2019 Ram 19-Speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Sound system

[Gman]

I don't think it has anything to do with wind noise. The cabin of my truck is very quiet.

It could have something to do with the automatic speed volume adjustment settings in UConnect.

 

[Brian bacik]

I find that the muddiness of the bass is dependent on the source. Sirius XM sounds terrible. Pandora sounds great with tight, clean, solid bass. I'll probably cancel my SiriusXM subscription after the trial ends. I'd rather pay more for an increased cell data plan than to pay for crappy overcompressed satellite radio.

Yes , agreed! I also found the source can make a big difference. Sirius sounds horrible, however streaming SPOTIFY is much better, although the real answer is that more control is required on the bass/subwoofer in order to compensate for any signal.

 

[RamLimit009]

I'd second this. After unhooking the factory sub and installing an aftermarket one, the system is so much better! Linear bass vs that bongo boom. Also a 5 or 7 band equalizer would be great!

I agree with the 5 or 7 band equalizer. With a 19 speaker system, you'd be able to take FULL advantage. Don't get me wrong though. This system sounds really nice. I actually start getting a headache after listening for about 20 minutes on 13-15 and have to turn it down (I'm also getting old, lol).

 

[vinnie45acp]

I'd second this. After unhooking the factory sub and installing an aftermarket one, the system is so much better! Linear bass vs that bongo boom. Also a 5 or 7 band equalizer would be great!

What aftermarket Sub did you install? Have you changed any other speakers?

 

[wildh24]

What aftermarket Sub did you install? Have you changed any other speakers?

I installed a JL 10tw1 in a sealed box. I have a right up in the 'sub woofer' thread.

Just was working on swapping the factory speakers out today. Still a work in progress, but it sounded decent.

A lot going on with this system. You're going to want to read a number of these threads. If you're not in a hurry, I'll make a big write up when I'm done, but it'll likely be 2-4 weeks until I finish this all.

 

[Deriggs007]

Other than the HK system outputting a lot more sound, it's not much better than the Alpine at normal listening levels for most drivers. Definitely not worth the $2900 price tag to option up on my truck (Laramie with level 2 package)

Maybe if I wanted to go back to the high school days where I drive down town and roll my windows down and boom the bass as loud as I can, it would be worth the price hike lol.

Still, it's a great system one of the best without upgrading.

 

[vinnie45acp]

I installed a JL 10tw1 in a sealed box. I have a right up in the 'sub woofer' thread.

Just was working on swapping the factory speakers out today. Still a work in progress, but it sounded decent.

A lot going on with this system. You're going to want to read a number of these threads. If you're not in a hurry, I'll make a big write up when I'm done, but it'll likely be 2-4 weeks until I finish this all.

That’s great and would be appreciated, you couldn’t put the sub in the same exact spot as the HK one? And yes I would appreciate the write up, I take delivery in about 2 weeks

 

[wildh24]

That’s great and would be appreciated, you couldn’t put the sub in the same exact spot as the HK one? And yes I would appreciate the write up, I take delivery in about 2 weeks

No the stock sub is very shallow and in a very small enclosure. If you removed it and replaced it with a small box, it might work but I haven't tried and there isn't a ton of room back there.

 

[pinkerton]

My wife and I test drove a limited yesterday. I was not impressed at all with the HK system. I also don't want lane departure, adaptive cruise, etc.
This will save me some $$ (thanks to this forum, I went to a dealer to test out the system!!)

 

[maddog49]

Did it have the latest audio firmware flash? It was severely overwhelming until that was applied and most dealers don't even know it exists.

 

[Cheeno76]

What's the consensus here? Save some dough and stick with the Alpine system?

 

[wildh24]

I think it's really up to each buyer. I may be wrong but I think the 12" screen is the HK system so if u want that, you're getting HK or pay an upcharge to Alpine (yes this is possible even though it's not really an upgrade).

The HK isn't bad. It's not great either and with a couple software uodates could be very good for a lot of drivers.

In the end, everyone has different standards and ears. Just like taste buds.

 

[Truckin]

What's the consensus here? Save some dough and stick with the Alpine system?

I have the Alpine in my 16' Ram and it's just OK...The Ram I test drove with the HK was less than impressive but it had not had any of the updates. Anyway, I went ahead and ordered the HK system and plan to at least upgrade the sub when JL releases one of their stealth units later in the year.

 

[cw_mi]

Had my Laramie with the H/K system for a couple of weeks now. I think the system rocks !

Throw in some Red Hot Chili Peppers "Around the World" , Korn "Blind" , or Bassnectar "808" crank it to 25-27 and you should be happy. I will say, there is a night and day difference between music from media and the radio/sat. , much more depth.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[Telly03]

Picked up my Limited a few days ago... I think the HK sounds great, the best stock system I've heard. It is plenty loud, there is no way I could handle anything close to full volume. It took me playing with the equalizer to get the smile on my face though. I thought the surround sound function works well in opening the sound space, some songs can really take advantage of it.

 

[Tarheel14]

I have been an audio guru for many many years.... I used to be a professional installer. I had a Chevy S10 with 4 JL Audio 12s and 1500watts. Anyways... I think the HK system is pretty good. It has its limitations...if you are planning on listening to Bass Wars or something with bass lower than about 80hz its not good. But for Rock and pop and most everyday music choices. It sounds amazing. I actually listen to CDs too. I have been listening to some Cranberries and it sounds pretty good. Also Van Halen and stuff.

I did tweak the EQ a bit to get the sound I want. I think XM is pretty good.

 

[392DCGC]

I have been an audio guru for many many years.... I used to be a professional installer. I had a Chevy S10 with 4 JL Audio 12s and 1500watts. Anyways... I think the HK system is pretty good. It has its limitations...if you are planning on listening to Bass Wars or something with bass lower than about 80hz its not good. But for Rock and pop and most everyday music choices. It sounds amazing. I actually listen to CDs too. I have been listening to some Cranberries and it sounds pretty good. Also Van Halen and stuff.

I did tweak the EQ a bit to get the sound I want. I think XM is pretty good.

Audio guru, and you think XM sounds good?.. eek.

 

[19BlkRam]

Finally got around to getting the amplifier updated and wow! It truest made a huge difference in the sound! I use to blast it on 38 and it sounded ok but nothing premium now it rocks at half the volume...

My service tech asked how I found this TSB that they wouldn’t have taken forever to diagnose it and find it!

This is why I love forums! Thanks for contributing everyone

 

[a10warthog]

2019 Ram Limited with the HK 900W system. Sounded under-powered but clear. Had a few recall notices to take care of and told dealer about the 900W system being weak. The sound system needed a software update and now it sounds great. Very loud at 50% volume level.

 

[jgibbons1685]

Anyone have their equalizer dialed in for rock music, I’ve been playing around with it for some time now and can’t quite get it right. Please share your settings? Thanks!