Harmon Kardon settings thread

MikeVictor · 10-09-2012, 06:28 AM

I thought to post up my settings for people interested in what others are doing, and would encourage others to do the same.

For reference, I used CD's of Tool's Aenima, Bjork's Homogenic and Puscifer's Conditions of My Parole as a test and love the result. Bass/Treble settings in the previous menu are default(middle). I had experimented in dropping the Bass a notch or two but was happier in the end fiddling with the EQ to get the desired result. L7 was left on.

Listening to CoMP was an absolute ear-candy treat. I had missed getting the album until a few days ago and was very happy to have bought it

This thread is designed for sharing of ideas rather than a "mines better than yours" argument also.

UPDATE - 11 Oct 2012 - Made some changes from the setting I initially posted after feedback below. I've kept the original images as a reference. I'm happier with the revised settings after swapping back and forth a few times. The flatter response is good, it made me realise my initial settings were somewhat sharp or tinny in comparison.

BMWgasm · 10-09-2012, 07:51 AM

Did you turn off the L7 surround?

MikeVictor · 10-09-2012, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cpw2626

Did you turn off the L7 surround?

No. original post updated to include this.

VP Electricity · 10-09-2012, 05:23 PM

You should try boosting the bass control a couple of clicks and cutting the 100Hz slider the same number of clicks below 0.

PrazVT · 10-09-2012, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VP Electricity

You should try boosting the bass control a couple of clicks and cutting the 100Hz slider the same number of clicks below 0.

+1. Even with home audio, that's the advice I've heard most. If necessary, lower EQ bands to taste or to help flatten the response. Though using my own RTA, I found it difficult to change one or two bands with a bunch changing - or you end up moving something all the way to the minimum to get a visually flat frequency response. So decided to just lower the extreme peaks a bit.

Anyway here is what I'm using. Assume the ones I haven't mentioned are at the default position. Also Logic 7 is off.

bass: +3 clicks

EQ:
100Hz: -3 clicks
1kHz: -3 clicks
5kHz: -2 clicks
10kHz: -2 clicks

Music: classic rock, alt rock 75%; hip hop, electronica 25%

justinnum1 · 10-09-2012, 05:56 PM

make sure you guys put what music you listen to. i will post my settings later and i only listen to edm.

MikeVictor · 10-10-2012, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrazVT

+1. Even with home audio, that's the advice I've heard most. If necessary, lower EQ bands to taste or to help flatten the response. Though using my own RTA, I found it difficult to change one or two bands with a bunch changing.

Anyway here is what I'm using. Assume the ones I haven't mentioned are at the default position.

bass: +3 clicks

EQ:
100Hz: -3 clicks
1kHz: -3 clicks
5kHz: -2 clicks
10kHz: -2 clicks

Thanks for sharing. I've tried this and I can see what you mean by "flattening" the response.

I think I find the bass to overpowering though, my initial thoughts were it's good but I'll have to explore it more.

Quote:

Originally Posted by justinnum1

edm.

What's edm? Electronic Dance Music?

MikeVictor · 10-11-2012, 06:44 AM

I made some changes based on the feedback above.

PrazVT · 10-12-2012, 01:32 AM

I think there's no perfect fix for the bass with the HK system. I'm guessing it's crossed over at 100Hz, so we have no control over anything below that aside from the bass control. *sigh* I miss the aftermarket system in my Mazda lol. But only b/c of the sub in the trunk.

Dark Knight37 · 12-17-2012, 02:10 AM

Stupid question what is the L7 surround exactly?

PrazVT · 12-18-2012, 12:29 PM

It's just a DSP setting like Dolby Prologic or DTS: Neo; synthetic surround effects. It's taking a 2 channel source and pushing it to the various speakers; I'd say it does a nice job pulling out details in songs (instruments you don't typically hear), but I feel like it boosts the midrange too much and cuts bass response a little.

Dark Knight37 · 12-22-2012, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrazVT

It's just a DSP setting like Dolby Prologic or DTS: Neo; synthetic surround effects. It's taking a 2 channel source and pushing it to the various speakers; I'd say it does a nice job pulling out details in songs (instruments you don't typically hear), but I feel like it boosts the midrange too much and cuts bass response a little.

