I was wondering if anyone had success with the stock headunit. I have always liked Honda head units. They are clean, simple, and functional. But I have heard over and over that the sound quality is nothing compared to aftermarket.

I want to add headrest speakers, and change the fronts to some speakers that hit just a little harder with the bass. Has anyone had any luck with the stock hu and an amp?

 

Satisfaction (like beauty) is in the mind (and eye) of the beholder. I've been quite satisfied with the stock HU in my '00 since new. I put in better speakers in the doors and I used the stock speakers in the rear panels. I hear it just fine at speed and I don't care that my ass doesn't get thumped from here to the next block with bass.

 

Could never get my stock HU from sounding "muddy". It was only in the car a week, before I installed an aftermarket unit. The stock was plenty loud, but with an aftermarked HU the stock speakers sound pretty decent... can't wait to recoop enough money to put in some nice components. With the engine noise, don't think it'll be worth while to put a full blown system in...

Like xviper said, it really depends on individual tastes.

 

I just recently upgraded my stock unit to a new Alpine and even with the stock speakers, it sounds tons better than it did with the stock unit. Other than the expense, I can't think of any good reason to keep the stock unit.

 

You will get MUCH better results with a good headunit and stock speakers rather than good speakers and stock headunit.

 

I will agree that aftermarket HU's offer additional features and greater output power. But, it what ways do they sound better than the stock HU?

 

Higher sound quality due to finer internal components. Everthing from wiring, to DACs, to the amplification....its just better. The stock headunit is made for economy, and is NOT designed to be a SQ oriented piece of equipment.

 

Hey guys, this is a little bit off topic; but i've noticed that when playing CD's on the stock head unit, it sounds just fine. But then when I'm listening to the radio it sounds really crappy. Lacking bass; sounds like a tin can. Now I've already replaced my antenna (it was stolen) and it still sounds like junk. Is it possible that by changing my headunit i'll get better radio quality?

 

You're not going to get the detail and fidelity of a CD track over the radio unless its digital... Don't expect an aftermarket to make FM radio sound like a CD. It just won't happen. But with that said, I experienced better sound from an aftermarket HU all around.

The stock unit didn't sound terrible. I really wanted to be able to play MP3s, so I got the 9857. When I found out I could keep the functionality of the dash controls, that pretty much sealed the deal.

 

Oh of course, i'm not expecting it to be anywhere near CD quality. I was just wondering if the quality would be increased at all.