Audio System Brand Poll 2.0
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I had Bose in my Tahoe in the 90s the system sounded good until speakers blew and found out everything was proprietary and replaced it all with aftermarket. I would prefer name brand in top aftermarket audio so you know you can replace or upgrade later.
Yeah, I have a Bronco with bangs and a Chevy with Bose, neither are that impressive, but the Bose is a bit better quality.
Save the royalty fees and put in a simple system that sounds good with standard speaker sizes. I'd prefer fewer high-quality speakers over 38 crappy speakers. Also, knowing the deeper bass will suck like it does in ALL OEM systems, please give me an easy full-range signal somewhere to tap for an aftermarket amplifer and sub(s).
I just want to connect a ham radio into the audio system easily with audio interrupt.
To be honest, the name on the stereo matters less to me than just sounding good. I would prefer a system that has marine grade speakers, that can handle some moisture and dust in the off road environments, that are industry standard so if they go bad, they can be replaced.
An alternative proposal, something I have been thinking about for a long time that I wish manufacturers would do… Do not integrate the audio system with the head control system (or whatever it is called). Let the car functions, nav (actually save $$ and omit the nav too and just focus on Carplay/Android Auto), HVAC controls, etc, be on their own on the main screen. Then have the radio be a separate double DIN module that can be customized by the consumer to their heart’s content. I am sure the aftermarket vendors would love that as well as consumers. Everything else on Jeep/Bronco/Etc can be customized; why not audio? Make it EASY to customize! Let the car mfr concentrate on what they do best and aftermaket do what they do best! Include a basic, low cost system for out-the-door tunes but make it cheap and modular. What a breath of fresh air that would be!
That kind of set up takes up extra space and makes it harder to achieve a clean look. It also invites theft. I don't think anyone's wishing for the return of detachable faceplates to discourage thieves.
I also think there are a lot of people, myself included that don’t want to pay $60K+ and get a shitty radio that I then have to pay a shop (I’ve never met an audio shop I trust) to put something decent in. I’m sure there are the 5%’s who love running wire and building subwoofer boxes, etc… but the vast majority of people just want a decent stereo system to enjoy
I am the 5%. But having a great and modular starting point would be awesome.
100% correct. I really like the Harmon Kardon in my truck. The B&O in the Raptor was marginal.
Totally agree with this, at this price point a good sounding system needs to be included IMO. I like to tinker and I'm sure custom builds would be even better, but I'll focus on other parts to the truck to mess with
Never been attached to a specific brand but the Harmon Kardon in our Subaru is also pretty bomb, definitely exceeded my expectations.
I’ve loved Harmon Kardon in my BMWs and Jeeps. Also, have really enjoyed the quality of B&O in Mercedes.
I am not an audio person, so I would prefer a mid-range system with just "good" sound. I have never upgraded the sound system in any of my vehicles (not even the optional stuff offered by the manufacturer) and likely never will. I guess that puts me in the 95% that J Alynn talks about.
But I don't want the audio system to be separate from the main head unit. I use my phone, a dedicated MP3 USB stick, and XM radio for music and I don't want to give up the integration that lets me control everything from the car's audio controls. I want to be able to use the main screen for album, playlist, channel selection and the steering wheel controls to manage volume and skipping tracks. My current EV lets me do that for Android Auto, USB stick of MP3s, and XM radio because the radio is integrated into the head unit.
I'm shocked JBL didn't make the cut in either poll, if only because they're pretty mainstream everywhere. Maybe because JBL is typically an aftermarket upgrade in vehicles? My CX5 has premium factory Bose system (I get it - "No highs, no lows..." "Buy Other Sound Equipment" and you won't find Bose in my home), but it's plenty satisfying so long as Centerpoint is engaged. Otherwise forget it, might as well have a $20 bluetooth speaker without Centerpoint on.
Like most other folks, I just want it to sound good on the road. Give me a balanced sonic experience that I can appreciate at low volumes and at reference. Give me enough bass to feel it when I crank it, but not sound like a floppy fart fest at high volume. My partner's Tesla 3 had an amazing sound system, all propreitary. Now his Polestar 2 uses something else...and he doesn't enjoy it as much.
I voted Scout - if SM can produce a bespoke stereo system that integrates and performs well (no doubt they can given everything we've seen thus far), then I think that will satisfy 99% of users. And as someone else stated, the remaining 1% has already mapped out their custom install.
Like most other folks, I just want it to sound good on the road. Give me a balanced sonic experience that I can appreciate at low volumes and at reference. Give me enough bass to feel it when I crank it, but not sound like a floppy fart fest at high volume. My partner's Tesla 3 had an amazing sound system, all propreitary. Now his Polestar 2 uses something else...and he doesn't enjoy it as much.
I voted Scout - if SM can produce a bespoke stereo system that integrates and performs well (no doubt they can given everything we've seen thus far), then I think that will satisfy 99% of users. And as someone else stated, the remaining 1% has already mapped out their custom install.
I just want great-sounding audio, even if it’s an option on the base vehicle. I’ve been driving Lincolns for years, and every couple of years, they’ve changed the audio package level. Now, you have to get the top-of-the-line vehicle to get it. This is unacceptable.
Even better make it be that the speaker mounts are the exact same for all the vehicles from start to production to the future of scout and make the newest model of speakers purchase able via Scout Supply. Then it’s a win win. Everyone gets OEM parts no value decreases of the vehicle. And you can upgrade the vehicles sound system easily.
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