Subaru Crosstrek Harman Kardon Stereo Upgrade NOT Worth It! RIP OFF

Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness Harman Kardon Stereo Upgrade is a RIP OFF. Don't buy it. This video explains why.
Outback Forrester subwoofer location speaker location
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[@tonymctony]

Please post another video of what was added and how the sound has changed after you went to a car audio specialist.

[@TheVTX88]

I have the Crosstrek Wilderness also with the “upgraded” system and I feel the exact same as your description in this video. I absolutely want to upgrade my “upgrade”. I only got this package for the sunroof so I’m not really mad about it but absolutely disappointed in the Harmon Kardon hyped up system.

[@cjtaciuk4330]

i agree with this video. they did mislead us. but here is how i am happy enough with mine. i suggest 2 things. 1 - set the equalizer to FULL treble mids and bass. 2 - have subaru fully insulate the doors so it stops rattling while it's under warrenty. or do it yourself or take it to a car stereo place for that. my son and i play hip hop music with bass and we are happy with these to small changes.. but ya.. this is not the system we were led to think it was

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

subaru will insulate the doors?

[@malusvici]

A "2 way speaker" is traditionally a speaker box with 2 cones in it. Therefore, they are correct in claiming there are 10 speakers if you define the speaker as a cone and driver set. Which is a common way to define it in the car audio industry because if you define it the other way (speaker = a box with 1 or more sets of cones and drivers) you could say all the cones up front by the windshield are technically only one speaker. Physically separating the tweeter and mid range speakers doesn't really make sense anyways. Top of the line, professional, studio quality speakers put them in the same box too. The subs also meet the qualifications as car stereo subwoofers, their diameter is large enough to produce low frequency sounds, but an argument can be made that they are underpowered. An option to separate the subs from the fade and balance controls would be nice but it doesn't make the door speakers not subs, just means someone had to make a call about how the system could be tuned and decided if you were trying to fade audio to the rear you wanted all the audio in the front of the car turned down. You make some solid other points though. For me the $2k was more about the sun roof and fully powered driver seat. In US you can't get one without the other which does suck. PS you mentioned the rear speakers sounded bad/fuzzy, they could be blown. One of my subs was blown day one when I bought mine which doesn't speak well towards quality control but I'll give my dealership props for bending over backwards to get it fixed ASAP.

[@markwisner3972]

The sound stage is suppose to be in front of you. When at a concert, you don't sit on stage. If they said 10 drivers and not speakers, it would be more accurate. All car companies do the same crap. BTW - They don't advertise it, but the radio is an HD Radio, at least mine is. It comes with HD off for some reason. Turn it on. besides getting more channels, the sound is near CD quality and way better than most streaming services.

[@planesandbikes7353]

glad I did not opt for the Limited model with HK sound last year. I am spoiled coming from an awesome mind blowing stereo in Benz E class for the last 10 years and kind of horrified by the crap SQ i this Crosstrek Touring - but apparently it is an easy fix with $400 of high sensitivity aftermarket speakers only, and maybe a powered sub too. The door speakers are 6x9 shaped but actually just have a 5inch paper cone in there! The dash speakers are also paper lightweight units. I have speakers ordered, and I have a powered sub here I can add. Should be OK and not cost the $5,000 for the Limited upgrade (though Wilderness would be useful offroad) - plus I did NOT want a sunroof. Umm I am leasing the car like yourself as I was going to get an EV next year, but kind of fell in love with the Subaru (wife has a Tesla, we also like).

[@gunsnhammers521]

I own a '21 Crosstrek and got the standard sound system. It sounds decent, most cars you don't get anything bigger than a 6.5" in the doors. Even with the 6x9's you don't get much bass though, more like mid bass. Which is perfect when you put a Kicker hideaway under the passenger seat. Fits like it was made for it and gives it some bottom end. Then you can tune the rest of the system for what it's intended for.

[@traviscollins3249]

I’m assuming you have the kicker hideaway subwoofer? How did you wire it, were you able to keep the stock head unit, or did you have to replace the stereo for the pre-amp outputs? Thank you!!

