All of you forum members with your killer home systems…what do you listen to in your cars? Do y’all have custom stereo systems? Does the quality of the stereo system actually impact your car buying decision? I have a B&O setup in my 2021 truck, which was an upgrade and sounds decent enough, but nothing compared to a typical HiFi home system.
Taxi customers always appreciate the purple Fuse upgrade to the Benz supplied HK audio system , they don’t care for the colored magic stones nicking up their flight case luggage in the trunk….
The Morgan has a wood fiber wizzer cone widebander with a leather surround, very organic timbre
In my Yugo I dare not turn on the transistor radio that I carry with me (none in the car): I need to listen constantly and carefully to see if anything else falls off while I'm driving along, as well as for more strange sounds from the engine block.
I used to manage one of the highest end car audio store in Los Angeles (Santa Monica, to be exact). We used to do custom sub enclosures, custom enclosures for mids and tweets in doors, custom amp racks, etc, etc.
For cars, we had some really good sounding systems. But let me emphasize, FOR CARS. No matter how good they sounded, even the best did not get close to the kind of sound that can be achieved in the home.
No real imaging, no soundstage, too much low level details lost in the ambient noise (even the quietist cars have about a 65 db ambient noise level, homes are under 40 db).
So, I couldn’t really care less how good my car system is. I don’t do any serious listening in my car anyway.
Stream Tidal via Android with USB Pro driver through an Audio Quest Cobalt Dragonfly on my factory system
Lots of people want to know what aftermarket speakers and amp I've installed
I'll A/B compare songs from Sirius XM and Tidal with the Dragonfly and Tidal without the Dragonfly - big improvement in sound quality that surprises my friends and family
The Dragonfly is the secret sauce and differentiator, the Cobalt version with USB Pro driver does full MQA
@simonmoon , "No real imaging, no soundstage, too much low level details lost in the ambient noise (even the quietist cars have about a 65 db ambient noise level, homes are under 40 db)."
I tend to put stuff on a USB stick to playback when I’m driving (and keep reminding myself not to swap USBs whilst the system is still powered up!).
In-car entertainment has come a long way from the tape/radio only systems of the 80s. I’m not exactly a big fan of electric cars (lack of space/overcomplexity) but they are definitely quiet and that gives the system every chance to shine.
The sound is more or less as the quote above describes but it does have enough resolution to demonstrate that the sound quality of the 1995-97 Beatles Anthology series was pretty good and that the 2009 monos are generally preferable to the stereos.
Plus it’s handy to have various controls such as the volume/track skip situated on or near the steering wheel. Needless to say, the skip forwards was used quite a bit when listening to Anthology 2 & 3.
Funnily enough one of the best systems I ever heard was in an Alfasud way back in the 1980s. It was a cassette based system but somehow it was able to create a wonderful stereo image spread in front of the cabin that I’ve never heard matched since. Not even by the Alpine/Rockford Fosgate/ subwoofer systems my brothers used to have in their cars.
Looking back it’s another sign of how much some folks love their vehicles when I think of how much time and effort they used to put into their car systems and how little into their home ones.
Stream Tidal over my Andriod phone with a wired connection to the auxillary input of the factory system, playback via an AudioQuest Cobalt Dragonfly using a USB Pro driver
People will ask what aftermarket upgrades I've made and are surprised when I tell them it's the stock system from the factory
I A/B compare songs between Sirius XM - very pedestrian sound, Tidal without the Dragonfly - much better sound than Sirius XM, and Tidal with the Dragonfly significnatly better sound than the other two
The $300 Dragonfly is the secret sauce and the real differentiator
The Cobalt Dragonfly with the USB Pro driver is full MQA capable
There is only so much appetite for any craving. When I listen to music in car I don't feel like listening at home anymore. Hence car stereo is always off, unless I am on a long drive or kids want it.
I agree that most car systems sound pretty good—much better than 10-20 years ago. The Burmester in my Mercedes sounds very good. It’s still a car, though, and the sound competes with wind motor and tire noise. I’m done with XM radio. The sound is just bad. I listen to internet radio or stream Qobuz or listen odd my hard drive where I have mp3 and flac files. But what I enjoy the most is listening.to radioJazz.fm out of Poland. I am continually amazed by their playlists. I hear songs from albums I’ve listened to for decades but have never heard on radio. An amazing resource.
