strong, captivating, and completely dynamic. BMW’s Harman Kardon audio system offers unrivaled listening pleasure. For more than 30 years, Harman Kardon sound systems have been skilfully created to fill the distinctive interior of each BMW model with nuanced, well-balanced music that mesmerizes you. Every moment spent behind the wheel is improved by this listening experience, making every drive extraordinary.
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Harman Kardon speakers for BMW
The BMW HK Hi-Fi system (S674A) has 12 speakers and an integrated 8-channel BMW amplifier (with only 7 channels used to power the speakers)… In other words, while the overall audio quality is respectable, it falls short of audiophile standards.
On the other hand, if you’re thinking of a high-end sound system, you presumably picture the BMW Harman Kardon surround sound system (S688A). This generous choice typically comes with 16 speakers, including 2 (8 Ohm) woofers, 7 mid-range speakers, and 7 tweeters distributed throughout larger vehicles like the X5, 3 or 5 Series. And while they are undoubtedly better than the majority of the stock alternatives, they are still not quite at the enthusiast-level quality.
It’s also important to bear in mind that the BMW Harman Kardon subwoofers have an 8-ohm impedance, which is higher than what you’ll find in other BMWs, for those who have them and are into sound system tweaking. Therefore, maintaining a same impedance when switching to a pair of slightly beefier woofers will be far more advantageous to the audio effect.
BMW sound system with Harman Kardon (Top-HiFi)
The Harman Kardon (S688A) is the best of the four standard audio options, with only minor alterations from the previous S677A HiFi System Professional. Depending on the model year, some late E Series and early F Series cars were produced with both the Harman Kardon S688A and the S677A HiFi System Professional. Despite having some changes, they both use the same layout and amplifiers, which are discussed below.
There are typically 16 speakers in your BMW thanks to the Harman Kardon surround sound system. Two under-seat woofers, seven mid-range speakers, and seven tweeters dispersed around the entire vehicle as far as the eye can see:)
Due to their 8 Ohm nominal impedance, the woofers utilized in HiFi System Professional (S677A) and the Harman Kardon (S688A) differ from those found in all other lower systems. The Top Hifi amplifier offers extremely powerful low frequency output channels, which are necessary for such high impedance woofers. It’s an intriguing design decision because, generally speaking, four times as much power is required to move a 2 Ohm woofer.
The Harman Kardon amplifier connects to the head unit through a fiber optic cable that sends digital audio signals, and it contains 10 channels, of which 9 are used (considered better than an analogue signal). Again, in comparison to other systems’ amps, this one is unquestionably the biggest, heaviest-hitting, and most powerful, with lots of power available. The multi-band graphic equalizer on the head unit is significantly more useful than the sliders for adjusting the bass and treble seen on lower-end systems. The DSP processor also allows you to choose between surround sound options in the head unit’s menu. With these two, you may completely tailor the sound profile within your car to your preferences.
Upgrade to BMW’s Harman Kardon audio system: Is it worthwhile?
Sure, if only for the amp’s sake, if you’re enjoying your music. Thanks to its crisp digital sound, strong amplifier, and enhanced customizability, the BMW Harman Kardon stereo is a notable improvement over the more entry-level BMW sound systems. It is considerably more comparable to what you could anticipate from a home stereo system and has the added convenience of wheels, making it portable.
But that doesn’t mean it’s the greatest that money can buy. You may get even more powerful sound systems straight from the manufacturer, but when comparing BMW Harman Kardon with Bang & Olufsen, price will need to be your top priority. I suppose it’s business as usual for B&O.
The BMW Harman Kardon Surround Sound System: What Is It?
Various BMW vehicles, including some 2 series, 3 series, 4 series, X1 and X5 models, come with the top-of-the-line Harman Kardon Surround Sound System as an option. The Harman Kardon Surround System is a significant improvement over the stock audio system. It has several speakers, strong digital amplifiers with built-in equalization, and surround sound throughout the cabin. Different systems are utilized in coupes, sedans, and wagons to achieve the finest sound quality. Each system is developed specifically for the vehicle it is fitted in.
What BMW sound is Harman Kardon?
With 12 speakers and a 360-watt amplifier, the Harman Kardon sound system in the 2 Series Convertible delivers a distinctive and enthralling audio experience in every setting. available in all variants of the BMW 2 Series
Can I add Harman Kardon to my BMW?
The good thing is that upgrading your BMW aftermarket speakers will always allow you to improve your Harman Kardon system. especially when you consider that the versatile DSP and 10-channel HK amp is a capable workhorse.
It’s simple to improve your BMW speaker system, whether you have a Harman Kardon or another radio system, thanks to BMW audio specialists like BimmerTech. Since the Alpha One line of speakers is designed exclusively for BMWs, they can be installed in your vehicle in place of the factory BMW speakers without needing to be modified.
The powerful OEM BMW Harman Kardon amplifier is coupled with finely crafted BMW aftermarket speakers for even greater clarity and performance. It’s the best of both worlds. What is superior to that?
Which vehicles utilize Harman Kardon?
If you’re shopping for a new car and consider the audio system to be important, you might be pleased to learn that some models from Kia, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Mercedes-Benz, Mini, Subaru, and Volvo are equipped with Harmon Kardon audio systems. And if purchasing a new vehicle is out of your price range, aftermarket improvements can still give your vehicle a music hall sound.