[@robertflint4115]

Hold on Buckaroo. Let’s talk about these double yolk eggs! What store did you buy them from? I would pay a little more for double yolks. Because finding double yolks randomly in a carton is like playing a tier 8 tank and being top tier against 6 & 7’s. It just doesn’t happen 😂 Love the channel 🤘😎

[@alexkristanas929]

Preach on. I ripped out the entire system in my 2021 Crosstrek and rebuilt from the ground up. Used the Idatalink maestro rr2 to hook my Pioneer deck into the stock system and lost no functionality. Those dash speakers are the worst I’ve ever heard as well. Replaced with silk done tweeters

[@jimmybob3756]

This seems like just bad marketing, the people writing the blurb have no idea what they are talking about. I did notice that there is an equaliser, could you set the fader to the rear and then adjust the bass? Or just adjust the high/mid range (with the fader in the middle) to suit? I don't think this has any wrong doing from Harmon Kardon as they just supply the equipment.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

the people writing the blurb KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE TLING ABOUT. they are legally deceiving people.

[@clintonturner5545]

There are no sub woffers in Claus' car period. And it wasn't a typo. They lied to their customers. And you know what happens to liars. It will be more than their pants.

[@dragancrnogorac3851]

For 2000$ you can get absolutely stunning audio system installed in car

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

yes. that's the plan

[@ydeljo]

There s a thin line between speaker boxes and drivers or other audio sistem parts.

[@livenhfree]

Well, OK. I have a different beef with the HK stereo. First, a disclaimer: I bought the 2024 Outback Touring because of many of the other optioons I wanted. The stereo wasn't as important. HOWEVER! Has anyone noticed that the HK does not provide speed-sensitive sound? That is, volume automatically rises and falls depending on how fast the car is traveling? Good grief! My 2014 Altima had this! And I believe (someone check me on this) that the 2024 Outbacks without the HK stereo DO have speed-sensitive sound? I think this was a huge miss, as I loved not having to constantly mess with the volume.

[@montarakid1943]

That would make me freakin' crazy! I do not want the car to tell me what volume I should have my sound system turned to. I'm quite capable of figuring that out for myself and I'm better qualified to do it. It's like that other option that will now turn your engine off when you come to a stop to help save the planet.

[@905nite]

Chrysler does the same with the cars. 11 speaker locations but it's marketed as 21 speakers. 11 2-way speakers and one subwoofer. Also a Harman Kardon system.

[@BoschizBasus]

claus my question is , after all the explaining about the harman audio, how does it sounds better?? how bad are the original speakers??

[@AMSRexMPH]

The speaker system is great, better then any factor system I've had with other manufacturers.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

the original speakers sound like you are playing music directly from an iphone. the worst i have ever heard.

[@BoschizBasus]

@@clauskellermanpov3004 thats just insane, how come 6 speakers in car sound like an iPhone?? Wtf Subaru?? you were supposed to be a nice car brand

[@anthonyng3014]

@@BoschizBasus Subaru IS a nice car brand... they're just not a nice speaker brand

[@fishermanmitch1]

Thanks for making this video, I've been on the fence about this upgrade. Unfortunately Subaru does not let you get only power seats, or only a power moon roof. I think I'm just gonna go without.

[@raybonz7939]

Found the stock 6 speaker system good enough. Can live without that stereo, power seat or sunroof. The driver seat with manual adjust is comfortable. Driver power seat should be standard IMO. Good to hear an honest review, thanks!

[@LowryYT]

Wait so whats different then from the default package apart from the amplifier? Are the 6 speakers a different type from the 2 subs and 4 2x2s?

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

the standard stereo is 6 crap speakers with no sub

[@drewbailey5231]

Base model has 6.5 front speakers in the doors

[@lelandfranklin3487]

Our 2018 Crosstrek we have has the upgrade....junk. Switches off, resets, sometimes comes on randomly. And, yes, have been to the dealer MANY times and bought new...

[@hothatchpa]

Thank you for this. Saving people $. Shame because it seems there is a real following for these and that leaves a salty taste.

[@michaelangelo4147]

I have the pearl white wilderness model and I agree with you. I said the same thing, especially when nowadays you have “Two-Way” and “Three-Way” speakers in most vehicles! I also thought the same thing when adjusting the fade from front to back. It doesn’t make any sense to me either! False Advertising is correct. The only thing included with the price in addition is the phone charging pad and sun roof besides the infortainment system.

[@aleistermarley]

Next time Subaru should think twice before denying Clausens influencer rebate.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

they don't give a shit.

[@mikesecor6074]

thanks

[@fred4080]

You should listen to the system in a dealer car BEFORE you decide to purchase the system. Duh!

[@TheRealBozz]

My Mazda has a Bose system. The company that KNOWS sound better than ANY consumer and isn't afraid to tell its customers that.

