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Toyota Camry LE has a Pretty Good Sound System

Not excellent, or "mind blowing" mind you.

Of course, there are myriads of you who have better. I'm not interested in a contest, merely commenting that the stock radio in cars can be pretty good.

At one time I wrote a casual review of the Best Buy Insignia speakers; tremendously good for the $50 (at the time) I spent. No, not high grade, but very practical, acceptable run of the mill sound.

So also with the Camry "rig". I'm surprised at the improvement in clarity, and balance in the sound. I had to crank down the bass, as it was bloated if pushed much beyond the mid-point setting. I'm very surprised at the nuance and delicacy of the treble! It's a much more sensitive and pleasing radio than the 2003 Nissan Altima 2.5S I just sold.

I know this is all very weighty stuff for our illustrious forum. But you never know, there may be some who buy cars using audio as an important gauge. Me? I didn't give a rip about the radio, never asked about it, didn't give it a listen until I took possession of the car. I'm deeply into home audio, and there's still way too much permanently wrong with the listening environment of a car to care deeply about it (again, not arguing, just my perspective).

But it IS nice to have an upgrade to the car sound.

Anyone else surprised by a stock car radio/system? :)
douglas_schroeder

Showing 2 responses by douglas_schroeder

douglas_schroeder OP
3,281 posts
 
Shadorne, Yes, the Prius has a "green" (environmentally friendly) sound system - no speaker drivers to contribute to noise pollution. ;)

I'm with you on the shorter commute; likely a strong reason I don't care as much about the sound quality. I must say, however, the Camry has a quieter cabin and quieter engine than the Nissan Altima - something I am immensely enjoying. The lower level of noise makes the car feel upscale and listening to music more enjoyable. I can certainly see how someone needing to spend hours per day in a car would consider a primo system. I must be mellowing with age, as I am quite happy to trade off the extra horsepower (Altima 2.5S at 175 Hp, Camry LE at 158 Hp) for the serenity of the driving experience.

In addition, the listening "envelope" for the driver in the Camry is quite global; no major "gaps" where one can detect a dead zone. On the other hand, at least with the 2.5S I just sold there were distinct "hot spots" or holes in the sound canopy and one could tell easily where one driver left off and another began. Not so easy to tell with the Camry. I guess this IS turning into a review!

To all car manufacturers and custom shops: I am available for extended in situ reviews of your fine automobile's sound systems. :)
douglas_schroeder OP
3,281 posts
 
I met a guy the other night at the local bookstore. He was rummaging through the audio magazines - sure sign of an audiophiliac.

We struck up a conversation in which he said he had expended $50k in the past year or so on home gear. He was contemplating selling his Mustang to afford more upgrades to his rig. This guy is a real credit to our hobby (pun)! :)

I should have suggested he simply buy a Camry and drive around when he wants to listen. Cheaper. Uless gas prices rise again. ;)
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