JimBarnhart

I know this has been a topic of debate in both the X164 and X166. Is the HK system worth the price of the P2 package?

I should start by saying I'm not an audiophile.

I've only spent a couple days with my new GL, but I've been pleasantly surprised with the quality of the HK system. They include a demo CD in your owner's manual to show the capabilities of the Dolby 5.1 sound system. I listened to a couple of tracks (a helicopter flying around the cabin, some songs, footsteps, etc). It was impressive.

So then the next question is will you ever take advantage of the ability of the system? Sirius and mp3 files probably don't have enough audio information to be able to fully take advantage of the system. FM radio (especially HD) would. High quality CDs would, and of course you have the music register to store your own audio files which could as well.

I had the HK system in my 2007 as well. This seems to be a significant increase in quality versus what I had.

blittle

Looking forward to giving it a try.....thanks for the review! I was always a fan of "high end" music systems in my vehicles particularly when I was younger.....but have to admit that as I got older, it was the driveability funtions that became more important.....glad I ordered it, but reality is...probably will never take advantage of all that it is capable of.

jdmmbz

Has anyone actually heard the Bang Olufsen optional system?

DBV

I agree, the HK system in our 2013 GL350 is much better than the HK system on our last GL. It probably helps that the diesel is so quiet now too. Love that the system displays album art now too!

fabbrisd1

The headunit/amp systems are the same - speakers a tad better - the improvement on stereo separation and clarity is a direct relationship to the improved quietness road-noise/vehicle noise engineered into the GL.

The B&O system is awesome in what it delivers - yes, I have experienced it - check my detailed post in another thread - playing catch up on this board.

JimBarnhart

I think the head unit is an update from my 2007. I can't remember what year, but I'm thinking MY2009 got a new head.

blittle

I had the HK in my 2007 and was not overly impressed so I am hoping for better in the 2013..... My 2011 has the standard system.

cookstar

I had the HK on my 2008 GL320 and to be brutally honest I think the 4 speaker stock speakers in my Mazda 3 were better than the HK's, I have the HK's on my 13 as they come with the premium package, will write a review in March when I get the car

fabbrisd1

The HK system on the new GL is very competant, you will be pleased.