Harmon Kardon
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
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Audi RS4
Harmon Kardon
Hi all...ive posted previously regarding a C63 AMG that i am looking at which had the 08 style mirrors and have been advised by my dealer that they will swap a pair of 09 style mirrors that they have from another black C63 which has just come in.
However...ive jut found out that it dosen't have Harmon Kardon, so i wanted an honest opinion from you guys as to whether the standard MB stereo is any good??
Spec on the car is Black, Carbon fibre trim, parktronik, COMMAND, 19" rims and AMG floor mats.
However...ive jut found out that it dosen't have Harmon Kardon, so i wanted an honest opinion from you guys as to whether the standard MB stereo is any good??
Spec on the car is Black, Carbon fibre trim, parktronik, COMMAND, 19" rims and AMG floor mats.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Thick Ascending Limb
2017 BMW X5M DG/AB
He may live in a different country.
I have no idea what the base stereo sounds like.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 17
From: Chicagoland, IL
09 C63
Not overly helpful as it's a "colonies" thought... 1) the best stereo comes from the twin mufflers. I usually listen to talk radio or have it off just to hear that music. If you play anything loudish, you may miss shifts and see red on your speedo. 2) fwiw - the HK is by far the best factory sound system I've yet to hear. I've ALWAYS modded every single car I've owned for the ICE setup. This is the first time I'm not even tempted. (though I wish we got ipod control on the display).
My recommendation is take the sound system - ditch the mirrors. You won't see them 90% of the time anyhow! Furthermore, when you go to sell in X years, the mirrors won't matter, but the H&K might add some value.
Enjoy either one though!
My recommendation is take the sound system - ditch the mirrors. You won't see them 90% of the time anyhow! Furthermore, when you go to sell in X years, the mirrors won't matter, but the H&K might add some value.
Enjoy either one though!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,237
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From: Miami, FL
C63 AMG(sold), 2009 CL550, 2010 S550 Majestic Black, 2010 ML550, 2006 C230, 2009 Venza
My recommendation is take the sound system - ditch the mirrors. You won't see them 90% of the time anyhow! Furthermore, when you go to sell in X years, the mirrors won't matter, but the H&K might add some value.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
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E63 AMG
Here in the US I am pretty sure all of the AMG's comes standard with the HK system. The upgrade is for the Bose sound system.
I have heard the Base system in some c350's and its ok, but when command is involved i am suprised that its not HK!?!?
Where are you from?
I have heard the Base system in some c350's and its ok, but when command is involved i am suprised that its not HK!?!?
Where are you from?
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Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 626
Likes: 19
From: Austin, TX
14 GL550; 14 E63s
The HK stock system is one of the very few I've had that I have not wanted to change out for an aftermarket sound. My wife has a Mark Levinson system in her Lexus and I think the HK blows it away.
But I have not listened to the stock system to compare.
I've found I use the PCMCIA slot the most of all. I'll load tons of music onto large CF cards, and it sounds awesome!! But the best sound, aside from the sound coming from my tail pipes, is from the one or two DVD-Audio discs that I still have. Dishwalla's Opaline is a fantastic CD and on DVD-Audio it sounds incredible! There aren't too many titles out there on DVD-A, since its really no longer supported.
But I have not listened to the stock system to compare.
I've found I use the PCMCIA slot the most of all. I'll load tons of music onto large CF cards, and it sounds awesome!! But the best sound, aside from the sound coming from my tail pipes, is from the one or two DVD-Audio discs that I still have. Dishwalla's Opaline is a fantastic CD and on DVD-Audio it sounds incredible! There aren't too many titles out there on DVD-A, since its really no longer supported.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 568
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From: Shanghai, Long Island(NY)
C63
I think Harman Kardon in our cars are really ****ty. HK stereo in a Range Rover sounds 10x better than our cars, I don't know why. I'd rather just get base stereo system and enjoy my exhaust note.
I sat in my friend's Audi S5 last night, and that B&O system sounds amazing!
I sat in my friend's Audi S5 last night, and that B&O system sounds amazing!
Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 169
Likes: 1
From: Raincouver
335i e90 / C63 / R6
if you listen to music all the time and want it loud id try to get the HK and forget the mirrors. If it's for me i really don't care co'z i don't listen to music all the time just my .02 
goodluck!
goodluck!
Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
2009 Black C63 AMG
The standard stereo is not good.
