No, I’m not sorry I bought the vehicle. It’s not even delivered yet. But I am kind of worried that NOT getting the upgraded stereo is a big mistake. Too late to change it now, the build starts on Monday.
Anyone have any experience with the stereo, either the standard or the option? Is it worth it to do something aftermarket? Is there a cost effective way to upgrade to factory stuff AFTER I get the vehicle?
Calling Dave?
I am sure he will be able to answer this.
the big mistake would be paying the huge premium for the upgraded stereo when you can get something waaay better in the aftermarket for the same cost.
X2
You made the right choice.
I’m just hoping that there isn’t some concern with destroying the dash while upgrading the stereo.
There were two levels of audio options, one included a USB port under the armrest, the other included a 40gb harddrive and navigation. I think both included a 250 watt 8-speaker Pioneer system, which didn’t sound that impressive but is probably better than the basic stuff.
should be easy enough to pull the door panels and upgrade to something a lot better for less than the cost of the premium system.
You won’t destroy anything by putting in an aftermarket stereo. The install kits these days have come a long way. Just take it to an installer if you want.
I was worried about busting the trim when pulling the dash, seemed like all one big not-meant-to-be-removed piece. I guess an installer isn’t a bad idea, they’d know what they were doing better far better than I would.
It’s all plug and play too, so installers work quickly and cleanly, usually.
If you’re into having a good sound, you made the right choice in NOT upgrading.
Ditto. If Chevy is anything like Jeep, the Upgraded System isn’t all its cracked up to be. My Jeep comes with Boston from the factory, with a 1000$ upgrade available to Kicker. I missed the kicker availability on my truck by about 2 weeks, and bought the kicker kit separate. LOL, I had it in for a while, and ended up putting the factory Boston back in! Was not worth the upgrade AT ALL.
Thanks for putting me at ease. I’ll make due for a little while with the crappy stereo that’s in there and upgrade at a later date. I think it was $1500 for the highest level option I could get, which didn’t seem at all worth it.
I have the base stero in my rabbit and it sounds pretty good. A lot of newer cars seem to have pretty rockin base stereos… you might not even wanna change. But I’m no audiophile
Stock GM stereos have usually all sounded pretty good from the factory for me.
Then again I’m not really huge into car audio either.
What do you consider upgraded? Are you only getting a MP3 playing head unit or are you getting 3 way component speakers with horns and matched amps?
Anyway you look at it $1500 from the facotry isn’t worth it.
There is an Aux MP3 input on the basic stereo, the first upgrade includes a USB port which I kinda liked the idea of. The other has a harddrive and navigation, which I didn’t need to pay for. These are just the available options for the Equinox.
My current DD is a 2004 Pontiac Vibe GT with the “moons and tunes” package, which I think was the Monsoon stereo system. I wasn’t really impressed by it.
I haven’t driven anything new and GM for any significant time yet. So we’ll see what the basic system sounds like.
I was wondering if you got anything like you mentioned.
Congrats on the new ride 
Thanks! Be here in about 10 days.
ya i have set up quite a few amazing sound systems for much much less than $1500 pm me if you end up going aftermarket.
The stereo you’ll get is good and sounds similar to the upgrade. I am not a stereo expert but most people don’t notice a difference unless they are into that sort of thing so I think you’ll be happy.
Be careful with aftermarket equipment because it can play games with the electrical system of the car and cause alot of problems. Even the plug and plays but especially if they need to cut into wires. make sure whoever installs any accessory equipment is legit, professional and gives you a written warranty.
Little off topic, check your pms I sent you one about a new 2010 equinox.