[@robyoung5455]

Mine does too. « No highs, no lows, it’s a Bose! » Speakers rotted and buzzy after a few years, and not a replaceable size.

[@statuseffect7862]

I like the Mazda Bose system I believe it comes with a subwoofer on top of the spare I can’t remember because I gave the car to my wife she fell in love with it.

[@TheRealBozz]

@statuseffect7862 Yeah, I really fell in love with the 3-band EQ. The incredible soundscapes I can shape with all that creative ability! Mind blowing! Thank you, Bose. You know me better than I do...

[@anthonyng3014]

Bose has some of the worst sounding systems out of the "brand name" speakers. It has completely muddy mids and the bass is overboosted so that beats are all you get. If that's music to your ears then yes, Bose is great!

[@danielfair4675]

Lmao, you need to get out more. BOSEs car audio systems are lackluster at best. The same can be said about their home systems.

[@_Zero_Signal_]

That's B.S!!!...for $500 (us) I put 2 Kicker 15" in the trunk of a 2015 Chrysler 200 (S).......$400 4 10" Legacy behind the seats of a 1977 Chevy ElCamino....$300 2 10" Kicker Comp (CVR) in a 1991 Chevy S-10.....I guess...If you want something done Right, you have to do it yourself!!.......1 speaker,is (1) speaker...if a 6x9, has a mid. and a tweeter in the Center, it's still just (1) speaker!!!......SMH!!...6x9 (Subwoofer)???....LMFAO!!!!

[@jdean079]

I have noticed the same thing about mine. Complete garbage

[@_Zero_Signal_]

....ALSO....I can talk ALL DAY,about how bad,Subaru is a RIPOFF!!!...

[@AMSRexMPH]

The subwoofer is in the back of the vehicle. I have an outback, you can't only get to it by opening the tail gate.

[@Smith54449]

What you write may be true in the Outback and Forester, but not in the Crosstrek. Claus describes the situation in the Crosstrek accurately.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

wrong. there is NO sub woofer.

[@Powers242]

Subaru's stereo's are trash.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

yup

[@ricovanhaelemeersch2139]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXPHqmSif9xlps0 At 1min18 you see the sub is build in the trunk and this is the upgraded version

[@Duke49th]

Different car model, different speaker setup (8+1)

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

do you work for subaru? there is NO subwoofer in the crosstrek

[@ricovanhaelemeersch2139]

I drive a Citroen Berlingo 22 years old and had no installation. There was place in dash for front speakers so i installed a system with 2 good speakers in the front dash and a subwooferbox from pioneer with amplifier build in. Perhaps there is a line out from your installation that could feed a separate subwoofer. The 2 speakers in your front doors can be rewired as normal speakers. In my car this sounds really good 👍 pioneer subwoofer ts-wx300a

[@clintonturner5545]

@@ricovanhaelemeersch2139 The four door speakers are normal 2-way speakers. They downsized. No subwoofers only a lie.

[@AwkwardTruths]

Samsung: Yes, yes one speaker is now two because it's a two-way speaker. Just like one politician giving a speech is two because he's mic'd twice. Yes, yes, it all makes sense. Do not fight it...Shush, shush...

[@ZZPxFTW]

