I am actually pretty underwhelmed by the basic sound system that is suppose to pump out 250 watts with 10 speakers. I bearly hear any bass at low volumes, and I have to set the bass to max in order to get any low end from the speakers. Also when I balance the speakers to the back, I barely can hear them while sitting in the front. When having the sound on loud(around 42-45 volume), I can hear my front left speaker the most..almost to the point that it sounds like a mono speaker.

Am I expecting too much or is this completely normal? There are no subwoofers with this sound system correct? My wife's beetle with a basic sound unit has WAY more bass at lower volumes, same with the infinity G37 I am driving currently as a loner car.

 

Unfortunately normal. Search is your friend on this issue. Several folks have added sub's and amp's in the trunk to make it better.

 

Well, I noticed it too in a Jaguar XF loaner, I had to turn it all the way up just to hear anything (ok not quite that bad). It occurs to me that this "system" is to encourage people to purchase the upgraded sound system. My car has Bowers & Wilkens, it was one of the best options I could have added. But I agree that a 250 watt system in a car of this caliber is unacceptable.

Many high end car companies are all about the options; have you seen the options list and prices on Porsche and BMW (Porsche is the most overpriced in my opinion)? Audi and Mercedes are better, but not great. It is all about additional profit.

The thought of paying $1,800 for a good stereo, which I did, is crazy (but the deal I got from the dealer was also "crazy"). The B & O option on some Audi's is $5,900, but their "base" system is more than adequate. BMW has three systems, the base, the HK ($875 please) and another system that is about $3,000; $875 is one thing, but really?

/Rant

 

I checked out the other thread but I am not 100% sure if the amp is located in the trunk for the XF 2013. I am thinking about getting a kicker hideaway and just tap it into the amp and the battery in the trunk. I don't want to start this project if the dash needs to be uninstalled to get to the head unit.