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Harmon Kardon sound system in W204 C Class
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 392
Likes: 16
GLE 300d (v167)
Harmon Kardon sound system in W204 C Class
After trying to find reviews online both through Google and on this site I thought I'd just ask what people here think of the HK upgrade in the W204 C Class.
So far I've found: http://www.letsgomobile.org/en/2127/...-benz-c-class/ and http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w204...an-kardon.html
I haven't got mine yet but am anxiously awaiting it. Both of my previous cars were fitted out with aftermarket Rockford Fosgate setups (with my Evo X being a custom fab job) so I'm curious how a factory upgraded stereo sounds in comparison. Also curious to see if anyone here upgraded theirs.
Can't wait!
So far I've found: http://www.letsgomobile.org/en/2127/...-benz-c-class/ and http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w204...an-kardon.html
I haven't got mine yet but am anxiously awaiting it. Both of my previous cars were fitted out with aftermarket Rockford Fosgate setups (with my Evo X being a custom fab job) so I'm curious how a factory upgraded stereo sounds in comparison. Also curious to see if anyone here upgraded theirs.
Can't wait!
Last edited by JaCe88; Jun 26, 2011 at 05:38 AM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 238
Likes: 2
From: Montreal, Canada
2011 E550 Coupe
You'll get two types of response. Those that have it think it's great and those that don't think it's not necessary. I have the HK and love it, simply put no after market system will replace a properly purpose built surround sound system. The only issue is lack of bass, get a JL Audio 10W6 Prowedge which fits perfectly in the truck with a JL 500/1 amp and your good to go.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 955
Likes: 0
From: NNJ
'11 C350 '13 F150 lariat
HK is worth it, had it in my last one and just added an amp and box. My new one I had to do a full install w 2 amps, DSP front rears and subs. Its not worth the hassle, the HK is the way to go
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 392
Likes: 16
GLE 300d (v167)
I'm looking forward to it 
Thanks guys.
My previous car (the Evo X MR) had a Rockford Fosgate stereo standard (compared to the base model non-Rockford stereo) but it was a huge let down unfortunately and hence I resorted to modifying it.
Fingers crossed this'll be epic in terms of SQ.
Thanks guys.My previous car (the Evo X MR) had a Rockford Fosgate stereo standard (compared to the base model non-Rockford stereo) but it was a huge let down unfortunately and hence I resorted to modifying it.
Fingers crossed this'll be epic in terms of SQ.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Wisconsin
2015 E400 Coupe, and 2011 E350 Sedan
I don't have the HK system, but I have the multi-media package with 8 speakers.
I used to install competition stereos in cars when i was in college, back in the early 90's...
The 8 speaker system has incredible sound, with deep bass and rich mids.
Unless you are a SERIOUS audiophile, I personally would spend the money on something else.
It is by far the best sounding stock stereo I think I have ever heard. In fact, I think it is superior to some upgraded factory stereos, including the bose system in Vettes and Cadillacs.
I used to install competition stereos in cars when i was in college, back in the early 90's...
The 8 speaker system has incredible sound, with deep bass and rich mids.
Unless you are a SERIOUS audiophile, I personally would spend the money on something else.
It is by far the best sounding stock stereo I think I have ever heard. In fact, I think it is superior to some upgraded factory stereos, including the bose system in Vettes and Cadillacs.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 955
Likes: 0
From: NNJ
'11 C350 '13 F150 lariat
the non HK systems are all the same, whether u have MM or not in the newer cars its still the same speakers, and they suck. I dont know anyone that is happy with the stock non HK system if they even slightly play their music above normal. Theres a huge thread just about speaker replacement they are so poor for a MB
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Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Ellicott City, MD
'08 C350
It was equipped on the c350 when I bought it. I thought it sounded great but didn't think it would be a big upgrade over the standard issue sound system. Then I got a c300 loaner when my car was in the shop and it had the standard system. Wow. The HK system is a definite improvement. Whenever I get rid of the c350 and buy my next Benz, I will definitely get the HK option if it's not standard by then.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 392
Likes: 16
GLE 300d (v167)
Thanks for the insights guys.
When I tested the C class I used BT streaming for connecting my iPhone/iPod music... does it make a huge difference if I use the iPod cable which it comes with?
(I've read articles on the net that it does but they weren't MB specific)
When I tested the C class I used BT streaming for connecting my iPhone/iPod music... does it make a huge difference if I use the iPod cable which it comes with?
(I've read articles on the net that it does but they weren't MB specific)
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 34
Likes: 4
From: Wisconsin
2015 E400 Coupe, and 2011 E350 Sedan
I'd go to a stereo shop... better sound for less money than paying for the dealer to do it. You can probably buy FAR superior speakers and an amp for half of what the dealer would charge you.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,286
Likes: 62
From: eNyCe
Steel Grey Metallic C63!!
It's really simple. There are 2 sides of the argument.
1) those that don't have it will say there's no difference or it's not worth it.
2) those that have it will love it, especially if they have heard the stock 8 speaker setup. I've have the HK system in both my c350 and c63 and will definitely not go with a stock setup.
1) those that don't have it will say there's no difference or it's not worth it.
2) those that have it will love it, especially if they have heard the stock 8 speaker setup. I've have the HK system in both my c350 and c63 and will definitely not go with a stock setup.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 757
Likes: 1
From: LI, NY, U.S.A.
2013 GLK 350 4M (Iridium Silver), 2010 E350 Coupe (Iridium Silver)
Have you been in any of the benzes with the HK sound system to base your opinion on? I have both the E350 coupe and C300 with the HK sound system in them and they are WORLDS away from the stock set up...
Every time I get in a loaner with the stock set up, the music sounds like it is coming through a doctor's mask and is WAY too bass heavy.
I know Acapulco Bill gave his opinion on the HK sound system and he said that they are custom built to each model and easily surpasses the Bang & Olufsen system that Audi offers for ten times the price of ours.
I will note that the bass seems stronger in our '10 E coupe, maybe it is updated software/hardware or just the acoustics of the cabin.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 392
Likes: 16
GLE 300d (v167)
I am so glad that I got the HK system. It sounds so balanced and whilst the bass is nowhere near as "hectic" as my custom Rockford setups in both of my previous cars, it sounds great when listening to music for enjoyment. Also sounds epic when watching DVD movies (e.g. Transformers!).
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: St. Paul, MN
2011 E550 4Matic
I was lucky also in that mine came with the HK, had a loaner for a day while they clear braed mine, and the loaner had the stock sound and it does make a huge difference, could not wait to get mine back! Only thing better is a B&O system 
and the day they offer that in the C class im buying it!
and the day they offer that in the C class im buying it!
