Harman Kardon sound BMW vs Volvo

Bmwphile · 06-02-2021, 04:55 PM

Just read a glowing review of the HK system in the Volvo XC40 Inscription in CAR.
Has anyone listened to this and able to compare it to the one in BMWs?
What are the sound and technical differences?

Ouzzo · 06-08-2021, 03:30 AM

have both f30 340i with HK and XC40 with HK... the Volvo one lacks bass a lot compared to BMW ... also the Volvo lacks in pure volume ...both are clear and good but I prefer the BMW one. they both shine more if you use HIFI music source like CD quality ..I stream using Deezer HiFi

Portimao Blues · 07-17-2021, 07:10 AM

Although it was not an XC40, I had the HK system in my Volvo S60 Polestar and can tell you it was very comparable to the HK system in my M340. It's difficult for me to discern which is better.

srbs73 · 07-25-2021, 10:48 AM

My M340i is in for repair and got an XC90 with HK at the moment. To my ears, it doesn't sound as good as the BMW. Not sure whether it's the head unit itself as the tech is pretty dated compared to the iDrive.

wassap · 07-26-2021, 04:04 PM

I had HK in a XC60 2016 model, the volvo setup was superior, louder, deeper and a cleaner sound.

06-02-2021, 04:55 PM	#1
Bmwphile First Lieutenant 149 Rep 379 Posts Drives: 2020 G20 330i Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	Harman Kardon sound BMW vs Volvo Just read a glowing review of the HK system in the Volvo XC40 Inscription in CAR. Has anyone listened to this and able to compare it to the one in BMWs? What are the sound and technical differences? __________________ BMWphile 2020 G20 330iM Sport (Tanzanite Blue), Visibility, Comfort, HK 2012 F30 328i Sportline (Mineral Grey)
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06-08-2021, 03:30 AM	#2
Ouzzo First Lieutenant 52 Rep 389 Posts Drives: F30 328i Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Egypt iTrader: (0)	have both f30 340i with HK and XC40 with HK... the Volvo one lacks bass a lot compared to BMW ... also the Volvo lacks in pure volume ...both are clear and good but I prefer the BMW one. they both shine more if you use HIFI music source like CD quality ..I stream using Deezer HiFi __________________
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07-17-2021, 07:10 AM	#3
Portimao Blues Lieutenant 213 Rep 446 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive Sedan Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Jersey Shore iTrader: (1)	Although it was not an XC40, I had the HK system in my Volvo S60 Polestar and can tell you it was very comparable to the HK system in my M340. It's difficult for me to discern which is better. __________________ 2021 M340i xDrive Sedan \| Portimao Blue Metallic \| Cognac Vernasca Leather \| Maple Matte Finish Wood Trim \| 19-Inch 792M Wheels \| Red Brake Calipers \| Premium Package \| Driving Assistance Package \| Adaptive M Suspension \| Harman/Kardon Surround Sound \| Painted Rear Spoiler (Z50) 2014 335i xDrive Sedan \| M-Sport \| Estoril Blue Metallic \| Venetian Beige Leather (Sold)
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07-25-2021, 10:48 AM	#4
srbs73 Major 551 Rep 1,165 Posts Drives: BMW i4 M50 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	My M340i is in for repair and got an XC90 with HK at the moment. To my ears, it doesn't sound as good as the BMW. Not sure whether it's the head unit itself as the tech is pretty dated compared to the iDrive.
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07-26-2021, 04:04 PM	#5
wassap Second Lieutenant 86 Rep 252 Posts Drives: Volvo Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	I had HK in a XC60 2016 model, the volvo setup was superior, louder, deeper and a cleaner sound.
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