Some people like to bump their music. I usually have mine at 42 but sometimes 50 if the mp3's sound is very low.

 

try to keep mp3 bit rate 192kbps or higher,

signal ratio is higher via cd/mp3 medium on aux, and low up to 5 Db. on ipod intergration units.(pxamg) unsure abt vaistech tho.

 

ipod = high signal out of 3.5mm
ipod = low when interfaced

just my observations.

 

my settings:
bass-4 (i have a sub) needed to tone it down so i can keep bass clean and robust.
treb +5
mid +5
fad 0
bal 0
p.sel position = all
when im not bumpin on cd..25 is just enough.

45 is my comfort bump setting:P on cd

 

I wish I could maintain good hearing but, all of that went out the window during my 4 years in the military...

 

Are the squeal pins set out too far on the pads maybe?

 

the isx50 stock sound system is horrible. I am looking into upgrading all the speakers in my car and putting a small sub in there. Its missing all the mid and lows. I listen to country, rock, alternative with some hip hop. I hate that the audio system sucks so bad.

 

EXACTLY what i do as well.. You not weird at all. So much better having ~120 songs on a disc in a 6-disc cd changer, rather than a regular ~18 track cd.. Agreee'd? I'd say so.. I LOVE music to go along with the LOVE for my whip

 

I'm really curious what kind of audio systems do you use for a benchmark?

 

For CD and radio I have it in the 20's.
But when I use AUX, I crank it up to 31-33. I don't like to blast it in the car, but I hate when the road noise overpowers my music!
Perhaps I should upgrade sometime down the road b/c I love music as much as my car!

 

LOl I guess the word "premium" audio is a little misleading when it comes to stock speakers.

Yeah seriously. I bought a 120GB ipod just so I would never have to change disc again.

 

my old car, 02 accord, had alpine type r components in the front and type s speakers in the back running of an alpine amp (forgot which one). I know its not the bestest of the best out there but it is way better than the stock sytem that comes with our car. I honestly would of thought i would sound more clear and crisp compared to my old car setup but its not. I am seriously thinking about replacing the speakers in the IS though.

 

with the ML system im usually 20-26 with the radio and 24-32 with ipod. it gets pretty loud at 30+ based on the mp3 being played

 

To comment on some of your comments, i'm not bashing the clarity of the music; which i do believe is quite good. I just prefer to listen to my music really loud and the speakers arn't load.

tl;dr
Sum up: Speakers very clear, Not loud