Radio comparison, SE 6 speaker VS Sony 12 speaker

[Rodeo]

Just wondering if anyone had the opportunity to check out the sound quality difference between the stock SE 6-speaker set up versus the Sony 12 speaker upgrade?

 

I myself don't really want a moonroof and the only way to get the Sony set up is in a package with a moonroof. So, I was wondering if the stock radio would be good enough. Anyone make that comparison already? If so, opinions appreciated.

 

(Yes, I will also need to go listen for myself too.)

Edited January 26, 2010 by Rodeo

[buckd44]

I have a BOSE system in my Altima and the Sony system is just as good if not better then the BOSE. I would go for the Sony system, thats just my 2 cents.

hope this helps.

[KNace]

Just wondering if anyone had the opportunity to check out the sound quality difference between the stock SE 6-speaker set up versus the Sony 12 speaker upgrade?

 

I myself don't really want a moonroof and the only way to get the Sony set up is in a package with a moonroof. So, I was wondering if the stock radio would be good enough. Anyone make that comparison already? If so, opinions appreciated.

 

(Yes, I will also need to go listen for myself too.)

 

I'm with you on this one...once I pull the trigger on a new Fusion I would love to have the upgraded radio but CAN'T get the moonroof since I'm a tall guy and it takes away from the headroom. Boo...

[BAT BEAR]

I believe the drivers seat is mounted closer to the floor in the 2010's. I'm around 5"11 and with a baseball cap the tip of the hat touches the roof, this is an a non-sun roof 2007. Now in a 2010 with sunroof there seems to be another two inches of space up top.

[mettech]

I'm 6'3' and must lower the seat all the way down to have head room because of the sunroof. I do not find it an issue.

 

I am very disappointed in the Sony system. It does not have the dynamics that my Mach system has in my Sable.

[Tet]

I specifically bought the SEL for the Sony system. I do tons of driving so sound is important. As far as car stereo's go I think it depends on the sound you like. Personally I am a rock guy and a former bass player so it sounds great for my type of music. I think if you wanted to listen to a lot of clearer sounding music, classic or symphonic type stuff, then you may not like it as much. For the type of music I listen to it gives close to an aftermarket sound.

[tj_351]

I have a BOSE system in my Altima and the Sony system is just as good if not better then the BOSE. I would go for the Sony system, thats just my 2 cents.

hope this helps.

 

We must have similar tastes - I have an 07 Altima and a 10 Fusion.

 

I really REALLY like my 2010 Ford Fusion Sport - quick, quiet, sporty etc. HOWEVER, to me, great sound at fairly high volume is essential... Period. The Sony has superb clarity and unique (almost odd) EQ curves. I also have a 2007 Altima with the Bose system. The Bose system, although not as 'crystal' clear as the Sony, has much more volume capacity. The spec's for the Sony states 390 watts. I would have to believe that this is peak wattage (disappointing) as the Bose system is 260 watts and has much greater volume (and is pretty clear at three quarters volume). I know it sounds silly but I have always had a thing for great OEM sound systems. Both systems sound great but my opinion is that the Bose system out powers the Sony.

[Benhaze]

Had the opportunity to drive back to back my Speed 6 and a MKZ, as well as the Speed 6 and the Ford Fusion Sport with the Sony 12 speakers system. Although the Sony does have more bass, the sound is muffled and no way near as clear or bright as the Mazda Bose sound system. I was expecting a lot from the Sony systems and it really let me down. The new Mazda 6 GT has also a far better (Bose) sound system than the Ford. That is really too bad...

[Rodeo]

Well, I'm the one who started this thread and I appreciate all the answers and input. Bottom line is I ordered a new Milan with the "Moon & Tune" because I wanted the Sony system. Yet, I don't expect much as I honestly feel the Sony system is just adequate, nothing special. I didn't want to get the 6-speaker base system and then need to upgrade it. I can "live" with the Sony system but do know it is a disappointment overall. Those that "rave" about it just don't seem tot know what a decent car stereo system should sound like or never had one as mediocre as the Sony system honestly is.

[chriscard25]

Well, I'm the one who started this thread and I appreciate all the answers and input. Bottom line is I ordered a new Milan with the "Moon & Tune" because I wanted the Sony system. Yet, I don't expect much as I honestly feel the Sony system is just adequate, nothing special. I didn't want to get the 6-speaker base system and then need to upgrade it. I can "live" with the Sony system but do know it is a disappointment overall. Those that "rave" about it just don't seem tot know what a decent car stereo system should sound like or never had one as mediocre as the Sony system honestly is.

