This great video is alluding to something very important common to all possible ''Audiophile'' level sound systems (whether in a car or not), that offer Equaliser adjustment setting...that a lot of purchasers don't look into. The default setting of a lot of stereo systems EQs/even your smartphone audio (whether Harman Kardon; or other well-known brands such as Bowers & Wilkins), have the equaliser Hz settings all at ''50%'' that is all options of Hz 'in the 'middle'. This results in a 'muddy/flat' sound lacking in treble and bass. These stereo systems, it's really important to turn up (esp.) the treble and bass in the equaliser settings to the ''smile'' configuration; 100 Hz about +8; 350 Hz about just above the middle point; 1 kHz about just above the middle point; 3.5kHx slightly higher at about +1; 10 kHz recommend all the way up to +9; Subwoofer about +8 Even with the above, the Harmon Kardon VW Golf Mk8 system is still not quite as good/crisp as the equivalent Harmon Kardon surround system in the BMW 1 series for some reason/does get harsh at very loud settings. Possibly because the speaker set-up in the vehicle is not quite as good. But this crucial equaliser changes in settings makes a big difference in improving the sound and getting the most out of the system. It is a very similar analogy to leaving the EQ settings on your iPhone under 'music' settings to 'off', compared to changing the setting to 'Rock' or 'Dance' - notice the immediate improvement in crispness in sound...or leaving your amplifier EQ Hz settings in your home stereo system to all in the middle.. I hope this helps users who have this system purchased as an option...interesting in the past all stereo systems came with EQ switches (even on the ''boom boxes!" of the 80s) externally obvious, which forced us to play with them to remove the flatness of sound to this 'smile' configuration. Now with everything defaulted to options hidden without physical buttons, it's easy to not be aware of above tips.. Please note also that speakers of some companies like Harmon Kardon/Bowers & Wilkins need some 'riding in', and sound more dynamic/better after 1 month of constant usage in the car for some reason...
You should test this system after switching the brand to "Beats" with OBD11. Made a huge difference in my Mk8, even though you'd think Beats would have a worse sound signature. It actually sounds up there with the B&O system I had in my A4!
The 8+1 speaker HK setup on the golf is around 700 dollars (actually 10 speakers if you count the one on the dash). On the new Megan e tech there’s also an 8+1 speaker option from HK which is 1000 dollars but with no central speaker on the dash. Strange…..Thanks for the review! Cheers
I just traded in a 2019 GTI SE w/Fender for a 2024 Golf R. The Harmon Kardon system is, quite frankly, terrible. The Fender system blows this one out of the water. It’s not even a fair fight.
I have this and its only good thing is the surround sound mode. Other than that it is only just OK. It is missing the subs under the seats like a BMW. The kickbass modul is just that... no depth. But it is OK.
The thing is, Harman Kardon doesn't actually make this sound system. All the speakers and the head unit are from different suppliers, HK just provides the tuning (and the branding).
No where near as good as the Fender (Pioneer) in my 7.5. Which is why I swapped out the sub in the 7.5 and put it into the 8. Now it sounds juuuuuust like the 7.5 did! Perfect!
@@waittillfriday8227 On a lot these lower end cars, these systems are just low quality speakers with a big name attached to them. Makes for better marketing.
I think it depends on what trim you buy. The higher/highest trim comes with the Harmon Kardon - but at the prices those trims are at, might as well buy an R
Absolutely mind blowing the way you are testing this sound system. No way any person that has adjusted eq's in the past, when there is the ability to adjust sound settings with one, would leave it flat / defaulted straight across. This video drove me to pure madness as this system would not nearly sound as bad as it did with the music you played, if you had the proper skill and "ear" sensitivity to adjust an eq. Such a bad and lazy representation on the potential of any sound system.
@@DailyMotor honestly, not sure how sound engineers come to a conclusion on setting a default, flat, eq setting for their sound system. The point is, is that it is a default setting, that is meant to be tweaked and adjusted to fine tune it, if the system has the tools to do so. Which in the case of the Golf R and many vehicles for that matter, have that ability to do so. I guess there are many, many people out there that might not have the care or knowledge to do those adjustments, so in that case, a lot of sound systems will be "average" sounding. There is a lot more potential with the included adjustments that is for sure.
any radio system that does not sound perfect at 100% neutral bias and 100% flat eq settings sucks. I mean, i dont have an eq on my Burmester porsche system at all lol. Just adjust it flat and natural from factory. or have modes like Live, electronic, etc is fine that are pre-designed and not cheap. Charlie did the right thing to test this. By the way, Chuck, the setting that is neutral and real on Burmester is Live not Pure. no one knows why but this is true. next time you do Porsche Burmester, or re-visit them, try that setting. You did Pure.
The sound system may be decent´ish, but I would go insane with those sliding touch sensitive buttons. Give me the MK7.5 instead. Dynaudio (better speakers imo) and actual physical buttons. Way better if you ask me.
First 60 seconds... Describes perfectly how wrong VW has designed their entertainment and touch buttons. So many complaints from journalists, influencers and customers. Is VW going to fix it for 2023?
