Car Audio

I think I may have some relevant experience here.

I know home audio well, and I know what accurate, high-fidelity sound using live unamplified orchestral music as a reference sounds like.

You aren't going to get this in a car.

However, for the 99.9% of audiophiles who don't achieve this at their home and require this to be pleased, there is hope for you.

I have an 01' VW New Passat that I bought used. It had the "upgraded" Monsoon stereo, which sounded like a broken clock radio. Absolutely horrible, and I just didn't turn the radio on for 2 years.

I then decided it was time to investigate car audio. I first went to a small car-audio shop that also sold vintage home audio gear. You know, KLH, old Bose stuff, vintage turntables.

I thought this gave them some credibility, they quoted me $1200 to put in a system that we agreed would:
* have a relatively flat freq response
* have high dynamic capabilities
* be +/- 3 db to 30hz
* have lifelike, and high-end tone and timbre

The owner of this shop enthusiastically convinced me I was going to LOVe this system, and he said he would be surprised if it didn't compete with my Dynaudio/Plinius home system.

Well, I got the car back, and it sounded like it did before I brought it in, except now with the 30-60hz area up about 30db. Hideously awful. Apparently, they put in some cheap Jensen speakers, some crappy Clarion amp, a JVC head unit, and an Infinity Basslink sub.

Needless to say I went back there, and played some classical music for the owner. He agreed it sounded awful, and asked for a second chance.

I gave them one, they messed around with it some more, I got it back, and it sucked just as much.

Thankfully, I was able to recover most of my money. I kept the basslink sub, because it actually wasn't too bad.

So I then did my own research, bought some parts online, and had a friend do the install.

Alpine 9856 head unit - $200
JL XR-650 - $250 (only front speakers, rears are useless)
JL 300/4 amp - $350

So, for about a grand with the basslink, I put this system together.

It is now just about broken in, and is sounding pretty good.

My goal was to be able to put in a CD or plug in my Ipod, and be able to listen to the album without it hurting my ears, or having a major, distracting problem.

I am happy to say that this system easily meets these goals, and is quite fun to listen to. It isn't transparent like a Quad or dynamic like a Wilson, but it sure makes my commute to a work a LOT more enjoyable.

All this for the price of a "middle end" long RCA cable.

I'm sure it could get a lot better than I've got it, and I am interested in persuing that, but if you want better sound in the car, go for it. It is not a lost cause, though you do have to do you homework and your research, and be very careful about qualifying your installers.

PS - If there is anyone reading this thread that knows a lot more about car audio, send me an email! Especially if you are near Boston. As I stated, I would love to take this to the "next level" if possible and not too cost prohibative, and would love the expert advice and experience.

i had a system in my car that had Scan Speak 7" drivers and 1" tweeters, a Lambda Acoustics 10" sub in a sealed enclosure, tubed Xover, McIntosh amps and then Adcom.

I eventually had the doors silenced with Dynamat...But the real secret was the CDP and the processor with time alignment..it was an old Alpine 7941 and the processor connected via fiber optic.

I had audio boutique store guys that despised car audio raise eyebrows when they heard my system...I bought it all used, so I didnt spend thousands.

There are tons of options for car stereo...just go to car sound and performance web site.

Very much into car audio choices. Hands down winner so far is the Mark Levinson stereo available in some Lexus Models. The surround speakers wrap around your ears like a security blanket. Pure delight.
I also listened to the Harmon Kardon system in the Mercedes. That was acceptable but a solid second. The very quiet ride was delightful. Lastly, the Toyota/JBL system was not worthy of serious consideration, especially when you consider you have to buy the most expensive model loaded with options you may or may not need. All three used the Bluetooth connection, which I’m not a big fan of, but I didn’t have a usb cable with me. Still to hear the Burmester system in the newer Mercedes. I’ve done the aftermarket upgrade and it’s a slippery slope and considering you’re going to have to convince a buyer to take it and pay for it, finding a car with an OEM system makes better sense. 

I am building a system into my car using some home based and some car based. I will see how far I can take it within my budget. I currently have installed 2x 12 inch hsu subs into the back seat using an aperiodic membrane and using a tablet as a source for my tidal music app. The front soundstage and amps will be next on my list. I plan on using ribbon tweeters and thiel mids along with a 6 channel dsp based audio control amp for a triamplified component set up. And an additional amp for the Hsu subs. Speaker wiring will use audioquest.