I have a Performance with the base (non-Bose) stereo.

When I first drove the car, I though the stereo sounded OK. Then later on I realized that I could barely make out the vocals on a lot of songs. I was listening to Tool's Aenima CD, and especially on Tracks like #9, the vocals were barely discernible. Also, the base was really muddy, not tight at all. And the highs were kind of weak-sounding. (I tried playing with the bass and treble settings, to no avail.) And I'm no audiophile; I think anyone could recognize these shortcomings.

So I listened to the same CD on my home stereo that has good speakers (Vandersteen ) and discovered that the vocals are perfectly clear and stand out beautifully, and the CD sounded about a thousand times better. Now, perhaps it's not fair to compare an OEM car stereo to a good home system, but I should be able to hear the vocals in my music, and hear individual drumbeats instead of just a vague booming in the background!

I'm not big into car stereo and not willing to shell out big bucks at this point, but I wonder if a decent solution is to just put in better front speakers? Does anyone have any ideas on this?

 

Buy my system on my trade in dirt cheap and have a bad *** system for pennies on the dollor.
That is if my bose system really stinks then ill use my stuff to
replace it.

***
Look on Ebay for mbquart speakers $250 <<<don't lose value

and a good 4 channel amp $300 (precision power- art series) -
my fav, it doesnt shut off due to heat like the other amps Ive tried.

The head unit you got should work.

550 upgrade is my guess

Install $150

$700 total

 

Thanks for the tips, this is very good info. I am just learning about car stereo, but I have heard many people mention MB Quartz speakers. This sounds like some good advice.

 

That's why I never get the top of the line stereo system from the factory. I usually replace it with an aftermarket stereo because I love my music.

 

Can anyone confirm if the base head unit has rca inputs or outputs?

I also would like to know if the sub woofer cable has been pre-wired even though it isn't installed.

 

Tool owns, you should not be subjected to poor quality audio while listening to Maynard. Drop a JL 10" in the hole where the sub goes on the touring model, put some MBs in the stock speaker locations (they are sweet, i have a pair myself) and get a couple amps (alpine?) Peace.

 

z350z I am impressed...superb taste in music & vehicles

outstanding.....wish I could listen to Tool in a 350Z...maybe next year