Oh Claus, your delusions of rigged games and Russian bias translates very well to car audio. Your frustration of the 2 way speakers is completely misguided. 2 way speaker systems have 2 sub-categories: component and coaxial. Both systems include TWO speakers that are better at playing different frequencies. This will include a tweeter for the high frequencies, a mid range speaker for the medium frequencies, and a crossover to make sure each speaker is playing only the frequencies it is designed for. (this can be in the form of a DSP that runs the crossovers actively, or a passive crossover, which is an analog capacitor.) A dedicated tweeter will ensure you get clear details of the high end that would normally be distorted or muddy on a traditional 6.5 or 6x9, and a dedicated mid range speaker will provide detailed and responsive playback of the mid range and mid bass frequencies that would overdrive and ruin a tweeter. The ONLY difference between coaxial and component systems, is the component system has the speakers as separate units for better flexibility in aiming and sound staging. Meanwhile, coaxial speakers (that the H/K Subaru system has) have the 2 speakers as a single unit. THIS DOES NOT MEAN IT IS ONE SPEAKER. It installs as one, but the tweeter sits over the mid range speaker. THEY ARE STILL SEPERATE DRIVERS, AND CONES, WITH CROSSOVERS, IDENTICAL TO THE 2 SPEAKER COMPONTANT SYSTEM. It is indeed 2 speakers; there's no other way to say it. To suggest it is one single speaker and that you've been wronged or robbed is ignorant nonsense. Your egg analogy is just baseless ramblings at that point. A better analogy would be someone who buys a multi-tool that has a knife and corkscrew, and another person that buys a pocket knife and corkscrew separately. The individual who bought the multi-tool isn't going to look at the person who bought the knife and corkscrew and think "I GOT RIPPED OFF; THEY HAVE TWO TOOLS, AND I HAVE ONE!" On the note of sound staging, you mention that the high's and midrange "smack you in the face" coming off the dash, and then note the 6x9 is the largest speaker, but only plays the low frequencies, almost as though you think it should play higher frequencies just because its a big speaker... But, it is set up is exactly how it should be. The higher frequency a sound wave is, the more directionally sensitive it becomes. As you aim mid range and high frequencies away from the listener, or off-axis, you begin to lose detail and sound quality. This is why the midrange speakers and tweeters are on the dash, so the sound waves bounce off the windshield and are directed to the listener, on-axis, maintaining as much fidelity and detail as possible. If it's simply just too loud for your preference, use the EQ and turn down the mids and highs, Claus. Additionally, the 6x9's playing only low frequencies in the door works well because low frequencies are less directionally sensitive. This is the same reason we put subwoofers in the trunk; the listener can be in almost any location relative to the speaker and not lose any detail of those low frequencies. The 6x9 playing the low frequencies way down in the door, completely off-axis to the listener, is a good compromise for this system. It is also the best speaker in this system for playing low frequencies, as it has the largest diaphragm, and wouldn't even have great response above probably 500Hz. The one thing I WILL agree on, is that calling a 6x9 a subwoofer is a little misleading, but again, it's the biggest speaker in the system so it is correctly dedicated to those those low frequencies. It does not need to be "amped separately" as you suggest, to be a sub. It is already a separate, dedicated speaker, and it is part of the front stage as it is in the front doors, and SHOULD be effected by the fade function. In reality, its more accurate to call it a midbass driver, but without a true sub, it will be playing the lowest frequencies of your system; likely down to about 100hz. Any serious, custom, sound quality focused, car audio build has the nearly sole goal of staging the sound right in the middle of the dash, as though the band is playing or recording right there in front of you. Your confusion of sound staging is very misguided on the notion you should have a surround sound experience in your car. I think this comes from the home audio surround sound hype that consumers are subjected to. It is fair that any casual listener would assume surround sound is better. In movies and entertainment, surround sound absolutely is more immersive, but not usually for music because it’s almost always formatted in 2channel stereo, not the 5.1, 7.1, 12.1 , ect format that is necessary to take advantage of surround sound (unless you're talking about differential rear fill, but that's a whole thing not worth getting into.) Rear speakers, or rear fill, is exactly that: filling the rear space with sound for the rear passengers. It is not intended to provide additional detail, clarity, or volume for the front passengers. If the front stage does not provide the detail or volume you want, adding rear fade will not help that. Going back to custom, sound quality systems, most of them that win awards don't even have rear fill at all. It seems your entire gripe of the sound staging is down solely to your preference of EQ and fade, which is completely tunable right in this OEM system to fit your preferences. You wanted rear fade but lost the low end. Okay, add bass in the EQ with more rear fade. You felt the mids and highs were overpowering: Okay, take out a little mid and high in the EQ. But, yes, HOW DARE HARMON KARDON AND SUBARU NOT CONSULT YOUR ILL GUIDED LISTENING PREFERENCES BEFORE TUNING THEIR SYSTEM AND MAKING IT SO PEOPLE CAN TUNE IT THE WAY THEY WANT. WHAT A RIP OFF IN AN ENTRY LEVEL CAR. (A Crosstrek is not a high end car Claus.) It was actually quite comical watching your boomer karen rant get you so worked up though.

[@montarakid1943]

Uh, oh. Someone apparently knows what they are talking about.

[@jehawkins333]

Buddy, you should be making videos on KZbin... Car audio system reviews?

[@billwhite1603]

Crutchfield and $1500 one heck of stereo.

[@fairooznabi9600]

which one exactly?

[@brensek-ry6nw]

suberu limited sounded pretty good to me tho

[@tahoebum]

You chose the wrong model. My WRX sounds great except it vibrates the door panels and windows.

