What vehicle has the best factory stereo system?

Posted by dubnationFL@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 58 comments

Starting to shop for my next ride and wondering what vehicle offers the best factory stereo system? Looking for something that has a stereo that really slams. Currently driving an rs etron gt which has been one of the best so far. I get some rattles in the passenger door though. Open to a sedan, pickup or suv but can’t do a coupe.

One option would be to get perhaps something that isn’t so expensive and have an aftermarket stereo installed. I’ve had some decent stereos throughout the years, but I’ve also had a few shotty aftermarket set ups.

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Kitzimoose@reddit

i would say like jaguar, audi, merc or Cadallac

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LeadfootYT@reddit

Audi and Mercedes, yes. I have the B&O Jag system, which is fine, but nothing to write home about.

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Kitzimoose@reddit

does audi not use b&o as the audi i drive is b&o (its also nothing crazy its a 17' a4 s line)

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LeadfootYT@reddit

Whoops, maybe mine is a Bowers & Wilkins. Too many cars going on. The Audi systems that I’ve heard are impressive, my Jag is fine but not exceptional. All pale in comparison to the EQE AMG press car I had at one point a couple years ago—that system was tremendous.

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Asian_Invasion05@reddit

How has no one said the Acura’s ELS system

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dubnationFL@reddit (OP)

My last car was the Integra type s and the stereo wasn’t all that. My etron gt’s much better. There’s got to be something out there with a killer stereo

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hagemeyp@reddit

The 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition comes standard with the McIntosh MX1200 Reference Entertainment System

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hamburglord@reddit

but then you're stuck w/ a jeep wagoneer

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hagemeyp@reddit

best factory- worst vehicle

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Impressive_Syrup141@reddit

Yeah I'd probably go with this or an F150 Tremor package. Not sure about the head rest speakers but B&O is solid in other cars, I'd assume their super premium is pretty good too. I haven't personally listened to the Fender systems in Tiguans and some Nissans but it should be pretty nice.

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RuralDisturbance@reddit

Tesla Model 3

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salsa_rodeo@reddit

I’ve heard the Model 3 Long Range has one of the best.

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RuralDisturbance@reddit

Thats what mine was, a 2018

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Narcah@reddit

Negative. I have the 2024 Tesla m3 and the stereo is no better than my son’s 18 Camaro or my 2020 GMC Denali 3500.

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RuralDisturbance@reddit

Mine was a 2018 Model 3, thats the tightest cleanest sound I have ever heard stock.

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gearhead5015@reddit

Volvo is usually pretty high up there

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ijuanaspearfish@reddit

Bowers and Wilkins system is ridiculously good.

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gearhead5015@reddit

That's the name. I couldn't think of it when I replied originally.

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Aaygus@reddit

Any Acura.

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autech91@reddit

Nissan Leaf with the Bose option, it slaps

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proscreations1993@reddit

Bose is about as bad as audio gets. Lol all their products are 95% more expensive than they should be

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autech91@reddit

We'll have to agree to disagree on that my g

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proscreations1993@reddit

Audio is subjective to a degree. But there's lots of science. It's a fact that bose is beyond garbage. Almost every product they have ever made wouldn't sell for 5 dollars if they somehow didn't have theft lifestyle brand name. The majority of all humans like the harmon curve. If you think Bose sounds good. You've never actually heard anything, even remotely decent. A pair of 150 edifiers off Amazon blow the most expensive bose away. And their car audio is just as bad. Go check out some decent audio companies, and you'll understand what you have been missing out on. BOSE IS BEATS, but for old people, lol literal garbage

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Jake3232323@reddit

The Bose Performance Series sound system in my 2021 Infiniti Q60 is great so I guess it's all a matter of opinion

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ducksa@reddit

Does that make it bad, or poor value?

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Sobsis@reddit

3x better but 6x the cost

That's worth it to some. But it being expensive doesn't mean it's bad.

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bbonz001@reddit

Agreed. My current Audi has a Bose system and it sucks ass. My last Audi had the BnO upgrade and for a factory stereo it buuumped. Definitely miss that one! Will always look for the BnO from now on.

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YouWillHaveThat@reddit

The McIntosh system in the Jeeps is nice.

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salty-walt@reddit

but then you have to buy a stellantis product

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YouWillHaveThat@reddit

Yeah. Don’t do that.

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BigBadCamFaz@reddit

No mention of the Lexus Mark Levinson sound systems which I can’t believe. A mate of mine has one in his RC Coupe and it’s really nice. I’m no audiophile but coming out of the Bose in my old Audi A6 (which I thought was pretty good), into that thing blew me away. Super crisp and could absolutely hear everything so clearly, really nice response through all frequencies.

Whilst I’m commenting, my 2012 135i has the Harmon Kardon and I don’t really rate it. Definitely better than standard and decent bass, does the job, but nothing special.

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Scared-Loquat-7933@reddit

Is there a difference in the ML systems between Lexuses?

I test drove an LX570 from 2020 and I thought it was actually horrendous considering the cost of the vehicle. My RAMs HK system isn’t amazing but it felt like Dolby Atmos in an IMAX theater in comparison to the LX Mark Levinson.

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BigBadCamFaz@reddit

Not entirely sure as I’ve never owned one and only been in my friends LC, which is a 2017/2018 if memory serves.

I know the ones in the late noughties/early teen GS models are considered to be really nice as well as I was looking at these when I was buying the A6. Can’t really comment on the newer stuff but I’d agree surprising you weren’t impressed with the one in the LX, maybe the settings were weird? Bass turned well down or something in the MMI?

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jrileyy229@reddit

Range rovers and land rovers have some great audio packages they offer, not cheap though

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Old_Acanthaceae5198@reddit

Under 100k, Volvo.

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XiViperI@reddit

Any of the gm vehicles with bose. Audi also has high end option with pop up tweeters that's very good. Fender system in vw isn't bad either.

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proscreations1993@reddit

I'm sorry, but bose has never made a good audio system. Ever.

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XiViperI@reddit

For a factory system they are great. Started to get good around 03.

I have a 21 lincoln with the 34 speaker whatever and it's still not great in my opinon. But some love it.

I've installed many systems and custom audio in boats, cars whatever. So I'm a bit picky. The bose is limited on power, yes, but tuned well for what they give.

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cheesebataleon@reddit

You should be sorry

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proscriptus@reddit

Lexus Mark Levinson is very very fine, although there are some remarkable audio options once you get into the real high end bespoke stuff.

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BigJonBoooo42@reddit

I used to work in the audio industry. All car manufacturers try to get the most sound from the cheapest components. When I get my new vehicles, I almost always upgrade the sound system. Quality components result in quality sound. Even the best cheap components are limited.

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mb-driver@reddit

So you’re buying your vehicle based on the stereo?

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TroyTony1973@reddit

MME with Bang and Olafsen (sp?) is pretty dang awesome

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E90BarberaRed6spdN52@reddit

So here is my advice. Don't buy a car brand based on it having the best stereo system because using Jeep as an example; the vehicle, reliability and cost is not worth it even if the sound system was killer.

Most every auto maker has a premium sound system that can be added as an option or go aftermarket once the warranty is up.

I aould say look at Toyota, Lexus, Honda or Acura sedans and the premium car systems they offer. Not advocating either but giving info that may help...

https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/jbl-premium-system-review-from-an-audioholic.3401/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN6vWiWIK_8

https://www.reddit.com/r/Acura/comments/19a6t1e/acura_with_best_acoustics_sound_system/

https://www.acuraofjohnston.com/acura-bang-olufsen-launch-new-audio-system/

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