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, Sun, 21 Nov 2004 09:17:20
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TML is correct...I observed ten seperate speakers in my Aero while I was in the process of disconnecting them.
I've probably said it before, but I don't agree with those that feel the HK system is good, let alone better than other (luxury) stock systems. Granted, it will sound much better than the stock system in a Ford Freestar or a Dodge Neon, but IMO it leaves much to be desired when compared to BMW, Mercedes, VW, or even the NG900SE systems of the same era.
It's a classic example of poor pre-planning. Saab designed the car in the early '80s and then asked HK to put a high-end (Prestige) stereo in it a decade later. For some reason, new car buyers equate quantity with quality, which is the main reason why they put in so many speakers.
The tiny amp in the HK receiver isn't really powerful enough to operate all those speakers, so they had to add a rear 2-channel amplifier to run the big ones. Buyers were led to believe that this "high quality" amp operated the whole system, even though it has relatively little impact on the sound quality: the higher frequencies that come from the speakers amplified by the deck. I'm looking at the 1995 9000 product brochure right now, which claims: "It features a six-channel power amplifier that feeds 10 speakers."
It goes on to say that HK has installed preprogrammed equalizers for each channel that are specifically tuned to suit the unique interior of the 9000. This is probably accurate, but what it really means is that HK had to electronically tweak the sound to make up for all the drawbacks of the hardware and mounting locations.
The worst part about the system is how the front stage is handled. The tiny front speakers are mounted horizonally and aimed right at the windshield, which is terrible practice for sound quality and staging. And, to compensate for the complete lack of up front bass due to the small woofer size, HK had to use their equalizer tricks to tweak more bass out of the rear speakers. And that's why I had to disconnect them because the boomy sound was driving my rear passengers crazy.
This is where preplanning would have come in. If Saab really wanted to make a good system, they would have planned it in from the start rather than tacking it into the existing, poor locations availible in the 9000. So maybe HK did the best they could, but it's still not great. Saab could have used fewer speakers positioned properly and achieved a better quality system, but at a cost. The average buyer probably won't scrutinize the stereo system on their test drive, but will respond to fancy claims like "by Harman Kardon" and "amplified 10 speaker system."
FYI, I've heard (and REALLY listened to) a lot of different OEM and aftermarket systems, and have learned the following about sound quality (SQ):
1. The more speakers, the worse the sound. The only reason you add more speakers is to make a system louder. Sometimes this is necessary depending on the application, but it's never ideal. The best sounding systems I've heard had a pair of 6" component speakers up front and one small (10") subwoofer. That's it!
1a. You don't want rear speakers. See 1. In a SQ system, rears are only for the benefit of rear passengers, if at all. They're turned down enough so you don't even notice them from the front. In most systems, however, they're used to compensate for inadequacies in the front stage. This is a bandaid solution, and should only be a last resort.
2. Deck amplifiers are worthless. Even the ones that say 50 watts per channel. Just don't use them. A cheapo 25x2 external amp from USAcoustics will be as good, if not better than the best deck amp. Most people make their CD player decision based at least partly on power output. Don't.
3. Don't use oval speakers. 6x9's are often used by OEMs and amateurs to add bass and volume to lacking systems. Even the best 6x9 is junk. Oval speakers cannot reproduce sound as well as round speakers. If you have a 6x9 hole, make an adapter and put a 6" speaker in it.
4. You should have a subwoofer. Subs are not just for rattling windows and setting off car alarms to the beat of your favorite rap tune. A sub is an integral part of any system as frequencies from 20 to 120Hz are present in most any genre. Unless you're listening to a song made intentionally bass heavy, you won't even notice that sound is coming from the sub if it's tuned right. Switch the sub on and off, and you WILL notice the difference. Those subtle low frequencies give the music a more full, complete sound. Try it yourself, it's hard to describe. Again, most systems compensate for a lack of sub by cranking bass through 6 or 6x9 speakers that are NOT subs. This not only results in low-quality bass but also makes the rest of the system sound worse. You can get subs as small as 5 1/4", but these are not the same as a regualar midrange speaker.
Keep in mind, these are ideals. Unless sound quality is the most important thing in your life, you will need to make compromises for availible locations, space, cost, practicality, etc. It's really hard to do a good job in a 9000; for all my preaching, my Aero has no sub and does have rear speakers that currently run off the factory amp. Eventually, I will build kick panels to fit larger speakers up front...
posted by 68.226.9...
, Sun, 21 Nov 2004 09:11:55, Sun, 21 Nov 2004 09:17:20
, Sun, 21 Nov 2004 23:11:19, Mon, 22 Nov 2004 09:30:53, Tue, 23 Nov 2004 06:42:27, Sun, 21 Nov 2004 16:40:39, Sun, 21 Nov 2004 18:20:15
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