sure if that makes a diff.
If you listen to this video on its own, I am not gonna lie, it doesn't sound that bad apart from the messy mids. But I have a habit of listening any of the sound system tests and comparing them to the i4 HK (which to my ears thru my headphones, are the best sounding system in the channel). Then you can immediately tell the sloppy mids and mid bass in this car. And I totally agree when Charlie said the highs and mids battling out for the same space as cars which do have 3 separate speakers does feel calmer even you listen at high volume. In its segment, the Bose in the Mazda3 is still my favourite system, just a bit better than the one in the Civic.
Agreed, the soundstage is actually great on this setup - excellent for live rock music. The bass is seriously lacking though - I listen to a lot of electronic music so I will need to do some upgrades.
It’s a shame that HK isn’t putting more into their Subaru systems. They could do great things. Bose set a new standard in this segment with the systems in the Mazda3 and Honda Civic. I know it’s crazy to think Bose is anything but I haven’t heard a system I like better in anything costing less than $50k. The ELS system in the Acura Integra isn’t as good. Shocked me.
Honestly I hate the fact that they all went the same route of using big headphone brand names on cheap speakers. We could get so much more value if the industry had stuck to working with brands that specializes in car audio Alpine and Rockford Fosgate.
what improvement will you do to it? sound deading will help? upgrade the twitter? I feel like my 2021 passport base version sounds better than this HK system.
I have a Impreza 2022. I change the stock speakers and put some rockfords. I use apple car play plug via usb cable and the quality of the music (apple music lossless downloaded songs) is not great at all… when i listen music from a CD sounds better… any thoughts?
What's that aftermarket stick shifter you installed between the seats? I've never seen something like that in a wrx, is it a good upgrade over the stock shift knob?
Biggest crime is when you try to shift the fader bias towards the back of the car. You lose every ounce of the highs and it turns into a muffled, muted, underpowered mess. I also own an 09 base Altima as my work/beater car, and that sound system, which isn't even the upgraded Bose, blows this one out of the water in terms of balance, soundstaging, bass, and consistency. I really wish i would have just gone with the stock stereo, foregone the moonroof, and just installed my own amp & speakers. Could have saved myself $1000 and had a stereo that sounds way better than this. tl;dr: keep the stock system, skip the Harman Kardon upgrade if possible, and either buy/install your own speakers & amp or go to a reputable car audio place with a budget and let them do their thing.
The Harman Kardon system in these cars destroys a stock car, but anyone who apprecaites high quality audio knows that this system sounds absolutely terrible. Bass lacks control and tightness, midrange is nowhere, and the treble is tinny as fCK.
😂😂😂 You recommend headphones so I can hear exactly what you’re hearing. 🤦♂️ No. just no. I’d be hearing what my headphones sound like. Do you think I could put on a pair of dollar general headphones and hear exactly what you’re hearing?
Right for an audio review….. you’re a 🤡 dude. And I have two manuals and strongly prefer them. But the transmission has nothing on the review and the limited has a performance auto at least. It’s not a slug. Look it up. You’re uninformed to the max.
I disagree, I think the Harman Kardon is a very good. I did the kicker speaker upgrade in my 2016 Impreza with my own JL Audio Amp before I got the 2023 WRX with the Harman Kardon and I think there's a world of difference. Amp could be a bit more powerful, but I am more than satisfied.
Thanks for showing the locations! You’re the only RUclips so far who’s done this! I was so confused looking on Subaru’s website. I’m not a fan of Subaru counting the 1 speaker with a coaxial midrange and speaker as 2.
Not that truck almost hitting you at 9:40 ☠️
That made my heart skip a beat
I have the 2023 WRX GT and looooove the speakers!
Couldn’t disagree more. My system sounds phenomenal. The only issue with the system I have is you can’t lower the volume before it kicks in when you start the vehicle.
I appreciate this tip a lot 🙏🏽
thanks for doing this, your production quality is top notch
Glad you enjoy it!
Love the red and this system is more than decent for a wrx. Shame you have to get the sunroof to get the stereo.
I imagine it's better than the stock system. But not as good as a Harman kardon system should be.
Just picked up a 2023 with the HK system. On the first drive from the dealer I had Sirius playing and was VERY disappointed. I thought perhaps it wasn't installed correctly. Then connected via Bluetooth and it sounded great. Not sure why Sirius sounds weak, but to me it's not even close to my playlist from my phone.
Very few automakers use Harman Kardon nowadays, so it's sad to see Subaru not take full advantage of what Harman can produce at this price point. The H/K systems in the Kia stinger, optima and cadenza are best H/K systems I've heard in the mainstream segment.
polestar 2 also gets it
bmw too
Can‘t agree more. I just traded in my kia stinger for a 2022 wrx. The HK on stinger is amazing.
bowers and Wilkins, as well as burmesters, sound a lot better than H/K
@@SunSunSunn harman/kardon is more of a consumer-level brand. b&w and burmester are a bit more exclusive i would say.
I know they're terrible, but I would love if you reviewed the base model's sound system too. I really don't want a moonroof so looking at the base model.
