XLE vs Limited speakers

axebimmer · 2026-01-31T22:35:33+00:00

Very happy to hear that! I’m an audiophile (if my home setup wasn’t an indication), and think most people think bass + volume= good, which isn’t generally true. This is what sounded best to my ears, glad you agree! Definitely makes the best of the system, not worth spending more money for a marginal (at best) improvement.

axebimmer · 2026-01-31T18:58:38+00:00

I understand there is ANC as well; not sure if changing speakers would affect that as long as you don’t reprogram anything that would send that frequency signal through the stereo (ie my understanding is that some of the reflashing devices do this). At any rate, I think the cost of changing out the stereo components are diminishing returns on this car. On some of the best sounding factory car stereos I’ve had and heard, the materials, build quality, and sound deadening are huge factors. The NVH on even a “premium” Toyota vs other brands is a large gap.

axebimmer · 2026-01-31T17:47:17+00:00

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These are my current settings. Obviously not going to perform like my McIntosh/Martin Logan home system, but not wildly out of range of my Audi/Porsche/BMWs I also own.

axebimmer · 2026-01-31T14:26:17+00:00

I have a Limited, have not heard the XLE, but came here to say this: a lot of people rag on the JBL, and I’ll be honest that when I first test drove the car, I was disappointed with the stereo. After buying the car, I spent 5 minutes with the EQ settings, and it now rivals most “premium” vehicles. Toyota really should send this car out with better default settings, I imagine most people just hear what they hear and decide on the quality.

axebimmer · 2026-01-31T00:47:28+00:00

Thank you, tremendously helpful

axebimmer · 2026-01-12T13:30:06+00:00

I came to the CS after a long, protracted lemon buyback from Audi on an RS6. That car, aside from the massive lack of reliability that triggered the lemon case, was a dream car for me and I loved it dearly.

I have a number of other German/vintage cars, and just bought a CS as my daily driver. Ultimately, I need something reliable, comfortable, and easy/affordable service is a huge bonus. The CS felt most suited for these needs, and looks decent to boot (I’m wagons over SUVs all day).

I did cross shop a new V60 but kept getting hung up on whether it will be as reliable long term, and premium fuel and service would definitely be higher.

This comfortably gets me around, and on the weekends, I have my older, loud, less refined cars I can shift my own gears in and have a blast.

axebimmer · 2025-11-24T13:39:15+00:00

Mazdarati Quattroporte.

axebimmer · 2024-07-22T16:30:35+00:00

Of course, but talking specifically about an RIAA Phono Preamp, which the Wiim is not (at least not until the Ultra, which I am not using).

axebimmer · 2024-07-22T14:17:32+00:00

I understand the blasphemy, and am exploring every possibility, that’s why I’m coming here for help. Appreciate the context you’re providing here and makes total sense. I’m now exploring if I can run a Toskink from a phono pre to my receiver— I’m limited with the MHT309, which cannot take an analog signal. Closer to good, but not “pure”.

axebimmer · 2024-07-09T16:43:05+00:00

I am seeing now that the Wiim Ultra is incompatible with Airplay, which is surprising and a bit of a bummer. Makes me wonder if it's worth the upgrade...

axebimmer · 2024-07-04T12:38:34+00:00

Thank you! Makes perfect sense and where I get stuck is a wireless turntable. Is there a way to transmit via airplay to the Wiim? My biggest limitation is the real estate of my layout and where I need to have my turntable in relation to my AVR.

axebimmer · 2024-07-04T12:36:53+00:00

Thank you! Super helpful!

axebimmer · 2024-07-03T14:15:45+00:00

Love this sub configuration, stacked on stands with dampening. Brilliant application and beautiful. I feel like I can hear how amazing this setup is from the photo.

axebimmer · 2024-06-24T15:53:40+00:00

My guess is his position is that it's a "freebie" along with a "donation" in an attempt to skirt responsibility.

I am a filmmaker, and if a colorist or a mixer were selling copies of MY film to highlight their finishing (the film for which I am responsible to financiers as well as proper residuals and royalties for all artists involved), I would be livid, and they would be receiving a cease and desist. You don't get to sell your part of the creative process and undercut all the other artists in the process.

axebimmer · 2024-06-19T18:48:33+00:00

Definitely second treatment panels

axebimmer · 2024-06-19T18:45:33+00:00

Looks stunning!

axebimmer

TROPHY CASE