[efbaxter]

I've got an EX and am happy with the car. I'd be happier with a better sound system. Has anyone switched out Niro speakers and or stereo? If so, I'd love some product recommendations.

 

[JasonC]

I am leaning to speaker upgrade, and not fiddle with the head unit. However with idatalink from maestro pretty much every car feature and more can still be shown on the screen.

 

[KiaKrazy]

All depends on how crazy you want to go. Some guys would go with traditional alpines or pioneers. I much prefer to go with something like Focals but they're pretty expensive. Other than that, JBL does make some nice aftermarket speaker upgrades.

 

[Alex]

Would you ever consider getting sound proofing done? Some people I know have done that with stock speakers, after the job was done they saw no need to get better speakers. These cars aren't as well insulated as some higher end luxury vehicles so sound quality will always be compromised.

 

[NiroLX777]

I have a LX and swapped out the factory speakers for Infinity Kappa 60.11cs components in the front doors and Infinity Kappa 60.11i co-axials in the back doors. They sound great.
I want to ad an 8" sub, but I need to do more research to find out if there is a low level output on the backside of the head unit to access instead of tapping into a high level from another speaker.

 

[MizAndie4245]

I was thinking of doing the same thing to my EX. Can you tell me how they sound in comparison to the stock speakers and how easy/difficult the installation is? I've seen those speakers on Crutchfield's site and I'm tempted to pull the trigger. Thanks!

I have a LX and swapped out the factory speakers for Infinity Kappa 60.11cs components in the front doors and Infinity Kappa 60.11i co-axials in the back doors. They sound great.
I want to ad an 8" sub, but I need to do more research to find out if there is a low level output on the backside of the head unit to access instead of tapping into a high level from another speaker.

 

[Dave]

Reviving this thread because I have the same question. Love the car, definitely don't love the sound system. Willing to pay some money to upgrade.

Head unit: Stay or replace? Will I lose the ability to access all the computerized gimcrackery if I replace the stock unit? Is there even anything out there that DOES replace the head unit? Crutchfield's site says No, but CarID has a bunch of "universal" units including ones with similar-looking touchscreens and so on. More trouble than it's worth?

Speakers: Is the poor sound a function of the speakers or the head unit? If the sound quality from the head is only mediocre, no amount of speaker replacement will make a diff. But if the speakers are known to be subpar, then maybe what would best serve me is just doing that. I suppose I could do the speaks and then if still not good enough, delve into replacing the head?

Subwoofer: Are replacement speakers with low freq response (e.g. 50-500 Hz) sufficient, or is a powered sub a must? Not much space to put one of those in, though...

Would greatly appreciate the wisdom of the Niro Collective...

 

[lafe005]

For the owners of the Touring and EX with optional sound system... How is the Harman/Kardon® Premium Surround Sound like ?

 

[jerp777]

i think Harman/Kardon sounds great. it goes fairly loud but I am not cranking it up much

 

[KK6PD]

I really like the Harmon Kardon in my EX. If anything I would consider adding more sound deadening, and quiet the interior even more! No need really to swap stereo components yet!

 

[lafe005]

I really like the Harmon Kardon in my EX. If anything I would consider adding more sound deadening, and quiet the interior even more! No need really to swap stereo components yet!

You guys are lucky in the states.. You are able to get with the EX trim, the HK sound package.! Not over here.!

 

[RedWouldForrest]

Dave -

As far as my limited research on this subject went, I found no stereo shop even willing to consider replacing the head unit with anything but the stock unit. The systems integration makes the head unit a permanent fixture - at least, for now. *Hopefully* someone will make an aftermarket stereo for the Niro, but I am skeptical that anyone ever will.

Amp/speakers/sub seems to be the only real way to customize the stereo.

Now, it is possible that the HK system for the Niro could be installed, I didn't look any further into it when I discovered our cheaper head unit is a $1600 part.

Considering our warranties only cover the dash electronics for 3/36, I'll be selling mine in the beginning of year 3 latest. Probably much sooner, as the lack of bluetooth text support is a 100% deal breaker for me.

But PLEASE, if anyone here can contradict my reply, do so. I'd keep the car longer if I could put a head unit in which is better suited to my needs (and sounds better).

 

[Dave]

I am sure I would be fine with the H-K premium audio. But I have the regular, stock audio, and it leaves a great deal to be desired.

And I recognize one cannot get audiophile quality on the road, that's not what I'm after. Was just trying to give the background that I have exacting needs when it comes to music in the car, is all. I would not wear headphones while driving; that's not safe IMO.

A concern I have is that it may not be possible to replace the head unit in any case, because of how fully it's integrated into all the computerized controls and features. So I'm trying to figure out how much improvement would be realized with replacing the speaker system. Any thoughts folks?

EDIT: Whoops, I didn't see RWF's post before writing this. Thanks for that confirmation that the head unit has to stay!

So do folks have any recommendations for what the sweet spot is for replacement speaks? I am willing to spend some $ to maximize the sound quality, but of course I expect that it will only ever be so good from the stock head unit, so there will be a point of diminishing returns beyond which it would be senseless to spend. Any idea what point that might be??

 

[RedWouldForrest]

If you can, listen to JBL's "Club" and "Stadium" speakers. I'm pretty sure they are made in the correct sizes for the Niro (6.75-6.5" for 4 doors + dome tweeters for dash corners), and IMO, some of the very best in the "moderate" price range.

Until Klipsch releases their long-awaited car stereo line, these JBLs are arguably (among) the best for the price.

 

[Dave]

Thanks again. The Crutchfield site has a "fit wizard" in which you enter your year, make, and model, and it shows you everything they stock that fits. They don't carry absolutely everything of course, but I know they've got lots of JBL so hopefully I can confirm the fit using their site (even if I end up purchasing locally).

 

[yticolev]

Do keep us informed of before and after sound. If the cost/benefit ratio is beneficial (subjective I know), I might follow.

 

[Dave]

Do keep us informed of before and after sound. If the cost/benefit ratio is beneficial (subjective I know), I might follow.

Will do.

 

[AZguy]

Crutchfield now has Focal and other speakers

I just ordered a Focal setup for my car, replacing the severely lacking H-K speakers. I hope this improves the sound, as I commute an hour each direction.


ETA: They also seem to have upgraded their fitment wizard. It shows speakers for each position now, although only the one Focal 8" woofer.

 

[RedWouldForrest]

AZguy -

Please don't be a one-post wonder. Speaking for myself, I am anxiously awaiting your followup, accompanied with your opinions once installed & further info (model #, price, etc.)

Note that a quick check at Crutchfield showed no change for available speakers for my '17 LX, but I do not have the HK package nor did I check the aftermarket options for available speakers.

Which speaker position did the fitment wizard suggest for your 8" Focal?

Do tell...

 

[Dave]

Also very interested to learn how this goes, being still in the process of identifying aftermarket speaker replacements myself...