What OEM Sound System Has Pleased Or Disappointed You The Most ?

Differentiating the good from bad in modern cars today has become increasingly difficult. The playing field has improved to the point that it’s the details and available features that make the difference when deciding what automobile deserves your 60 monthly payments.

One of those areas that has always swayed my purchase decision is the quality of the stereo that comes with the car. As a result, we have started to ask manufactures that have specialty branded audio systems to have a chance to review them on their own. Recently, we asked Volkswagen to sample their Fender branded system as the word on the street was it was a solid system for a reasonable price. Read on to find out if it lived up to expectations.



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CarCrazedinCali - 8/9/2012 11:57:45 AM

+1 Boost

Bose seems to disappoint in the Infinitis for me. The ELS system in Acuras is not impressive either unless you use the silly dvd-audio discs. Harmon Kardon in the MINI is impressive as is the hi-fi or logic7 in the BMWs. That's my $.02

DuDE - 8/9/2012 12:09:18 PM

+2 Boost

The Mark Levinson system used in Lexuses are an absolute cracker!
On the other hand, the Bang&Olfson system in recent Audis doesn't live upto its $6000 pricetag.

Agent009 - 8/9/2012 3:34:16 PM

-3 Boost

The VW systems are across the board. the Fender and Dynaudio premium systems aren't bad at all. The Group 8 system in the CC is one the best non premium stock systems around.

But then you get to the base systems in the Jetta and they make your head shake and wonder why.

85bmw745i - 8/9/2012 4:28:48 PM

+2 Boost

Bose systems never impressed me with the factory receivers, but after changing out the head unit on my ML320 with a Clarion 7 inch dvd nav unit the whole system woke up and slammed like I had a 10 inch sub in the back. Ive seen this with other cars as well. the distortion and volume limiter really holds back the systems capabilities. I had a 2000 A4 with the Bose system and changed the factory unit out with an Alpine cd 123 bluetooth and man what a difference!But Yeah, I think Bose is the most over rated, especially in earlier GM vehicles with the Delco receivers. They outright sucked.

TauronB2G - 8/9/2012 5:44:47 PM

+3 Boost

I've been unimpressed with the Bose systems in my first 2 Mercedes. So ont the last ones I got the Harman Kardons because the hk home sytem sounds great. The MB Harmans are good but id like more. The JBL in our Camry is much better than I expected, I'd like more midrange but everything else is just right.
T

TehShibbs - 8/9/2012 6:29:14 PM

+2 Boost

I have to say that the Mark Levinson system in the LS460 is one of the best I've heard.

I do have to say that I'm pleasently surprised at the $600 option Boston Acoustic system in my Camaro. Very well worth the money.

85bmw745i - 8/9/2012 9:16:46 PM

+1 Boost

The Boston acoustics system in the camaro and the first gen 300/charger sounded great. Much better than the sloppy sounding factory system. The infinity systems in Chrysler products didn't impress me at all, especially in the trucks, as after a couple years the speakers go out (I know this because all 3 rams we have at work are 08's and their speakers in the dash and front doors are out. sometimes they work but break up and cut in and out. Replaced the door speakers and was shocked at how poorly the speakers were made. I can't believe Infinity would put their name on that crap.

MorePower - 8/9/2012 10:49:20 PM

+3 Boost

Stock systems in Subaru's suck.

cheechitup8809 - 8/10/2012 7:34:02 AM

+1 Boost

Burmeester in the Panamera and the Cayenne are absolutely fantastic. Better than the 6k B&O in the Audi IMO

iamdabest1 - 8/10/2012 9:25:08 AM

+1 Boost

not crazy about the stock sound on my 2011 m3.... but didnt think it was worth paying 40 more per month for 36 months ( $1440) on a $1900 system

sjd9346 - 8/10/2012 2:18:54 PM

0 Boost

The upgraded sound system in the VW Phaeton is fantastic.