I'm in the market for a new car. This is going to sound weird and maybe ill-advised, but I'm willing to let the quality of the car's factory stereo help determine what car I purchase.
For my past new vehicles, within months of purchase I've replaced the factory system and installed a new amp, Mini-DSP, speakers, Subwoofer. But I chose to leave the factory system in place because commonly, it's so tied in with the rest of the car (tire pressure, energy reports and gauges, GPS). In my last install, I used the Mini-DSP to try to correct for the factory unit's deficiencies (with mixed results).
In test driving cars, I find the factory systems to be, at most, adequate. And often they fatigue my ears quickly. I just want good or great sound (and loud is good as well - a quiet car noise level always helps immensely as well).
I'm at the age now where I'm a little tired and would just rather buy something that had a great stereo built-in that I could live with happily. I realize that one way to go would be to pay some local shop to install something for me. I'm keeping that in mind, but it would be more expensive than sticking with a great factory system (if such a thing exists).
Lastly, I've tried to research this myself but haven't had great luck. The best I can determine is that car manufacturers don't think a purchaser of a non-luxury car would enjoy quality non-fatiguing sound. Those are out of my range. I suppose something in the 30 grand (but not 40) range is my limit.
Anything come to mind? Maybe I'm asking too much (nothing exists in that price range)? The Mazda 3 seems to get good reviews for the 12 speaker Bose system, but I haven't had a chance to test drive it yet.
For my past new vehicles, within months of purchase I've replaced the factory system and installed a new amp, Mini-DSP, speakers, Subwoofer. But I chose to leave the factory system in place because commonly, it's so tied in with the rest of the car (tire pressure, energy reports and gauges, GPS). In my last install, I used the Mini-DSP to try to correct for the factory unit's deficiencies (with mixed results).
In test driving cars, I find the factory systems to be, at most, adequate. And often they fatigue my ears quickly. I just want good or great sound (and loud is good as well - a quiet car noise level always helps immensely as well).
I'm at the age now where I'm a little tired and would just rather buy something that had a great stereo built-in that I could live with happily. I realize that one way to go would be to pay some local shop to install something for me. I'm keeping that in mind, but it would be more expensive than sticking with a great factory system (if such a thing exists).
Lastly, I've tried to research this myself but haven't had great luck. The best I can determine is that car manufacturers don't think a purchaser of a non-luxury car would enjoy quality non-fatiguing sound. Those are out of my range. I suppose something in the 30 grand (but not 40) range is my limit.
Anything come to mind? Maybe I'm asking too much (nothing exists in that price range)? The Mazda 3 seems to get good reviews for the 12 speaker Bose system, but I haven't had a chance to test drive it yet.
An auto sound system is a collection of compromises so I can’t get on board with your way of thinking. Not only will it never sound as good as your dedicated listening environment, no other listening environment changes like your car does.
Windows open, windows closed, high speed or slow, downtown or country road, you can’t have it all.
One of the features I enjoy in both the Escape and the Edge are the equalizer and adjustable, speed dependent volume. I am sure most new cars offer this so use your smarts and pick the car that suits you best. The sound system will automatically sound better if you like your ride.
Windows open, windows closed, high speed or slow, downtown or country road, you can’t have it all.
One of the features I enjoy in both the Escape and the Edge are the equalizer and adjustable, speed dependent volume. I am sure most new cars offer this so use your smarts and pick the car that suits you best. The sound system will automatically sound better if you like your ride.
I hate the Bose system in my Mazda 3.....buzzes and rattles to no end, and the Bose center point and Audio-pilot settings just make things worse.
Good news on the Bose system is the amp has all the BS Bose stuff in it and the signal lines going to it are differential. So its a relatively easy upgrade to aftermarket amps and speakers.
There is a whole write up on the wiring here:
2014-2018* Mazda 3 & Mazda 6 w/BOSE Full System Breakdown/Analysis | 2004 to 2020 Mazda 3 Forum and Mazdaspeed 3 Forums
Good news on the Bose system is the amp has all the BS Bose stuff in it and the signal lines going to it are differential. So its a relatively easy upgrade to aftermarket amps and speakers.
There is a whole write up on the wiring here:
2014-2018* Mazda 3 & Mazda 6 w/BOSE Full System Breakdown/Analysis | 2004 to 2020 Mazda 3 Forum and Mazdaspeed 3 Forums
Good luck with that. Modern car audio is almost universally bad. People these days are pretty f%$#ing stupid and all they need to find satisfaction in their car audio is that the bass is like fullie sik bro and totes devastatin. To satisfy the average retard, it just needs to go doong doong dong dong duurrrrrrppppp duuurrrrpppp doong doong doong doong doof doof doof, and the car makers deliberately tune their systems to deliver just that, thereby engineering a heap of s^%t.
I very much appreciate everyone's comments. I guess I shouldn't be surprised, but the news is kind of depressing. Since I'm leaning toward a new car and can't afford luxury models, I think my best option might be to, here we go again, install new equipment to whatever car I purchase. Or hire a company to do it.
A darn shame that the majority don't value good sound while they drive. And they drive the sales. It's all about accessibility and connectivity now. Well hell, maybe they never cared. And I've never expected great sound due to the environment - just good sound. Though, you test drive a cars and it's bordering on poor and fatiguing.
A darn shame that the majority don't value good sound while they drive. And they drive the sales. It's all about accessibility and connectivity now. Well hell, maybe they never cared. And I've never expected great sound due to the environment - just good sound. Though, you test drive a cars and it's bordering on poor and fatiguing.
Luxury car makers used to offer upgraded systems. I have a 1998 Jaguar XJR with the optional "premium" sound system by Harmon Kardon which is a four driver system with a dedicated amplifier, a sub woofer in rear parcel shelf, and two tweeters located on the A pillars. I am convinced whoever calibrated the system listened to classical music as it just sounds great, its permanently set to a local classical music radio station. .....i never used to listen to classical music until i bought this car 
These day's i'd say don't consider the quality of the factory stereo system but instead consider how easy it is to replace in terms of kits, adapters, and so forth. Things are getting pretty elaborate. Some makes/models offer an option delete for the stereo so ask about that. They'll give you the car sans any audio equipment and you just populate it yourself.
I haven't met a factory stereo I liked since the 1989 Pontiac 6000le. Yes, you read that correctly.
I haven't met a factory stereo I liked since the 1989 Pontiac 6000le. Yes, you read that correctly.
New, we bought a 2014 Kia Sorento with Nav and the Infiniti stereo package. I know I know.. Kia, right? Have yet to see another vehicle come with a better system including my Nissan/Rockford Fosgate setup in my Nissan Frontier, and the upgraded Sony setup in my F150. That Kia blew them away - it would shake the mirrors and dip the voltage gauge at idle lol. I'm sure that is in your price range also. I think we spent $24k fully loaded that was 7 years ago though.
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