Car Audio Speakers

The Tube Driver Blue is not technically a true tube amp. It has a tube buffer in the input stage. It uses small signal tubes for the buffer. The actual amplification is solid state. That said it is a nice sounding amp but is not overly warm. I don't think it will tame overly bright speakers. Unfortunately you can not swap tubes because they are soldered in. Unless your handy with a soldering iron. I may play with that one day.

Speakerworks in Orange, CA makes excellent waveguide speakers for car audio. Manufactured by USD if you haven't heard waveguide speakers your in for a treat they are a very exciting speaker. Good Luck

IMO, while many try to avoid EQ use in their home stereo rigs, it makes much more sense in car audio. There are a bunch of automated EQ units made for cars. Especially with aftermarket car stereo, I would budget for one of these units.

BTW, I just made a huge upgrade in my car stereo sound - by buying new tires!! My car is known as a pretty noisy vehicle (2004 Subaru Outback wagon). I have always loved the 6-disc in-dash changer, and the factory audio is suprisingly detailed and fairly smooth (two sets of mid-woofs and tweeters, plus a "subwoofer" of sorts in the rear deck). But when I needed new tires, I carefully read Tire Rack reviews of possible tires, especially regarding noise. There is quite a difference in the self-noise of various tire types. I ended up with a Goodyear Assurance Comfort Grand Touring model, ~$450 shipped for the four tires. Huge difference! The noise floor has been reduced dramatically. I can hear a lot more detail now, and I have been listening at lower volume settings for the same apparent volume levels as with the old tires. So, that's another thing to try. Just my $0.02.

Thanks for the advice on EQ. I have run flat low profile tires, so I'm guessing these are not the quietest tires around. Oh well.

My wife's Audi has a terrific sounding B&O sourced system, it's among the best I've heard. Hyundai features a Lexicon system that sounded great on a brief test drive. On the EQ front, I didn't check out the Volvo, but this looks promising:

http://www.socaltech.com/audyssey_designed_into_volvo_s6_/s-0026770.html

I have no idea if any of this stuff is available in the aftermarket, but - if not - maybe you should just replace the car ;-}

Marty