How much more is it?

I just added a Basslink (10inch sub and amp combo) and my stock system sounds soooo much better. However, if you want killer bass go complete aftermarket system.

 

The Audiophile system does the job without looking cheesy, like some aftermarket kits do.

It's a good balance between price and quality. But I can honestly say that after I switched out the head unit with a satellite 6 disc changer from an '04 Cobra and adding 2 8" subs to my Explorer, that thing would definitely win awards for audio quality.

 

What did you install and what did it take for the new component to be installed did you keep the OEM look of the interior?

 

I have not heard a stock stereo, but I am glad I did decide to get the Audiophile in my truck. Sound is very clear and there is plenty of bass.

 

Considering the stock speakers are 25 watts with paper cones, the Audiophile upgrade makes a huge difference in sound quality. It thumps pretty darn good.

On the other hand, for the same price of the Audiophile upgrade, you can "enhance" the sound quality of the stock head unit. Replace the door speakers, add an amp and a sub enclosure. The stock head units can sound fantastic with a bit of help from an amp (speaker level input amp or a line-out converter to atenuate the speaker level "high" output to "low" level-RCA amp).

My wife prefers the Audiophile. I like to add an amp & sub to my trucks.

 

Although better than a lot of stock systems, i swapped my Audiophile 6 cd HU for an aftermarket one and even on the stocks speakers, the sound quality was much much better. I proceeded to add amps, all new speakers and subwoofer and now its a million times better than stock, i'll never have a stock stereo ever again. I need more powerful amps and components though, coming soon.

 

You know, I bought an Audiophile in my '04 and if I had it to do over again, I wouldn't. I kick myself every time I think about it. In the future, I will always be getting the cheapest radio available and then putting an aftermarket GPS/CD/Satellite/Etc in.

I thought it'd be cool when I got it. And it was for a while, but there's a lot cooler stuff out there for not much more money, but with many more features. Plus the Audiophile sub-woofer takes up too much usable space.