is the factory stereo any good?

[chi]

Im about to order my vibe. But i was thinkin if the added 700$ CDN for the 200watt 6disc 6 speaker stereo was worth it. Or should I just go to some car audio store and buy a JVC package or something like that? Thanks

[Vibe Rater]

I have the 1 disc CD player with the added 200 watt amp and 6 (4) speakers + (2 tweeters). It sounds pretty damn good to me. I've read in this forum that the air bag system does not work without the stock stereo. Don't know if that's true, but if it is, that might be a reason to stick with the factory stereo. You can always upgrade the speakers if you're not totally satisfied with the sound. BTW, how long is the dealer telling you you'll have to wait for your VIBE? Other westerners have waited 6-8 months or more for an ordered VIBE in Canada.

[MrRich]

I have the upgraded stereo too.And i guess it is not bad from a factory stereo.And how Vibe Rater sad you can changed your speakers if you don't like them.Good luck with it!

[chi]

My dealer told me i'd have to wait about 3-4 months

[philndz]

the upgraded stereo had my vote....although i have some confused questions about it...i'll post those seperately thoughsounds good...goes louder than you could ever listen to it.....needs more bass though-phil

[philndz]

yeah..im gonna post my questions...maybe y'all can help

[ngilbert]

I think the factory system is good. It does need a little help on the bottom end, so you might want to add a sub or tube at some point. Or try replacing the stock speakers. But I really like the indash 6 disc changer, load 'er up and have music for hours, great for the long trip.Of course, it come down to user preference. Some people will immediately drive their brand new Vibe from the dealership to the audio shop and gut the original system. Just depends on what you want. Good luck in getting yours!

[Sub-Vibe-R]

I think the upgarded factory sound system is good but I'm not sure if it realy worth the $700. But if you don't want trouble and playing in wiring, go ahead and get the 200 watts optional sound system.

[ShotInTheDark]

I have the upgraded steroe in mine as well. I just got home from Circut City as we speak to swap out all 6 speakers. WOW! talk about a difference. I went with Infinity Kappa's all the way around (tax money came in today). As for the head unit and the airbags, the guy I spoke with through the road shop said that there is a 50 dollar part that needs to be added for the door chimes to work but the airbags ARE NOT tied into the head unit in any toyota/pontiac vechicle. The only cars that have that feature are equipped with OnStar.

[Lorin]

The moons&tunes package was a good value in my opinion. First, you DO get a sunroof, which I think helps to take some of the boredom out of winter. The sound system isn't great, but its certainly better than what I had. Its a good start to tide me over until I get done with my performance mods. I wish I had the cd changer, and at the same time I'm glad I didn't pay the $325 to get it. I was using it as a negotiating tool against the dealer to get a better price. "No WAY am I paying extra for THAT! I don't even LISTEN to CD's!"

[Lorin]

Actually, I enjoy cd's, but it was part of the bargaining antics... I didn't want their changer cause i plan on upgrading later. I've decided I love the factory CD, but HATE the radio - I thought it was just lack of good stations in the Harrisburg / mountain interferance, but after driving 1,000 miles x-country and not being able to find a strong sounding station anywhere, I decided the radio doesn't measure up.

[johnsoax]

You may want to get this looked at lorin. Delco Radios have some of the best reception out there. I get so many more stations with my Factory indash 6 changer than I did in my old car with a JVC head unit (and It had really good reception too).I also think that the moons and tunes package is worth it (just for the sunroof) but I have found that I don't need to replace the factory stereo. The amp has been tuned to the car, so just set the treble, midrange and bass at zero gain and enjoy (if you want more bass you can bump it up a little) Right now my settings are Treble 0, Mid 0, and Bass +1 (each out of the range of -6 to +6) and I am very happy with the sound and I get no distortion in the range that I can stand to sit in the car and listen to it. I may replace the speakers in the future, but the rest of the system will stay as-is.

[cohocarl]

quote:I may replace the speakers in the future, but the rest of the system will stay as-is.I agree. The most important part of any sound system is the speakers. If I can figure out how to wire up my DVD/MP3 player to the original deck and use the CD changer inputs as a line-in, I'll put the original deck back in.