[SirMattieP]

Originally Posted by Krusader_08_STI

40 shouldn't be the max, and to those that can listen to the radio under 15, I wish I had your virgin ears. The stock stereo is f$#cking worthless.

Oh wells, couple hundred bucks and ill be pretty happy im sure.

[Bownse]

Originally Posted by SirMattieP

Oh wells, couple hundred bucks and ill be pretty happy im sure.

so would the hooker on the corner.

[CKSTI]

IMO the STI is built for driving performance...and not to break my ear drums while i'm listening to music in it. I rather listen to the boxer engine, than providing loud music to everyone on the road.

[Bownse]

i guess mi 2. i like music and enjoy it in all my vehicles. if i can't hear it with the windows down, i roll them up. bashing my ears more than they already are is not something i choose to do. i assume that my fellow motorists appreciate my courtesy.

living with tinnitus is bad enough; no sense in making it worse.

[Integrity]

I think the stock stereo that comes in the 08 STi is pretty weak, even for stock. I had a nice aftermarket stereo in my 350Z, so I thought I was just being bias. Then my girlfriend got a brand new Honda, and the stereo in her car blows away the crap thats in mine. I purchased the stock subwoofer and installed it. It helps, but its still lacking IMO.

[pisymbol]

Yeah this morning I had my windows down and was playing a CD - honestly, I had it to 30-32 and that was fine but if I'm feeling like blasting it, 40 sometimes is not enough when playing certain kinds of music.

I agree with some folks that they bought the car to listen to the turbo TO A POINT...

[cookin]

This post is the exact reason I don't spring for the "upgraded" stereo! Get the lowest stereo option you can and then spend that 2k on something worth it.

[threader]

Originally Posted by Bownse

turn up the output volume of your mp3 player.

It is. As I said my volume is 20/20.

[Bownse]

Originally Posted by pisymbol

Yeah this morning I had my windows down and was playing a CD - honestly, I had it to 30-32 and that was fine but if I'm feeling like blasting it, 40 sometimes is not enough when playing certain kinds of music.

I agree with some folks that they bought the car to listen to the turbo TO A POINT...

this is why our town passed a noise ordinance that specifically included car stereo volumes. having it loud enough that people can hear it, in their houses with the doors and windows closed (and the AC going) is not the way to win friends and influence people.

and, before the ordinace, that's what was happening. now when it happens neighbors get the tag number and call in a complaint, the cops follow up, and the stereo continued to cost them more than just purchase and installation.

maybe on the highway but failing to turn it down when driving through residential neighborhoods is what upsets people and gets The Man down on us.

same for bikes with loud pipes (except they can't turn them down).

[FlyinbySTi]

If I listen to the radio it's much more quit then the quality of a CD for some reason. The radio I have to turn up a bit higher then when I have a CD in there.

[mofoSTI]

Im always around 35 and any louder than that it just gets distorted

[Interior Flaire]

The radio (what I listen to most) is significantly lower than the CD/MP3 player. I have to play mine at 40 and I still can't hear it. APS 3.5" + EWG owns this wimpy POC. Yeah, pretty worthless for sure. If I ever get any money, I am upgrading speakers with an amp.

CB

[Dante]

Wow, I don't think I've ever had mine above 30 and I listen to CD/MP3/Radio almost constantly. Did you guys used to be in the army or something?

Overall I think the system is about par for an economy car or sports car (which it is). I've also got the Sub option and played around with the eq and sub gain and volume a little to make it sound decent. In particular, when someone calls into a radio show I have to turn it way up (28ish) to hear the caller.

[thekiffer]

Originally Posted by Bownse

this is why our town passed a noise ordinance that specifically included car stereo volumes. having it loud enough that people can hear it, in their houses with the doors and windows closed (and the AC going) is not the way to win friends and influence people.

and, before the ordinace, that's what was happening. now when it happens neighbors get the tag number and call in a complaint, the cops follow up, and the stereo continued to cost them more than just purchase and installation.

maybe on the highway but failing to turn it down when driving through residential neighborhoods is what upsets people and gets The Man down on us.

same for bikes with loud pipes (except they can't turn them down).

I agree that as a whole we shouldn't be obnoxious with noise but you are making a lot of assumptions. I can't speak for everyone but I actually listen to NPR and at highway speeds with the windows down. My commute is about 30 miles mostly highway. When I get into the neighborhood I turn it down cause I going slower and it is quiet.

[thekiffer]

Originally Posted by Dante

Wow, I don't think I've ever had mine above 30 and I listen to CD/MP3/Radio almost constantly. Did you guys used to be in the army or something?

Overall I think the system is about par for an economy car or sports car (which it is). I've also got the Sub option and played around with the eq and sub gain and volume a little to make it sound decent. In particular, when someone calls into a radio show I have to turn it way up (28ish) to hear the caller.

Actually I was a Marine so maybe that is it but I also think it has something to do with the last part that you said. Talking is much quieter. I think that the system doesn't have a ton of watts going to it so it can't push much clean power to the speakers and you don't get good base or good treble. The mids aren't terrible.

I do agree it is par for an economy car factory system. Thing is this isn't an economy car. It is in the same price range as 350Z's and those have had pretty decent systems for years. It is the same price as an Acura and those have pretty decent factory systems and sadly I own a 2003 Park Ave that has as good of a sound system and GM's are notoriously bad.

It doesn't really bother me that it is medocre I am not surprised. At this point my expectations for this car are pretty low.