Nowadays journalists are indeed influencers, and they keep things on the surface, and repeat what others say… The owners tend to find it perfectly fine from what I’ve read or heard
@@jdipietronh Yup, MK8 owner here too, haven't experienced a single issue that all of these reviewers complain about. Lack of knowledge how the system works seems to be the common denominator. I actually really enjoy using the infotainment system. One thing I don't understand though and that is the lack of processing power for the chips used. For a $40k car, at least they could spend $20 extra on faster chips. It seems a ridiculous place to save a few bucks in 2022. This is not just VW, but most, if not all car manufacturers.
the gauge "cluster" (chinese pos 25 dollar built screens) actually has many settings that are AMAZING. the best thing about this car is the iron block engine, the quality of the paint, and the gauges if you mess with them are really awesome. The infotainment is lame but it works.
@@doriangray2347 The quality of this HK system is not as good as the Fender system my 2013 Jetta TDI, because I took the buy back and bought a Subaru with one.
This great video is alluding to something very important common to all possible ''Audiophile'' level sound systems (whether in a car or not), that offer Equaliser
adjustment setting...that a lot of purchasers don't look into.
The default setting of a lot of stereo systems EQs/even your smartphone audio (whether Harman Kardon; or other well-known brands such as Bowers & Wilkins), have the equaliser Hz settings all at ''50%'' that is all options of Hz 'in the 'middle'.
This results in a 'muddy/flat' sound lacking in treble and bass.
These stereo systems, it's really important to turn up (esp.) the treble and bass in the equaliser settings to the ''smile'' configuration;
100 Hz about +8; 350 Hz about just above the middle point; 1 kHz about just above the middle point; 3.5kHx slightly higher at about +1; 10 kHz recommend all the way up to +9; Subwoofer about +8
Even with the above, the Harmon Kardon VW Golf Mk8 system is still not quite as good/crisp as the equivalent Harmon Kardon surround system in the BMW 1 series for some reason/does get harsh at very loud settings. Possibly because the speaker set-up in the vehicle is not quite as good.
But this crucial equaliser changes in settings makes a big difference in improving the sound and getting the most out of the system.
It is a very similar analogy to leaving the EQ settings on your iPhone under 'music' settings to 'off', compared to changing the setting to 'Rock' or 'Dance' - notice the immediate improvement in crispness in sound...or leaving your amplifier EQ Hz settings in your home stereo system to all in the middle..
I hope this helps users who have this system purchased as an option...interesting in the past all stereo systems came with EQ switches (even on the ''boom boxes!" of the 80s) externally obvious, which forced us to play with them to remove the flatness of sound to this 'smile' configuration. Now with everything defaulted to options hidden without physical buttons, it's easy to not be aware of above tips..
Please note also that speakers of some companies like Harmon Kardon/Bowers & Wilkins need some 'riding in', and sound more dynamic/better after 1 month of constant usage in the car for some reason...
You should test this system after switching the brand to "Beats" with OBD11. Made a huge difference in my Mk8, even though you'd think Beats would have a worse sound signature. It actually sounds up there with the B&O system I had in my A4!
Thanks man. Doing God's work.
Good review thanks and it looks like u have learned the new system pretty well
The 8+1 speaker HK setup on the golf is around 700 dollars (actually 10 speakers if you count the one on the dash). On the new Megan e tech there’s also an 8+1 speaker option from HK which is 1000 dollars but with no central speaker on the dash. Strange…..Thanks for the review! Cheers
How does this compare to fender audio in my mk7.5? Its decent
I just traded in a 2019 GTI SE w/Fender for a 2024 Golf R. The Harmon Kardon system is, quite frankly, terrible. The Fender system blows this one out of the water. It’s not even a fair fight.
I feel like im not doing something right because the highs feel off. I dont know if its the Apple app or just how the speakers sound.
A "C" is not considered above average lol. So if its above average it has to be at least a B something.
I have this and its only good thing is the surround sound mode. Other than that it is only just OK. It is missing the subs under the seats like a BMW. The kickbass modul is just that... no depth. But it is OK.
Those sliding controls for the volume would drive me mad.
I own a MK8 GTI, they actually aren’t bad
@@david3n544 they are the stupidest worst thing to use .Don’t lie
@@bwmim9709 I haven’t had any major issues, that doesn’t mean that physical button’s aren’t better, I just haven’t had issues
@@david3n544 I’ve used them and they should be classed as danger to driving
@@bwmim9709 on a golf?
There’s a massive shortage of Harmon Kardon hardware. You may have a very long wait if specified in Europe. Not sure about North America?
North America literally they can't even promise for the next 6 months
The thing is, Harman Kardon doesn't actually make this sound system. All the speakers and the head unit are from different suppliers, HK just provides the tuning (and the branding).
Needs to be like Star Trek “computer”
That’s a cool car right there
I wonder how the new RS 3‘s soundsystem compares to this.
probably better but its not coming to canada now :(
The bang & olufson is insane. I have it in my A5 s line and it's so loud it breaks ears . And clear
It's not horrible but lack luster also the sub is terrible I plan to upgrade to focal.