We took a drive in the 2018 Kia Stinger, which has the system as standard equipment in the Premium, GT1, and GT2 variants, in order to obtain a real-world test of Harman/QuantumLogic Kardon’s Premium Surround Sound with Clari-Fi. It was really quite amazing.
What number of speakers are there in a BMW Harman Kardon?
The Harman Kardon sound system has 16 speakers and is specially designed to match the sporty and fashionable interior. The world seems to change and become more magical all of a sudden. available in all variants of the BMW 8 Series
If my BMW has Harmon Kardon, how do I know?
OP: The simplest way to determine whether you have HK is to check to see if your car has tweeters next to the door mirrors. There are a total of 6 speakers in “Stereo” (the default audio), including 6″ speakers under the front seats, a stereo-channel amplifier, and analog wiring.
What is an audio system from Harman Kardon?
A part of Harman International, Harman Kardon produces high-end consumer-grade audio products such soundbars, speakers, and headphones. Additionally, it produces auto audio equipment.
Today, Harman Kardon is a Samsung subsidiary that the latter purchased on March 11, 2017, for about 8 billion US dollars. Sidney Harman and Bernard Kardon initially established Harman Kardon in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1953.
The parent company, Harman International, also manufactures and markets other well-known audio brands, including JBL (bought by Harman Kardon in 1969), AKG, Mark Levinson, Infinity, and Crown Amplifiers, in addition to the entire line of audio products that bears the company’s original name of Harman Kardon (often styled as harman / kardon).
JBL and Harman Kardon interchangeably?
- Overview
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The parent firm of many renowned brands, including Harman Kardon(r), JBL(r), Mark Levinson(r), AKG, and Infinity Systems, is called HARMAN (r). We are a top provider of high-end audio and entertainment systems around the world, keeping clients entertained at home, in their cars, and when on the go. Our family of prestigious brands has a record of cutting-edge innovation and top-notch quality spanning more than 60 years. The biggest names in entertainment, automobiles, and venue design are among our clients; they are all united by a love of high-fidelity sound and multimedia.
What company produces BMW’s speakers?
FOR EVERY MODEL OF THE BMW M, HARMAN KARDON. Every BMW and BMW M vehicle has access to the captivating Harman Kardon audio experience. The BMW M5, M8, X5 M, and X6 M already come with Harman Kardon sound systems as standard equipment.
Good or bad Harman Kardon receiver?
Although it is not future-proof, the Harman Kardon AVR 1710S is a totally contemporary AV receiver. It boasts a sleek and thin chassis and has the capacity to drive two subwoofers and up to seven speakers. The greatest home theater receivers have decoders for the most recent advancements in audio formatting, but this receiver does not, while having good connectivity choices.
Some of the most astounding audio characteristics we came across during our investigation are found in the AVR 1710S. For instance, of all the receivers we examined, it has the lowest overall harmonic distortion (.07 percent). As a result, your speakers may shine since the signal that leaves the receiver is essentially the same as the one that enters.
The absence of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio decoders, which are audio formats with overhead channels for enhanced depth, is one of the AVR 1710S’s major drawbacks. A stereo track is typically upmixed to surround sound using the older matrix decoders Dolby Surround and DTS Neural:X, which are absent from this version. Nevertheless, it has the more recent DTS Neo:6 and Dolby ProLogic II decoders, which also upmix audio tracks. It would be ideal if it included both, however many people still like the older matrix decoders over the more modern ones.
The power output of the receiver is above average. Although theoretically the 8-ohm speakers should have an output closer to 80 watts, it is rated to produce 100 watts of power per channel for both 6-ohm and 8-ohm speakers. You can create bass that shakes the flooring and ratchets the windows thanks to the two subwoofer pre-outs.
This Harman Kardon receiver really shines when it comes to connectivity. It features six HDMI inputs and two HDMI outputs in addition to all the standard wireless choices, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, AirPlay, and DNLA. Since most individuals only need to connect their receiver to a TV, the extra HDMI output is uncommon. You can attach a second TV or computer monitor if your device has two outputs.
You can split two channels from the surround sound with its two-zone audio capability. The kids can watch a movie in the room with the smaller setup while you watch yours in the main entertainment room with surround sound. As a result, you can have a second room connected with two speakers and a TV.
Either the remote control that comes with the receiver or an app that you download to your tablet or smartphone can be used to operate it. The receiver’s settings and capabilities can practically all be accessed without ever touching it, which is convenient when you’re seated securely on the couch.
This receiver is one of the smaller devices we evaluated, though it isn’t the slimmest at 4.75 inches tall. This makes it a wise choice if you need to connect numerous components but have limited space.
A suitable receiver for your home theater surround sound system is the Harman Kardon AVR 1710S. Compared to receivers of comparable prices, it boasts higher than average power and additional connectivity choices. The top versions on the market simply have more options for audio decoders than this model does.
Which is better, Harman Kardon or Bose?
In terms of portability, price, color selection, bass output, and space requirements, Harman Kardon outperforms Bose. Contrarily, Bose outperforms Harman Kardon in terms of connectivity options, robustness, extra features, and applications.
These two speakers share a great deal of traits and characteristics. For instance, the music quality that both speakers provide is nearly identical.
To assist you in choosing between these two speakers, I’ve developed a head-to-head comparison below.