I'm happy with mine. I love the controls on the steering wheel. I've read on this list though that unless you are an audiophile you may not be able to tell the difference in sound quality between the BA and the standard speakers.

Another thing to be aware of is that a lot of people driving 07 Patriots have had problems with the standard speakers (not the BA). Not sure if the 08s have this problem.

 

I've got the BA sound system, and I didn't realize how good it was until I was given a Dodge Caliber with stock stereo as a rental when my Patriot was in the shop... What a difference!

It's worth it to me, but I'm also reasonably musically inclined, so a stock stereo isn't going to cut it for me.

 

I really appreciate it for the improved sound, and I use the flip-down speaker when I'm working on my other jeep. My wife likes it for the leather-wrapped steering wheel and controls. So it's a win-win for us.

 

BA system is great.....

 

I also say it's worth the $$, I've always had systems in my other cars so when I saw this option I said why not ... at least I won't have to have a sub box sitting in the rear cargo area taking up more space and whatnot and I'm glad I did, the BA system sounds great and the liftgate flip down speakers sound nice with the hatch open.

 

It'd be interesting to compare the BA system with a regular system whose speakers have been upgraded.

 

It would. You can easily upgrade the speakers yourself in a half an hour for far less than the BA system costs (unless you plan to install tweeters on the dash, which will take more time). I found the stock base speakers to be crap, but $120 at Crutchfield and 30 minutes, and things are FAR improved.

 

Its worth it! Much better sound, sirius is included and the controls on the steering wheel are handy. It was a must on my Patriot.

 

If you are fussy about music and sound quality like me, then you'll love it

 

Akula, what did you get?

 

Cheap 6x9s. Blaupunkt GTx692, front and rear. The Crutchfield online fit selector is EXTREMELY conservative, and just about any 6x9 they sell will fit. Their speaker harnesses (included free) made the install a piece of cake.

Clarity was much improved over stock speakers, and had I spent more, the sound would likely be even better, but since the Patriot has the aerodynamics of a brick, it isn't exactly a reference quality listening room. But it is easy to do better than the stock speakers.

 

I think it is worth it. The BA system is very good and there are no headaches associated with installation. The integration with steering wheel controls and UConnect is flawless. And, of course, it's under the same warranty as the rest of the vehicle.

 

I was surprised to see that they installed 6x9's according to crutchfield..
I am very pleased with my BA system. It ROCKS

 

According to the parts manual, all MK's use the same door speakers down to the part number. The BA upgrade gets you the 8" sub with amp, and (4) 2.5" mid/tweets, 2 in the front dash and two that flip down from the gate.

 

If something happened to my Patriot today and I had to order or find another one, the premium sound system would probably be the one thing I'd add that I don't have now. My previous car had the steering wheel mounted buttons, which I miss. And the standard system doesn't do much in terms of bass. I can't remember if the upgraded radio in that case has a plug for an iPod or not, but odds are if you went that route you'd want to get the more direct iPod connection anyway. I have to really crank the volume to hear my iPod through the mini-plug connector, which isn't too much of a problem until you switch back to the radio for some reason and it's 2-3x too loud.

As it is I might look into upgrading the door speakers, but I'm getting older and my hearing in general isn't as good...I might be better off investing the money in hearing aids instead.

 

I-Pod difference

I have been somewhat happy with my 2007 BA sound system upgrade. This weekend I really pushed it to the limit. My brother has one of those high powered 300 dollar I-pods with the full screen and its output if far superior to my Nano. The sound system Rocked!!!, I really put it to the test and pushed it to the limit. I was very impressed, I kept the Bass at 5 and the mid and treble at 4. I played it loud for almost 2 hours driving down to Atlantic City Friday afternoon. I look forward to another summer and will make the investment in buying a better quality I-pod. The difference was immense. I am not a 100 percent happy with the Sirius sound quality and the CD of course sound great. I listen to a lot of house music so I tend to push the system a bit, it has been a year since I bought the car and I think I finally found a way to tweak the sound the rite way

 

I'm also happy w/my B/A upgrade, even though I haven't compared it to the stock system. As indicated by 'Apt' and other members, the B/A upgrade is basically a speaker and amp package with the convenience of steering wheel-mounted controls and is an independent option of whatever head unit you've chosen. In otherwords, the B/A system does not include Sirius, Nav or the 6-disc changer. I'm somewhat disappointed however, regarding 'Apt's discovery that the door speakers included in the B/A system are apparently no better than in the stock system. Lastly, in a pricing anomaly, the B/A option is cheaper ($395) in Canada than in the U.S. -- the norm is usually the other way around.

 

The BA upgrade varies by year (2007 vs. 2008) and by trim level (Sport vs. Limited). 2008 Limiteds already have Sirius and the leather wrapped wheel w/ audio controls.

