Has anyone compared the stock HU with a good aftermarket unit in the same system? What were your impressions?

 

I changed mine out to an Alpine IVA-D310 and it makes the stock speakers actually sound okay. Nothing spectacular but with the addition of being able to adjust the eq you can actually get decent sound out of them. I will be putting in a 4 ch and new speakers at some point once I get tired of just hearing the engine/turbo all the time.

 

Thank you for taking the time to reply. Without the EQ, how much difference did you notice?

 

I swaped the Stock Unit out on my Freinds ES, with a Alpine CDE-9846. The was a quite impressive improvement in sound quality. The Stock unit is Ok and the aftermarket unit is good. But we then changed all his speakers added tweeters and 2 12 in Audio bahn subs, with an audiobahn amp. Added a frostgate Cap, and a 4 chanel alpine amp for the interior speaker, all this totaled out to about 1200 dollars but it was a 1000w system that Kicked and Was realy Clear even when Cranked. I was quite proud of myself after it was all done. But yeah an aftermarked head unit makes a Bit of a difference, plus there are more options on them.

 

I just stuck a Pioneer Avic-z1 in my car, with no other changes. I'll be damned but it sounds a lot better. Cleaner and more powerful bass, and crisper sound in general. I was worried after getting the z1 I'd go crazy and want to re-do the rest of the system but since it's actually improved I'm happy with keeping it for a while, at least until spring.

 

If you're after sound quality, I'd leave the head unit, and start with a little Dynamat first, and then an amplifier. After that new speakers and subwoofer. Once you have all that I might replace the head unit if it doesn't have RCA outputs, otherwise, an equalizer or more dynamat would probably be next, unless you want to do a quieter exhaust! What's a handful of horsepower when you could have quieter car?

Me, I'd start with a navigation head unit because I want nav and bluetooth more than sound in that noisy rattle-trap. Other than navi, I think those expensive head units are generally a waste of money. Why blow hundreds of extra dollars on a color screen when you'd be better off putting that money into better amps or speakers?

Oh, I did have XM satellite radio, and I think that's worth the money if you're interested in it.

 

Thanks for the replies, guys!

FYI, I'll be running Dynaudio 240s up front, no rear speakers, no sub, and the JBL amp in the glove box that I had in my RS. I like the concept behind using the stock HU, for other than sonic reasons, but I may install a Nakamichi CD-300. The front doors will be lined with 2 layers of RAAMmat to keep the sound inside the car.

 

We have similar taste in audio systems. Great choices!

We have different taste in cars though. I'd never get an Evo for myself because of the noise/vibration/harshness. I'm considering a used Audi A3 or Acura RL for myself.

 

 

Have you driven an Evo? Well you say that again when a tiny little 2.slow goes way Past you at the track. And the Vibration and harshness aren't there. The noise, well ther is a little noise but nothing serious. Acura RL Is a Good car, but it still isn't an Evo. Evos are a Special breed nothing can match them, although some cars can out perform them Nothing drives like an Evo. It is my kinda car, so don't knock it till ya try it.

EDIT: ohh so i see your wife has an Evo HEHE, I guess they aren't in your best intrest . I am a BMW fan myself cause of the smothness but and Evo is just a Freaking Blast to drive. They should have called it a 2.0 turbocharge 4wd Orgasim.

 

The noise isn't serious? Vibration and harshness aren't there??? Have you ever driven a real actual car?

It's simple. The RL is the fastest car sold in the USA for use on public roads. See, there's a real limit to what you can do with traffic, police, etc. The RL helps you avoid traffic with the NavTraffic system that's standard equipment. Combine that with about the same power as an Evo and a more advanced AWD system, and you can get from place to place faster than anything else.

Besides, the RL is WAY safer.

 

No offence, really, but I wouldn't even consider a RL for purchase. Just goes to show - different cars are right for different people. I wouldn't defend your choice if I were you. You like the car, it fits your needs and preferences and the Evo doesn't, and that's all there is to it.

 

Eh, the RL could hardly be more different than an Evo, unless it were a pickup truck. Obviously almost no one here would buy one.

Besides, I can always borrow my wife's car if I get in that kind of mood.