Can I ask why you're against the moon roof? Is it a performance thing or just visual clutter? Can you not "close" the moonroof with the panel that goes over the glass so you don't get the sun in if it's too bright? I've never had one and wasn't aware that many people are against moonroofs/sunroofs
@@jeffreywilliams2249 they eventually start to leak. I own my cars long term and then sale them. It's only a matter of time.
@@diallo1347 You can get a 2022/2023 WRX premium trim without the optional package (Harman Kardom system and moonroof). I was on the fence between getting the package or not. I went with the premium trim with the optional package. I’ve always had the base system in Subarus and want a better OEM system.
@@diallo1347 my family has never had a leaked moonroof and we own cars 10-15 years or so. But we never use it and park in the garage. Not sure if that makes a diff.
Anyone their subwoofer in the rear wasn't working? If so, how did you fix the problem?
If you listen to this video on its own, I am not gonna lie, it doesn't sound that bad apart from the messy mids. But I have a habit of listening any of the sound system tests and comparing them to the i4 HK (which to my ears thru my headphones, are the best sounding system in the channel). Then you can immediately tell the sloppy mids and mid bass in this car. And I totally agree when Charlie said the highs and mids battling out for the same space as cars which do have 3 separate speakers does feel calmer even you listen at high volume. In its segment, the Bose in the Mazda3 is still my favourite system, just a bit better than the one in the Civic.
Agreed, the soundstage is actually great on this setup - excellent for live rock music. The bass is seriously lacking though - I listen to a lot of electronic music so I will need to do some upgrades.
rockford has more bass in their systems... but i like it with only slight bass so its HK for me.. the volume all the way up HK sounds so clear
@@brensek-ry6nw I added a nice musical sub and so now I get the best of both 👍
Is the amp installed under the driver seat adjustable at all? Bass wise?
It’s a shame that HK isn’t putting more into their Subaru systems. They could do great things. Bose set a new standard in this segment with the systems in the Mazda3 and Honda Civic. I know it’s crazy to think Bose is anything but I haven’t heard a system I like better in anything costing less than $50k. The ELS system in the Acura Integra isn’t as good. Shocked me.
Honestly I hate the fact that they all went the same route of using big headphone brand names on cheap speakers.
We could get so much more value if the industry had stuck to working with brands that specializes in car audio Alpine and Rockford Fosgate.
what improvement will you do to it? sound deading will help? upgrade the twitter? I feel like my 2021 passport base version sounds better than this HK system.
I’m afraid Elon Musk now owns the twitters in this car now.
I have a Impreza 2022. I change the stock speakers and put some rockfords. I use apple car play plug via usb cable and the quality of the music (apple music lossless downloaded songs) is not great at all… when i listen music from a CD sounds better… any thoughts?
i think the outback limiteds sound better... and harman kardon > rockford ...more clear and better balanced at a higher volume when i compared 2 cars
What would you upgrade it to?
6/10!! Subaru it’s 90-s but in 2022!
What's that aftermarket stick shifter you installed between the seats? I've never seen something like that in a wrx, is it a good upgrade over the stock shift knob?
I'm not sure if you're being serious, but this is an automatic WRX
@@DailyMotorSound 🤣
Biggest crime is when you try to shift the fader bias towards the back of the car. You lose every ounce of the highs and it turns into a muffled, muted, underpowered mess.
I also own an 09 base Altima as my work/beater car, and that sound system, which isn't even the upgraded Bose, blows this one out of the water in terms of balance, soundstaging, bass, and consistency.
I really wish i would have just gone with the stock stereo, foregone the moonroof, and just installed my own amp & speakers. Could have saved myself $1000 and had a stereo that sounds way better than this.
tl;dr: keep the stock system, skip the Harman Kardon upgrade if possible, and either buy/install your own speakers & amp or go to a reputable car audio place with a budget and let them do their thing.
can you test the mercedes w220 bose sound system i want your opinion on it
Not big on the sunroof and for the price of the upgrade I can install way better on my premium! IMO
Would like to see the Harmin Kardin from Kia
Isn't this system 9 speakers not 11?
The Harman Kardon system in these cars destroys a stock car, but anyone who apprecaites high quality audio knows that this system sounds absolutely terrible. Bass lacks control and tightness, midrange is nowhere, and the treble is tinny as fCK.
😂😂😂 You recommend headphones so I can hear exactly what you’re hearing. 🤦♂️ No. just no. I’d be hearing what my headphones sound like. Do you think I could put on a pair of dollar general headphones and hear exactly what you’re hearing?
No.
@@DailyMotorSound Even nice headphones won’t sound like what you’re hearing. They sound like the headphones.
Sorry people the moment he said automatic transmission. He lost me 😤
Right for an audio review….. you’re a 🤡 dude. And I have two manuals and strongly prefer them. But the transmission has nothing on the review and the limited has a performance auto at least. It’s not a slug. Look it up. You’re uninformed to the max.
He's testing the sound system so the transmission is meaningless
What up chuckkkkkk
Whaddup whaddup