Awesome thanks for the clarification. Looks like I'll have some tinkering to do with settings when I take delivery.

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 08-19-2014, 08:38 PM

Any updates to this thread?
Anyone else have any suggestions?
I'm looking to dial my HK L7 in.

Rxpert · 08-19-2014, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulBailey@ltbmw

Any updates to this thread?
Anyone else have any suggestions?
I'm looking to dial my HK L7 in.

I found a really good newer thread where NYC Glen (I think) gave his recommendations on HK settings. I can't find it right now on my phone, but I set mine up like that and it sounds pretty sweet.

I'm also seriously considering adding a trunk sub via Technic's harness.....but my Mrs does not want me tinkering with the car anymore for awhile

MikeVictor · 08-19-2014, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PaulBailey@ltbmw

Any updates to this thread?
Anyone else have any suggestions?
I'm looking to dial my HK L7 in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rxpert

I found a really good newer thread where NYC Glen (I think) gave his recommendations on HK settings. I can't find it right now on my phone, but I set mine up like that and it sounds pretty sweet.

I'm also seriously considering adding a trunk sub via Technic's harness.....but my Mrs does not want me tinkering with the car anymore for awhile

I followed some of NYCGlen's thoughts, it's really hit the sweet spot for me and sounds great.

DBV1 · 08-20-2014, 06:31 AM

Here is that thread:

http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=954719

335i_4D · 08-20-2014, 11:06 AM

^This^

On some media, you may have to play a little with the settings, but is on the spot 95% of the time.

rjpeaks · 08-20-2014, 11:28 AM

just adjusted - thanks guys!

therealm3 · 08-20-2014, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dabaitu

I followed some of NYCGlen's thoughts, it's really hit the sweet spot for me and sounds great.

same here. I started with his settings and made a few minor tweaks to suit my style. I personally think it sounds better with L7 off.

PaulBailey@ltbmw · 08-29-2014, 03:14 AM

Thanks guys!
I'll be trying these settings tomorrow.

luivincci · 08-29-2014, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by therealm3

same here. I started with his settings and made a few minor tweaks to suit my style. I personally think it sounds better with L7 off.

+1 I find L7 causes decrease in clarity.

Dog Face Pony Soldier · 08-30-2014, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luivincci

Quote:

Originally Posted by therealm3

same here. I started with his settings and made a few minor tweaks to suit my style. I personally think it sounds better with L7 off.

+1 I find L7 causes decrease in clarity.

I believe the transient response is better w/ L7 disabled, but I prefer L7 active. It pulls the soundstage up and forward (like a center channel should), plus it adds midrange presence that I prefer. It's really debatable which is "better."

