can somebody let me know if the audiophile radio is worth getting--Iheard the radio and cd in the other one but haven't heard the audiophile---is it worth paying extra for---please advise

 

Worth every bit of it.
No need for any more upgrades to stereo system if purchased. I refused delivery because of it from my first ordered truck because it wasn't ordered properly. Its that good. Unbelievable overall sound.

 

For $995 you can easily do better.

 

I have to agree with Deus on that one. That is alot of money to shell out for a factory system that will still use crappy speakers (even if they are component style). You know how auto makers and dealers just love to overcharge for accessories. Well the stereo system is just another accessory.

 

I'm with Buster on this one. Well, almost anyway.

The upgrade on a Lariat to the Audiophile is $475. But only $404 is your are at invoice, as most are. You get a 6 CD changer, a head unit with more features, a small ( but space eating ) sub and front door "component" speakers. I've owned a bunch of Ford trucks over the years and have never paid for any of those lame "upgraded" systems. I've always pulled them in favor of some real equipment - Canton, MB Quart, JL Audio, Precision Power, etc. However, after a side by side comparison of the stock system and the Audiophile, I have to admit it is worth the price. Now, I know that this stuff is basically junk ( paper coned speakers, self powered sub ), but it actually sounds quite decent. Even to a car stereo snob from way back. I ended up ordering it on my '04 just to hold me over till I get around to the "switch".

For $404 it's a bargain. I don't see where you could do alot better even for $995. I never thought I would be able to say that about a Ford factory system.

IMO, It's not quite great, but pretty damn good.....

 

Well I guess it all depends on your definition of pretty good. There is not one single factory system that comes remotely close to the sound you could achieve with minimal investment. I know that your thinking well even at $400 it isn't a bad deal but the problem I see here is ordering the truck with that system. If your going to order it then the Audiophile system would cost you in the area of $900 although it is camoflauged when seen as an upgrade. So, for $900 no I don't think it sounds like a $900 stereo should. All things considered if it is in the truck already then maybe you will be happy with it. If it is not in the truck and you plan on ordering your truck special built then get it with no stereo at all and redirect the money save toward something nicer.

 

I see your point. But then again I don't. If Ford would let me order a Lariat without a radio at all, then I'd pass on the whole factory system. Fact is, they won't. You're stuck with what comes standard with the trim package you order. Every '04 truck, regardless of trim level, comes with a radio/speakers of some type. You don't have the option of deleting it. I'm OK with that because come trade-in time, I just throw the crappy stock system back in and unload it. Having no radio at all doesn't help with resale, IMO.

Like I said, I think Ford's factory stereo is junk. But for 90% of buyers, the Audiophile is a good deal.

 

Clem,

I see where your coming from now better than from your previous post and can appreciate your standpoint. You are right when you say that a high percentage of people would love the audiophile system and need no other equipment to be and remain happy. However, I feel that if someone is taking the time to post and get response from other audio enthusiasts they are more than likely the other 10% like you and I that would more than likely not be satisfied with the performance of the system and eventually look for ways of upgrading. Not to mention that to upgrade a standard HU would be easier and less expensive than to try and upgrade the Audiophile system.

 

I feel the same way about my Mach 460 sound system in the mustang, it sounds very good for a factory system, but you can always do better aftermarket. But mine is good enough for me now, I will probably upgrade after I do every other mod I want to to make the car faster