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
I thought it was just me. I recently sold my Mustang convert and started driving Camry I had...For some reason the stock system sounds awesome, well awesome compared to what I've experienced during my "driving years"...
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. ;)
Douglas,

My wife said is was foolish to have a car that got 9mpg and still couldn't fit 3 kids.AHAHAHAH... If she reads about your conversation she will make me sell the HT and move into my car...:)
My wife said is was foolish to have a car that got 9mpg and still couldn't fit 3 kids.

That is what she said. What she was thinking was entirely another matter.

..."My husband drives a foolishly expensive sports car that could fit 1 GF"
Shadorne,

Don't you have to go practice your drums?? HAHAHA :)

Actually, the other contributing factor is that my wife was diagnosed with MS 2 yrs ago and now she has to wear a brace. The car's size was not conducive to getting in and out.

She is the greatest person in the world and I would do anything for her...BUT..

the great sound of the music in the Camry doesn't replace the 400hp with the top down....Darn, now you got me thinking about it again...I need to go watch some Rush!!