[Bigleftyinaz]

Has anyone compared The standard Audio system Vs the upgraded one? Is there really a noticeable difference.I do like my music.

Trying to decide if I can live with standard

 

[SID]

i'm 100% sure you can!
but what do you mean "upgraded one"? ML with 13 speakers or system with changer and 10(11) speakers?

 

[jeffp]

The standard has 6 speakers and no changer. The "upgrade" ML is 10 speakers and changer.

I am waiting for my dealer to deliver two CT's (one with standard and one with upgrade) to make my decision.

The bonus with the 10 speaker system is it has a sub woofer. The CT I test drove had the 10 speaker system, but I didn't really notice the bass. So I am wondering if the 6 speaker is too wimpy.

 

[M Cook]

I have the upgraded audio system and it is nothing special. I had to buy it because I did not have a choice as it came with the color car I wanted. If you are an audiofile, I guess it would be an upgrade over the standard system, but the 6 CD changer is a big waste. I don't even use CD's as I like satellite radio or ipod.

 

[jeffp]

but the 6 CD changer is a big waste.

kinda like dual cassette deck in the 90's.

 

[johnleigh]

AFAIK, in the UK there are 3 grades of audio - basic, mid-grade with 6 CD auto changer, and then the full ML system.

 

[gharai]

I have the standard audio with single CD. Will I ever use the CD? Nah. Bluetooth audio through my Blackberry sounds good or USB to my IPod. I mostly listen to AM sports and news with occasional FM. Coming from my IS 250 with Premium Audio the difference is noticeable. Bass isn't as deep and the highs seem more tinny. Since I'm not an audiophile I didn't see the need to get premium audio for an extra $1000 though.

I know it also has homelink but I purchased a Gentex mirror with homelink for $159.

 

[YOW]

In North America, there are two available audio systems.

- The basic system has 6 speakers, AM/FM, XM satallite radio, MP3, bluetooth.

- The premium system has 10 speakers w/ subwoofer and adds a 6 disc changer, automatic sound levelizer and digital equalization\sound processing.

Other regions have completely different packages.

I've never been in a car with the standard system, but the premium one sounds pretty good.

 

[coubs]

I can for sure say that this is my only regreat with this car. I have the Canadian Touring model so it has the basic 6 speaker single CD and it is crap. The tester I drove was a Technology package (aka everything including Nav) and had the premium system which is the 6 CD and sub woofer and there was a huge difference. I will say that for a basic system there is adequate base but it distorts easy at high volumes. I am not an audiophile by any means but am very dissapointed that they cheaped out so much on a sound system (which costs them nothing).
And, I don't think the Canadian (or US?) market can even get a ML system.

 

[Tonic]

I can for sure say that this is my only regreat with this car. I have the Canadian Touring model so it has the basic 6 speaker single CD and it is crap. The tester I drove was a Technology package (aka everything including Nav) and had the premium system which is the 6 CD and sub woofer and there was a huge difference. I will say that for a basic system there is adequate base but it distorts easy at high volumes. I am not an audiophile by any means but am very dissapointed that they cheaped out so much on a sound system (which costs them nothing).
And, I don't think the Canadian (or US?) market can even get a ML system.

I want to get also a touring version and its also a big disappointment that the big audio is not part of the touring option! My jbl in my Prius sound much better,I test-drove a premium version but couldn't really test it!