mjsmith

I'm looking at 2003 and 2004 E500s and I was wondering if anyone knew if the Harmon Kardon logic 7 surround system was a feature worth pursuing. I think at the time it was part of the entertainment package. I love my music its just finding this feature on a e500 really limits my choices. Thanks for the input.

55fanatic

I have always been a big audiophile... and in all the cars I have had thus far, I have stripped entirely, soundproofed, and proceeded to install big stereo systems in search of better sound. my 06 E500 has the HK logic 7 in it... and I say its pretty acceptable and one of the better facotry systems Ive heard... to cap it off I would install a sub and I think it works well

JRAMGV8

You can get a better sound system than the HK. It's a good system don't get me around but you can get a better aftermarket sound system. It's just my opinion

HELL ONA HARLEY

I can't compare it to any other newer cars system, but I think its the best OEM system I've ever found stock in a car... I'm sure you could do better going aftermarket, but if you want to keep your cars interior looking stock and also keep your trunk full size and not cluttered with amps, then this is definatly a system worth pursuing...
Good luck with your purchase.

mjsmith

Thanks for the info. I think I will definitely look for a HK sound system and add an aftermarket sub. I realize I could get a better system (in fact the aftermarket I have now is probably superior) but I don't want to dump another 2 grand into a car I will trade in three or four years. Thanks again.

Barry45RPM

Yeah, you DON't want a non HK equipped car if you like to listen to music. The difference is really vast to my ears, and I really reccomend it. The HK System is a really nice sounding system in this car, at most usual volume levels. If you want to "rattle the license plates" forget it. But "we don't do that"... do we?

As for better sounding aftermarket stereos... maybe in other cars, but look through the Forum... how many guys here have added aftermarket systems successfully? How many places really can successfully "cut into" MB electrical/optical/can/bus systems?

There are "electrical Gremlins" enough in these cars. DON'T look for any others. Ones that will make your car "one of a kind". As long as you have a choice... and you DO, eliminate the non-HK equipped cars from your shopping list.

pa28pilot

Just be forewarned...the MOST bus that transports most of the audio information is fiber. Others can speak with more authority, but it doesn't look trivial to splice yet another amp into the system to add a sub (which I'd like to do to my HK).

I'd second the comments about it being really rather good for a factory system, but certainly not as personally tuned as any aftermarket system you'd order.

WEBSRFR

How can you tell if a car has the HK audio system? By looking for the logo in the front door speakers? I guess another place is the audio interface having sound processing options?

ruffrob

Only thing about the HK system is that the bass is severely lacking. I had an
Alpine sub amp,and a pair of JL Audio subs added ,and it talks back now like it never did......

Total cost including installation:$800

Barry45RPM

If it is an HK, you can set it up to play in regular mode or in "Surround Sound Mode" in set up on the Comand.

mbnj

I have the HK in my wife's E500. She has a much better ear than I and she noticed the difference (better) immediately. I have a Bose in the 2001 which is fine for me but HK is clearly superior.

Hoop

Thank you Barry,after reading your post I have now fixed what I thought was the only weak link for me with this car. I guess I should spend more time with the comand controls. I could never understand why so many thought this was a good factory system. Now I get it.

There isn't some Comand adjustment that could give me a horsepower increase that I haven't heard about, is there? Just checking!

alewifebp

I was very disappointed with the HK system. But it makes a big difference depending on the type of music that you listen to. If you listen to music with lots of bass, you will not have a good listening experience. I have the HK in my new ML, and the sub is of a much better quality than what was on my 2004.

For classical, the HK performs very well. I had the stock stereo on my Lexus GS back in 2000, and it was much better than the HK. But the HK is still much better than the old Blose.

If your ultimate desire is to upgrade the system, I think it is easier to get the stock system, although I'm not 100% sure on these details.