Do you like it? Are you happy with the sound quality? I'm not an exhibitionist, I don't like to be heard from 2 blocks away. But I DO LIKE to rock out to some heavy metal and hard rock on a sunny day with the windows down! So for a moderately enthusiastic audiophile, does the stock Rockford system get the job done? Or will I be disappointed, and I'll want to upgrade ANYWAY?

My basic dilemma between the GSR and MR, is if the MR is worth all the "creature comforts" or if I'll want to upgrade them anyway?? Thanks for any help guys!

Oh, and one other off-topic question. The GSR is a 5 speed, while the MR is a 6 speed, correct???

 

Stock sub hits, but it's never enough for me - I'm a huge bass guy and listen to nothing but hip-hop.

I never did get to test drive the base and listen to the sound quality and compare the two, although buying the SSS package wasn't for the sound system. It was more for the HID's and I didn't really care much for the wing either.

Do I like it? I'm content. Aftermarket is always the way to go.

GSR = 5 sp.
MR = 6 sp. tc-sst semi automatic

 

My MR came with the RF Nav system. The sound quality of it would have been fine if the unit had proper iPod integration. I ended up replacing the whole thing, and couldn't be happier.

Do be aware that you can get an MR with the base stereo as well... In addition to the other comforts, get get Bilstein dampers, Eibach springs, BBS wheels, and slightly different interior and exterior trim to go along with the shiny red MR badge and TC-SST.

 

I don't like it. Whatever it is, the stock amp, the speakers, whatever, the system just doesn't get loud. You can actively hear it cutting out at higher volume, which is annoying to say the least. It'll start a song loud, and cut it down lower as you go.

The RCA/aux in works fine, true iPod integration would have been cool, but not a biggie. It just simply lacks volume. Not that I like rocking out that hard or anything, but louder exhaust + stock system that doesn't get loud=pretty weak sauce.

I have the navi system too, which I personally like (not that it's super great, but it integrates well in the car), but the radio? Blah. Might be a way to "fix" it, with an aftermarket amp or something.

I ended up with the SSS package; removed the wing, dislike the radio, and added driving lights, big ones Sort of a waste for me.

 

Best advice, honestly, is to head to the dealership and sit in an Evo or Lancer that has the Rockford system.

Reason I say that is you'll get so many different opinions here that will vary from "it's awesome" to "it sucks." Not going to be very helpful.

Plus, you're taste in sound quality could be very different from all of us. What sounds good to me, may sound like total pooh to you. See what I'm saying?

Head to the dealership. Bring some of your favorite CDs. Just sit in the car and rock out to some music. Play with the settings. Then you'll know if it's good enough for you. I do this with every new car I'm going to buy.

Me personally, I think the stock system is decent and gets the job done. It's definitely not high-end, but I didn't have that expectation going into it.

 

I went to the dealership before I bought mine. I listened to my music with my Ipod. I thought I would be happy with it. Then I bought the car and I was shocked at how loud I had to turn up the volume to enjoy the music while driving. Bass is fine for me, but mids and highs are terrible. I have to turn it way up and then at highway speeds, I can barely enjoy it. Forget about having the windows down if you want to actually enjoy the music.

What I mean by "enjoy" is this: I can tell what song is playing, but it isn't loud enough for me to hear my favorite guitar notes, or softer vocals. It's like having the radio at a level you can still talk over. It's fine for background noise, but for enjoying the music...I'm unhappy. I will be getting an amp after the weather warms up.

 

Def. wont disappoint you. I love mine. It hits very hard and has amazing sound quality. i would say go for it.

 

2010 models have an upgraded sound system with more power compared to 2008/2009 models so like atombomb33 said you may want to sit in the car and try it out for yourself.

 

I've listened to the RF system in the 2010 Evo and it's trash just like in the 2008.

The nav unit itself is worth the upgrade, sort of... There are far better deals out there in the aftermarket world. You can get 2 aftermarket nav systems and a full blown stereo for what you'll pay for the stock nav with the RF stereo.

For many people, the RF system is enough. But IMO, if you're driving more than 30mph, the stock stereo is not loud enough, especially with the windows down.

 

I think you have to consider age and expectations. Personally I find the RF system loud enough for my tastes but I don't crank the volume any more as I've learned to appreciate music at lower volumes. If you are a young guy or a basehead the system probably won't measure up but if you are in your 30's and not an audiophile I think it's fine.

 

Gotcha. Thanks for all the help boys! I'll try to find one locally to listen to. Your opinions and advice have helped out. Thanks again!!

 

came from a 94 civic dx with crappy front speakers and a 96 integra with just the 4 speakers all around.... stock sound system > than anything I've ever had.

That said, I've sat in a 3k sound system in my friends integra before and that thing blows the stock rockford out of the water. At the end of the day, I sometimes push the Power button and just listen to my exhaust sound

 

My Brother is a Sound engineer for a music studio... He said as a stock unit it's very very good due to it's "Flat response".

 

Don't get me wrong. I really do think that the RF system sounds great at lower volumes. They did a great job on the system. But, once you hit about 25, some frequencies are already at the peak of what the amp will allow. So turning up the volume, only increases the volume of the frequencies that haven't hit their peak. And yes, thus it returns a very flat signal because all frequencies are limited at their peak. It's like EQ that you didn't want.

I've rented cars that have a louder stereo than the RF system. But the RF system sounds good for what it is. I've dealt with it for over 2 years on 2 different cars now. Tolerable, but could be better.

 

there are always options such as sound deadening which will improve your audio quality by simply isolating the sound sources. people are complaining about making the radio louder when the outside noises get louder, so why isn't anyone talking about hearing the outside noises less?

anyways, i loved my alpine cd/radio deck with ipod integration and miss it dearly. i can't wait to get my avic-z110bt installed this weekend to get my ipod back finally! i think the stock system will be good/adequate for anything but hip-hop and jazz where the bass is very prevalent.