[@offhamsterwheel2789]

call me old, but i dont need 10 speakers in my car, esp not ones under my seat

[@zeljkoplavsic784]

Nothing less than at least 13 speakers can’t sound good, trust me on that

[@montarakid1943]

@@zeljkoplavsic784 I recently bought a Lexus NX 350. For various reasons I ended up with the "Premium" package of options/accessories. That included a sound upgrade with 13 speakers. I gotta tell ya'. What a huge difference those extra speakers provide. Couldn't believe it the first time I fired 'em up. Oh, the fade process works just fine.

[@godwhomismike]

I am extremely annoyed by the HK Audio in my ‘24 Crosstrek Wilderness. When the front passenger door isn’t vibrating and rattling from the HK speaker, it sound decently ok-ish at best. Taken it to two different dealerships and neither want or know how to fix it. It was a colossal waste of money and I hate road trips in this car because I can’t just relax and listen to music without it sounding like a rattling mess. This is my 5th and least favorite Subaru I have ever had. The QC that went into my car was nonexistent- the drivers window makes a terrible sound when it goes down, there is a defect in my rear seat, the interior has a lot of rattles and buzzes, the A pillar trim pieces keep coming loose, the audio sucks, and my dealership experiences have been awful. I wouldn’t mind if a deer decides to unalive itself into my car.

[@rpmautoreviews9249]

isn't there also a speaker on the rear dash ? Our legacy has one or two back there too. I don't think it's wrong to call it 2 speakers for a 2way. not a big deal. as they are designed to play difference frequencies and it does sound better than the lower model. Sure it can be better. In my Kia Stinger the harmon kardon 15 speaker sysetem (with 2 6" subwoofers under the front seats) are not super bassy, but actually pretty decent and a great system in the Stinger. Much better than the subi one. but you don't pay $2k just for the stereo. you pay for a few things more in a package. ALL cars Not fancy $$$ models have same upgrade, like mazda has their bose upgrade, which sounds worse than the Subi's harmon one, etc. so..

[@stepbackandthink]

What a scam.

[@kelsie0011]

I have to say that I listened to the Stereo in a Crosstrek Limited using regular Pandora. I found the stereo sound to be very good. I am not saying it is Audiofile quality, but for streaming pandora it sounded great. I do agree that insulating the doors would make a difference if in fact you have rattling at certain frequencies. The fact is that it has an amp which is probably for the base more than anything since it uses the most power to move the largest woofers for a more controlled base .

[@morstyrannis1951]

It's almost as if War Gaming and World of Tanks were involved in this latest consumer outrage.

[@jhager1]

Thanks for the help saving looking at this upgrade lol.

[@GTFORDMAN]

are we hearing some Buyer's remorse? lol

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

great car. but horrible stereo. i will after market fix it.

[@J-tl6dw]

Maybe should have done better research if you are having a gripe. Automotive marketing has always been trying to do upselling. Specification of the count is likely alluding to number of drivers. A 2 way has typically 2 drivers. Speaker configurations can become more complicated as the packaging is executed. At least in the past, I am not buying a car to sit in like I would in my living room. Save that experience for your driving game you would likely execute in a living/game room.

[@Haulinassracing]

My wrx has a subwoofer built in in the back

[@danielfair4675]

Subaru isn't the only one to claim stuff like that.

[@p4radigm989]

I had a Laptop with "Audio by Harman" and everybody knows Laptop Sound is horrible. So I think "Audio by Harman" just means the Audio will suck, but customers should feel good about paying premium for bad audio.

[@kriztov265]

Shame you cannot just buy a reliable car with what you need over all of the government/ market driven crap. Cars are full of so much addon shit it makes no sense. I have a 2011 forester and was going to update but after speaking to owners of newer models who were unhappy with all of the "features " decided to keep and maintain the current vehicle. The simple act of getting a windscreen replaced and its inherent hassles due to the built in traffic cameras alone makes it a bad call.

[@comicmania2008]

Rather than a luxury sound system, I would sooner have a full sized spare wheel in the latest new Toyota car I bought, but they didn't even include a space saver wheel. Instead, they put a cheap compressor and a bottle of green gunk - made in China.

[@Soul2burn]

god give it a break you are driving not attending a concert

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

When I drive it is like a symphony in motion...

[@AndreZA979]

I guess that is what happens when you buy from the most faux virtuous car company in the world. Have a cookie 🙂 Love the no BS review as always Claus!

[@jeffc1753]

Let me guess, you drive a Tesla?

