TheFallenAngel12
New member
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How the 12' Stock Radio Sounds Inside and Out
- Thread starter TheFallenAngel12
- Start date
RS Turbo
New member
You got the most premium they offered, 2 extra speakers.
They did a pretty good job with it, You bought an econobox. Rated by Consumer reports as a Best buy in its class.
Sound being hear from your stereo outside the vehicle seems very normal the vehicle is very light and is not really insulated.
They did a pretty good job with it, You bought an econobox. Rated by Consumer reports as a Best buy in its class.
Sound being hear from your stereo outside the vehicle seems very normal the vehicle is very light and is not really insulated.
sbpphoenix
New member
You have a 12 foot radio?
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
The stock radio is alright, nothing special. It does me fine for my short commutes but I certainly understand why many want something better. Fiddling with the EQ makes a big difference as did letting the speakers break in; when I got the car they distorted pretty badly before half full volume but now they do fine even cranked all the way up. It'd be nice to see a better premium system offered.
SonicBoy24
New member
sidenote - where'd you get your spoiler?
SonicBoy24
New member
Thank you sir.
Insanika
Super Moderator
Hey I appreciate the video. Tells me everything I needed to know. Not much burns my butt like hearing everything outside the car when it's shut. I just want a tiny rumble in the jungle. I had figured as much though. Looks like a summer sound dampening project is in order.
Nice song choice with halestorm, they've been on my radar lately.
Nice song choice with halestorm, they've been on my radar lately.
dvn
New member
FAIL '12 is short for 2012. 12' is short for 12 feet.
IMO, the 2012 radio is weak.
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007CobaltLS
New member
I don't expect anything from any of GM's vehicles that are sub $25k anymore.
Look at the Cobalt...they offered a couple different radio levels and then the top of the line was a Pioneer system with 7 speakers (tweeters, front doors, rear deck, 10" sub). I don't know if it was an option only on the SS/NA and SS (SC/TC) models or if it was available on the LTZ as well...either way I have an LS and it had the basic radio with 4 speakers....no sub, no real EQ (just bass/treble adjustment), no satellite radio, or anything else.
Sound deadening isn't that great either...it starts to get better when you look at the Camaro, Impala, even Malibu is a little better...but not a lot. Switch over to Buick if you want the Quiettuning to keep out the road noise and keep the audio in...much better...but of course you pay for it...look at the prices of Buicks.
Anyway...you know all this probably. It's just a matter of keeping costs down. The Sonic in my opinion is all ready an expensive car for what it is....there are no "cheap" cars anymore...not like 10 years ago. Look at the difference between what the Cobalt cost and what the Sonic/Cruze cost...then think about how much more you really get...in other areas, you're getting a lot more than you used to, but audio/sound deadening isn't one of Chevy's main concerns with these cars...that's why there are aftermarket options.
My opinion...don't bother with adding speakers to the rear deck or the rear doors. A properly setup front stage is all you need...a good set of component speakers run with an amp and the sub(s) in the back and you'll be good. Take the money you were planning on spending on the rear speakers and put it towards the front speakers/amp.
Look at the Cobalt...they offered a couple different radio levels and then the top of the line was a Pioneer system with 7 speakers (tweeters, front doors, rear deck, 10" sub). I don't know if it was an option only on the SS/NA and SS (SC/TC) models or if it was available on the LTZ as well...either way I have an LS and it had the basic radio with 4 speakers....no sub, no real EQ (just bass/treble adjustment), no satellite radio, or anything else.
Sound deadening isn't that great either...it starts to get better when you look at the Camaro, Impala, even Malibu is a little better...but not a lot. Switch over to Buick if you want the Quiettuning to keep out the road noise and keep the audio in...much better...but of course you pay for it...look at the prices of Buicks.
Anyway...you know all this probably. It's just a matter of keeping costs down. The Sonic in my opinion is all ready an expensive car for what it is....there are no "cheap" cars anymore...not like 10 years ago. Look at the difference between what the Cobalt cost and what the Sonic/Cruze cost...then think about how much more you really get...in other areas, you're getting a lot more than you used to, but audio/sound deadening isn't one of Chevy's main concerns with these cars...that's why there are aftermarket options.
My opinion...don't bother with adding speakers to the rear deck or the rear doors. A properly setup front stage is all you need...a good set of component speakers run with an amp and the sub(s) in the back and you'll be good. Take the money you were planning on spending on the rear speakers and put it towards the front speakers/amp.
RS Turbo
New member
Wow you have Cadillac Expectations on a Sonic Buget!
Hope you get that Expensive stereo installed with no issues, Maybe when your finished you can show GM Engineering how its done!
I'm Pretty sure they didn't do it that way to keep the costs down. You clearly didn't upgrade to the additional Accessory Amp and Sub. I personal would not for the price they ask, As for building audio systems I have done plenty in the last 25 years.
Have you had a chance to do the same comparison with the other vehicles in this price range?
Maybe every manufacture in this segment FAILED to meet your expections as well.
Hope you get that Expensive stereo installed with no issues, Maybe when your finished you can show GM Engineering how its done!
