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Model specific boards => Golf mk8 => Topic started by: flipflops on 02 October 2025, 20:58

Title: HK vs Std
Post by: flipflops on 02 October 2025, 20:58
Has anyone heard both the HK and std speakers and compared them at all? I've DA in my MK7 which does sound great so was thinking HK would be a must going forwards
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: Carlosfandango on 02 October 2025, 22:34
The HK system in my 8.5 is much better than the standard setup in my previous Mk8. The standard system wasn’t particularly bad sounding, but the HK is a great improvement. I cannot comment on how either compare to the Dynaudio in your current car though.
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: fredgroves on 02 October 2025, 22:50
I test drove the Mk8 when it came out. The car I tested didn't have HK. My mk7.5 didn't have dynaudio either.

I felt the sound was not great on the Mk8... The main problem if I remember was the weird centre speaker.

HK is much better but still has the same centre speaker believe it or not. The bass is of course much better with the HK sub. If that's your thing. Doesn't make much difference to radio 4  :laugh:

I must get round to buying the upgraded one the chap on here sells.
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: GE90 on 03 October 2025, 11:57
I test drove the Mk8 when it came out. The car I tested didn't have HK. My mk7.5 didn't have dynaudio either.

I felt the sound was not great on the Mk8... The main problem if I remember was the weird centre speaker.

HK is much better but still has the same centre speaker believe it or not. The bass is of course much better with the HK sub. If that's your thing. Doesn't make much difference to radio 4  :laugh:

I must get round to buying the upgraded one the chap on here sells.

Hi, I'm here!

Just drop me a message if you would like one sent out. Really positive feedback from those with HK too - as it should have come the factory being often said. Completes the centre stage - as you say, how can the HK setup speaker be the same as that in the standard system!

Any questions just ask away.

Thanks.
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: JoeGTI on 03 October 2025, 12:15
I had a MK8 with the standard system and now an 8.5 with HK. Honestly, I expected to be more wow'd by it. It's a little underwhelming! Definitely a bit lacking in the bass / ooomphhhh department. However I did fit one of GE90's centre speakers a few weeks ago and its definitely made a noticeable improvement. Sound seems much fuller now.
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: flipflops on 03 October 2025, 21:00
Thanks, that's great feedback. Trying to tick all the boxes seems to be a nightmare so I'm trying to work out which I can do without. I do listen to a lot of music so am used to my Dynaudio, if it's not a huge loss to go std vs HK then I can relax a little and opt for one without.
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: Carlosfandango on 04 October 2025, 21:51
Thanks, that's great feedback. Trying to tick all the boxes seems to be a nightmare so I'm trying to work out which I can do without. I do listen to a lot of music so am used to my Dynaudio, if it's not a huge loss to go std vs HK then I can relax a little and opt for one without.

I’d say you’d be disappointed if you choose the standard system after having had dynaudio. The HK in the 8.5 is not bad, it greatly benefits from setting it up well however! When I took delivery of the car I was like others ‘underwhelmed’, but having fiddled with all the settings I find it sounds great, not as good as the HK system in my old 2020 M135i, but in my opinion way better than the standard system I had in my previous Mk8 GTI.
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: flipflops on 06 October 2025, 20:43
Thanks Carlos!!!
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: Dogman12 on 10 October 2025, 12:40
Standard system is completely alright in the 8.5. I tested both HK & Std. The difference is there, but only about 20-25%. Standard is NOT bad at all.
Title: Re: HK vs Std
Post by: sipj on 10 October 2025, 15:39
I agree with Carlos.  I was disappointed initially with HK, but now, after changing settings, I find it really quite good.  I have also upgraded the centre speaker.