Premium Stereo v normal...Help needed
Discussion
Mr Aston Martin said:
Why anyone would want to listen to anything other than the engine and exhaust note is lost on me.
Have you *ever* been on a motorway? There is no car that sounds good at a ready 3000rpm for 300miles! That's when you listen to the stereo!
However, it wouldn't worry me if I had the basic kit, I have a loud exhaust, a ragtop (or no top) and big tyres. The stereo fights to be heard unless up on full.
AdamV8V said:
If you've got all of your music on an iPod, most likely ripped at 128Kbps (compared to an audio CD which is 1400+ Kbps), then you've already lost a whole lot of fidelity anyway, before you factor in the USB / AUX interface into the integrated unit and the associated cable quality etc.
In that case, if the rest of the spec is perfect, my advise would be to buy the car (then post a pic on here!) and put your six favourite albums in the stacker *if* you happen to get bored of Gaydon's Greatest Hits
+1 very good pointIn that case, if the rest of the spec is perfect, my advise would be to buy the car (then post a pic on here!) and put your six favourite albums in the stacker *if* you happen to get bored of Gaydon's Greatest Hits
I love these folk whom spend an arm and a leg on high end hi fi..... You know, gold connectors, the best speakers costing ££££'s
Absolutely convinced that they can differentiate, between minute adjustments on the dials
I've got a mate that spends a fortune on the stuff... £180 quid for ear buds
.. Whenever I go around he's always tweaking some setting or other, in the search for the perfect pitch....
All completely wasted, as his music taste is restricted to Paul McCartny, and Dido
After riding motorbikes, and working in a factory for 30 years, I'm as deaf as a post, so it all sounds the same to me...
Absolutely convinced that they can differentiate, between minute adjustments on the dials
I've got a mate that spends a fortune on the stuff... £180 quid for ear buds
.. Whenever I go around he's always tweaking some setting or other, in the search for the perfect pitch....All completely wasted, as his music taste is restricted to Paul McCartny, and Dido
After riding motorbikes, and working in a factory for 30 years, I'm as deaf as a post, so it all sounds the same to me...
To add my 2 cents into this discussion - I've come from an M3 with the Harmon Kardon set up and the Aston standard audio is far better than that.
The premium audio was on my "must have" list until I heard the standard set-up. Sure - if you have two cars infront of you and both tick all the other boxes then go for the premium set-up over one that doesn't but don't let it stop you buying a great car. I am really into my music, but found the standard enough for me.
The premium audio was on my "must have" list until I heard the standard set-up. Sure - if you have two cars infront of you and both tick all the other boxes then go for the premium set-up over one that doesn't but don't let it stop you buying a great car. I am really into my music, but found the standard enough for me.
WHUFC said:
The problem is I am stuck in the 80/90's dance music era and like a bit of bass. The BOSE I have in the porker is pretty good and although the noise of the V8 is one of the reasons for the purchase it won't be of much use when I am sitting in traffic on the A2 on a monday morning...
So, you want premium audio, just so you can hear boom boom boom....Lots of the kids around here must have premium audio in there saxos, clios, and corsas then
The difference between the Standard and Premium audio system is huge, but whether you need it, depend on personal preferences. BEtter take a favorite CD to your dealer and listen to it in both systems (normally each dealer has a car with Premium audio somewhere).
For me it was more than worth it, it is even the best audio system supplied I ever heard supplied from factory. In my opinion the Premium (Alpine) system even sounds better (deeper) than the much more expensive B&O system! As the B&O came as standard on my new car, I of course like the "sexy looks" of the speakers, but in audio quality it is no match for the Alpine system imho (as know from Audi, and ohter cars, the B&O uses too much compression by the DSPs, so it is crystal clear, no distortion, etc, but it lacks depth, and "bandwidth").