I'm Pretty sure they didn't do it that way to keep the costs down. You clearly didn't upgrade to the additional Accessory Amp and Sub. I personal would not for the price they ask, As for building audio systems I have done plenty in the last 25 years.
Have you had a chance to do the same comparison with the other vehicles in this price range?
Maybe every manufacture in this segment FAILED to meet your expections as well.
laborsmith
New member
The 2013 six speaker system is much improved when compared to the 2012 six speaker system. I used a BassStation in the 2012 and that simple mod helped extensively. I haven't put it in the 2013 because of preoccupation with getting other mods done (and because the sound is acceptable without it) but expect to get to it once the front lip is done.
No doubt the 2012 six speaker system needs help.
Laborsmith
No doubt the 2012 six speaker system needs help.
Laborsmith
laborsmith
New member
I agree with your thoughts about the sound system being so anemic in a car aimed at a generation that reputedly takes these things seriously, FallenAngel, and though Chevy responded for the 2013 model year, one can not help thinking too little to late. Or something along those lines.
Laborsmith
Laborsmith
sbpphoenix
New member
I knew what you meant but it was still funny. As was the follow up. Cheers.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk 2
stoopid
New member
I've had compacts by Suzuki, Hyundai, Honda, Subaru, and Plymouth (as well as other sedans and SUVs)... this is the best sounding stock stereo I've had in any of my cars. Proper EQ makes a huge difference. If you want a $1500 stereo with chest pounding thump, then install one. If you want the stereo that comes with most $30,000+ cars, then stop being a cheap ass and get a $30,000 car. This system rivals stereos from other manufacturers in their compact vehicles and more than meets the need of drowing out road noise.
stoopid
New member
No one with ears attached to the sides of their head can say this is a poor sounding system (see: EQ is very important for any car stereo - explore it). I think the complaints here are the result of unreasonable expectations. It's an OE system, and I have anecdotal evidence to the contrary of the opinions expressed here. "Premium" does not mean kicking sub or even ear shattering anything. The GM part is a well rounded, utilitarian device with solid connectivity options and controls. Quit the bitchfest and enjoy your vehicles.
ChrisJ
Active member
I didn't watch the video as I don't see how recording an audio system with a video camera only to be played over another audio system shows how it sounds. With all due respect, not sure what the point was?
The last highend automotive system I had was a $4500 setup which consisted mostly of A/D/S/ and Eclipse components. That said, I feel the stock system in the Sonic is impressive for such a cheap vehicle. You think they could have done better for $17K yet for that price you get many options a lot of other, if any other brands don't offer.
Please, show us another vehicle in the $17K price range with a better audio system and the same features as the Sonic. Maybe I'm wrong and someone offers more bang for the buck, it happens.
Besides that, yes, the tweeters do work and in fact are quite bright. I'm not sure how the sedan sounds assume it has speakers in the rear deck, but not much they could do with the hatch. All they had to work with were the doors which don't have much volume. Before the Sonic I had a 2006 Grandprix which I felt had way too much bass and was muddy sounding. The Sonic is a huge improvement overall and I feel has much better loudness compensation as well.
The last highend automotive system I had was a $4500 setup which consisted mostly of A/D/S/ and Eclipse components. That said, I feel the stock system in the Sonic is impressive for such a cheap vehicle. You think they could have done better for $17K yet for that price you get many options a lot of other, if any other brands don't offer.
Please, show us another vehicle in the $17K price range with a better audio system and the same features as the Sonic. Maybe I'm wrong and someone offers more bang for the buck, it happens.
Besides that, yes, the tweeters do work and in fact are quite bright. I'm not sure how the sedan sounds assume it has speakers in the rear deck, but not much they could do with the hatch. All they had to work with were the doors which don't have much volume. Before the Sonic I had a 2006 Grandprix which I felt had way too much bass and was muddy sounding. The Sonic is a huge improvement overall and I feel has much better loudness compensation as well.
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ChrisJ
Active member
Oic, I'm sorry I misunderstood about the video.
Well I feel the rear speakers are lower intentionally. In a proper setup you want ALL of your sound to come from components in the doors in front of you and zero from the rear. This will yield the best stereo imaging where any sound from the rear screws it up. Another reason I think this was intentional was my wifes 2006 Saturn Vue was configured the same exact way.
As I said previously, the doors are small and its all the space they had for enclosures for the speakers and this doesn't yield much low frequency output.
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stoopid
New member
Your opinion is/was off the mark, so it was countered. Sorry is correct.
The 'premium' system includes the two rear speakers AND the connectivity. Think it's $595 additional.
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ChrisJ
Active member
Your opinion is/was off the mark, so it was countered. Sorry is correct.
The 'premium' system includes the two rear speakers AND the connectivity. Think it's $595 additional.
I don't know about other packages but with the LT the premium sound comes standard. Connectivity + cruise is something like $375 with stick and $595 with automatic cause you get remote start. I had assumed the premium sound included tweeters and a cd player. From the way people are talking its actually the rear speakers and not tweeters that are added?
