i know many are unhappy with the Sony 700w stereo, but is the base option solid? or is it so pathetic that a "not even very good" Sony 700w is a must?

i am not needing an after market masterpiece, however, i need a decent listening experience to be satisfied.

curious on yalls thoughts.

thanks.

 

IMO, the base system seems worse than previous model years and the Sony system is excellent for the package price. I would have bought the Sony system if it wasn't for the sub on the rear floor. But the 6-CD premium system in my new truck is worse than my 97 base stereo. Therefore, I'm dropping about $2K for an audio install.

About the only thing I don't like about the Sony system is the limited bass which we normally like listening to at higher volumes, it just isn't there.

 

Stock system is brutal. I am waiting until all the kinks get worked out from the aftermarket guys with sync intergration, dash kits etc then upgrading for sure.

 

All I know is that I didn't pay what Ford wants for a portable stereo. I didn't pay that much for my Home Entertainment System with a 56" display and my portable Garmin unit combined. I believe it's waaaaaaay over priced.

 

I have the base system. I replaced my stock speakers with Infinity 8322 or whatever stock replacements. They sound good because they are 2 ohm and don't take much power to run.
The Sony sounds great for $500 bucks or whatever. I had a $3k custom system in my F250 and it was slightly better. Sony is a great value if you don't want to hassle with installing a system. The only thing i didn't like was the Sony sub taking up the rear floor. My seats are always up and my dogs live back there so I prefer a flat floor space.

 

I have the non-nav Sony radio on my '09. To my ears it sounds great. The bass is noticable on volume less than 3/8 maximum. The more you turn it up, the less the bass. Overall, to my non-audiophile ears, it's great and would get it again, if it was an option.

 

I think for the price of the upgrade, it is not worth the going to the premium 700W. Better off to get the base and upgrade from there.

But man, the base system sucks. Only good for voice conversation volume level. And it is almost as if the rear door speakers are non existent.

 

thanks guys

 

FWIW, I have the 700W Sony system in my truck and I think that it is awesome. The best sounding factory stereo system I have ever had in a vehicle.

 

Anything is better than the stock system, my 08' sounded better

 

Im happy with my 700w sound system. Upgrades are for the home theatre, but if you have the $$$ why not I guess.

 

I agree with King Ranch, I have a 700W Sony non nav system in my Scab and love it. Could it be better, probably, could it be worse, definitely. Does it do everything I want it to do, absolutely. The sub does take up some floor space under the back seat, but for me its a non issue. I bought the Scab because the back seat was a non issue. I went to my nieces graduation in Grenville this weekend and my two 6' nephews rode home in the truck over 120 miles and had no legroom problems. I guess that was the acid test. Brian sat over the sub and said he felt the vibrations, but being 17 yo he said he loved it. As a matter of fact, he was arguing with his 15 yo brother Luke over swapping seats so he could sit over the sub.....................Kids

Bob

 

The stock system (Lariat) is not very good. I would say it is better than my 2006, but not great.

 

I'll be the odd one out and say that I actually don't mind the stock system. Then again, I've never had a premium sound system in any of my vehicles. But, to my ears, there is enough volume, bass and treble for my liking. Plus, I wouldn't want a subwoofer taking up that valuable floor space in the back either.

 

I have to disagree in a huge way. The Sony upgrade is what? $435? What are you going to add to the stock system for under $435? A decent amp and sub/box will run you that easy and that's without a preamp controller. Add an amp for the doors and new door speakers and you're looking at close to a grand to do it right. To do it less than right you're better off with the Sony.