[Copen_Hayden]

Is the system as good as they spout it? My 2016 2500 Laramie had the 12 speaker I think? But 18.. that's a lot of speakers lol It was good but wasn't the best. Ex inlaws had a 2017 A5 and the system in that thing was CRAZY good. I was shocked.

 

[S8ER01Z]

I think it’s different per vehicle here but when I first got my DDHC it was meh until high volume. After 17.89 update and setting my EQ I am very happy with it at all volumes.

 

[KRAK3N]

My SP a charger had base alpine system, my WBHC Challenger has HK system and it’s a huge difference. Let’s just say when I traded my Charger in the HK system was non-negotiable and was a MUST HAVE. So worth it.

 

[Xylander]

In terms of factory available audio systems, the HK is one of the best I've had. I'm very pleased with it. From the "Big 3," I think it's the best out there. Some luxury car manufacturers have better, but you're talking a $6,000+ option from those high end systems. You can get better if you're an audiophile with an aftermarket system, but aftermarket systems come with their own set of issues... installers being the number 1 issue.

In the Challenger, it has more bass (larger trunk unit) than the Charger. It's a decent quality bass... loud enough to feel it and the 18 speakers are nice if you have an input that supports directional audio. Sirius/XM and the FM stereo don't use the positional audio. To really experience it, you need to plug in a bluetooth device with MP3/MP4 audio loaded up. Then, you'll hear individual sounds coming in from all over, provided the recording allows for it. I have a Prague Philharmonic album that's all movie scores... like Superman, Batman, Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Last Starfighter, etc. That album is fantastic in that you can hear the strings at the front right of the car, brass at the front left... drums at the rear and so on.

 

[thedynoguy]

It depends on what you're looking for. If your expectations are a good sound stage with superb tonal quality and a tight bass response, then the answer is no. I ripped out all of the HK stuff and went aftermarket...

 

[mybadcat]

Is the system as good as they spout it? My 2016 2500 Laramie had the 12 speaker I think? But 18.. that's a lot of speakers lol It was good but wasn't the best. Ex inlaws had a 2017 A5 and the system in that thing was CRAZY good. I was shocked.

Yes, it's all that! My 2012 srt8 had it. The sound was incredible! The Chargers have 19 speakers. It's ability to be listened to full blast and have the clarity is amazing. Sounds like a concert hall. If you're looking for window rattling, body panel shaking sound system, this isn't it. We're not 18 anymore! The source from which your music is played is the biggest factor. If it's so so, the system will sound so so. One of my customers owns a recording studio here in Toronto. We had a discussion about the music source discrepancy. What it came down to was the sound engineer's and band decision as to sound levels etc. He sat in my car and played with the system, different settings, different music types etc. He couldn't believe how fantastic the system sounded! He loved it. Thumbs up from a Grammy nominated sound engineer!

My 21 HC WB had to have the HK system. Period. I was given a brand new Grand Cherokee L for a couple of days while my HC was delayed. It had the new McIntosh system. Sounded awesome, but doesn't have the kick of the Harmon Kardon system.

 

[OKSS]

The HK is quite a bit better than the standard audio. With that being said, I enjoy the HK in my 2020 Ram more than my 2021 Challenger. The Challenger has more bass (2 subs in the Challenger vs 1 in the Ram), but the Ram's mid/highs for whatever reason sound better.

Go to a dealer that has both a HK equipped model and one without on the lot and give them a listen. IMO the HK is worth the money unless you are wanting some crazy good highs and super tight/loud window rattling bass, then skip the HK and go aftermarket. If you can do the work yourself, it's not terribly expensive to go aftermarket, just time consuming as everything in the new vehicles is all ran through the head unit and can be a major pain to get it all figured out.

 

[baabootoo]

Everyone knows that there aren't really all those speakers, right? Most are dual speakers that they call two. I have the "15 speaker" setup, but in reality, only 9? actual locations. I love just using the front door and dash speakers and it sounds good to me (until I get my subwoofer replaced).

 

[Copen_Hayden]

It depends on what you're looking for. If your expectations are a good sound stage with superb tonal quality and a tight bass response, then the answer is no. I ripped out all of the HK stuff and went aftermarket...

You ripped out the HK System??? It’s like a $2200 option lol
What’s you put back in?

 

[2ndgen]

Everyone knows that there aren't really all those speakers, right? Most are dual speakers that they call two. I have the "15 speaker" setup, but in reality, only 9? actual locations. I love just using the front door and dash speakers and it sounds good to me (until I get my subwoofer replaced).

If a dual speaker has two drivers and two inputs then it's two speakers. They're just stacked on top of each other.