For me it was more than worth it, it is even the best audio system supplied I ever heard supplied from factory. In my opinion the Premium (Alpine) system even sounds better (deeper) than the much more expensive B&O system! As the B&O came as standard on my new car, I of course like the "sexy looks" of the speakers, but in audio quality it is no match for the Alpine system imho (as know from Audi, and ohter cars, the B&O uses too much compression by the DSPs, so it is crystal clear, no distortion, etc, but it lacks depth, and "bandwidth").
Having had two Porkers with BOSE in my opinion the AM Premium system is superior (it's also better than the BOSE in my 5 year old Audi). My late model V8V has a USB interface as well, which works very well providing you get the right memory stick to plug in! Radio reception is inferior to the Porkers, though, on both AM and FM (but presumably that'll be the same with any of the the audio options).
Set up's not a problem if you use those in this forum's FAQs as a starting point.
As said above, the only way to really judge is to take some tunes along to your local dealer and test drive both systems.
Set up's not a problem if you use those in this forum's FAQs as a starting point.
As said above, the only way to really judge is to take some tunes along to your local dealer and test drive both systems.
Having read all these posts I'm definately going to compare my standard system with another to ensure I don't have a problem as it really isn't anywhere near as good as the Harmon Kardon'd M3 I had before the Vantage or the non Harmon Kardon'd 530GT I've got as the daily driver now. Just don't seem to be getting da bass, how can I work out if the subwoofer Krisdelta refers to is working?
Why dont you go to a dealer and try them both - they are bound to have a standard and premium system to compare. Take your own music and make your own mind up.
They are your ears and its your money!
p.s. I have the premium system and spend most of my time listening to audio books! Its interesting and I can still hear the engine!
They are your ears and its your money!
p.s. I have the premium system and spend most of my time listening to audio books! Its interesting and I can still hear the engine!
I'll have to get back to you on that one
somehow I don't quite see itThe differences between the standard and Premium sound system are 'roughly' as follows;
Addition of rear speakers (same part number between standard and premium for the front and rear speakers, upto 09MY)
Centre speaker at top centre of dash
Replacing 100w sub woofer with 200w sub
Replace single Alpine amp in n/s/r boot with 2 amps, one to power sub one for the other 5 speakers
New config file to instruct car it now has premium sound (front to rear fade, DSP control etc)
Umm, think that's it. Unless someone knows different.
The parts are all available from Parts Operations via the dealer network. I do have a list of components somewhere........
Cost would need to be checked with the dealer. Then it would need to be fitted. All the wiring is already in the car, so essentially it is a plug and play set up, but you do need to take the car to bits a fair bit.
Having listened to both, I agree with some of the correspondents here and feel it is the best system the factory have, apart from the B&O system. Mmmmmm sexy speakers!!!
All the best, James (ex Paralight) Trackaphone.
Addition of rear speakers (same part number between standard and premium for the front and rear speakers, upto 09MY)
Centre speaker at top centre of dash
Replacing 100w sub woofer with 200w sub
Replace single Alpine amp in n/s/r boot with 2 amps, one to power sub one for the other 5 speakers
New config file to instruct car it now has premium sound (front to rear fade, DSP control etc)
Umm, think that's it. Unless someone knows different.
The parts are all available from Parts Operations via the dealer network. I do have a list of components somewhere........
Cost would need to be checked with the dealer. Then it would need to be fitted. All the wiring is already in the car, so essentially it is a plug and play set up, but you do need to take the car to bits a fair bit.
Having listened to both, I agree with some of the correspondents here and feel it is the best system the factory have, apart from the B&O system. Mmmmmm sexy speakers!!!
All the best, James (ex Paralight) Trackaphone.
WHUFC said:
The problem is I am stuck in the 80/90's dance music era and like a bit of bass. The BOSE I have in the porker is pretty good and although the noise of the V8 is one of the reasons for the purchase it won't be of much use when I am sitting in traffic on the A2 on a monday morning...
