2019 Ram 19-Speaker Harman Kardon® Premium Sound system

[firecadet613]

So for the best audio quality, turn surround sound off? That's the opposite of what I'd expect.

 

[Jared B]

So for the best audio quality, turn surround sound off? That's the opposite of what I'd expect.

It sounds odd, but it's pretty standard for any audio system because of the way they image the surround sound. (I'm not an expert but this is what I've been told.)

 

[SoCal Truck]

Interesting stuff. I'll preface by saying I work in the audio visual industry so naturally i'm a bit of an audiophile. I've got the H/K system coming in my Limited that's on order. I currently have a H/K in my '16 BMW 5 Series, and it is a good stereo, but isn't incredible by any means. Oddly, I had an '06 Toyota 4Runner with a JBL system that rocked!

It has a lot to do with the airspace and the materials inside the vehicle also. Definitely excited to hear and put it through it's paces. Keep in mind also that speakers do have a break in period and tend to sound better as the cones relax and stretch out a bit over time.

I would love to know your thoughts on if you were to do any upgrades what they would be if any once you get yours.

 

[Twoamen]

I emailed H.K tech support and linked this site on a couple of the H.K complaints. They could of cred less. Three responses back and forth with their final stating. Take your vehicle back to the dealer where you bought it. Kind of typical today on companies after the fact. So if any of us has trouble it has to come by way of Mopar. The other I am happy with the system. There is a difference of sound level and quality, even through different channels of XM, FM and USB/MP3. I guess you can say that's good if the system doesn't play all at the same level. Its able to differentiate the different quality of sources. Nex I'm gonna try the 8-track, Gary Pucket will break in them cones.

 

[sgk]

This thread had me worried as I usually like to have my volume up and I thought the HK system would be pretty loud at 900w
I have HK sound system in my current srt challenger and it quite loud usually have it between 17-23(on the high end) and it goes up to 38 but out out curiosity today I put it on surround sound and I finally realize what many are complaining about. My goodness it cuts the sound in half, I would not be able to put up with that if it was actually that quiet.
So definitely everyone should take the surround sound off and give that a go.

 

[SoCal Truck]

This is definitely a talked about issue. I looked at another Ram Forum and they had a long thread on it as well about the loudness. RAMCARES is not touching it at the moment and it is also a personal preference issue and I think removing the SS will help. When you advertise 900W, that screams "this system is loud" to the buyer/consumer so I understand. As a buyer, I want that loud but crisp and clear sound and even though I may not blast it all the time, I want to know it's there.

 

[Slim]

This is definitely a talked about issue. I looked at another Ram Forum and they had a long thread on it as well abhave saidout the loudness. RAMCARES is not touching it at the moment and it is also a personal preference issue and I think removing the SS will help. When you advertise 900W, that screams "this system is loud" to the buyer/consumer so I understand. As a buyer, I want that loud but crisp and clear sound and even though I may not blast it all the time, I want to know it's there.

This is EXACTLY how I feel. I couldn't have said it any better!

 

[Twoamen]

Well said.

 

[mrbarnes]

I have the 19 speaker Harmon Kardon system and I'm having the same problem.. I'd like to add that I'm also experiencing a lot of rattling in the rear doors and the back of the cab. I've even removed all of the bass and the problem still exists.... this is my only grip with my truck... My Alpine system in my '13 Laramie sounded soooo much better with less speakers.... so how in the world does my '19 Longhorn sound worse????

 

[Axedawg]

What are your build dates? My Limited was built in mid-June and I think it sounds fantastic and being a musician for last nearly 40 years I’m quite a frequency aficionado!

 

[19BlkRam]

So after complaining about the music quality for a while to myself, I accidentally discovered that playing Apple Music/Soundcloud sounded much better than my Spotify or Sirius quality music. I started reading into it and the actual quality of Apple Music is set a lot higher than that of other services. I proceeded to my Spotify account and discovered I was streaming/saving music under the normal settings, I changed my music quality setting to the highest available setting and downloaded my offline music again in a higher quality and long and behold my Audio sounds 100 times better, not just in my truck but on my Boat (8 channel JL AMP to 8 JL audio 7.7MX and 5 Channel Amp to both of my 10inch Subs).

