Best OEM Car stereo

[chrisp84]

I know I know....not the most PH aspect of a car but having a decent stereo in a car is really important to me as I like my music.

Most car manufactures have upgraded stereo options - BMW (Harmmon Kardon or however it's spelt) Audi/Mazda (Bose), Vauxhall (Infinity) and more I'm sure. Are any of them any good and worth the extra money?

I've been driving a Volvo S50(60?) and the standard stereo is pretty amazing. I was just wondering what peoples favourites are?

[Leins]

The Becker Grand Prix @0:27

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ3ZJFHvXjI

[furrywoolyhatuk]

In my experience ford stereos have been pretty good especially on my old mk2 focus.

[silverback mike]

BMW Business are appalling, terrible sound.

[Eighteeteewhy]

Volvos fit some nice sounding kit.

[Chrisw666]

Volvo's systems are outstanding, their upgraded ones are better.

Apparently the Mark Levinson system that was optional in LS400s is outstanding and as I've heard that recommended by people who know audio I'd say that's amongst the best.

There is a Bowers and Wilks system in available in the Jaguar XF that is apparently worth driving an extra few miles to listen to.

[mikey-r]

The Harman Kardon one in my Landrover's excellent... even came with a sub woofer as standard.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Yep, the Mark Levinson one is quite extraordinary. Play a DTS soundtrack on it and it's something rather spectacular. Many a long journey has been enjoyed to it's aural delights.

[V6Paul]

I used to think the standard system in the MK5 Golf wasn't bad. I currently have the upgraded Bose system in the Zed and it's crap. Buy Other Sound Equipment and all that...

[Bisonhead]

silverback mike said:

BMW Business are appalling, terrible sound.

I agree, no bass whatsoever. Best so far has been the Concert stereo on the Audi A6s we have had, especially in the saloon. Excellent bass, not too overpowering but mighty deep and maintaining clarity.

MK2 MX5 was also pretty good standard!

[hussein]

Lexus all the way!

[jimbobsimmonds]

Eighteeteewhy said:

Volvos fit some nice sounding kit.

My 11 year old S60 is amongst the best I've heard; the only thing I've been in that comes close is a Jag XF with an upgraded system... I know I'm biased but it really is rather good...

[AC43]

The Harmon Kardon 7.1 system in my 211 E Class is very good indeed. 450 watts of power and detail.

[chrisp84]

Anyone know what the Bose stereo in the Mazda 6 is like?

[Whitean3]

I suspect that the Linn audio equipment in Aston Martins must be pretty good, if their home hi-fi is anything to go by...
A number of manufactures have the likes of Mark Levinson, Bang & Olufsen, Dynaudio etc. etc. People will pay the extra for a top notch stereo!

I can vouch for Bose being a festering pile of crap though. Utterly overrated. Have it in my 996, and I would not pay the extra fo rsuch a system (fortunately, the previous owner ticked every option box)

[frosted]

hussein said:

Lexus all the way!

This by far, but most people haven't owned a Lexus so they will never know about it

[GroundEffect]

My Z4M has the Bose OEM stereo. Is very good - two large woofers behind the seats for added thump.

[williredale]

Another vote for Volvo. My C70 has a great sounding stereo.

[TameRacingDriver]

V6Paul said:

I used to think the standard system in the MK5 Golf wasn't bad. I currently have the upgraded Bose system in the Zed and it's crap. Buy Other Sound Equipment and all that...

Funny that, I was just about to say I thought the Bose setup in my 350Z was pretty damn good considering the type of car that it is... although I've not tried a CD yet to see if it skips (common problem I'm told).

Don't use the stereo much anyway, the engine provides its own music.

[Face for Radio]

My Volvo S70 with an 8-speaker Dolby setup was absolutely fantastic.

3 little toggles on the front to adjust the levels, so you can minutely adjust them for each song if you wanted to get it sounding spot on.