[Zrelaxed]

Which is better??? With the 6 disc in-dash CD changer aside, which head unit provides better sound quality, better features? I'm leaning towards the base MDX with Navi, but if the touring's head unit is significantly better, I'll probably opt for the touring package. I'll go with aftermarket speakers and amps regardless.

(I love the touring rims but they can be had for $800 vs. the full $2600 for the touring package)

I doubt I'll opt to replace the head unit if I go with the navi as I don't want to lose the navi voice.

 

[Fireblade6]

The Touring or Touring/Navi head unit has a higher power amp than the Base unit.

The sound is much better in the base and when turn up louder, the speakers do not sound like its struggling.

That is my opinion

 

[frostyra]

And I have a base model; I attend many acoustic (classical) concerts, and record (officially) almost as many as I attend -- so I KNOW what the live sound was like. The base audio unit does a very good job of presenting a believable and fairly accurate sound from my home-made CDs, including the amount of bass through the sub, with the bass and treble controls centered. That being said, a lot of people have complained in other threads that the speakers are wimpy and you can't peel the paint off the doors by cranking up the volume. (Thank you, Lord!)

Why not do a search on "sound" or "audio" or "speakers"?

 

[Zrelaxed]

I do plan on replacing the speakers and adding aftermarket amps. My question focuses more on the differences between the two head units, the base and the touring. Specs on the two would be greater otherwise I'll take all the subjective advice the forum has to offer!

 

[mcclendons]

If you plan on aftermarket speakers and amps, and the other touring features are a wash, I would go Base unit. While I do think the touring has more power, it is not allot more. The base is more than capable of driving an aftermarket amp (through line inputs, not sure about pre-amp) just as the Bose. There may be some system equalization issues with the Bose head units....I've read several posts stating that, but would guess that comes from the Bose amp (2 ohm) vice head unit. A custom amp install with the Base will sound just as good as with the Bose (and maybe better if equalization is done in head unit). Understand both units are made by Alpine, so would expect similar (probably same) characteristics such as Frequency response, S/N ratio etc other that amp power

As a note, I added a 10 disc Kenwood changer to my base unit for about $240. I only have one disc in dash, but 10 more under the drivers seat. The in dash changer is nice, but if you do not change discs often, or change cartridges of discs, that may be another factor.