[@AndreZA979]

@@jeffc1753 Hell no! Gas guzzler and global warming contribution is more my style!

[@jeffc1753]

@@AndreZA979 Lol, maga always trying to troll.

[@Keep-It-Calm]

welp should have watched this before buying hahaha! I will enjoy my hunk of shit now since my wife HAD to have a sunroof and that was the only option

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

oooops. but you still love her...

[@williamescolantejr5871]

its like how my father could prove he had 11 fingers an thumbs when i was a kid lol

[@vonsmutt4254]

I have a simple stereo upgrade solution buy a JBL partybox 310 for $500 put it in your backseat plug it into the power port put Pandora on your phone .

[@zeldapowers8094]

I think the sound is great! Subwoofer in mine is in the trunk! I have 2023 Subaru crosstrek limited

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

there is no sub woofer in the trunk unless it was installed as an after market addition.

[@taylamayde]

That thing in the trunk is a hunk of junk as well wish I could switch out headunit as well with out starlink going crazy and sending emails and alerts to subaru. Can't upgrade speakers with amp because it'll alert as well and fry the starlink with over 25 watts of power

[@valkry007]

buyer remorse ?

[@AJRat3]

I just got rid of my loaded 2002 Saturn L200 and I'm driving our 2015 Outback and my wife bought the 2024. The systems in both OBs are horrid. The sound in my Saturn was fantastic. I was able to hear things on that system that were impossible to detect on the OBs. I had thought about the upgrade and if it was worth it. Now I know, so thanks for this. BTW, I no longer listen to music while driving. It just isn't worth it. I don't even turn the system on. I drive in silence. I've very disappointed in the system. Harman Kardon was once a fine name in audio.

[@lixiaochen6]

Sorry I have to disagree here. Don't get me wrong, most cars have crap "premium" speakers, and it is a ripoff. But it has little to do with coaxial speakers (speaker in the same location), or the sound is coming from the front, or subwoofers only producing lower frequencies. Co-Axial speakers are not scams. You legitimately need the driver, the magnets, and circuits of 2 speakers. They are just mounted together in the same place. It barely reduces any cost compared to having them separately. It's a tradeoff between angle/space and interference between speakers. Speakers that only produce specific frequency range are also not scams. It's really quite common in speaker system set ups. It's designed to reduce distortion if done properly. Thought it's almost completely pointless given how bad the rest of the systems are. Sound coming from the front is also not a scam. Most speaker systems are design to be sterero, front facing sound stages. True surround systems is incredibly difficult and rare on cars, even on luxury cars. (You usually see "3D" "4D" marketing language on those systems, and even those are compromised experiences). You also need true surround music files to play on those systems, which most people don't have. A decent mid range system SHOULD be a well implemented front facing system because that's the music files people listen to, and how most of them are recorded. "Digital surrounds" where they use software to simulate surround sound is imperfect, because you're pulling information out of guesses and performing digital transformation on weak CPUs, thus bad algorithms. What is a scam is the cost of the upgrade, and the poor implementation of those speakers. They often use the lowest grade possible speakers from each branch. It may surprise you, but that's not often not the biggest problem. Those speakers should have sounded better than that. They often use low grade amplifier with insufficient power, poor channel isolation, and inconsistent amping between sound levels. (This is often the biggest problem) They often do not no sound treatments and slap open design speakers against their installing surface. Try closing off the back of your home speaker to see how immediately horrible it sounds. (Second biggest problem). Speakers often perform differently under different temperature and moisture level, and you bet there's no correction based on those conditions. And they for sure isn't going to select speakers that are more consistent when temperature and moisture changes. They are also mounted poorly, and letting the speakers vibrate and degrade the sound. The vibrations of the car can interfere with the speakers too. The locations for speakers are often also garbage. Speakers like to fire directly at your ear, especially treble. Surprise surprise, they are firing upwards into reflective surfaces. (Upper door speakers are so important in a car stereo set up). Correcting for the poor audio environments of cars takes a lot of effort from the audio engineer and a strong DSP, and manufacturers also cheap out on those. The brand of the speakers doesn't matter. They often don't even realize the full potential of cheap speakers. How much effort they put into the rest of the system matters a lot more.

