Upgrade or “Downgrade” Sound system on 2019 Limited

[Agustinacosta]

Hi, I am a really happy owner of a 2019 Limited with Harman Kardon audio, well, that’s the problem, I trade my 2017 Laramie with alpine system and I feel really disappointed with this new Harman Kardon 19 speaker system, I try to lie myself saying this sound more crisp, surround, etc. In fact the best stock sound system I’ve ever heard in my life was the Laramie’s alpine sound system.

is there anyway I can replace the HK system for the alpine?
Or anything better?

 

[d_THRILL]

My Alpine on my Limited is awesome

 

[Strictly Gravy]

I'm in the same boat as you. Not overly happy with the stereo. Sound quality is good, but nowhere near loud enough.

 

[PorBoy]

Sound Quality is subjective, loud doesn’t always equate to good. OP what is it that you feel you are lacking in this new system ? Once that part is locked in, then the next step is to eliminate that feeling. I’ve had (5) speaker systems that have blown away 10 speaker ones through careful placement and tuning. We may not need to get to that point with your system though.

 

[Flot]

Have you turned off the “surround sound” setting ? That helps..

 

[Neocane]

Have you turned off the “surround sound” setting ? That helps..

I can see where that would help! Fewer active speakers would theoretically mean more power to the remaining active speakers. Unless of course they are dedicated channels for each speaker with a max power limit. But I’m just guessing. Hopefully, as suggested, turning off surround will help. If you turn off surround though, does it disable the sub? I wouldn’t think so, but I’m curious!

 

[Ezshooter]

Pretty sure turning off surround sound doesnt turn off any of the speakers. First adjustments I made when I picked up my truck Wednesday were 1. Turn off surround sound 2. Adjust bass to 0 or +1, mid to 0 or -1 - treble at +3 or 4 - and it really sounds great - all kinds of music on USB, CD, iPhone (usb) sound loud with lots of bass and depth. SXM sucks, but that’s probably a sxm problem and the fact that the source is compressed. FM / /Am sound good.

 

[Agustinacosta]

My Alpine on my Limited is awesome

Can you have alpine on a limited?
I thought Limited comes standard with hk

 

[Agustinacosta]

Have you turned off the “surround sound” setting ? That helps..

Yes, but nothing

 

[d_THRILL]

Can you have alpine on a limited?
I thought Limited comes standard with hk

Not sure about that. I most definitely have a Limited (cough*** price tag) and most definitely have Alpine. I was pissed after buying it thinking “why didn’t this come with HK system” but then quickly became happy finding out its not as good as Alpine.

 

[Agustinacosta]

Sound Quality is subjective, loud doesn’t always equate to good. OP what is it that you feel you are lacking in this new system ? Once that part is locked in, then the next step is to eliminate that feeling. I’ve had (5) speaker systems that have blown away 10 speaker ones through careful placement and tuning. We may not need to get to that point with your system though.

1) several songs example (animals by martín garrix) have a completely lack of bass, when I mean completely is completely. The same with several hip hop songs and country.
2)volume overall is a joke, I was able to turn the alpine all the way up and hear no distortion at all and really loud.
3) some songs sounds terrible, I think is the processing chip that creates an image or modify the spectrum to something terrible
4) I found they advertise this amplifier a 900w class d amplifier, maybe technology has change but 10 years ago (when I installed sound system for living) class d where only good for efficiency and less heat but were the worst when you needed equalization or clarity and a crisp sound, the best ones for quality were ab amplifiers.
Guys if you have a chance compare an alpine against a hk using the same source and you will think the same as me, you would like to yell put your 19 speakers where the sun never hits you and give me my 9 speakers back.

 

[Agustinacosta]

Not sure about that. I most definitely have a Limited (cough*** price tag) and most definitely have Alpine. I was pissed after buying it thinking “why didn’t this come with HK system” but then quickly became happy finding out its not as good as Alpine.

You are lucky

 

[Agustinacosta]

I can see where that would help! Fewer active speakers would theoretically mean more power to the remaining active speakers. Unless of course they are dedicated channels for each speaker with a max power limit. But I’m just guessing. Hopefully, as suggested, turning off surround will help. If you turn off surround though, does it disable the sub? I wouldn’t think so, but I’m curious!

You are supposed to be right, but unfortunately this is not the way they did it here, all speakers works all time even the woofer with or without surround, the difference is that they increase high levels on speakers that are on unusual position (center, top of your head) to make u feel surrounded. Terrible, hope they can update something here.

 

[Agustinacosta]

Pretty sure turning off surround sound doesnt turn off any of the speakers. First adjustments I made when I picked up my truck Wednesday were 1. Turn off surround sound 2. Adjust bass to 0 or +1, mid to 0 or -1 - treble at +3 or 4 - and it really sounds great - all kinds of music on USB, CD, iPhone (usb) sound loud with lots of bass and depth. SXM sucks, but that’s probably a sxm problem and the fact that the source is compressed. FM / /Am sound good.

I’ll try that, nice truck, mine is white as well.

 

[Brady_SS]

Not sure about that. I most definitely have a Limited (cough*** price tag) and most definitely have Alpine. I was pissed after buying it thinking “why didn’t this come with HK system” but then quickly became happy finding out its not as good as Alpine.

I'm pretty sure you have to have the "Level 1" equipment group on a Limited to get the HK system.

I do think that turning off surround sound makes a significant difference at least to my ears.

 

[SpeedyV]

I do think that turning off surround sound makes a significant difference at least to my ears.

I've bounced back and forth between the two without making a firm decision on which I prefer. I'd still like some (any) degree of control over the surround characteristics.

And FWIW...I really appreciate all of the contributions you guys are making on threads like this one and the "Subwoofer" thread. GREAT level of knowledge here.

 

[19RamLimited]

My HK is terrible compared to my 13 Alpine. I get in my 13 and drive it and it just sounds so good.. sounds like an aftermarket system.. Bass is strong in it. The HK is weak.. It may have to do with the ANC the new trucks have. Since it uses audio to cancel the noises.

 

[Agustinacosta]

I've bounced back and forth between the two without making a firm decision on which I prefer. I'd still like some (any) degree of control over the surround characteristics.

And FWIW...I really appreciate all of the contributions you guys are making on threads like this one and the "Subwoofer" thread. GREAT level of knowledge here.

Thanks, I realize this community is really good.
I know sound tastes are different but Talking about H/K and Alpine I think that if you are offering a premium sound (upgraded sound system) it has to sound great with whatever you play on it, at least alpine does the job. Really disappointed with H/K.

 

[syddog 2000]

I was up in the air on the HK vs. Alpine, When I went and tested both side by side I found the Alpine to be most statisfying. It could be because it is what I am use to after having this system in my last three rams. But It works for me.

 

[Icecold77]

As a big fan of the Alpine in my last few Rams.. I'd agree.. HK is nice.. shut the surround off for sure.. I'd say I think it's more crisp, lacks the BASS of the Alpine.. as far as volume goes... no factory set up is going to be loud.. If you want power- clean sound-Add an Amp, but that's a PIA...