Polk OEM Car Sound Systems

rskarvan · January 2003

I read today at work (at Delphi) that we are partnering with Polk to introduce DVD-audio as an OEM option for car audio from the dealer.

System should be kick **** - has a 14 channel digital amp.
Center polk speaker in the dash for DVD-audio. Sub mounted vertical on rear deck. Componenty drivers in the front doors, etc.

My guess is that it (Delphi/Polk) will go into GM cars.
Ford and Pioneer are partnered already for OEM car audio.

Interesting.

Jstas · January 2003

I hope Pioneer can save Ford' current stereo status. Even the Monsoon and Mach systems from the Mustangs of present and years past blow goats. Didn't Ford try to do something with JBL too? Usually they throw the high end stuff at the Lincolns and Mercurys and forsake teh Ford line to the craptastic wonders than they throw in there now.

shack · January 2003

Fords OEM stuff is mainly Panasonic right now including the Mach 1000 system.

shack · January 2003

In talking to my friend that works for Panasonic - Ford and other auto compnies could give a rats a$$ about the sound quality of the speakers that go into the majority of their cars. They tout the Mach systems as being high end but everything is driven by PRICE. They come up with a spec and want it as cheaply produced as possible. My friend says that Ford has come to them and told them that the system they are producing for a lot less than you would imagine is too high and they can go to China for a 50% reduction in cost. This is why I always replace the OEM system.

[Deleted User] · January 2003

You are correct - Polk and Delphi have entered into an agreement to bring Polk performance and value to Automobile manufactures. I have attached the press release for those interested.

We are very excited about the possibilities and we would like to hear your thoughts on the topic.

What do you think about Polk being an OEM system?

What would you like to see us bring to OEM systems?

Any thoughts are welcome!

[Deleted User] · January 2003

Here is the press release

rskarvan · January 2003

My only concern is that Polk will be competing directly against Delco Electronics - the guys that invented the car radio. Those radio guys won't like Polk inside the OEM GM car - in my opinion. I believe that Polk may be pursued to avoid UAW high cost labor - and, that is never a good thing - outsourcing for cost issues. I find it hard to believe that a partnership like this is strictly for technological advances - in my opinion. Comments?

scottvamp · January 2003

Fords suck A$$ and only ford would make a decision to make fatory radio's that are near impossable to replace with aftermarkets. I guess country music don't really deserve good sound anyway.:D

Jstas · January 2003

Originally posted by scottvamp
Fords suck A$$ and only ford would make a decision to make fatory radio's that are near impossable to replace with aftermarkets. I guess country music don't really deserve good sound anyway.:D

What are you talking about? Ford radios are a cinch to replace. Even the "premium" units are a breeze. When you get into Lincolns and other Ford "premiere" brands does it become a real pain.

Oh yeah, sorry rskarvan, Delco radios blow goats too. The sound better than alot of other stock stereos out there but they are still junk. Too boomy and not enough highs. Kinda like Bose. Well, Bose does the premium stuff in Cadillac, Buick and previously, Olds so I guess if the shoe fits, GM wears it.

danger boy · January 2003

It would be great to raise the bar for OEM car stereos in all of them. Whenever i buy a car. the very first thing I do.. is 1. gas it up. 2. head to the car stereo shop and have a good decent new head unit installed. I don't care for any of the OEM car stereos. After market ones sound so much better to me. I would actully prefer to buy a car without any OEM unit.

Absolutely love the idea of DVD-audio being an option in a car. wow.. finally we're coming of age in moble sound systems. BUt how much will it cost?

goingganzo · January 2003

i got the mon soon system in my car the wireing was a pain to get around they had to re wire all the speakers to get them to work with my amp.

brettw22 · January 2003

GM's Delco system has been absolute crap since the 80's, which it was probably crap before, but I didnt' have a car until then. I won't buy a Ford, so I have no opinion of the systems in those things.......

Overall, I do agree that OEM systems are $hiat. I have a Honda Accord and I really like their OEM system though. If it weren't for the fact that I'm leasing it, I would probably replace it, but I can't complain really.......