[@dostagirl9551]

I ended up getting the package only because it was on the only silver car on the lot. All the others were dark or black, and I live in South Georgia where the summers are long and hot. Any little bit to reduce the oven-effect is a plus. No use for the moonroof, but the power adjustment is nice and the speakers are okay. It’s not like I’m cranking the bass, and my daily commute to work is 8 minutes. Just enough to cram in a couple of 80s ballads, which the speakers do a good job with. 😂

[@timzintl]

I'm not sure why you bought this car. Did you even test drive it?

[@jefferycampbell9182]

2 way speakers have always been counted as 2 speakers. even in professional audio competitions. Because 1 speaker is a midrange and one is a tweeter with crossovers. The outback has a dedicated sub in the trunk and the 4 doors have 2 way speakers plus the 2 -2ways on the dash. So they are not wrong. My outback has 12 speakers plus sub and amp. They probably couldn't put a sub in the trunk of the crosstrek so they used 2 smaller subs on the front doors where most people sit.

[@10thArchon]

I wish I saw this video before getting my 2024 forester with the h/k upgrade. I knew something sounded off when I was messing with the setting once I got home. You are right about the rear passenger door speakers not putting out much of anything. And the “subwoofer” in the rear is a joke.

[@2tone209]

AY UP CLAUS

[@peterjuodikis1204]

Did you also try adjusting the equalizer bass after adjusting the fader?

[@dimwit7474]

... Here's a thought ... take it back to the dealership. Maybe a simple wiring issue. Maybe there's a magic button or some other major "Ah-HA!" moment. BUT ... Trust moi ... the outrageous accusationz are gonna land you in "don't drop yer soap" territory. Way, WAAaaayyyy too far.

[@DirtyDancer_DB]

Thanks for the review. I test drove a 2024 Impreza RS (RS is a joke as well, lol) WITH the Harmon Kardon stereo for a few hours and completely agree with you about the sound quality. I kept looking for the logos to make sure it had the Harmon Kardon upgrade... I have a Harmon Kardon system in my 2017 BMW M240i and it sounds great. Disappointing Subaru

[@TheBrad605]

Why can’t they just put in a good quality speaker? I know cost but at least in the upgraded system they should be an aftermarket quality speaker.

[@ernestpaul2484]

So sorry I couldn't swing that clean upgraded silver clone of your trusty Nissan Xterra for you. Granted the speedometer would have been in primarily "miles per hour" instead of "kilometers per hour" but your scientific brain would have figured it out.

[@Cgibbo84]

I have it and yep the upgrade is meh. I'm modifying it. Not much base and doesn't get very loud

[@KevinRicard-l6j]

You just need to add a aftermarket bass speaker and amp. Don’t get me wrong you should not have to do that at all. This is the dumbest sound system I’ve ever seen

[@JohnnyCamaro13]

I get what your saying but $1200 for the upgraded speakers, power seat and moonroof is not that bad. Some manufacturers charge nearly that just for a moonroof

[@jackconway3248]

Yeah, I have the true 10 speaker w/ power amp true bass in a F150 Platinum and the Harmon Kardon in my Outback Limited and between the two it’s like comparing two Klipsh La Scala AL5 Cherry and two Heritage speakers with 4 Jensen speakers. They need to ^ it some.

[@kennyrogersrocks]

This was good to know before making the mistake of buying one of these.

[@johndrisdelle9359]

The one in my WRX sounds amazing! Sucks they cheaped out on the other models. My buddies Forester also doesn't sound as good as mine. Mine actually came with a subwoofer.

[@vanvan-oc4nj]

Pity you can not regulate the sounds well Claus, and yeah, subs should be regulated seperately. Well.....sound....... For good sound, get in your studio !

[@ricardochaidez1853]

Just got the wilderness without the upgrade. I didn't want the sunroof so did not opt for the upgrade. The standard speakers are HORRIBLE, I've been regretting not getting the upgrade because of that but this video helped me be at peace with my decision. I will just get a better system installed aftermarket.

[@clintonturner5545]

It is like calling a spare tire in a can a spare tire. It isn't a tire it's only a can with tire sealant in it. Harmon Kardon is double talking.

[@MrPartegas]

Tweets and subs are two different speakers... that said... Subaru... = Garbage.

[@kirkwilson5905]

Never ever even thought about needing a high end stereo in our Subaru! Would rather hear that beautiful 450hp exhaust note! Not to mention the road noise from all the suspension bushings changed out!

[@pmp8519]

wow thanks for the info, thank god i didnt get the upgrade !

[@H15A5H1]

Falsely advertised means I can get a refund?