V8 07 Standard system, I listen to mailny Soulful House music so similarish in the style. I DJ'd for 21 years and owned a small record label, I also install PA systems. I haven't heard the premium but I have no problem with the standard set up. If a recording is a bit quiet you might stick it up to max and still feel like your missing something. The engine sound is something else but I just hit mute every now and then. Points to think about though... the CD changer doesn't like copied discs so if you're burning CDs they jump like hell (well mine did and I was told that was the reason). Proper CDs don't jump though, so if you have loads of MP3s an ipod connection is a must. My one cost about £550 five months ago (eye watering I know). Don't know how old you are but my hearing isn't what it used to be, it's like the HD TV thing. I can get the best picture ever if I got a pair of glasses. No chance of that! So would I pay for HD...Retman said:
Having read all these posts I'm definately going to compare my standard system with another to ensure I don't have a problem as it really isn't anywhere near as good as the Harmon Kardon'd M3 I had before the Vantage or the non Harmon Kardon'd 530GT I've got as the daily driver now. Just don't seem to be getting da bass, how can I work out if the subwoofer Krisdelta refers to is working?
The standard system is good BUT you have to play with the settings, there is no separate subwoofer control, so you use the normal bass control to crank up the woofing! Your ears and a passengers rump will soon know if it's not working.WHUFC said:
The problem is I am stuck in the 80/90's dance music era and like a bit of bass. The BOSE I have in the porker is pretty good and although the noise of the V8 is one of the reasons for the purchase it won't be of much use when I am sitting in traffic on the A2 on a monday morning...
It sounds like the better stereo is important to you and there are plenty of cars with the premium sound, so take your time and find what you want rather than rushing into a deal, unless it's too good to miss!!!I have had both and the standard set-up is good (once set-up) but the premium set-up is MUCH better.
I have already posted the spec difference ...............
http://www.astonmartinreview.co.uk/Vantage%20audio...
but if you haven't got the time to read it, in essence you have a more powerful amp, graphic equaliser, extra rear and centre speakers, upgraded subwoofer with independent control and surround sound. It is a good deal better than the standard set-up, and you won't pay anywhere near the £995 extra for it (price new) on a used car.
Paralight said:
Umm, think that's it. Unless someone knows different.
As Grant has confirmed and as per page 8.2 of the owners manual states the front door speakers are upgraded to 100W each too.I still find it odd how there are people out there who cant tell the difference between the two systems when it is so dramatic - that said the Premium does take a bit of fiddling to set up right but once it is setup as many other people have put the difference is HUGE and I agree with the comments above that it is the best OEM system I have heard in a car. The only way you couldnt tell is if you are listening to radio 4 at very low volume, either that or you have a problem with your ears... I accept that some people dont care if its better, but stating there is no difference is like saying you couldnt tell the difference in the performance of a V8V and a Vauxhall Corsa.
It was the first in car system I had that made me re-rip all my mp3's from 192k to 320k as I could actually hear the loss of fidelity in the tracks caused by the compression, and CD's actually sound better too on it - something I had previously only noticed on home HiFi. Its a bit of a shame that the Premium audio doesnt support lossless file formats but its still worth every penny of the new £1k price in my eyes and as Grant says the difference on used cars prices will be unnoticeable.
Adam2S said:
It was the first in car system I had that made me re-rip all my mp3's from 192k to 320k as I could actually hear the loss of fidelity in the tracks caused by the compression, and CD's actually sound better too on it - something I had previously only noticed on home HiFi.
+1 all ~8k of my MP3's are 192kmikey k said:
Adam2S said:
It was the first in car system I had that made me re-rip all my mp3's from 192k to 320k as I could actually hear the loss of fidelity in the tracks caused by the compression, and CD's actually sound better too on it - something I had previously only noticed on home HiFi.
+1 all ~8k of my MP3's are 192kI usually download 320kb/s if I can find it, but if not 192 sounds exactly the same to me.
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