I keep reading how good the stock sound system really is. For those of you who have put one to the test, how did it sound? Lots of bass with that sub?

Simply put, it's nice for factory. But, if you're expecting custom audio performance (i.e. a system with aftermarket head-unit, amp(s), crossover, speakers/sub(s), wiring and all that) don't get your hopes up.

-Keyline

I've checked out and as of Friday will own a 2WD Blue EX. The stock system has more body and bass than anything I've ever heard with a stero that came standard with a car. Though its only one 7.5in. woofer - the box looks very similiar to a kicker isobaric box, which brings alot of bang for its size.
:twisted: -pdub

According to those in the know, The Element EX's system puts out 8 times the power of the system found in a Civic

Yes it is louder than a stock civic. However 270 watts is the PEAK power. You probably won't listen to it at that level. I kept turning the dial on mine all the way up on several types of music; Black Rob, U2, Opera even, and the sound is nothing like a aftermarket stereo pushing 60x4 RMS (normal listening level) watts. It is simply the quality of the components. IMO it's way more than adequate for a stock vehicle though.

The subwoofer is sufficiently built and surprisingly enough, makes the mirrors shake.

i think i would need something stronger..but we;ll see

I liked the stock sound of the EL., but found that with one downfiring 10"subwoofer, located between the front seats, that it became that much better. If you put a box behind the rear seats you lose alot of the versatility of the vehicle. I should have some digi pics soon. One 10" sub and it more than just the mirrors shake. :wink:

PSKBEAR - Did you simply replace the stock woofer with a 10" woofer and left everything stock?

-Nick

I left the stocl woofer. And had them cutom fabricate a fiberglass enlosure between the front seats. Utilizing one downward firing 10". The amp can't be mounted below the passengers seat due to the heater vents so it was installed in the back of the passengers seat with a custom finisking ring. They had to cut the seat cover but thanks to fiberglass made it look awesome. Only 200 watts, but it hits hard and without distortion. I should have some digital pics soon.

just traded in my 2001 jetta for an Element, the only thing I miss about that car was the Monsoon System, I really wish the E had a system this great. I had my Element EX for only a week and decided that the speakers need an upgrade. Hopefully I will be happy and not have to upgrade the deck.

SSM 4WD EX AT

IMHO the stock system is crap. But then again I have a problem (more of an addiction) to car audio so my opinion is somewhat skewed.

[quote:cbf70055be="XCElement"]Yes it is louder than a stock civic. However 270 watts is the PEAK power. You probably won't listen to it at that level. I kept turning the dial on mine all the way up on several types of music; Black Rob, U2, Opera even, and the sound is nothing like a aftermarket stereo pushing 60x4 RMS (normal listening level) watts. It is simply the quality of the components. IMO it's way more than adequate for a stock vehicle though.

The subwoofer is sufficiently built and surprisingly enough, makes the mirrors shake.[/quote:cbf70055be]

Are you sure you have adjusted the system correctly? Not to sound dumb,, well ok, I made this mistake and I'll share it with you, I listened to the stereo for about 1 week and thought to myself, my 70 Cuda had a better system than this!! Then, I fugured out how to correctly adjust the settings. Example, pushing the RIGHT knob and raising the Sub, Fader, Treble and Bass,,, I cannot imagine turning the volume all the way up!! Sure I'm over 40 but I know that my Sabbath and AC/DC can put some serious strain on the speakers like U/2 and the such!!
Please let me know if this helps,

BWDave

I think it depends on what kind of ear you have for music. If you're used to bonethumping bass and amps and subwoofers in the trunk, you'll probably want to upgrade. If you're used to the cheesy AM/FM cassette stereo with 4 speakers you'll find it appealing. I think it's plenty fine, although seeing the mirror shake is pretty cool.

B

[quote:7103d65fa8="wr70beh"]I think it depends on what kind of ear you have for music. If you're used to bonethumping bass and amps and subwoofers in the trunk, you'll probably want to upgrade. If you're used to the cheesy AM/FM cassette stereo with 4 speakers you'll find it appealing. I think it's plenty fine, although seeing the mirror shake is pretty cool.

B[/quote:7103d65fa8]

The reason many people can't imagine turning the volume way up on many stock systems is because they just get LOUDER - the real problem is that they are also HARSH sounding because they distort or lack the sound quality and balance to sound pleasing.

