[chumley]

I recently bought a used 2008 Outlook XR which has the optional "Advanced Audio System" with 10 speakers. I am surprised and disappointed that it just doesn't sound very good to me. The highs in particular is very weak. For comparison, I have an Isuzu Trooper whose stereo sounds about the same to me as the Outlook (i.e. marginal), and a Saab 9-5 that sounds MUCH better. These are all stock factory stereos, so I'm not a picky stereophile. I checked all the front speakers in Outlook, including the side pillar tweeters and the center dash speaker, and they do seem to be working, but they just don't put out much sound. I'd like to hear other people's impressions of this system, and I'm curious if anyone has improved it significantly by replacing speakers. Thanks.

 

[tsc1969]

I have the same system in my 08' and I am just as disappointed. Actually, I may be more disappointed considering I bought the Outlook new and I paid the extra $1000 for the "Advanced Audio".
Tim C.

 

[eelfliw]

Have you tried to play with the equalizer controls to adjust the sound? Also, is this issue particular to the Outlook that you've purchased or does the Outlook that your drove as demo also exhibit the same behavior?

 

[chumley]

I have EQ on manual, with the treble control at max the bass flat or maybe up 1 click. That does help, but it still lacks clarity and "life" to my ears.

I don't know if all 2008's sound the same or not. On my test drives, I didn't pay close attention since the stereo wasn't a major buying criteria for me. I suppose I could ask my local dealer if I could listen to one of theirs, but since I didn't buy from them I can't ask for too much from them.

 

[eelfliw]

By listening to the radio on another Outlook with 10 speaker system, you can determine if this is a systematic problem (eg. all Outlooks sound just as bad) or a problem particular to your Outlook.

If the problem is particular to your Outlook, it should be covered under warranty. If other Outlooks also sound the same as your Outlook, then there's not much you can do except upgrade the stereo system.