Standard Elise Stereo - any good?

[daveknott5]

Thinking of one of the new 1.6 engined Elises - is the stereo audible/decent on the motoroway at between 70-80? Or is it a token after thought that is nice to have around town, but useless once you're up to speed?

[SeanyD]

Unless you have upgraded the induction and exhaust, yes perfectly audible, I can even make and receive phone calls (blue-tooth car kit) without too much difficulty.

[kambites]

No stereo really works well in the Elise - the cabin is just too small and there's too many hard surfaces which create odd reflections.

[pthelazyjourno]

SeanyD said:

Unless you have upgraded the induction and exhaust, yes perfectly audible, I can even make and receive phone calls (blue-tooth car kit) without too much difficulty.

It's never the engine that I've found to be an issue in the Elise - it's the wind and tyre noise, and stereos are all pretty crap at 80mph.

[CooperS]

Depends on your expectations and as others said your aftermarket exhaust / induction.

I found it more than sufficient but i realised early on whatever you do to improve the situation I was never going to be sitting in an Audi A8 with B&O surround sound so enjoy what you've got and get driving

[anonymous-user]

I have a 1.6 elise and I'd have to say that the radio is not the best. It either doesn't pick anything up and as others have said, once above 70mph you won't hear it for wind/intake noise (the engine seems to come 'on cam' above 3,000rpm / 70mph, below this it is virtually inaudible). Even when stationary the sound quality is very poor.

I've only ever switched it on when stuck in traffic. Too busy enjoying the drive otherwise!

Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 16th May 22:33

[jondude]

milesr3 said:

I've only ever switched it on when stuck in traffic. Too busy enjoying the drive otherwise!

Edited by milesr3 on Wednesday 16th May 22:33

I'd say that is pretty much as it was intended, too

[kazste]

1.8s driver here in 3 years I've done 30,000 miles in mine mainly on the motorway and don't have any problems hearing the stereo. No induction on mine but do have a stage 1 exhaust.

[car95]

milesr3 said:

I have a 1.6 elise and I'd have to say that the radio is not the best. It either doesn't pick anything up and as others have said, once above 70mph you won't hear it for wind/intake noise (the engine seems to come 'on cam' above 3,000rpm / 70mph, below this it is virtually inaudible). Even when stationary the sound quality is very poor.

I've only ever switched it on when stuck in traffic. Too busy enjoying the drive otherwise!

Edited by milesr3 on Wednesday 16th May 22:33

Exactly this. (I have a 1.6CR.) I find that it has really poor radio reception. Cranked up with the roof on a CD can be heard, with quite tinny sound, but with the roof off at any speed then forget it.

[kazste]

Sounds like I must either have an exceptional steroe in mine then as perfectly fine roof on or off. Even when I have it on loud (22, not that that means much as volume is cd dependant) it still sounds clear, I'm used to decent hifi at home so could tell if it was breaking up. Don't use the radio much as normally have ipod connected but when I have I haven't suffered from poor signal either.

Must remember to use this in the advert if I ever sell it

[Cotty]

Mine is fine on the motorway at speed. Even when wearing ear plugs and cranking it up, its fine.