GLK - Factory Audio or Harman/Kardan?
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2000 Cadillac STS
GLK - Factory Audio or Harman/Kardan?
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?
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?
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Joined: Aug 2010
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GLK350
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.
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
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?
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?
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'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
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
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Tromsø, 69° 41' N
2010 GLK 220CDI 4M BlueEFFICIENCY
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?
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?
Take a look at the Harman Kardon® in Mercedes-Benz® Vehicles: http://www.mercedes.harmankardon.com...les/glk-class/.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Northern New Jersey
2010 GLK Black, Premium 1, Lighting, Multimedia, Appearance and Media Pkg, 2012 Corvette Grand Sport
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.
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
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!
So I would go with the stock audio, then rip it out and go with this...
Just have fun!
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Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 105
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From: Ontario, Canada
GLK 350
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.
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 28
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From: NJ
2013 cls550 & 2014 E550
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.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: Connecticut, USA
2012 GLK, 2016 BMW 1200GS
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.
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From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
Junior Member
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From: Connecticut, USA
2012 GLK, 2016 BMW 1200GS
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Nissan GT-R BE / '12 Ducati-1199 Panigale S / '12 C300-4M Loaded/GLK350-4M Loaded
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From: nyc
528i, GLK
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.
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From: nyc
528i, GLK
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 26
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From: Austin, TX
2018 GLC 300
Factory or HK
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?
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 61
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From: Canada
GLK350, GL320CDI
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.
Definately well worth the wait.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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Mercedes Benz GL 450, Mercedes Benz GLK 350, Mercedes Benz S 550
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".
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 56
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GLK 350 4Matic, G35, Ford Ranger FX4II
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.
My opinions only.