 

Or another option. Those of us that think it is a decent system may have come from other vehicles (2008 prius, 2005 chevy Malibu) that had truly terrible OEM steroes. The Sony system is not bad at all... :)

[Rodeo]

Or another option. Those of us that think it is a decent system may have come from other vehicles (2008 prius, 2005 chevy Malibu) that had truly terrible OEM steroes. The Sony system is not bad at all... :)

Exactly!

It's all relative to what you have had in the past or what you yourself consider to be bad, adequate or good. That's why there's a few people who rave about the 12 speaker Sony that claims to put out 390 watts (not nearly accurate I don't belive) and those like me who find the system to be mediocre at best. I can agree with you that it's 'not bad at all" but it just isn't spectacular or worth a lot of money either. I have owned cars in my past with stock base systems that come close in power and quality to this supposed top end system.

[e_dawg]

Exactly!

It's all relative to what you have had in the past or what you yourself consider to be bad, adequate or good. That's why there's a few people who rave about the 12 speaker Sony that claims to put out 390 watts (not nearly accurate I don't belive) and those like me who find the system to be mediocre at best. I can agree with you that it's 'not bad at all" but it just isn't spectacular or worth a lot of money either. I have owned cars in my past with stock base systems that come close in power and quality to this supposed top end system.

 

Totally agree, Rodeo. I am coming from a BMW 328 with the base level stereo system and feel it is significantly better than the "premium" Sony system in the Fusion in bass extension, dynamics, clarity, and smoothness.

[Benhaze]

Exactly!

It's all relative to what you have had in the past or what you yourself consider to be bad, adequate or good. That's why there's a few people who rave about the 12 speaker Sony that claims to put out 390 watts (not nearly accurate I don't believe) and those like me who find the system to be mediocre at best. I can agree with you that it's 'not bad at all" but it just isn't spectacular or worth a lot of money either. I have owned cars in my past with stock base systems that come close in power and quality to this supposed top end system.

 

I'm afraid you're spot on. People get excited when they here the total wattage of a sound system but unless you know the rated distortion at that specific power, you know nothing really... I guess I'm going to have to swallow that pill if I do transition from a Mazdaspeed 6 to a Fusion Sport. The good news is the 3.5L has a far sweeter sound than the 2.3L turbo...

[MTLFusion2010]

On a different track, is there a pre-amp out in the stock sound system? Can you keep the stock radio and add an after market amp and speakers? I assume you need to keep the stock radio in order not to loose SYNC functionality, correct?

[akirby]

On a different track, is there a pre-amp out in the stock sound system? Can you keep the stock radio and add an after market amp and speakers? I assume you need to keep the stock radio in order not to loose SYNC functionality, correct?

 

I've never seen a pre-amp out on a Ford head unit but some folks say they do exist. In this particular case though I seriously doubt it. You do want to keep the factory head unit to keep all Sync functions and yes, you can add an aftermarket amp. Install shops and Crutchfield have instructions on connecting amps to factory head units.

[tylersmith737]

I have tried BOTH. We currently have a 2010 SE, and I did try a 2010 Sport at the dealership with the Sony . My conclusion is that for some reason , I feel that the 6 speaker stock system sounds better in some areas than the Sony. The stock system reproduces EXTREMELY low frequencies in the front door speakers without distortion at any volume ( i've tried relentlessly to make it distort, not working so well ) , and for some reason it sounds brighter. The Sony does give you a spacious feel with the extra speakers, but the bass doesn't seem to be there with it. The rear door speakers in the stock system are only sub-par sounding compared to the front, and the highs they produce are not precise, they sound like they get wishy-washy as they get louder... must be the trademark whizzer-cone specials back there ! However, as a driver, the rear door speakers do not affect the listening experience, as the tweeters mounted in the doors clean up the sound. I find with BOTH systems the lower & upper-midrange( snare smashes for example ) is not as "snappy" as some other systems, but the low end is good. Overall, both perform fairly similarly ( makes you wonder about the extra price of the Sony ) , and it's probably better to get the 6 speaker system , and add a subwoofer yourself (if you can) instead of paying the unnecessary cost of the Sony system. That's just me, so comment as you will ! Personally, I think Ford needs to place their tweeters in the dash instead of in the corners of the doors, and also place tweeters in the rear of the car as well... so a new soundstage design.. I think so !

[mysterie]

Sound seems relativity clear but Bass is not very loud and for some reason sound seems a little flat?!? (I can't really explain the feeling I get from this sound system). It's survivable but it sure makes me miss my MACH 460 that was in my Mustang. But I have heard the new Shaker 500 in the new Mustangs and I cannot honestly says it's any much better than the Sony 12 speaker. They make such lousy sounding sound systems these days...