Under-Seat Subwoofer Issues

[Kia Stinger]

Who's having issues with the subwoofers under the seats? You may not have them at all depending on which options you pick - but some people who DO have them are reporting they're not feeling or hearing any bass from these speakers. The more I see people talk about it, the more I realize this is becoming a fairly popular issue.

I'd like to discuss this and get to the bottom of it. Are the speakers faulty? The wiring? Did the wiring just become disconnected along the delivery process? Were they never connected in the first place? Let's get this figured out...

It should be working like this...

Update 02.02.2018 - Possible reason "some of the subs were not activated (turned on) on the amplifier".

 

[jwhollan]

That's interesting you mention that, because when I test-drove a GT2 last weekend I specifically noticed while testing the sound system that there didn't seem to be much or anything coming from under the seat. I chalked it up to the speakers under there just being not very powerful, but now you have me wondering if they just weren't working at all. So I don't have an answer for you unfortunately, but I wanted to chime in to say that you might be on to something.

 

[MikeyCanuck]

Anyone have access to a service manual? I’d like to know where the amp is and wiring schematics for the 15 speaker Harman Kardon setup!

 

[Kazz]

I was very disappointed in the sound while trying the radio and Sirius/XM. When I tried Spotify the system came alive. Source quality matters. Also, the setting for location (something like that?) that gives two options - on stage or in the audience. That made a huge difference. And don't be afraid to change the Fade setting!

 

[Kia Stinger]

I was very disappointed in the sound while trying the radio and Sirius/XM. When I tried Spotify the system came alive. Source quality matters. Also, the setting for location (something like that?) that gives two options - on stage or in the audience. That made a huge difference. And don't be afraid to change the Fade setting!

I'm always listening to Sirius/XM radio... That sucks... I do have Pandora, though. I wonder if Pandora's sound quality would be the same as Spotify's in the Stinger...

 

[Kazz]

I'm always listening to Sirius/XM radio... That sucks... I do have Pandora, though. I wonder if Pandora's sound quality would be the same as Spotify's in the Stinger...

I STRONGLY recommend you give something other than satellite and radio a try! Prepare to be amazed!

 

[Chris]

I STRONGLY recommend you give something other than satellite and radio a try! Prepare to be amazed!

This seems odd. In my optima I don't think I notice a difference between mp3s, Spotify, Pandora, or satalite radio. I live in the sticks so fm/am sucks, but all the others sound the same..

 

[Kia Stinger]

I STRONGLY recommend you give something other than satellite and radio a try! Prepare to be amazed!

I have Honda's best stereo system. If you know anything about it - there is nothing that can make it amazing outside of replacing it.

 

[Jayce]

This seems odd. In my optima I don't think I notice a difference between mp3s, Spotify, Pandora, or satalite radio. I live in the sticks so fm/am sucks, but all the others sound the same..

Right. The quality is all the same for me. Sirius uses decent quality. Now, am/FM, that's a different story.

 

[oxide365]

mine seem to be fine. played some star trek voyager bass theme and worked great

 

[AV8R]

I owned a Optima platinum and the infinity sound system was amazing. The Stinger 15 speaker system is not as good unfortunately , I think it’s because the are no speakers that use the boot to resonate the sound. Has anyone done a sound mod yet?

 

[Jayce]

I owned a Optima platinum and the infinity sound system was amazing. The Stinger 15 speaker system is not as good unfortunately , I think it’s because the are no speakers that use the boot to resonate the sound. Has anyone done a sound mod yet?

Well that's disappointing. I've got an Infinity system in my Optima and I've really enjoyed it. Was hoping to have either the same or better quality.

 

[Tazztattoo]

Anyone have access to a service manual? I’d like to know where the amp is and wiring schematics for the 15 speaker Harman Kardon setup!

I couldn't see any details in the manual regarding the sound system amplifier but according to the brochure image attached its located (hidden) behind the left/passenger side boot interior panel and there is no obvious way of accessing it easily. I would suggest KIA has intentionally designed it as a component not to be touched by the end user. Has any KIA sound system in the past ever had an external amplifier with sub-woofers before? I would not expect any KIA dealership service department staff to have any experience/expertise in working with a system like this so I think this is a question for the manufacturer directly who can talk to the factory about it.

Also looking under the front seats there is what appears to be a speaker grill under the outside seat rails but its diameter is less than the specified 200 mm sub-woofers so I dont think this is it (see attached). If you follow the large black wiring loom that leads under the carpet I think the actual sub-woofers are concealed from view. I can fit my hand through an opening there but cant feel a speaker cone.

Either way there is absolutely no sound coming from under the seats and any minuscule amount of energy you may feel down there is just whats resonating through the car from the door speakers.

 

[AV8R]

Very small speaker no wonder you don’t feel it.

 

[Tylor Pike]

Man no way. I wanted this sound system to be stellar! Can't believe most people seem to be disappointed by it

 

[Jumpy]

That's disappointing. When I first heard of this 15-speaker audio system with under-seat subs (!), I expected it to be amazing.

 

[ballistic]

Very small speaker no wonder you don’t feel it.

how big do you expect under seat subwoofers to be? they're the same size subwoofers in the upper level bmw logic7 system.

 

[Kia Stinger]

Let's keep in mind that some people are saying there is NO SOUND coming from these speakers. Let's wait to find out if they're even working before we spread the rumor that the Kia Stinger's audio system sucks...

 

[AV8R]

Not a technical guru but could the amp be the issue? The sub may be triggered by the volume before it kicks in to give extra bass. The speaker in the photo is way smaller than the sub in my Optima.

 

[oxide365]

i have one of these lying around, i think i will put it in if it fits in the trunk:

https://www.amazon.com/JBL-GT-BassP...id=1514004427&sr=8-1&keywords=jbl+bass+pro+12