Most people out there do not want bonethumping bass or subs and amps just for the satisfaction of having them - they want natural sounding music that has CLARITY.

I and many other people fit into this category. Yes, our systems can get very loud but they are perfectly clear and pleasing to listen to at ANY volume level. These types of people are often referred to as SQ (Sound Quality) enthusiasts.

Sure there are folks out there who only want BASS heavy systems but believe it or not they are in the minority or car audio hobbyists. These types of people are often referred to as SPL (Sound Pressure Level) enthusiasts, and thier goal is to create maximum pressure levels inside a car cabin - musicallity is a distant second objective.

If you ever get a chance, visit a sound competition and check out both types of competitiors (SQ & SPL) - but be careful - you might get bit by the mobile audio bug. :D

Just to add my two cents as a big music fan, but not an audiophile in any way...

I think the stock system in the Element EX is pretty damn good. It's a lot better than any stock stereo system I've ever listened to. I've owned a whole assortment of GM cars, most recently a Chevy Blazer LT, and the system on the E blows all of the others away. I've played everything from Blues to Folk to Rock, and all of it sounds great.

Of course, I have never added any kind of aftermarket units, amps or speakers to any car I have owned, so I don't know what the upper level of car audio sounds like. But I certainly wouldn't call this system "crap," particularly for people who aren't looking to spend money on an upgrade.

Now, if we're talking about a Hyundai stock system, then we're talkin' "crap. :wink:

My whole problem with stock audio systems is the price to performance ratio. People pay thousands for packages including a "great" sounding audio system and they wind up with what I define as "crap". And I want to be clear about my own credentials - I do not in any way define myself as an audiophile - I just like to own systems that perform at a level that offers performance that is actually equal to the price I pay for it.

Spend that same money you'd spend on any factory system on an aftermarket system and after listening to one song - you'll be calling the factory systems crap too. :lol:

It's said that "ignorance is bliss" and I believe the same principal applies here as well - however just because a person doesn't know what a good system sounds like doesn't mean that the best factory system you've ever heard is actually worth the expense.

I hear ya, but that stock stereo (the 270-watt model) is the one that comes with the AWD EX package. It's not like it was an add-on or some sort of option. I didn't really price out the DX or the 2WD. but does Honda charge a premium for that stereo with those models?

[quote:056c20037f="mreis171"]I hear ya, but that stock stereo (the 270-watt model) is the one that comes with the AWD EX package. It's not like it was an add-on or some sort of option. I didn't really price out the DX or the 2WD. but does Honda charge a premium for that stereo with those models?[/quote:056c20037f]

Yes. Otherwise the DX would include it at the lower price point it carries. I'd estimate that approximately two thirds of the price difference between the DX and EX is attributable to the stereo.

Example: The sticker price difference between a 4WD AT DX and a 4WD AT EX is $2550.

By spending the extra $2550 for the EX you'll get:

1. 270-watt AM/FM/CD audio system with 7 speakers, including subwoofer
2. MP3/digital-media auxiliary jack
3. alloy wheels
4. cruise control
5. overhead storage bin with map lights.

Now, the price for the following items:

The alloy wheels are $141.92/ea from the parts catalog so 567.68 total.
The cruise control option in most cars is about $250 dollars
And the overhead storage bin with map lights probably costs a whopping $50 bucks max.

The total of those 3 items is 867.68
Subtracted from $2550.00 - this means you are paying at least $1682.32 for the EX stereo and aux jack!

For that same $1600 - you could buy a kick-ass mono sub amp, a high powered CD head unit that plays MP3's (and maybe even has satellite radio capabilities), nice component speakers for the front, coaxial speakers for the rear, a 12" sub with enclosure, PLUS, you could have it all installed professionally for the same price or less than what you would have paid for the wimpy factory EX system.

And we haven't even begun to calculate the additional finance charges most people will incur by rolling this cost into the lease/loan!

I've never seen a factory system worth anywhere near the premium they charge for it and the Element is no exception.

If you have the ability to buy your stereo from aftermarket sources, it is almost always a better bet.

