jfish1000

Looking at a 2011 GLK - Music is important to me and while I'm no audio equipment fanatic, I want very good quality audio.

Dealer tells me getting a GLK with H/K system is super hard and likely requires a custom order - 12 weeks wait.

Given that, is it worth it, or is the factory system plenty good enough?

HDRyder9

I'm an exmusician and like to think I'm a music snob. I have the factory system and am very satisfied with it. I'm sure a subwoofer would improve the sound but I don't think it's required. I listen to music at reasonable levels. If you want the cars around you to feel your stereo, then you probably need the Harmon Kardon system. If you just want good quality sound, the stock system is probably good enough. Take your favorite CD to the dealer and ask to hear it on a stock system and see for yourself.

MKenM

In 2010 models the HK system was part of the Multi-Media package. I have it, I love it and IMO the sound is cleaner and crisper with rich low tones. Sounds like a commercial but I think its well worth it.

Today it appears to be a separate option. With a list of $810.00 it probably nets out in the $700.00 range. Is it worth $700.00 to you?

shotgun_banjo

i think the base stereo setup is more than enough. actually it even sounds better than my murano's bose sound system.hdryder is right it only lacks a subwoofer to make it sound more awesome

GLKKa2H

We have it (ordered as a separate option in our "world") and don't regret. The car was a custom order, which we had to wait 22 weeks to see fulfilled, due to all options selected.

Take a look at the Harman Kardon® in Mercedes-Benz® Vehicles: http://www.mercedes.harmankardon.com...les/glk-class/.

Spooner

I'm quite happy with the HK system in our's and I've had nice aftermarket setups in a few cars. For $700 I think it's a no brainer.

MKenM

I took a DVD that I had out to the car and put it in and watched a few minutes to see how the HK system responded. Forget about the picture but the sound was incredible to the point that I could not believe that I was in my car but rather in a surround sound theatre but even better. Only did that once but it was quite spectacular.

MBRedux

Both suck IMO, (we have the HK upgrade) and I'm the son of two Juilliard trained professional musicians.

So I would go with the stock audio, then rip it out and go with this...



Just have fun!

n8nu

I have the HK system and love it. I'm no audiophile, but love a good sound system.

The original GLK I had on order didn't have it. However the dealer found one that I could get in 4 weeks. While it was a very long 4 weeks, it's so worth it, IMO. Especially since I plan on keeping the GLK for a while.

cigarlvr

Either order it up with the HK system or plan the system out aftermarket. If the sound is importain to you. I didnt want to wait so I got the stock radio and ended up adding a JL audio HD900/5 HD Digital am with a set of the Hertz speakers all around the hi energy ones and then a 12 sub with the radio running through an Audiso Bit one processor and the thing rocks. It did cost over 5K but man does it sound good.

FiveG

Can you simply upgrade the speakers using the stock system and get significant sound improvement? Or do you need the whole processor thing? The GLK I'm getting has the multimedia package, but not the HK system. I don't want to add a lot (at least initially), but if the stock speakers sound tinny (again, I'll listen first), I'd prefer to just swap out for a good set of speakers, if it's doable.

MBRedux

It is doable... but adding just a sub, even a small one will help the sound of the HK significantly!

rmfnla

Start with these guys:

http://www.crutchfield.com/

FiveG

Thanks. Are there subs that are small enough that they can be hidden somewhere and not take up space for cargo or the spare tire?

MBRedux

Yes, there are a few Audio places that will make you an enclosure to fit almost anywhere you wish! Look in the yellow pages or on line in your area.

webada

I have heard both and own the HK system on my GLK. My advice is, unless you are ripping high grade mp3s (256 or above), don't bother waiting. The default sound system is decent and you could probably get by. HK system is nice but you can do better with after market systems (tho it might cost more than $700, minus the wait tho). 12 weeks wait is just not worth the agony, you are buying a car afterall, not the sound system.

webada

yea, I was impressed too that's why I opt for it. It wasn't until I realized how little opportunities I had to sit in a car and watch those DVDs on a 5 inch screen.... (mind you I didn't get the video in motion hack) honestly, I rather spend the money on smart key if I had the choice, atleast I will use that every time I drive.

gegori

Compared to my 2008 C300 with the HK 5.1 system, my GLK factory system seems to have a lot less treble than the HK. The bass is fine but I have to have my treble set to +10 for all my music sources. My C300 HKs, I only had to set the treble to +2 and they were fine but not in my GLK. Anyone else seem to notice this?

B200Turbo

I had HK on all our cars from B200 two GL and in B200 2009 and GLK 2011 it sounds amazing. I use I Phone to play music or satellite radio and in states you even get Hi Def Radio stations and it sounds really good nice and clear.
Definately well worth the wait.

Papillon1108

My $0.2. The stock sound system is fine. Get a customized 8-10 inch sub woofer. For instance, JL Subwoofer can run from $80-$150, box anywhere from $20-$40, a relay cable $40-80, an amplifier for $100-$200. To sum it up, one's looking somewhere between $350-$500 US. If it were me, I'd wait for the 2012 and get the AMG package with the stock sound system and get a decent "Bass Speaker".

Frank Zappa

I have the HK system in my 2010 and it's okay. Nothing to brag about and not high end by any stretch of the imagination. I recommend you buy the stock set-up and if you don't like it upgrade through a third party sound shop. You'll be much happier in the end.

My opinions only.