I did a number of side by side comparison listening sessions before I ordered, and the standard stereo is absolutely not good. If you are going to upgrade with aftermarket components, then stay with the stock system. If you want really good sound without having to add any components then the multi-media package is an easy way to get a really nice sounding car stereo. My 2 cents.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 17
From: Chicagoland, IL
09 C63
You're comparing the B&O to the HK? LOL, that's like saying the Veyron is tons faster than a C63 - so you should get the Veyron. DOH.
The B&O Audi option is like $5k just for the audio add on!!!! For that kind of bread, it better give ____ (insert sexual act of your choosing).
I did a full A/D/S and Dynaudio system (before they cheapened the product line!!) for $2500 and it even did time domain shifting.
Compare the H&K to the likes of Levinson in Lexus, the H&K in BMW 3 series and Bose - the competitors for this price point - and the C63 is the clear winner.
Regardless, my original concept stands - in six years - the buyer or dealer trade-in rep won't give a d@mn about your mirrors, they will care about the factory premium audio and dock you around $500-700 (or your currency equiv).
Peet
The B&O Audi option is like $5k just for the audio add on!!!! For that kind of bread, it better give ____ (insert sexual act of your choosing).
I did a full A/D/S and Dynaudio system (before they cheapened the product line!!) for $2500 and it even did time domain shifting.
Compare the H&K to the likes of Levinson in Lexus, the H&K in BMW 3 series and Bose - the competitors for this price point - and the C63 is the clear winner.
Regardless, my original concept stands - in six years - the buyer or dealer trade-in rep won't give a d@mn about your mirrors, they will care about the factory premium audio and dock you around $500-700 (or your currency equiv).
Peet
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 568
Likes: 0
From: Shanghai, Long Island(NY)
C63
You're comparing the B&O to the HK? LOL, that's like saying the Veyron is tons faster than a C63 - so you should get the Veyron. DOH.
The B&O Audi option is like $5k just for the audio add on!!!! For that kind of bread, it better give ____ (insert sexual act of your choosing).
I did a full A/D/S and Dynaudio system (before they cheapened the product line!!) for $2500 and it even did time domain shifting.
Compare the H&K to the likes of Levinson in Lexus, the H&K in BMW 3 series and Bose - the competitors for this price point - and the C63 is the clear winner.
Regardless, my original concept stands - in six years - the buyer or dealer trade-in rep won't give a d@mn about your mirrors, they will care about the factory premium audio and dock you around $500-700 (or your currency equiv).
Peet
The B&O Audi option is like $5k just for the audio add on!!!! For that kind of bread, it better give ____ (insert sexual act of your choosing).
I did a full A/D/S and Dynaudio system (before they cheapened the product line!!) for $2500 and it even did time domain shifting.
Compare the H&K to the likes of Levinson in Lexus, the H&K in BMW 3 series and Bose - the competitors for this price point - and the C63 is the clear winner.
Regardless, my original concept stands - in six years - the buyer or dealer trade-in rep won't give a d@mn about your mirrors, they will care about the factory premium audio and dock you around $500-700 (or your currency equiv).
Peet
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2k6 gsx-r600
In the Audi A8 the B&O is a 6k dollar option and it is amazing. One of the best ever made(if not the best).
I have the B&O system in my Q5 and it is amazing, you can turn it all the way without any funny noises.
I have the B&O system in my Q5 and it is amazing, you can turn it all the way without any funny noises.
Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: NJ
2009 C63 and 2008 BMW M5
Not overly helpful as it's a "colonies" thought... 1) the best stereo comes from the twin mufflers. I usually listen to talk radio or have it off just to hear that music. If you play anything loudish, you may miss shifts and see red on your speedo. 2) fwiw - the HK is by far the best factory sound system I've yet to hear. I've ALWAYS modded every single car I've owned for the ICE setup. This is the first time I'm not even tempted. (though I wish we got ipod control on the display).
My recommendation is take the sound system - ditch the mirrors. You won't see them 90% of the time anyhow! Furthermore, when you go to sell in X years, the mirrors won't matter, but the H&K might add some value.
Enjoy either one though!
My recommendation is take the sound system - ditch the mirrors. You won't see them 90% of the time anyhow! Furthermore, when you go to sell in X years, the mirrors won't matter, but the H&K might add some value.
Enjoy either one though!