THE EX ALSO COMES WITH ABS AND AIR ALSO WATER PROOF BACK SEATS AND DONT FORGET ABOUT THAT ARMREST

[quote:a47811264b="ShaneS"]THE EX ALSO COMES WITH ABS AND AIRALSO WATER PROOF BACK SEATS AND DONT FORGET ABOUT THAT ARMREST[/quote:a47811264b]

Details, details, details...:roll:

Of course you're right Shane - I forgot those things. The A/C and ABS certainly do eat into a lot more of the left over money.:oops:

Perhaps a better comparison could have been made to the Honda aftermarket stereo equipment.:)

Moderator - please delete the post above since it destroys my argument! :wink: :lol:

For the record though - I still think the Honda system in the EX is junk.:twisted:

[quote:2302b9afcf="eMass"][quote:2302b9afcf="ShaneS"]THE EX ALSO COMES WITH ABS AND AIRALSO WATER PROOF BACK SEATS AND DONT FORGET ABOUT THAT ARMREST[/quote:2302b9afcf]

Details, details, details...:roll:

Of course you're right Shane - I forgot those things. The A/C and ABS certainly do eat into a lot more of the left over money.:oops:

Perhaps a better comparison could have been made to the Honda aftermarket stereo equipment.:)

Moderator - please delete the post above since it destroys my argument! :wink: :lol:

For the record though - I still think the Honda system in the EX is junk.:twisted:[/quote:2302b9afcf]

This Moderator feels that your post should stay there. :o It's sort of like inviting a new girlfriend to meet your family and your parents drag out a baby picture of you asleep in your bowl of oatmeal. :lol: It's good to have a little humility every once in awhile! :wink:

No, seriously, eMass, you have an excellent point, given ANY of the range of numbers there as the value of the EX car stereo, that you'd get so much more from an aftermarket system.

If nothing else, look at the audio option of the CD changer. $500+ when a good system in a store is always under $200!

This little Hellcat is, thanks to education from eMass University of Audio, not settling for anything less than awfully damned good for stereo.

I went and listened to several systems this weekend. Played the same thing Eric Clapton's "Cocaine" on a variety of units. It was amazing to hear that in some systems, the cymbal and bass sounded really muddy and muffled. On good systems, I heard them quite clearly, not overwhelming the singing and guitar, but not just sounding like noise in the back either.

Yay for Audiophiles!

Emass:

Even crap has value (fertilizer, comparison to other types of crap, etc), so how much value would you assign to the stock EX stereo, given all of it's features and your evaluation of it's performance versus what you have now?

CapnMack

[quote:069852c99a="CapnMack"]Emass:

Even crap has value (fertilizer, comparison to other types of crap, etc), so how much value would you assign to the stock EX stereo, given all of it's features and your evaluation of it's performance versus what you have now?

CapnMack[/quote:069852c99a]

Good question!

If all the components in the stock EX system were really excellent quality and the system sounded great - as if it were an aftermarket system I'd assign its value at approximately $1500.00.

But as it stands in comparison with aftermarket systems, I'd assign its value at around $150.00 - and yes, I do feel aftermarket systems are realistically 10 times better.

Both of you are right, Yes I bought an EX basically for the ABS brakes, good wheels and the other small ins and outs and I do agree the stereo is crapola. I am hoping to get some decent sound with some new speakers that I have on order with the whopping 18 watts rms per channel. I would love to rip the stock amp and head unit out but it's bad enough people are eyeballing this truck as it is and to have someone smash the window just to steal an aftermarket deck would be quite upsetting so I am going to try to get the best sound out of whats there for now. I'm sure someday I will get frustrated because of the low quality sound and get the Alpine CDA-9813 that I was checking out at a local stereo store. It is a real nice deck wth what Alpine calls V-Drive and puts out 27 watts rms per channel.

This would be a prime reason to hold a Stereo Rodeo at the various Owner's Club meetings....

Not that I'm not swayed by everyone's arguements, but the proof's in the pudding. I'd like to sit in each of these different Ease (get it?) and compare with one set of songs that showcased the different styles and ranges of music. Maybe this could be an Element Owner's Test Mix or something?

CapnMack

PS: I don't have a clue as to what the selection of songs might be, but I'm sure the "First CD" thread here might hold some clues.

My friend who just bought a $40,000 "Touring" model Nissan 350Z even says that my Element's system sounded better than the Bose system in his Z! I heard his system, and it does sound nice, but not as nice as the E...

I especially like listening to MP3s from my iPod too.

