Harman Kardon speaker vibration

[tom1040]

I just got this response from my dealer:

Our district rep concurs with the engineering conclusion that since the issue is characteristic to the system as built and can be duplicated in other similarly built vehicles no repair attempts will be funded by Chrysler. We are unsure at this point if they are going to pay us for our previous attempts. I have been open to “experimenting” with the aftermarket facility but now we are getting into changing components and I do not support this idea. I agree with you, Tom, that this is unacceptable from a customer standpoint but I have no support from Chrysler to make any changes. They simply feel that systems inherently have characteristics that are not always agreeable with customer expectations. For example, I have a very expensive sound system in my home with a volume knob that will go to “100”. However if I am playing drum and bass style music I know that my speakers will overpeak at times and distort, often rattling the speaker grilles. I know the system has limitations and I simply can’t play certain music above “80”.


What do you think of this? I think it is bullshit. I will open a complaint with Chrysler.

[Jet driver]

Tom it is bullshit!!! If the rep told me that I'd be really pissed. If you listen to my video on UTube I barely have the volume turned up. Non of my older LX vehicles back panel rattled and buzzed. I basically got the we'll call you don't call us, when and if we come up with a fix. Well if the Harmon Kardon sound system can't handle moderate base and volume levels, then no one should pay 2k just to be disappointed. I would get on the Drive SRT Facebook page, state my displeasure with the system every time you can. You and everyone else with the same problem should do the same. I would repeat the rep's response on the Facebook page. Every time I do that I get a response from them. Not good publicity on a public forum.

[753951]

Originally Posted by tom1040

For example, I have a very expensive sound system in my home with a volume knob that will go to “100”. However if I am playing drum and bass style music I know that my speakers will overpeak at times and distort, often rattling the speaker grilles. I know the system has limitations and I simply can’t play certain music above “80”.

Was "very expensive" sound system sold to your dealer as a whole, or did he pick components separately? If it was sold as "whole unit" then he's been duped like HK owners. If he picked amp and speakers separately, it's his fault and he has no right to complain. HK owners don't have choice. They paid for whole system and expectation is that Chrysler/HK have done their homework.

Should we not press gas pedal more than 50% because engine can uncontrollably vibrate? Would that be acceptable as long as there's no risk of accident? Where does it stop?

They advertise HK audio as

THE DETROIT SOUND. REMASTERED.
Detroit knows music. And we know how music should sound. That's why we're offering the optional Harman Kardon® Logic 7 Surround System in the Chrysler 300 Limited, 300C, 300 S and standard in the 300 SRT8®. Along with high performance GreenEdge® technology, the system includes 19 high-performance speakers in 12 locations, pumping out twice the acoustic power output for exceptional sound quality. All while the 32-volt Tracking Power Supply (TPS) 12-channel Class D amplifier delivers improved acoustic transparency and dynamic response. In other words, it's an audio system built for those who love music as much as this city does.

I don't see anywhere disclaimer that says

systems inherently have characteristics that are not always agreeable with customer expectations

Do you?


Mine is still on order, but when car arrives and before I sign off I'm going to make sure I test it. What song was used for that youtube video?

[Jet driver]

The song I downloaded is "Single" LP version
"Walking wounded"

I have several other songs I've downloaded the cause the back panel to rattle and buzz.

[tom1040]

Originally Posted by Jet driver

Tom it is bullshit!!! If the rep told me that I'd be really pissed. If you listen to my video on UTube I barely have the volume turned up. Non of my older LX vehicles back panel rattled and buzzed. I basically got the we'll call you don't call us, when and if we come up with a fix. Well if the Harmon Kardon sound system can't handle moderate base and volume levels, then no one should pay 2k just to be disappointed. I would get on the Drive SRT Facebook page, state my displeasure with the system every time you can. You and everyone else with the same problem should do the same. I would repeat the rep's response on the Facebook page. Every time I do that I get a response from them. Not good publicity on a public forum.

I totally agree. My response(i had to hurry):

Usually if something is faulty and can be duplicated in EVERY car it is called a defect-not a characteristic of the system.

As far as the analogy to your home system, I am afraid that the problems you are experiencing are due to clipping of the amplifier. If driven too hard, the speakers( or amp) may blow. The amplifier does not have enough current and is causing distortion through your speakers. The speaker grills rattling? Well, if that is the case, take the grills off. Simple.

Outside of the LF vibration in the car, the distortion is minimal(for a car) and the speakers can handle it. By the way, I don’t (and S**** S******) doesn’t think it is the amp or speakers---it is how it was INSTALLED-surrounded by inferior covers and materials that vibrate by the effects of the subwoofer.

Perhaps Chrysler needs to think outside the box?

Disappointed with this conclusion since you admitted to me that this was not right.




Then, his response to that:

Tom,

I am simply passing along Chrysler’s stance. We have proven their system, including the stereo’s enclosure – in this instance meaning the vehicle – has limitations and they are unwilling to re-engineer the system. Again, I do agree with you. I do not, however, have a solution and Chrysler is unwilling to pursue it further. The only solution in my view – is to improve the enclosure (I do not and neither does Soundshapers) have the ability to upgrade the structure, panels and materials in your vehicle. If you feel they can – and you want to pursue the issue further – the only thing I can offer is to seek reimbursement for you once they have remedied the condition to your liking. I feel strongly that we nor they can not.

[kampsvilleboy]

Hmm... Interesting. Have you seen

this clip

this clip

which features an HK engineer talking about the Chrysler application of this system? Especially interesting here is the section that starts at 2:10. It doesn't seem that this system was engineered to or sold under the expection that this rattle/buzz at moderate volume/bass is exceptable and expected.

[753951]

Chrysler really needs to review this video and then come back to the owners of their cars with HK audio and explain what happened between initial mock-up/early production where system sounded so good, and current production.

[tom1040]

I was wondering at the onset of this thread if the deletion of the Sunshade and the space that was created had something to do with it. I am certainly not an engineer but it seems like a good place to start.

[753951]

There is linked video on youtube where same HK engineer talks about HK audio in Chrysler vehicles. Listen carefully from 3:50. He directly addresses vibration and rattle. This just adds insult to the injury.

Harmon Kardon® Logic 7 Surround Sound System for Dodge and Chrysler SRT8® models - YouTube

Harmon Kardon® Logic 7 Surround Sound System for Dodge and Chrysler SRT8® models - YouTube

[tom1040]

I called Chrylser customer care and started a complaint. HA! Curious how far this will go. Not so high hopes but we we see.