After 9 years of keeping the original stock cassette receiver and speakers in my 1996 SW1, I've decided I've had my fill of the muffled, distorted sound that has restricted me to listening to talk radio or to nothing at all. I would like to know what is the source of the problem. Is it the receiver, the speakers, or both? Most of you do agree, do you not, that Saturn really cut some corners in quality with their stock audio system, at least in my generation of S-series cars?
I'm thinking of upgrading the cassette receiver to a CD receiver, and leaving the original speakers--unless the speakers are the true source of the problem, in which case I'll replace everything.
In earlier S yes, it was a downgraded stereo system, as they were the lesser expensive cars. The S*2 series had a bit better stereo and standard 4 speaker system, whereas SL's and base SL1's has only 2 speakers. And yup they all sounded cr*ppy.
In the 2nd gen and up, they enhanced the audio systems, ie: I replaced my 94 SL2 system w/ a Pioneer head and Sony Xplode speakers; when I got my '02 SC2, I left it alone, the sound is fantastic in the oem.
Check out your local WallyMart and you can replace your entire system for under $200. if you wish. Your rear speakers are 6.5" I believe.
I also have a 96 SW1 which has given very good service since new.
I always thought that the base stereo had quite good if not great sound but then I like the blues and it is not very demanding. I have removed the lower back seat cushion and turn up the rear speaker level.
I am sure that there is better sound available for more money but suspect that my ears could not hear the difference. I think compact cassettes lose their high fidelity with age and exposure to gravity and that may be part of your problem. I would like to be able to listen to my newer CDs and I am sure that a CD will give you a cleaner sound in an automobile. I would suggest you borrow a CD adapter to see how your speakers sound with CD sound.
I have found the radio reception range to be far better than any other stock or aftermarket stereo I have used. I can often receive a medium power AM station at 150 mi range over the Rocky Mountains durring the day.
Caution, I also got what I considered very very good wear (140,000 km mountain highway) out of the stock Firestones that everyone here seems to hate. My pet peeve is the crappy undersized wire that Saturn uses on the most expensive block heater that I have ever purchased and is only available from Saturn. The conductor is so thin it breaks inside the insulation next to the plug. I have always discovered that the wire was broken after dark and at 30 below when I plugged in for a morning start. YMMV
My 94 SL1 with tape player came with 4 speakers. In the first week I replaced them all with 3-way speakers (Pioneer IIRC). You may have got 2 speakers with just the AM/FM but 4 speakers with the AM/FW/tape. At any rate the $190 I spent on the 4 - 3 way speakers (12 speakers ?) was money well spent. My problem is I've got about 100 tapes but Saturn's don't come with tape players anymore so if I get a new one it has to go straight into Crutchfields installation bay before I even take it home.
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