Audio Package . . . worth it?

[SDRamones]

Are the Stock speakers any good? How about the upgraded Fosgate Audio package? I'm a few days away from going to the dealer since I got my Settlement check from the Insurance Company. I'm pretty sure I am going to get the V SL with Convenience ABS package.

By the way . . . are there any accessories that I should look into buying that people really liked or is worth buying?

Thanks,

Sean

[cyberdeity]

I paid the extra money for the upgraded radio & XM, and I'd say it's definately NOT worth it. If I could do it all over again, I'd have stuck with the basic radio, and bought an aftermarket radio upgrade instead. As for XM, I love it, but feel it's better to buy one of the portable units like the Nexus so that you can take it with you instead of being tied to only listening in the car.

As for the second part of your question, I feel that the Smart Key, Sunroof, and CVT are must-haves for me. I think most everyone agrees the smart key is fantastic, but the sunroof & CVT are personal preferences that many would disagree with me on. :-)

[achr]

For me it was worth it. However, I am into FIDELITY as opposed to "playing my woofers" so that ALL THE WORLD can hear. I also don't care to give up valuable storage space just to lug aftermarket equipment around.

I have a demo CD which I use for auditioning stereo systems. It contains a broad range of musical styles and genres. I found the system capable of playing at a decent volume without setting up unwanted rattles inside the car. I look for transparency of sound and for me, the high end Versa delivered. The bass control in this system has marginal effect, which for me is O.K. The sub-woofer does it's job without sending hi bass energy through the other speakers and causing them to distort.

The steering wheel mounted audio controls were another bonus of the factory system.

I test drove over a dozen different cars including some costing more than twice the Versa's price. I had the CD with me in all cases. To my ear, the only factory system which truly surpassed the Versa's was in the Lincoln MKZ with their optional THX-Certified system. Simply glorious! The GM Concert Sound III system by Harmon Kardon was really good as well. I'd rate the high end Versa system similar to the 2006 Chrysler 300C in audio quality and better than the base stereo in the 2007 Lexus ES350. I've yet to hear Lexus' Mark Levinson system. Similarly, I've yet to hear Chrysler's new MyGig system by Harmon Karden but can imagine it will be excellent. I found the stereo in a high end Honda Accord to be junk and can't remember the stereo in the new Toyota Camry. There were so many things I hated about that car I don't think I even bothered to turn the radio on. So much for "Standard of the World"!

In short, if you want absolutely Ground Pounding bass in your ride, check out a Versa SL with the Technology Package before spending your money.

[SDRamones]

Thanks for the really great information. It helps a lot. Will take it to the Dealership and test it out and see if it rings to my delight.

Much appreciated.

ACHR> THanks for the detailed reply.

[Scuba Steve]

I'm very impressed with the sound, the SL with technology pakage has two tweeter on the front pilars, makes for a clearer sound. Plus a subwoofer at the back helps too, though, I'm noticing that when I play a mp3, laptop, etc, through the auxilary input, I get a louder sound and the bass from the woofer really pumps out rattling bass. I was shocked when I discovered this. So yes it does sound really good!

[achr]

I'm noticing that when I play a mp3, laptop, etc, through the auxilary input, I get a louder sound and the bass from the woofer really pumps out rattling bass. I was shocked when I discovered this. So yes it does sound really good!

I would think that most of those devices which connect through the Auxilliary Input have their own volume control. There is a small amplifier inside to drive headphones. If that volume level is set too high, it can saturate (overdrive) the input circuitry of the Auxilliary jack. If that happens, even turning down the volume on the Versa's head unit won't eliminate the distortion. Garbage In = Garbage Out! Try adjusting the volume level of your MP3 player, etc. so that the resultant output from the Versa's speakers is similar to that when playing the Radio on internal CD Player.