Rogue Stereo Sucks....What to Replace With?

[globe9]

Hi Ya'll,

Just bought a 2010 Rogue S with 360 package. I love this car, but am pretty disappointed in the stock stereo. Stock stereos nowadays are usually pretty decent, but this one really sucks, so it looks like I'm gonna be replacing the stereo soon. Can anyone recommend a good stereo, preferably double din, that sounds good and won't break the bank? I don't want to spend more than $450-$500 and less would be much better. Preferably in the $250-$300 range. Don't need navi or dvd or anything like that either. If I can get a decent one with those features for the price I want, great, but I'm not willing to spend that much for those features as I don't really need them.

What about speakers? Should I replace them too? Or will a good stereo help them sound better?

Any tips, suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Also, where is the best place to buy. I've used Crutchfield before, but find that there prices aren't really competitive with the other sites and stores. Also, how is Best Buy at installation? I want a clean installation. I've never used them, but there aren't too many independent car stereo places around anymore that do installation so a box store might be where I have to go.

Thanks again for any tips!

[takeshi]

It would help to know what "sucks". If sound quality/volume is the primary concern, the typical suggestion (for any car -- not just the Rogue) is to start with the speakers and amp.

[globe9]

Yes, sound quality and volume is just not there with this system. It's not the Bose system, but the stock system. My company car is a 09 Pontiac Vibe and it's stock system blows this one away. Just not happy with the sound.

Was gonna replace speakers when replacing the stereo. The speakers I don't really need help with. It was the receiver that has me stumped. I haven't looked at aftermarket stereos in over 15 years(haven't had a need to) so I'm not sure what brands, features I should be looking for. I want something decent for the average person, not looking to break any windows or go thump thump or anything like that LOL Will mainly be using an Mp3 player for music, but occasionally listening to a CD, so aux input is a + or a usb drive.

[casperfun]

No kidding. My first impression of the stock Rogue stereo was that it sucked also. I thought it sounded like I was listening with cotton in my ears. It was really muffled with no clarity to my ears and I am an old fart!!!

I thought the radio would drive me crazy, but fortunately my ears got accustomed to the crappy sound so I am use to it. Now this allowed me not to use max treble, which would make my cd's harsh.

Moreover, at least the CD's sound half decent or even GREAT compared to the radio.

But for your situation, since you listen to mp3's which is a downgrade of cd's, it would probably sound sucky still.

Sometimes I think Nissan put a crappy radio so you would want to get the premium package!

[philipa_240sx]

My wife has an older Clarion DUZ385SAT, now called the CX400. It's a nice unit. It made a huge difference in sound quality vs. the stock radio in her Mazda Protege. The direct iPod control is great... you can do everything from the radio controls and stuff your iPod in the glove box out of site. Other features:

- Play's MP3's directly from a memory stick.- XM or SiriusSat radio ready (with external tuner) - Bluetooth handsfree ready (with external adapter).- Big easy to see and use buttons... I hate nothing more than tiny radio controls!

MSRP is $249 but I have seen deals for $147.99 on Amazon.com. If I had some spare change, I would buy one right now for my Rogue.

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/p....html

[Big_Joe]

hey philipa is that an easy install? the cx400? I dont know much about customizations and all that but that looks pretty sweet. I also wouldn't mind being able to just toss my ipod somewhere and forgetting about it, its so hazardous using the AUX port and changing songs and whatnot right now.

[philipa_240sx]

You need a dash kit:

http://www.scosche.com/products/productID/1645

A wiring harness/adapter:

http://www.scosche.com/products/productID/1644

And the Antenna adapter:

http://www.scosche.com/products/productID/1450

The install is pretty simple:

1) Connect wiring harness/adapter to the radio using crimp connectors2) Plug in the antenna adapter3) Remove stock radio (see the FAQ for the service manuals, section AV shows how to remove the radio)4) Install dash kit5) Plug new radio into harness6) Test radio7) Install radio into dash kit (it just slides in and clips into place)

Done! Ok, that's really simplified. It shouldn't take more than 2-3 hours if you have never installed one before.

[philipa_240sx]

OK, here is a better DIY guide from Crutchfield that explains the process:

http://a248.e.akamai.net/pix.c...e.pdf

[dolbydj]

Hey guys, I am definately no audiophile but I think the Rogue base system is pretty good. I have personally installed about 7 systems including decks, changers, multiple amps, crossovers, wires, caps, tubes, and boxes. It isn't too difficult and it has been a lot of fun over the last 20 years. However, sometimes simple is better. It must be my old age, but after installing full component systems in previous cars, I always found tweeters to be buzzy, tubes / boxes localized, noise - even with 5 channel amps, and toasted alternators. To me, the dollar value / reward equation is always diminishing.Having said that, I know I'm going to see one of your installs and be inspired to put something in. Ultimately though, clean source material is your best bet.

[philipa_240sx]

I don't find the Rogue audio system to be that bad either. I do have a few criticism's though...

- The sound goes 'flat' at higher volume levels (>18). Not sure why this is the case... possibly to prevent over-driving the speakers?- The lack of direct iPod playback is an oversight. This may be only temporary though as all the newer Nissan's have this feature built-in.

As for source material...

Poorly encoded digital music is probably the worst offender here: Poor dynamic range, very little high frequency response, and an overall flat sound. Properly encoded at high bit rates using modern codec's can help, but actual CD's are still one of the better sources out there.

[EHR]

The KD-R800 from JVC really makes a difference soundwise, and it includes bluetooth and Ipod/Iphone connection, but it is a single din (I have one for sale w/accs, if interested).

[cdmuile]

As I've said before, Mr. Bose should be embarrassed. The Rogue is our foul weather ride. I drive a Scion tC RS4 with a Pioneer unit. It blows the Bose away....far, far away.