I don't know how much better the M audio option adds to the sound of the M5 stereo since I have a 2000 model year build. I do know that there is supposed to factory upgrades the dealer can do for you. The only caveat is that you have to have the Premium Sound system which adds DSP. This is critical because this stereo has a multichannel amp and pre-wired for subwoofers. The upgrade involves removing the Nokia band pass subwoofers (two 5 inch subwoofers enclosed in a bass tube) that sit under the rear parcel shelf and adding in the two 10 inch free form M Audio subwoofers. The mounting holes are already there and the subwoofers plug into the same wiring harness as the Nokia band pass subwoofers