I couldn't find an answer to this, so please go easy on me if it has been asked before.

The obvious differences between the base stereo and the upraded one is that there are RCA outputs on the premium setup as well as the different display and the ability to upload skins, etc. That much I know. What I haven't been able to figure out is if there is a difference in sound quality. I'm assuming that the speakers remain the same, right? Both are 160 watts. Does anyone know if there is any difference in sound quality?

I'm not going to go for the NAV system... I've already got a GPS and $1,800 is out of my range, anyway. If I'm not interested in a fancy display and will never be adding an amp in the future, should I even consider the upgrade?

Thanks!

Wow... nobody knows? My car is being ordered this week... so unless I hear a good argument for the upgrade, I'm going stock.

If you're not going to use the RCA outputs to an external amp, then no, you wouldn't notice any difference in SQ between the two units when using their internal power.

i have the upgrade and like it a lot.really the only difference is the different screen options, you can change the LED colors between blue an orange and you can add subs/amps/etc to the back of the stereo.

Yeah, I talked to my salesman today and he confirmed it -- there is no difference in sound quality between the base and the premium. The only difference is the display and the RCA outputs. I'm going with the base system.

i beg to differ, the upgraded pioneer uses the mosfet chips like regular pioneers and the base doesnt the output signal of the premium has a little bit more rms than the base i just say go aftermarkt much better quality reguardless!

steezie, you're positive about that? Even the dealership talked me out of the premium. Not that dealerships know everything...

I'll stick with the base and go after market if I really don't like it.

I've always thought the Panasonic CQ-TX550D vacuum tube amplified head unit was sexy as hell!

http://www.uncrate.com/men/images/panasonic-CQ-TX5500D.jpg

LOL That is siiiick. Too bad it doesn't have everything I want and wouldn't match at all but still very cool design. I'm sure you would get alot of comments on that HU.