Zonker04

This is my first post here, and I hope I'm not missing an earlier thread on this issue (I did search). I'm trying to choose between the base 6-speed (or sport) package, on the one hand, and the touring package on the other. (I want cloth seats and I want to save money so I don't want the GT package.)

One of the big differences is the stereo. I have sat in a few GT RX-8s and cranked up the 300W Bose stereo with my own CD. It sounded OK to me, but not very impressive. I have not been able to audition the base 100W 6-speaker system.

Has anyone here compared the two? Is the 300W system worth the extra money? I will probably not upgrade whatever I get, so I may have to live with it for years.

Thanks.

Eric

mikeb

I have the gt and I was impressed with the bose system.
However it has no bass so I added two 12 inch subs.

It just matters how important music is to you

Zonker04

Thanks, Mike. I'm not trying to criticize the 300W system here. Actually, it sounded OK to me. And yes, I am fairly into music.

But what I'm trying to find out is, does the 300W system sound better than the 100W system, and if so, how much better? Thanks.

mikeb

no problem
sorry I havent heard the 100 watt system

Bulldog6670

Check this recent thread and look at Mr. Wiggles' comments.

http://www.rx8forum.com/showthread.p...threadid=8033.

I have a GT and am fairly happy with the sound, but I would like just a little more bottom end. I'm still toying with the idea of adding a sub, but it appears it would be at the expense of the AudioPilot.

Zonker04

Thanks, Bulldog. I think that pretty much answers my questions (the comments and responses give a pretty balanced view of the pros and cons of the two systems). Right now I'm leaning toward the base or Sport model, with the possibility of a later stereo upgrade, but I'm still not sure. Anyway, thanks again.

Lex

I have a sport package, which has the basic non-Bose stereo.

It sounds good to me (and I have very sensitive hearing), though it distorts at louder volumes, and there are indeed certain frequency bands missing, most notably a band in the mid-treble and also low bass.

But I never expect too much from car stereo, and I don't pump up "da bass." I just need something to jam out on Floyd, Foo Fighters, and Radiohead, and the basic stereo more than does the trick.

Zonker04

Roger that, Lex. I have a lot of money into my home stereos (three of them) but in my car I just want something decent. My expectations aren't too high. I'm thinkin' yeller sport package. Thanks!

Bulldog6670

was hoping for something half-decent when I bought my Yellow GT. I've got a couple of systems at home. One is a Bose Acoustimass 15 system driven by a Sony receiver. The other one is a NAD system driving PSB speakers containing a total of 20 drivers. I knew what a BOSE system sounds compared to a half-decent system. I was pleased with the RX-8 BOSE system based on my expectations. The only thing lacking for me was a little bottom end.

I took the car to Custone Auto Radio ( http://www.custone.com/car/ ) here in Whitby. After sitting in the car with me and hearing the system, he said he could meet my needs with a separate amp and a custom built enclosure with an 8" sub. He said I would get what I was lacking and wanting. He's going to check around for more info on connections and signal levels from the amp prior to him starting his design.

mikeb

post pics when done please

Bulldog6670

Will do, but it will look minuscule compared to your twin 12's.