I think the system would be ok if there were more mid range and a midrange control to go with it, other than that the bass is enough for me and the highs could stand to be a little crisper. Now I had a VW with a monsoon system and I did not even think of upgrading the whole 2 1/2 years that I owned the car, not to mention the fact that that car was notorious for check engine light problems and installing an aftermarket head would not allow them to hook up to their VAG tool for diagnostic work.

[quote:cb1ae0ab02="eMass"][quote:cb1ae0ab02="CapnMack"]Emass:

Even crap has value (fertilizer, comparison to other types of crap, etc), so how much value would you assign to the stock EX stereo, given all of it's features and your evaluation of it's performance versus what you have now?

CapnMack[/quote:cb1ae0ab02]

Good question!

If all the components in the stock EX system were really excellent quality and the system sounded great - as if it were an aftermarket system I'd assign its value at approximately $1500.00.

But as it stands in comparison with aftermarket systems, I'd assign its value at around $150.00 - and yes, I do feel aftermarket systems are realistically 10 times better.[/quote:cb1ae0ab02]

OK, I didn't want to come back to this, but I thought right away that the price difference between the EX and DX reflected the Air Conditioning (installed) and the ABS as much as anything else. Cruise control is also a very good option, and I don't know if you could really get someone to supply and install interior map lights for $50.

I don't know how much price difference that leaves for the stereo (maybe $300 to $500), but I would have to think that a CD stereo unit, speakers and subwoofer (installed, for those of us who aren't adept as that sort of thing) is worth a bit more than $150, even if it's not top of the line stuff. I'm not talking about its worth to you personally, but its general value to car shoppers. You would have to admit that while you wouldn't refer to yourself as an audiophile, you are pretty into car stereo equipment. I've seen some of your other posts, and you're more discerning than the average car buyer or even the average music fan. (I'm sorry if the word "audiophile" is an insult, by the way; I didn't mean it like that. :D .)

I know a lot of people who read this board haven't actually bought an E yet, and they are researching their decisions here. So to say that the EX system is crap might be a little misleading to the Average Joe, especially when the DX option offered by Honda provides nothing more than a black piece of plastic where the radio should be. You offer great advice for folks who want to upgrade their stereo equipment, but I think a lot of people tend to turn up their nose at stock equipment. They figure that it's merely "stock equipment," and as such, it couldn't possibly sound good.

Just my two cents, but as you said, "ignorance is bliss." :D

mreis171 -maybe you're right,

It does seem that crap might be too strong a word...

I'll go with poop instead. :D

[quote:59d8f16474="eMass"]mreis171 -maybe you're right,

It does seem that crap might be too strong a word...

I'll go with poop instead. :D[/quote:59d8f16474]

OK, you got a deal. 8)

[quote:bcf9c23343="eMass"]mreis171 -maybe you're right,

It does seem that crap might be too strong a word...

I'll go with poop instead. :D[/quote:bcf9c23343]


And don't forget, the EX has the tougher to scratch, metallic finish plastic panels!!
How much would that be worth to you??

BWDave.

I will toss another little known and and much bemoaned fact at you. A sound system that sounds good in the dealer's soundroom will not sound the same in your car, be a beater, an "E" or a Roll Royce. The dealer's show room has different acoustic properties to your car. Often as not, the dealer has built a sound room to show off the various systems - as well as to protect the clients from the idiots who confuse loud bass with good bass. (It's amazing to hear a stereo system clipping like the blazes and have people think that it sounds good because it's loud.)

End result, if you find that the new system is not as good as what it sounded at the dealer's site - you're usually SOL.

Honda put together a system based on price and what would appeal to the average target buyer. To that end, they did a good job at matching quailty with affordability. If they built a car for the audiophile, they would have limited their market. Maybe they should offer a more upscale audio system as an upgrade - as they discover the true market for the "E", they may consider that.

For my tastes, the system is just fine. That's coming from someone who has driven pickups for 14 years and is quite pleased at having something that does not sound like it's distorted when I turn it up for some Classics Rock.

One last point. Every $ you spend on the sound system means one less $ elsewhere to spend on the "E" or on other things altogether. I am putting my money into the front grills and a few accessories that make it look good. But the majority of my money goes to other things that make me happy - my bf, my family, an occassional cruise, my new condo and my retirement investments to name a few.

It's all a matter of balance, not just bass and treble. :D