[@stryker120ski4]

ty for you no bs, all of the car manufactures are screwing all lies and more lies,

[@jorgefearlessfaithful2942]

B&O is the only way to go 😊 American vs Danish. Danish will win

[@jimpeters04455]

Shame on u, subaru! Shame,!!!!

[@DarudeSandworm]

Wonder what the actual RMS / Channel the amp even is.

[@nonohmic766]

Wow. Thanks for the video. I didn't want the moonroof (just something else to leak and break) and didn't care about the drivers power seat. I did want the upgraded stereo but not at $2k. So went for the base package. Damn glad i did! What a joke.

[@nonohmic766]

Also, subscribed!

[@thetoughcookie3665]

Pretty good one, Claus.

[@oopsburntoast]

Thank you for this review. This might explain why I just was not impressed with the sound of the HK system in the Ascent that I test drove.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

Thanks for sharing!

[@wg4652]

Thanks Claus, this was a great help. I've had stereo shops install a custom system because I love music and great sound. I was really thinking of going with the wilderness trim and thought that it would be great to have an upgraded Harmon system and not having to go to a custom shop. Well, I live in Canada too and you saved me a lot of money, probably just go with the Limited trim.

[@taylamayde]

My Limited cane with it too unfortunately the starlink keeps me from upgrading without ton of emails alerts from starlink and it won't even display the correct album covers and when it does the track name and album names dissappear smh

[@generalpublic3744]

🙄😩

[@petestuff3257]

My Subaru outback touring 2019 has a true good Harmon Cardin system All the speakers are separate, including an actual separate subwoofer. 8 total speakers. It’s the way it should be! Happy new year Claus!

[@jasoncormier9588]

I have the 2024 limited love it. But plan on upgrading my speakers and probably amp and sub. But love the car. Was excited about it coming with the Harmon Kardon 10 speakers system but live and learn. Thinking of JBL or kicker or alpine not sure yet.

[@janetsierer8]

Hey @jasoncormier9588 Claus Kellerman is absolutely correct. I have the 2024 Subaru Legacy with Harmon Kardon but not by choice but obligation of them only having this model with everything else that I wanted in the car. I'm planning to do an after market system adding 3-Rockford Fosgate Punch PPS4-10, 3-Tweeters and 1-DS18 Horn Driver. Now its going to use alot of power to handle all this and from what I've been able to gather with the help of Crutchfield + Rockford Fosgate + and iDatalink Maestro. Since they're not at all close to being updated with what wire harness I'm able to get in order to simply plug into the current amplifier which came with Harmon Kardon for car under passenger front seat and run wiring from there since I'm not or can't currently change out my head unit since they haven't made brackets for any other after market head unit to fit in it's place. Which I have the Alpine Halo 9 but can't install it. And my "Harmon Kardon" system window sticker said I get 12 speakers.

[@jasoncormier9588]

I didn't change the speakers but I did add an amp and tune the speakers. And got a amp and 12" sub and sounds really good. The speakers will probably come next year to really sound awesome

[@johnwetzel1048]

Who cares? The package comes with a sunroof too!

[@godwhomismike]

Which in the forums and FB groups, several people have posted about their sunroofs leaking so far. With all of the QC issues I have had with my ‘24 Crosstrek Wilderness so far after 6k miles, I am glad I did not have that issue.

[@jimroberts6176]

Good to know. Thx for the video.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

You bet

[@dantaylor1068]

That was a VERY entertaining rant!! (you remind me of - ME! I think we probably take the same blood pressure meds!)

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

lol

[@migez1]

The sub is in the trunk.

[@clauskellermanpov3004]

no there is no sub

[@migez1]

My 2024 Forester has one. I’m pretty sure the Outback has it too with the premium package.

[@barryg4452]

Class action suit?

[@rajp158]

The day I bought my 2024 Impreza RS, I asked where the speaker locations were cause I only noticed 6 speakers, when asked about the other 4 speakers, they couldn’t answer. Very misleading. Not a deal breaker though. Love the car! Thinking about adding a real subwoofer!

[@ZZPxFTW]

you should learn what coaxial speakers are

[@DustinSilva]

Bose, hands down, all the way!

[@danielfair4675]

Nope, and the Bose system in my Vette says so.

[@DustinSilva]

@@danielfair4675what year is it? Have you tuned it?

[@anthonyng3014]

@@DustinSilva Tuning a Bose? I assume you mean the choice between muddy, only bass, or boxed boxes. Nice one

[@DustinSilva]

@@anthonyng3014 troll