[Graytshirt]

Is the RF stereo setup upgrade worth the money?

 

[dpatton]

Is the RF stereo setup upgrade worth the money?

For me, yes ;-)

However, I wanted the Off-Road model, and here in Canada you don't get a choice - order the OR, get the Rockford Fossgate audio system

 

[B Slater]

Truthfully I don't think so. I think if you get the standard CD player and upgrade the headunit to something nicer you will be more impressed. The speakers in the front really are not that horrible.

 

[Lonesome Crow]

Is the RF stereo setup upgrade worth the money?

It depends on what you are looking for in a system. I have had systems that are pushing 3000 watts, rattling the neighbors houses and setting off alarms hundreds of yards away. I no longer feel the need to do those things (getting old sucks). The RF system is one of the best OEM setups that Ive heard and if you are looking for something that reproduces accurate music, a decent sound field, and is completely hidden then this system is worth it. If you are looking for something to (insert your like here) then you should consider getting the base system and setting yours up later. Search the posts on this site there are a few killer systems out there.

 

[lostboy]

for me it wasn't worth it, a $200 head unit, a 10inch sub and amp I already have and some new 6x9's and I'll be set. But first I have to scrounge up the cash for the new hu.

I think you can build a better system for the $900 if you are willing to do the work yourself, if you are not or don't know how then get the RF.

Also read MC's stereo build up for some idea of the work involved

 

[Graytshirt]

Thanks for all the replies, I don't really care for a lot of base. I just like quality well balanced sound.

 

[lostboy]

Thanks for all the replies, I don't really care for a lot of base. I just like quality well balanced sound.

I thought the same thing until I put a sub in my old jeep. It was amazing how balanced it made the music and then with a twist of the nob that up'd my sub volume, I could shake my mirrors. Now I am dying to get it in my X.

 

[MidnightX]

Well if you don't need the extra bass then don't go for the RF upgrade. In my opinion, the stock speakers have plenty of bass and clarity. Besides, when you blow them out or decide to get somethin' cool you can do it on your own terms. RF is definitely a good brand though. I just wasn't too down for the woofer to be right under the drivers seat.

 

[Spicoli]

Intergration of the RF is nice, like the steering wheel controls... but for the money you can do a lot better aftermarket.

I have the RF and it is okay. It isn't the head unit so much as the sub and speakers it comes with. I'll leave the headunit, but soon I will replace the speakers and I'm not sure what I'll do with the crappy sub. It is just a thumper, sound quality is a joke on that thing.

 

[SpaceCowboy]

RF questions

Intergration of the RF is nice, like the steering wheel controls... but for the money you can do a lot better aftermarket.

I have the RF and it is okay. It isn't the head unit so much as the sub and speakers it comes with. I'll leave the headunit, but soon I will replace the speakers and I'm not sure what I'll do with the crappy sub. It is just a thumper, sound quality is a joke on that thing.

I haven't worked on an X with the Rockford system. Do you know what the ohm load of the speakers are and how they are wired because that could make a big difference when it comes to replacing speakers and such. My suggestion would be a clean sweep made by JL audio...it would clean up your sound and allow for you to integrate othe amps for a bigger woofer and such. It also would be nice if JL made a stealth box. If people are really into sound quality the best way to go would be with adapters for the front 6x9's and make them 6.5 inch components and do the same with the back. Amp your speakers and amp your subwoofer and put a quality deck in...I don't think I would put anything other than an Eclipse in..also for the 8v preouts. Kicker has a a really killer 8 inch component set but that would require a lot of custom work for the front doors. If you find out anything about the ohm load on the speakers let me know.

-Cowboy

 

[usmc xterra]

Factory speakers are 2 ohm. They are not that bad. I just hate having steering wheel controls that don't work with anything else aftermarket. If I could, I'd have just ordered one with no stereo at all. You can use the factory wires when you do an install. I did mine and I was in a hurry, I was 1st one I know of that did an install in 05 and I paved the way pretty much. (No one had any info for me) Had I known what was in the back I would have did some hacking and put in 6X9's in rear to match the fronts and added the rear tweeters. But I did what I could with what I had on hand, I had a lot of time in a SUB that does not interfere with the loading and cargo room. Plus, it is pretty inconspicuous like I wanted. MC

 

[SpaceCowboy]

Factory Steering Wheel Controls

Factory speakers are 2 ohm. They are not that bad. I just hate having steering wheel controls that don't work with anything else aftermarket. If I could, I'd have just ordered one with no stereo at all. You can use the factory wires when you do an install. I did mine and I was in a hurry, I was 1st one I know of that did an install in 05 and I paved the way pretty much. (No one had any info for me) Had I known what was in the back I would have did some hacking and put in 6X9's in rear to match the fronts and added the rear tweeters. But I did what I could with what I had on hand, I had a lot of time in a SUB that does not interfere with the loading and cargo room. Plus, it is pretty inconspicuous like I wanted. MC

You can get a steering wheel control adapter for your factory steering wheel controls from peripheral works with any aftermarket stereo that has a remote.

-Cowboy

 

[MidnightX]

Factory speakers are 2 ohm. They are not that bad. I just hate having steering wheel controls that don't work with anything else aftermarket. If I could, I'd have just ordered one with no stereo at all. You can use the factory wires when you do an install. I did mine and I was in a hurry, I was 1st one I know of that did an install in 05 and I paved the way pretty much. (No one had any info for me) Had I known what was in the back I would have did some hacking and put in 6X9's in rear to match the fronts and added the rear tweeters. But I did what I could with what I had on hand, I had a lot of time in a SUB that does not interfere with the loading and cargo room. Plus, it is pretty inconspicuous like I wanted. MC

The controls in the steering wheels being disabled was a turn off for me too. Put it this way: for $900 you can buy a new head unit, new speakers, amp and subwoofer...you might even have a few bucks left over to apply to install. Granted it's not gonna be top of the line gear, but if you're not looking for hella bass like you said, then this will be an affordable option.