It seems to be a software limitation tbh which sucks as it has good hardware but horrible software to back it up.
I own a ‘19 gli. The factory radio is terrible! I hope maestro develops my car for aftermarket integration.
How is this one doing vs. Mk7.5 Dynaudio?
this is what i want to know aswel. Cause dynaudio is something i LOVE about my mk7 gti
It’s not good compared to the mk7 one
If you use the app ways would you be able to see it in the wheels’ monitor?
How does HK compare to the Fender setup in the MK7/7.5 ?
No where near as good as the Fender (Pioneer) in my 7.5. Which is why I swapped out the sub in the 7.5 and put it into the 8. Now it sounds juuuuuust like the 7.5 did! Perfect!
@@deutsch-kanadier901 Really? I would of thought it would be slightly better. What exactly didn't you like about it?
@@waittillfriday8227 On a lot these lower end cars, these systems are just low quality speakers with a big name attached to them. Makes for better marketing.
Sounds muddy
Do you know if it's the same system as the gti ?
It should be, yes.
I think it depends on what trim you buy. The higher/highest trim comes with the Harmon Kardon - but at the prices those trims are at, might as well buy an R
I have it also in 1.5 eTSI
Absolutely mind blowing the way you are testing this sound system. No way any person that has adjusted eq's in the past, when there is the ability to adjust sound settings with one, would leave it flat / defaulted straight across. This video drove me to pure madness as this system would not nearly sound as bad as it did with the music you played, if you had the proper skill and "ear" sensitivity to adjust an eq. Such a bad and lazy representation on the potential of any sound system.
How do you suppose the sound engineers come to a consensus to what flat eq should sound like on a particular system?
@@DailyMotor honestly, not sure how sound engineers come to a conclusion on setting a default, flat, eq setting for their sound system. The point is, is that it is a default setting, that is meant to be tweaked and adjusted to fine tune it, if the system has the tools to do so. Which in the case of the Golf R and many vehicles for that matter, have that ability to do so. I guess there are many, many people out there that might not have the care or knowledge to do those adjustments, so in that case, a lot of sound systems will be "average" sounding. There is a lot more potential with the included adjustments that is for sure.
any radio system that does not sound perfect at 100% neutral bias and 100% flat eq settings sucks. I mean, i dont have an eq on my Burmester porsche system at all lol. Just adjust it flat and natural from factory. or have modes like Live, electronic, etc is fine that are pre-designed and not cheap. Charlie did the right thing to test this. By the way, Chuck, the setting that is neutral and real on Burmester is Live not Pure. no one knows why but this is true. next time you do Porsche Burmester, or re-visit them, try that setting. You did Pure.
The sound system may be decent´ish, but I would go insane with those sliding touch sensitive buttons. Give me the MK7.5 instead. Dynaudio (better speakers imo) and actual physical buttons. Way better if you ask me.
Dynaudio in mk7 is very average
@@miromen44 Agreed, very average
So this is about the sound system and I would rate this better than the 7.5, whether you prefer buttons or not.
Even Bose would be better
@@vroomgc yeah my mk7 R was bad sound system and my sonata Hyundai had an unbelievable unforgettable sound system
I would give this stereo a D minus.
i would give it the D
Stupid music in the back…pls do not!!
First 60 seconds... Describes perfectly how wrong VW has designed their entertainment and touch buttons. So many complaints from journalists, influencers and customers. Is VW going to fix it for 2023?
As a MK8 owner, it is more of a description of the lack of knowledge most reviewers have of the way the car works.
Nowadays journalists are indeed influencers, and they keep things on the surface, and repeat what others say… The owners tend to find it perfectly fine from what I’ve read or heard
@@jdipietronh Yup, MK8 owner here too, haven't experienced a single issue that all of these reviewers complain about. Lack of knowledge how the system works seems to be the common denominator. I actually really enjoy using the infotainment system. One thing I don't understand though and that is the lack of processing power for the chips used. For a $40k car, at least they could spend $20 extra on faster chips. It seems a ridiculous place to save a few bucks in 2022. This is not just VW, but most, if not all car manufacturers.
My golf 8 is 1 year old. I HATED it until the most recent update. Now it is actually enjoyable to drive.
@@jellyd4889 what changed for you in the update?
they ruiend the car by taking away the shifter.
Huh, They still make a stick shift through next year.
One minute in and I'm already happy to not buy a Golf R based on the infotainment system alone.
Just buy the mk7.5 golf as it has a better infotainment and if you want to go faster then the stock mk8 golf r then get a tune and it will be insane
Those red displays are still horrible, and dated.
Yeah, the infotainment system is the big negative with this otherwise pretty fantastic car.
Colors are customizable
the gauge "cluster" (chinese pos 25 dollar built screens) actually has many settings that are AMAZING. the best thing about this car is the iron block engine, the quality of the paint, and the gauges if you mess with them are really awesome. The infotainment is lame but it works.
@@doriangray2347 The quality of this HK system is not as good as the Fender system my 2013 Jetta TDI, because I took the buy back and bought a Subaru with one.