Stock FRS Headunit/Speaker preformance

[jflogerzi]

I am eying a FR-S 6MT Asphalt. My plan is to add a new aftermarket head unit with GPS. This will be 6 months to a year down the road. I can live with streaming directions through Bluetooth from my phone.

Now to my question. For those who own one, how is the sound. My current 08 Jetta SE with what they call the "premium audio package" is okay. For example the Bose units in Infinity's G37's sound much much better. Where in your opinion do the stock unit falls. I don't need alot of bass (hate sloppy bass) but dose it have some punch to it?

[civicdrivr]

At low volumes it sounds good. If youre doing 40mph+ with the windows open though, you need to turn it up and thats where its weaknesses shine through. I've been playing with the settings since I got the car, and have yet to find that happy medium. Its either way to tinny or it sounds like the speakers are about to blow.

But, my other car has a rather decent audio setup in it (stock Bose speakers, JL 13TW5-3 sub, Kenwood receiver). I dont like boomy bass, but I do like to hear the low notes. The stock radio doesn't have that ability, nor is it as crisp as I like it. Audio is a personal preference though, so you may just need to listen to it to make up your mind.

Ive found myself driving with the radio off more times then not honestly.

[MTeator]

It has this progressive "bass removal" the louder you turn it. When it gets to over '40' on the dial the bass is almost gone. My Tundra worked the same way with the stock unit.

Windows closed and the A/C on low to the cabin is quiet the stereo can sound ok. But if you want it blasting with the windows down... no go.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by jflogerzi

..For those who own one, how is the sound. ...

That's a very subjective question, and really you have to hear it for yourself to see if it meets your specific requirements.

That said, I love the way the stock unit sounds. It sounds as good, if not better, than any home setup I've owned, and has more than enough power for the small cabin of the FR-S.

Then again, I'm not about huge subwoofers and increasing my gas mileage through lifting the car off the road with pounding bass.

I can tell you that the musicians in my family (my wife who plays professionally in a band, and my son who is studying Saxophone performance) both love the way it sounds.

[jflogerzi]

Thanks for the reply's. I just need to play the waiting game. Dealer said the car should be here today/tomorrow. Its a very small scion dealer as they only have about 10 cars vs the 100+ for Toyota for sale. Lets hope the dealer hold true to their word and calls as soon as it arrives.

[K2]

Pretty much what others have said here. The stock unit sounds fine. I find I've been turning the stereo down so I could listen to that sweet engine.

[Slick]

Any comparisons from the stock unit to the Premium or Bespoke in terms of sound quality?

I like crisper highs and sharper bass and wondering if I should upgrade to the Premium system here in Canada. We are not getting the Bespoke, but the Premium we have available in Canada is virtually the same, except for the apps portion. The Premium upgrade is $515 here.

There is also a Bongiovi audio upgrade that is supposed to sharpen the sound a bit. It's another $350 or so.

[Reliconfused]

Anyone know if the USB on the FRS can play straight off a USB thumb drive?

[K2]

Originally Posted by Reliconfused

Anyone know if the USB on the FRS can play straight off a USB thumb drive?

Yes.
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