I'm an audiophile who is also a high-end retailer. I've got a very good ear for sound systems.
Factory systems are usually just tolerable to me, but my 2013 Premium with standard radio and dash tweeters had the worst sound I'd heard in years. Bass was far too boomy and ill-defined, treble was way over the top. Very slurred and sloppy sound. Tone settings to make it tolerable were -4 on bass, -4 on treble, and I think +4 on midrange. That's far beyond the adjustment one should have to make.
Reading the manual, I realized there was an 'SRS' tone system that could be turned on or off. It claims to enhance bass and raise the soundstage to ear level. The manual said it was turned off by default, so I went to try turning it on. Found out that it came from the factory with it already on. When I turned off the SRS, it sounded MUCH BETTER. Enough that I'm no longer shopping for an aftermarket system.
Try turning your SRS off and try setting up with these tone and balance settings. This is a great starting point. They should each be within one step of being right for your listening position and source quality (note: Use CD or digital device for accuracy. Radio quality and tone can very widely.
Bass -2
Midrange +2
Treble -2
Balance 0 or 1R (can depend if someone is sitting in the passenger seat, absorbing some volume).
Fader 1F
Factory systems are usually just tolerable to me, but my 2013 Premium with standard radio and dash tweeters had the worst sound I'd heard in years. Bass was far too boomy and ill-defined, treble was way over the top. Very slurred and sloppy sound. Tone settings to make it tolerable were -4 on bass, -4 on treble, and I think +4 on midrange. That's far beyond the adjustment one should have to make.
Reading the manual, I realized there was an 'SRS' tone system that could be turned on or off. It claims to enhance bass and raise the soundstage to ear level. The manual said it was turned off by default, so I went to try turning it on. Found out that it came from the factory with it already on. When I turned off the SRS, it sounded MUCH BETTER. Enough that I'm no longer shopping for an aftermarket system.
Try turning your SRS off and try setting up with these tone and balance settings. This is a great starting point. They should each be within one step of being right for your listening position and source quality (note: Use CD or digital device for accuracy. Radio quality and tone can very widely.
Bass -2
Midrange +2
Treble -2
Balance 0 or 1R (can depend if someone is sitting in the passenger seat, absorbing some volume).
Fader 1F