 

[Copen_Hayden]

Yes, it's all that! My 2012 srt8 had it. The sound was incredible! The Chargers have 19 speakers. It's ability to be listened to full blast and have the clarity is amazing. Sounds like a concert hall. If you're looking for window rattling, body panel shaking sound system, this isn't it. We're not 18 anymore! The source from which your music is played is the biggest factor. If it's so so, the system will sound so so. One of my customers owns a recording studio here in Toronto. We had a discussion about the music source discrepancy. What it came down to was the sound engineer's and band decision as to sound levels etc. He sat in my car and played with the system, different settings, different music types etc. He couldn't believe how fantastic the system sounded! He loved it. Thumbs up from a Grammy nominated sound engineer!

My 21 HC WB had to have the HK system. Period. I was given a brand new Grand Cherokee L for a couple of days while my HC was delayed. It had the new McIntosh system. Sounded awesome, but doesn't have the kick of the Harmon Kardon system.

good bass, but while the system is at 100db and it’s crystal clear. That’s what I liked about my Laramie. The bass was there when I needed it, but nothing was distorted. My ONLY complaint was sometimes I needed it a little louder

 

[Copen_Hayden]

The HK is quite a bit better than the standard audio. With that being said, I enjoy the HK in my 2020 Ram more than my 2021 Challenger. The Challenger has more bass (2 subs in the Challenger vs 1 in the Ram), but the Ram's mid/highs for whatever reason sound better.

Go to a dealer that has both a HK equipped model and one without on the lot and give them a listen. IMO the HK is worth the money unless you are wanting some crazy good highs and super tight/loud window rattling bass, then skip the HK and go aftermarket. If you can do the work yourself, it's not terribly expensive to go aftermarket, just time consuming as everything in the new vehicles is all ran through the head unit and can be a major pain to get it all figured out.

I’ve done a few systems myself before, I will have to go to the dealer before I order and see how I feel.
Are your EQ setup the same in both vehicles?

 

[HellcatHellYeah]

There is a standard speaker system with the V6's through Scatt Pack that isn't Alpine or HK, they have the Alpine and HK upgrade options. The Hellcats have Alpine system and HK upgrade option for $1,995. The HK is superior to the Alpine system hands down, don't know if the Alpine is much better than the standard speaker system or not. Unless you are building a car for the track then it's worth the upgrade. If you are an audiophile and have been switching out speakers and stereos since you were in high school the keep the standard system and replace with aftermarket to your liking. Several members have blown out their HK's so if you like it extra loud then put an after market in.

 

[Gotgap]

It’s not bad by it’s self and does much better with a phone EQ app (amp)..my past Lexus’s all had better enriched volume attack and overall sound quality but lacked in the surround sound department

 

[OKSS]

I’ve done a few systems myself before, I will have to go to the dealer before I order and see how I feel.
Are your EQ setup the same in both vehicles?

Yes, even though the factory adjustability is very limited. The acoustics of the Ram may just be a bit better to my ear. Also, I never use surround sound in either vehicle.

 

[frictioncircle]

there are lots of threads agonizing over the pros/cons of the alpine vs HK. sound is subjective and not everyone has the same auditory acuity...In my Durango I can say without question that the HK is higher quality than the beats was in my previous SRT.

 

[Slowpoke387]

If you're an audiophile type you may be slightly let down. But only slightly. With that being said I love it even if my built systems have been a bit better. Those days are over for me and the HK is damn good for a factory effort. I'm not letting anyone go in and cut/splice for just slightly better audio in a car that sounds so sweet from the drive train anyway. It's def not like the older cars that really make you miss your average aftermarket setup.

 

[Xylander]

If you're an audiophile type you may be slightly let down. But only slightly. With that being said I love it even if my built systems have been a bit better. Those days are over for me and the HK is damn good for a factory effort. I'm not letting anyone go in and cut/splice for just slightly better audio in a car that sounds so sweet from the drive train anyway. It's def not like the older cars that really make you miss your average aftermarket setup.

If someone is an audiophile, I would assume the Alpine would be outright offensive

 

[why2kmax]

Im 55 and my hearing isnt the greatest and Im not an audiophile. (just to set expectations)
IMO the base alpine in the SP has no volume and is a waste of time. I tried cranking it up in teh showroom with the windows up and it was Meh.
The $600 alpine upgrade (or whatever $ it is) on teh SP isnt bad. Had that in my 392T/A and it was good except if you wanted it really loud while driving with the windows down. I THINK maybe thats what the base HC radio is depending on the year?

HK in my 15 HC challenger was disappointing even with the software updates. Never could get it to sound good.
The HK in my 2019 1320 (SP) is lightyears better than either. I really like it. Id never want to spend the $$ to replace it with all the electronics in the car. Sounds like an $$$$$ endeavor for gain I couldnt appreciate.

 

[why2kmax]

accidental duplicate