I used to be very intersted in aftermarket car audio. I was one of those spoiled brats that bought Nakamichi tunerdecks and ADS speakers. They sounded very musical in my Prelude. However, it is almost impossible to buy a musical aftermarket audio system now. Most car audio installers and manufacturers cater to kids who like to pump up the SPL.
I am driving a Legend now with the upgrade Bose. I disconnected to front speakers to increase "spaciousness" because I felt the front speakers sounded too closed in. The rears, with the drivers facing the rear windows thus reflecting soundwaves to the front, produce enough detail and imaging for my ears for car audio standards.
Regarding upgraded factory stereos, Mercedes used to use Becker audio, which, to my ears, was the best car audio I've heard. But, they switched to Bose, which is god awful. The Bose in Acura sounds much better. Nakamichi in Lexus wasn't that good either. I've yet to listen to the Mark Levinson in Lexus, but I hear good things.
For those who are intersted, I know of only two car audio companies that still make components for music: Eclipse and (I cannot recall the name of the other manufacturer).
I am driving a Legend now with the upgrade Bose. I disconnected to front speakers to increase "spaciousness" because I felt the front speakers sounded too closed in. The rears, with the drivers facing the rear windows thus reflecting soundwaves to the front, produce enough detail and imaging for my ears for car audio standards.
Regarding upgraded factory stereos, Mercedes used to use Becker audio, which, to my ears, was the best car audio I've heard. But, they switched to Bose, which is god awful. The Bose in Acura sounds much better. Nakamichi in Lexus wasn't that good either. I've yet to listen to the Mark Levinson in Lexus, but I hear good things.
For those who are intersted, I know of only two car audio companies that still make components for music: Eclipse and (I cannot recall the name of the other manufacturer).