Hope this helps you guys out bit.

https://www.cnet.com/news/apple-music-vs-spotify-is-there-a-difference-in-sound-quality/

 

[Newtododge]

So I decided to do a DB test with the Limited I had with the H/K stereo compared to my 16 with the Alpine. I downloaded a DB meter for my phone (I know it's probably not super accurate but should be good enough for a comparison). Using the same song at the same time from the same source (bluetooth streaming from spotify on my phone) on both trucks the HK system registered 80DB while the Alpine in my truck registered 78 DB. The odd thing is that to my ears yes the Alpine sounds a touch louder but after repeating the test a few times it was always 2-3 DB higher for the HK system.

Was that with the surround sound on? I hear a difference in volume when surround is turned off as compared to when it’s on. Slight but I also do sound for live concerts and it definitely has a different sound

 

[Jared B]

Was that with the surround sound on? I hear a difference in volume when surround is turned off as compared to when it’s on. Slight but I also do sound for live concerts and it definitely has a different sound

It’s been a bit but I believe that was with the surround sound off.

 

[John]

There is a TSB to fix the HK volume issue . Go to your dealer and ask them to install it. I am attaching it to this post. You will be amazed at the quality after you get it!!

 

[Colive18]

Does anybody know what version this update puts the radio at? I bought a Laramie yesterday and I told the dealer to install the update before pickup. I’m disappointed in the sound quality. I could still have a conversation when turned all the way up. I emailed the dealer and he said my trucks built date was new enough that I didn’t need the update. My build date is July 2018, which is clearly before August. A picture of my radio setting is included. Is the update version higher than what I have?

There is a TSB to fix the HK volume issue . Go to your dealer and ask them to install it. I am attaching it to this post. You will be amazed at the quality after you get it!!View attachment 7408

 

[wirles]

I believe the update is to the amp and not the radio. I would take the TSB number and copy to the dealer. If they don't want to do anything, ask for a Star case to be opened.

 

[MJP]

I did play around with the settings while I had the truck. I was able to find something called "Increase sound as speed increases" I put that up to number 3 which was the MAX. I did not notice any difference in sound volume. Can anyone else post their thoughts if you have had a chance to listen to the new system? @RamCares

I've had my speed increase all the way up since i got the truck in September. Absolutely no change in volume on the highway. I dont think it works at all.

 

[Truckin]

I took a new Limited for a test drive today. 45 minutes alone. It is a great truck. I ordered a fully loaded 2019 Limited after my test drive.I had a couple issues with it....all very minor in nature I guess, BUT......

I found the new Harmon Kardon system to be very soft on the sound level. My 2015 Ram at 25 is SO much louder than the Harmon Kardon at the max 38-39 level. At 7 you cannot even hear the stereo system on the 2019.

I almost didn't order the Level 1 package because of that. I did, but I am hoping FCA is listening and can take this into account and fix it.

I expected BOOMING stereo for the upgraded Level 1 package. Guess I still have a few days to change it back to the Alpine and save a few bucks.

Anyone from FCA here? Thoughts? @RamCares

The HK system SHOULD sound much better just by its design and speaker layout...However, when I listened it did not seem to sound any better than the Alpine in my 16' Ram-I would expect this to be fixed by a software update. I still would have ordered the HK if there were a package on the Longhorn (as there is on Laramie) that did not include power running boards, the 12" screen and 'nanny' controls. I will just have to upgrade the Alpine-at least the subwoofer. I will surely miss those cool metal trimmed tweeters in the upper door panels that come with the HK though!
I am probably a bit more fussy than most on audio as I own a high-end A/V company...As for factory systems in vehicles, it would be pretty hard to beat the optional Burmester systems that come in Porsche and Mercedes.

 

[19RamLimited]

If you haven’t had the amp update done then you’re missing out. Makes a significant difference in the sound quality. I was very disappointed in my HK system took it in for other service had the update done and like a new stereo

 

[Han Ridge]

I had the update done this week and it is a significant change. I don’t get how RAM did any development on the system and determine the previous version was the best way to release it, someone dropped the ball.