First World Problems: Should I get the Harman/Kardon package?

I've been looking at the 2013 Legacy for a while now. I'm debating between the 2.5 Sport or the 2.5 Premium with the Harman/Kardon package.

I've been in a Legacy with it and in another without it. I can definitely tell the difference, but I'm not sure if I can justify paying the additional cost of the Harman/Kardon package. To be honest with you all, I'm not someone who would go aftermarket. So what comes with my car audio wise will stay that way.

For those who have the Harman/Kardon sound system, how do you like it?

For those who don't have the Harman/Kardon, do you regret not having it?

I have an 07 that doesn't have it, the speakers and sound sucks with any bass trying to come through. Going to swap the speakers eventually.

I did get the Harman with my 13 3.6R. Personally I think it sounds great, good amount of bass. I've read others on here that don't like it and will tell you to get an aftermarket that is cheaper and sound better.

I also owned an 11 Mitsu Ralliart with a rockford fosgate system + 10" sub. The sub was loud, but shook the car and lots of vibrations, the sound quality was still very good, about the same as the Harman. No rattle/vibrations with the Harman system.

Hi TCL28

I have the HK system with Nav on my 2013 3.6 Limitied. The sounds alright, I feel it much better than the stock system in my 05GT non limited.

With that said, the Nav is not great and if you have a smart phone, it is hard to go back to a car based NAV system. The touch screen is nice and large, but I not a fan of touch screen buttons. I prefer to use the phyical buttons or the steering wheel controls mostly. For me, the best features are the HD radio and the backup camera. Also I will be upgrading my system with Aha intergration for my smart phone.

FYI I hear the 2014 2.5 Sport will be available with the NAV; I would assume that would include the Harmon Karmon speakers.

I think laufu is right in that the 2014 2.5i sport will have the navigation with HK speakers as an option. 2014's should be available in a little over a month.

Don't make a decision based on the HK - it's overpriced for what it is. Why wouldn't you do aftermarket?

Originally Posted by dgoodhue

I think laufu is right in that the 2014 2.5i sport will have the navigation with HK speakers as an option. 2014's should be available in a little over a month.

From what I've read for the 2014 2.5 Sport, the only way to get the H/K is when it's bundled with the Nav. I have tried a 2013 Outback with the SAP with the Nav. If the Nav is going to be anything like that, I would rather not pay more for that. I personally don't care for it's UI. There's something about it that feels kind of 1998 to me. It just feels really outdated when you look at other cars in the same price range.

I also heard that the 2014 2.5 Sport without Nav will have the same HU as the non-Nav 2.5 Limited with the color screen without the H/K. Apparently this H/U will also have a backup camera included. I don't feel like I would need this feature. I assume the 2014s will have a higher price.

Also, the 2013's have the 0% financing for 48 months and an additional $500 cash incentive. That kind of sweetens the deal for me.

Originally Posted by KSpan

Don't make a decision based on the HK - it's overpriced for what it is. Why wouldn't you do aftermarket?

I've read some threads about the H/K. I feel the same way. But it's still an improvement over the non H/K sound system. I wouldn't go aftermarket as I prefer a OEM look and feel.

I bought my 2010 used and it came with the HK system. It still leaves something to be desired, IMHO. But I would say it is a huge improvement over the stock system. The factory 8" sub gives the car a little bit of bass, but nothing that will make the ground shake. Is it worth the $1,000+ upgrade from the factory? Probably not considering what you could do with that money by going aftermarket. Overall, HK still better than stock!

My 2010 GT has HK system and the loaner from the dealer 2013 2.5 didn't have hk.
I think HK sounds much better than stock, but DEF not worth the money.
I would spend that money to upgrade with after market and am sure it will sound better than stock HK system.