With good sounding stereo equipment from the factory are people more content to stick with it or change?

Question

I think the better question is: Are car manufacturers making the sound systems too good to the point no one wants to upgrade?

Answer 1

It's not so much that the sound quality is better; but many manufacturers are integrating the audio system into the vehicle in a way that makes it difficult to change. Universal-sized head units are going away in favor of unique sizes and shapes to match interior styling. Factory head units and amplifiers are tied into the vehicle computer systems so that removing them affects other vehicle systems. It's much more challenging (and expensive) to install after-market components into many new vehicles.

Also, one of the biggest factors driving head unit upgrades used to be people who had stock cassette players and wanted CD's. These days almost all new vehicles come with CD players standard. OEM autosound is still slightly behind when it comes to auxiliary input or MP-3 capability, but when they catch up that will be another reason consumers might decide to stick with the old system.

Answer 2

Aftermarket radios are making a come back with TV screens and Navagation systems. Sure the stock systems have the power now and almost enough sound. But there is always room for improvement. Manufactures won't make a system that will cause severe hearing dammage. Some of the cars I hear around me are lould enough to send the occupants to the hearing aid store.

Answer 3

I have a 2001 Ford Escape with the Ford Mach Sound System, and was going to change it out (pre-planning before I got the truck) but it actually sounds better than the Pioneer sound system that I had in my last truck. And now with Bose partnering up with General Motors and Sony partnering up with Ford, I think that the only aftermarket stereo equipment will be going to those who want the mega-loud sound systems, or into the car companies that aren't partnered up with a major sound equipment company.

Answer 4

i never keep my car stock. there are a few decent stock setups like the higher end bose, or the new eclipse with the rf system. but for the amount extra they charge for that id rather get the base sound system and put the money i would spend for the upgrades into an aftermarket system i build myself. and even the best stock sound system doesnt sound as good as the right aftermarket setup

Answer 5

well it dpends does it come with a sub and amps? if not then yes u should upgrade but hey i jst spent 4500 on my system n cant wait to get stuck into buying better gear so realy depends how far u wanna go if you are gonna upgrade stay away from name brands they might look good on the packet but ur mostly paying for the name pioneer are 1 of the most known brands to blow up lol id say a good brand for u to get would be phoenix gold or soundstream start of wit a 10" sub and 1 700 watt mono block for the sub and 1 1000watt 4way amp for speakers. speaker sound 10 times better hooked up to a amp

Answer 6

in my opinion as a car audio enthusiast, and certified installer, i don't think there is a such thing as a good sounding factory system, i have never left one in any of my cars, unless they all start getting the lexus "mark levinson" system, their will allways be upgrades, however, their will be fewer with the compatability for ipods and fact. satellite radio and such options

Answer 7

its better to sticki with it because car stereos nowadays r very costly