10-09-2012, 06:28 AM	#1
MikeVictor Brigadier General 210 Rep 3,288 Posts Drives: anything given a chance Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: .au iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Mazda ND MX-5 [10.00]	Harmon Kardon settings thread I thought to post up my settings for people interested in what others are doing, and would encourage others to do the same. For reference, I used CD's of Tool's Aenima, Bjork's Homogenic and Puscifer's Conditions of My Parole as a test and love the result. Bass/Treble settings in the previous menu are default(middle). I had experimented in dropping the Bass a notch or two but was happier in the end fiddling with the EQ to get the desired result. L7 was left on. Listening to CoMP was an absolute ear-candy treat. I had missed getting the album until a few days ago and was very happy to have bought it This thread is designed for sharing of ideas rather than a "mines better than yours" argument also. UPDATE - 11 Oct 2012 - Made some changes from the setting I initially posted after feedback below. I've kept the original images as a reference. I'm happier with the revised settings after swapping back and forth a few times. The flatter response is good, it made me realise my initial settings were somewhat sharp or tinny in comparison. Attached Images Last edited by MikeVictor; 10-11-2012 at 06:47 AM.. Reason: updated
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-09-2012, 07:51 AM	#2
BMWgasm Hooah! 2 Rep 126 Posts Drives: 2011 335i M Sport Join Date: May 2012 Location: Germany iTrader: (0)	Did you turn off the L7 surround? __________________ '11 E90 335i M Sport Black Sapphire '13 F30 328i M Sport Black Sapphire
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-09-2012, 05:23 PM	#4
VP Electricity Brigadier General 289 Rep 3,201 Posts Drives: F34 xDrive Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: portland oregon iTrader: (3)	You should try boosting the bass control a couple of clicks and cutting the 100Hz slider the same number of clicks below 0.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-09-2012, 05:56 PM	#6
justinnum1 Major General 651 Rep 5,803 Posts Drives: 2018 330i Msport 6mt Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: South Florida iTrader: (0)	make sure you guys put what music you listen to. i will post my settings later and i only listen to edm. __________________ F30 330i Alpine white/Coral red Msport 6MT
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-11-2012, 06:44 AM	#8
MikeVictor Brigadier General 210 Rep 3,288 Posts Drives: anything given a chance Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: .au iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Mazda ND MX-5 [10.00]	I made some changes based on the feedback above.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-12-2012, 01:32 AM	#9
PrazVT First Lieutenant 38 Rep 348 Posts Drives: '21 M240i 6mt (soon) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Ramon, CA iTrader: (0)	I think there's no perfect fix for the bass with the HK system. I'm guessing it's crossed over at 100Hz, so we have no control over anything below that aside from the bass control. sigh I miss the aftermarket system in my Mazda lol. But only b/c of the sub in the trunk.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-17-2012, 02:10 AM	#10
Dark Knight37 Enlisted Member 2 Rep 36 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 328i Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Arkansas iTrader: (0)	Stupid question what is the L7 surround exactly? __________________ 2013 Jet Black 328i Sport Line//dynamic handling//8 speed auto//premium package//driver assitance//lighting package//hk//technology package//etc
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-18-2012, 12:29 PM	#11
PrazVT First Lieutenant 38 Rep 348 Posts Drives: '21 M240i 6mt (soon) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: San Ramon, CA iTrader: (0)	It's just a DSP setting like Dolby Prologic or DTS: Neo; synthetic surround effects. It's taking a 2 channel source and pushing it to the various speakers; I'd say it does a nice job pulling out details in songs (instruments you don't typically hear), but I feel like it boosts the midrange too much and cuts bass response a little.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-19-2014, 08:38 PM	#13
PaulBailey@ltbmw General 663 Rep 26,878 Posts Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [7.00] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [7.96]	Any updates to this thread? Anyone else have any suggestions? I'm looking to dial my HK L7 in.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-20-2014, 06:31 AM	#16
DBV1 First Lieutenant 134 Rep 395 Posts Drives: 2018 BMW X5d 2021 Tesla S Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Here is that thread: http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=954719
	Appreciate 1 Quote

08-20-2014, 11:06 AM	#17
335i_4D Now in the dark side ! 65 Rep 1,136 Posts Drives: 2011 911S 997.2 Cab Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: The Great North iTrader: (3)	^This^ On some media, you may have to play a little with the settings, but is on the spot 95% of the time. __________________ Present: 2011 Porsche Carrera S Cab, white (Now on the dark side!) BMW X3 M40i (wifey) Past:2012 335i Sport Black, 20" 356 wheels, M Sport Aero, MPE (Sold -kinda missed) 2010 X5 35d Black fully loaded (Sold) 2007 335i sedan Antracite (Sold and missed !)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-20-2014, 11:28 AM	#18
rjpeaks Lieutenant 14 Rep 577 Posts Drives: F30 335i M-Sport 6pd Join Date: May 2014 Location: Huntington Beach iTrader: (0)	just adjusted - thanks guys! __________________ 335I M-Sport 6spd EBII MPPK MPE DHP HK PDC ZTP ZPS ZPP ZDA ZPK 802.11ac ABC123
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-29-2014, 03:14 AM	#20
PaulBailey@ltbmw General 663 Rep 26,878 Posts Drives: 2-325 330 2-335 2-Z4 2-135 X5d Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Huntington Beach, CA iTrader: (34) Garage List 2008 BMW 335i E90 [7.00] 2011 BMW 335i E92 [7.96]	Thanks guys! I'll be trying these settings tomorrow.
	Appreciate 0 Quote