I am very close to buying a 08' xb.

Regarding the stock or premium radio:
Purely functionally are there any differences?
Like number of presets on radio? EQ?

Also does the stock or Premium have RDS?

 

premium sounds much better than base. but, you can always buy it from people like me for less than the dealer would charge. you see the headunit for sale on sl and ebay from time to time.

 

The premium has RCA outputs, including subwoofer outs.

I read they were identical except for the display and RCA outputs.

I haven't seen any evidence of it.

 

Actually, I think outside of the RCA output and the whole 10 ,15 second video clip you can put on the premium radio, I believe the sound is the same. But if I were you, I'd rather just get the stock unit, and replace it with the Pioneer AVIC-d3 head unit. It's got GPS, and actually DVD playback. It's a little more expensive but way more options than the premium head unit.

 

So the preimum is worth it if one wants to expand the system or like the screen/looks of it.

Otherwise stick with the stock and replace with aftermarket for more functionality/power?

How do the aftermarket ones deal with the ipod integration?
Playlist nav? or just plain AUX input?

 

The premium is like you said, for adding on, and for looks. No sound benefits.

I got my xb with the stock and replaced it with the AVIC-D3. You have to add the Ipod cable, but I bought that for like 30 bucks or something. It's touchscreen and yes it does access your playlists in the ipod etc... it's not just an AUX in.

right now, there are allot of places selling the D3 for cheap. I got mine for 530
and I believe the premium is like $400 or something like that. So for 130 more, I think it's the better choice.

But then again, 530 is ONLY for the unit. if you want to retain the steering wheel controls you have to buy the adapter as well. Plus other parts. This is the break down of what I paid.

D3 - $530
Steering wheel adapter - $40
Head unit adapter and wiring harness - $15
Ipod cable - $30

Now granted, you might have to do a little bit of shopping to get the lower prices because if you go to best buy or circuit city to buy the adapter and wiring harness, I know they sell theirs for like $20 EACH.

Anyways, unless you want to keep your head unit stock AND are going to add extra amps or subs, stick with the stock unit. Anybody who says the premium sounds better, doesn't know what the hell they are talking about.

 

Thank you all for the answers... I think I'll stick with the stock for now.

 

I have the premium head unit.

Here is my 2 cents......if you do not plan on using amps, subs, etc....then stick with base head unit, it sounds the same as the premium. If you DO plan on adding amps and subs AND want to keep the ipod and steering wheels controls functional AND want to roll the cost into the loan on the car.....get the premium head unit. If you want improved head unit performance (high voltage RCA outputs, etc.) AND are willing to hunt down the sterring wheel adapter, ipod adapter, and in-dash kit (or are willing to live without) then go with an aftermarket head unit.

Right now I have the premium head unit running two amps, connected to Sirius satellite radio, full iPod and steering wheel functionality, and an exact fit in the dash. As you can tell I am very happy with the setup. Sure, I could grab an avic-D3 (which is an awesome head unit) but I am more than satisified with my current setup.