Since this is a package now, it is the only way to get the remote audio controls or Sirius, so you have to take the BA upgrade. It's a reasonable value for people that want the clean OEM integration. I assure you that $800 spent on aftermarket stuff could sound better. Bass is the biggest issue with aftermarket as the BA sub locaiton takes up very little cargo space vs. installing a box.

I wondering if an 8" fits in the rear doors that could provide a clean install w/o takign up much space. I also wonder what it looks like behind that cubby where the BA sub goes. Maybe make something work there too. I fully expect to upgrade my stock system at some time. I have some amplifiers lying around to choose from. I'd like to get some tweeters for the front doors by the A-pillars because they are cheap (<$20 and some time). Some decent 6.5" mids (or 8" if they fit) for the front doors and maybe try 8" woofers in the rear doors.

 

My dad had a rental Caliber yesterday with the stock sound system. I have the BA in my Pat and have been vary pleased with it, but not as much as I was when I got into the rental and heard how much worse it sounded with the stock system. I definately think it is worth the money, epecially since the speakers were already blown in the rental and I have had my BA system on full blast many times and it doesn't even seem to phase them.

 

If the speakers were blown, how can you compare? Also, you gotta compare same material played back to back. You also need to play with the EQ settings as many people have their EQ adjusted wacky.

I have never heard the BA upgrade and have the base system. I am impressed with bass output. It really needs better high range. Vocals could be better, but for a base system in a car you can buy for under $11k, it's fantastic. Better than the stock system every other vehicle I've owned.

 

Life hasn't been good since the demise of 8-track

 

My previous ride "Trade-Bait" had base chrysler system and I ws amazed how decent it really was. That being said the BA System in my Riot is far superior. At high volumes sound quality is much improved. I thought the wheel controils were a waste of money when i bought this thing but after 2 months I almost never touch the radio now. I love it to death and would recomend BA to all future buyers who love cruzin with their tunes.

 

Quick question....There is a Pat at one of my local dealers that has all the options I want except for the BA upgrade. Is there a way they could upgrade it for me, or would they have to order one with it installed? I went there a while back and looked at one with the 6 disc changer and they said they would install the Ipod kit for 150.00, so I''m wondering what the dealers capability is.

 

I think you have to get the BA system installed at the factory, because it adds two speakers near the windshield and the two speakers on the liftgate. The 6 disc changer and iPod kit can both be added afterwards though.

 

Cool. Thank you for the quick reply.

 

I believe that there are two other differences with the BA system. It's my understanding that the system has-

-Crossovers, The door speakers don't play the highs, and therefore are strickly mid and bass, which they are good at.
-Amplifier, The BA System has an amplifier for the remaining speakers, allowing for cleaner-high-volume play.

Those make big differences in sound quality.


Also, as someone with both systems (base on compass, BA on pat), I can say that the base system is GREAT compared to other base cars. However... the BA is superior, especially at high volumes.

Yes, you can have a better system for a lower price if you do it yourself, but probably not by much, and the amount of time it will take to make it look cosmetically good is rediculous.

Your going to have to put in two tweaters, rerun wiring for 4 door speakers, to an amp, which your going to have to find a creative place to put so you cannot see it, replace the four speakers, and either custom build a box to fit in that spot, pay $400 to buy the BA one from chrysler, OR put another clunky sub box in your trunk. Now merely to maintain the same BA quality, I'd estimate $200 for the amp, $200 for six speakers, $400 for the BA Subwoofer, and 10-12 hours of your time, plus its not under warranty, and making it look good will be a lot of creativity...

I say, unless you are an ultra-audiophile, who truly wants "the absolute best", the BA is the way to go. If you are an audiphile and can tell the difference in quality of sound, and/or listen to high volume play, go with the BA, and if you can't tell the difference (or dont care) between a counter top stereo and a full bose system, go with the base.

 

It is not cost effective to get the BA parts from a dealer. Besides the 5 extra speakers, you need a new tailgate trim piece. If everything else on the vehicle is good and the price is right, get it and upgrade aftermarket if you find the stock system lacking.

I am considering a budget upgrade of some $15 tweeters and something like these 8" drivers for the rear doors if I can make them fit. I already have amps (only for the 8" drivers) and a LOC.

 

Awesome, thanks for the info, it's much appreciated. The issue I'm having is that I have the upgraded system in my car now(2002 Nissan Sentra SE-R). I'm afraid if I go with the stock system in the Pat, I'll really notice the difference and will be kicking myself for not getting the BA upgrade.

 

I have the base line and I like it just fine... My wife has a Fusion and it has all those belss and whistles... I just forget about it all of the time. So I dont mind. I also hooked up my subs and amp with the stock interior mids and highs sounds great only took me 10 mins to figure out the gains so its sounds great at all volumes so the bass is not excessive. I am all for saving the money... But I am also a ******* who lives by tim allens philosophy from home improvement of tweaking things.