I would pay a little extra if there was an option for a nice speaker sound system, sub in the trunk and an MP3 player. It could include XM radio, but I would never us it.

 

I would much rather do it myself.

 

Nor would I ever use XM. A built in MP3 player would be a nice bonus. However since we're designing the thing from scratch, design the sub & amp so its integral to the car and doesn't take up any valuable storage space.

 

Thats how I feel. I currently have an Alpine MP3 player w/ Rockford Fosgate Amp and Subs. An have been doing my own installs since I started driving. But building a box (I make my own) and placement of the amp always take up space. And in a hatch back 3rd gen (and 4th), when you but a sub, amp, and t-tops in the back, you have no space left. But if everything had its place it would work out alot better.

 

I'd like something that sounds good but is not over done. If they can put optional stuff like XM or MP3 players in, great, but make the base system competent but reasonable.

The monsoons were really only 1 pair of good mid-bass drivers away from being a very decent stock system for those that don't care about ear-bleeding volume levels.

My current 10 speaker system in the TA is 100% stock except for a pair of Pioneer 6.5S speakers in place of the stock mid-bass drivers in the sail panels. Those made a huge difference in just the depth of sound and low end range. No it doesn't get super loud but it is more than adequate for my use habits.

 

Personally, I love the Monsoon system. I'm no professional audio critic, but it's very true to my music, and I was lucky enough to have had the previous owner order it.

My only mod, I think, will be the line-in that I'm finishing shortly (one wire away!), as my iPod's enough to hold all my music.

 

The only thing factory I will accept is some sort of in-dash MP3/WMA changer. If GM can't do that by then, they will be far behind the power curve. I would rather only have to replace speakers and possibly add a sub, but I really don't want to have to mess with the (hopefully) steering wheel controls.

 

A simple $0.99 audio input jack on the front of the head unit would RULE. HELLO? GM? We have things like iPods and don't want to have to use FM adapters or cassette tape adapters.

I honestly don't know why no car company does this. I have one in an aftermarket unit in the wife's car and it's very nice.

 

WERM, I see you have helped spread the word about the plates.

anyway, I think it will have exact like the rest of the new cars. 6cd in dash player, MP3 and XM player optional. I would opt for XM as I see myself using that more.
As for ipod ports, I dont see many fbody owners when I think of ipod, but ok. I think to a point, like with engine mods, that you have to leave some to the aftermarket. I think there should be a mega system option for thoes who get V6 camaro's, but still want to customize there own ride, if not in power, but in sound.
I would be find witha 6 speaker bose system with CD player and XM. Only system I really like is the V8 system... by far the best sounding system from GM.
I find my self turning off the radio just to hear the car sing.

 

I'd pay for the top of the line sound system. I'm not into systems and all that, especially in an F-body. As long as the sound is crisp and clear, I'm happy. I really like the Bose system that came in my car. It blows away my 95 Blazer's garbage audio system and is FAR superior to my mom's 02 Trailblazer's system.

 

XM is a must for me, XM is awesome. I haven't listened to am/fm in a year and a half now. I am happy with the current Monsoon setup, but for the 5th gen. I would like to see a top level Bose system being used. Bose seems to be a little clearer and envelops you in more sound than the Monsoon system. I am comparing my car with a Bose Gold Series system in a Caddy ETC.

 

It's not an iPod port. It's just a generic audio input port. So you can input ANY audio into your stereo. Ipods, CD players, whatever they come up with in the future...

And yes, I hate front plates. I moved here from michigan and I've been driving around with the bolts and plate in my passenger seat for quite some time... I just can't bare to punch holes in my pristine front bumper...

 

Its a mustang...its not that preistine

ahh, I see what you mean now. Question for you....why would you plug in a CD player if you have, lets say, a 6 in dash CD player? I do understand about everything else.

 

It's more like, how do I plug in my digital music device (iPod) etc. with thousands of songs so that I don't need to be constantly changing disks.

I'd rather have a port than have everything integrated because A) its cheaper and B) the aftermarket and consumer electronics market updates products quickly.... and I can get a newer, better player easily and cheaply...but upgrading the whole head unit or sound system is $$$ and I can only use it in ONE of my cars.

FWIW, there is an aftermarket single disk, MP3-CD player in the VW, with an input jack and a factory 6-disk in dash CD changer in my mustang. Excluding differences in sound quality (the Mustang is much better) I would take the VW setup any day.

IMO, a simple audio input jack should be standard equipment on ANY car radio.

 

Have an option for an ALpine, mp3/Xm ready headunit. Leave teh rest with normal base stuff, Ill do the speakers myself, but it would be nice ot have the headunit already in and ready from the factory.