I'm not too familiar with car audio, but all I can say is that I am pretty disappointed with the HK system in my convertible.

I would like to add some amps to the system. If I were to add one 4 channel and one 2 channel, would the stock speakers be able to handle it? Or would I just blow them out? Does anyone have any advice for me as to what I can do to improve the sound quality in my car? Thanks.

[muf]

If you were to add amps to factory speakers I would say you would do more harm then good. You could replace all the speakers but I hear the highs arent bad. Maybe just add an amp/sub/headunit. You could run the highs off of the built in amp in the car (if it has one), Then use just a sub amp for the subs in the trunk.
If I were going to change the system, I wouldnt get nav system. I would change the headunit to a kick ass aftermarket dvd player. Id put a sub amp with 2 kick ass 12's in the trunk (no junk).
Thats about all i can think of off the top of my head.

Scott

Seriously: Just add some amps to the stock (especially if it is Harman Kardon) system, a WORLD of difference. You won't believe the difference.

[ufgator]

I have the HK in mine...but I also have a question. That button next to the DSC button is supposed to be for the HK system. I noticed that when it is off the sound quality goes down so naturally, i leave it on all the time. Is this a bad thing? If not, why would they have a button for it? So many questions..... Anyway, not much of a speaker person myself (strange for being a college student) so I hope I haven't just embarrased myself with such a question.

The sound "enhancment" button somehow changes the soundstage. It will not harm anything to use all of the time. I have found that with some tracks they actually sound better with out it but not many. The effect reminds me of the 3d effect many computer sound cards offer.

[muf]

I hear ppl saying thay put "subs" in the rear. Anyone kno exactly what? And do thay put out bass at ALL or just distortion?

Scott

[EERHT-M]

Hey guys
When you're posting about how nice the factory HK systerm is, you better tell us you rate it from the coupe or Cab.
I know the HK systerm on the coupe is much better then the one in Cab.
I am driving a 01 M3Cab, my systerm is the worst systerm that I ever heard.
I had upgraded to a Pioneer 7300DVD & AVM9000 unit, still didn't help.
Planing to go with Amp. and speaker upgrade pretty soon.

[Atticus]

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ufgator:
I have the HK in mine...but I also have a question. That button next to the DSC button is supposed to be for the HK system. I noticed that when it is off the sound quality goes down so naturally, i leave it on all the time. Is this a bad thing? If not, why would they have a button for it? So many questions..... Anyway, not much of a speaker person myself (strange for being a college student) so I hope I haven't just embarrased myself with such a question.<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Side note: Please kick the crap out of the Noles this weekend.

[TomDoherty]

This system for the coupe is not "dog food" as many have stated...it is really pretty good for a factory option.

If you are so inclined to go aftermarket, of course you can get much better performance, however their are risks inherint in that to related to installation "shit happens" situations.

If you are going to upgrade a system a head unit make little difference and contrary to the recommendations speakers are not the next thing to upgrade. It is always a power equation.

I, admitingly, have not been around the aftermarket car business of recent, but do have experience back to 1975 through about 1990 solid. In every case performance is all about head room, meaning power. You have to double the amplifier power to get a 3db increase in output. So if you are hitting against the "rev limiter" of your car system you need to get more "horse" power behind the speakers.

Complaining about the factory system is like bitching that a 318ti is a dog. Hey that car is great unless you expect it to run like an M3. Put an M3 motor in a 318 and that car kicks ass...same thing with the factory system...leave the head unit and figure out how you can increase the power.

[My01cabrio]

I too, am very dissappointed with the HK system. My ML430 has a factory Bose that sounds much better. Thye Bose in my NSX is nicer, and that one is "all right". I am of the opinion that if they are going to have a tie-in with a brand like HK, it should sound better. That p.o.s. subwoofer is very cheap.
I am debating if I should upgrade....but I am afraid of the s#%t happens rule also.

HMS