I really enjoy high end car audio and am able to get very good imaging/performance with my DSP by fine tuning the speaker delays and freq responses. I've spent quite a bit of time tuning it, but it's something that is a lot of fun.
he is correct, i don’t do any ’serious’ listening in a car... one is fundamentally multi tasking being an attentive driver (or passenger)
that said, we all have wonderful memories of great tunes, great moments, alone or with others with memorable music in cars -- so car audio is hardly trivial in that respect
in fact, one can argue the converse to a degree, one listens to the music more than the ’hifi system’ in a car, the audiophile ocd details of reproduction are best ignored when one enjoys music while commuting or on an extended road trip - most recently i drove to and from portland for a friends/family visit, it was so much fun to put on steely dan, anita baker, angela stone, tower of power, shaggy, etc etc as we cruised ... fun fun fun!
Sports Radio or news. I have a new 2021 vehicle with a sound system I would have been ecstatic over a couple decades ago. Now there's no point as no car system will ever come close to what I have at home. When I take the time out to listen I want my collected music to be as pristine as possible, for me anything else is a waste, unless it is live of course.
some meals you sit down at a michelin star restaurant, take your time, take it all in, full envelopement of senses, lovely lovely
other times, a nice simple bbq with tasty smoked brisket, mac n cheese, a bright crisp salad, shared with friends, talking and laughing, emphasis not fully on the food, but it is part of the wonderful whole
both enjoyable to the max....joy of life is a such collection of such varied experiences
Just bought a '22 Honda Civic EX. I thought about the Touring model (major differences were nicer stereo, leather and wireless android auto) but didn't want to spend another $4.5k. I can listen to Qobuz on my phone connected to android auto (a bit flaky but sort of nice, probably needs firmware update) and just turn the volume up when I want Zeppelin or CSN or Beatles or Miles etc. When I get home I can listen to my nice stereo. No biggie.
I’ve got an Alpine/JL Audio/MB Quart system in my Jeep. It’s ok but the Jeep speaker placement is challenging at best. In the P-car I’ve got a Kenwood system, but the flat 6 sounds way better so the car stereo is mostly background noise. The other cars have stock systems with either Bluetooth or Sirius. No such thing as true hifi in a car. I’ve heard some really good competition systems in my day. It was a huge hobby of mine, but nothing like a home system, not even close.
@jjss49 great point. So many memories of building “systems” in cars when the concept of “separates” started to happen. I had the back seat of a VW Bug filled with 2-12’s and 2-10’s in a fully custom box I built. My dad is a custom cabinet, woodworking master so I learned from him. Did all the research, volume calculations etc. At the time, I though it sounded killer. I’d love to hear it these days! Anyway, the parties, tailgates, girlfriends, all of it. Just awesome. Music is the thing, the stereos are just the delivery…
Jazz 91.1 for short trips, longer ones get the Fiio M11music player with a full selection of 192/24 flac files from the house collection connected to the Aux. in. My car is an older BMW with a stock stereo system, sounds not bad and has the Auxillary in, not sure if the newer vehicles still offer this input.
Mid 2000’s BMW’s have a 825w - 16 speaker, Dirac tuned system called “individual audio system” - pretty good start… only m3 and such along with x5m’s, as an option. Now they have B&O.
Qobuz on a Schiit DAC into a Milbert tube crossover into a BK Butler power amp on Focal speakers. Sounds really nice. Works well EVEN WHEN DRIVING OPEN in my convertible 1991 Mercedes 300SL. But I mostly care for really loud punk rock and Dub music with ultra deep bass. YMMV.
I have a 2011 Mini Cooper hardtop and the upgraded Harman Kardon system (replete with - hello! - CD player) is pretty astounding. It does bass really well, but you don't want to overload it. Other than that, the watchword is: vivid.
I'm in my car a lot and drive almost 40,000 miles a year for work. I really consider what kind of audio system I could get when I'm looking at purchasing a car because I spend so much time listening to music, podcasts, and God knows what else.
I pretty much stream from Tidal, Bandcamp, and then listen to audiobooks. I used to have a Tesla Model S many years ago before I started driving a lot more for work, which had a really good stereo system. I'm just excited to be getting another EV here soon with the Rivian R1T that has a fairly high end Meridian sound system.
But to be honest I can't stand the sound of engine noise, and never was a fan of it. It always was an unsettling sound to me.
I specifically limited the style and brand of car based on the availability of certain sound systems. I do not in any way think I can replicate the sound of my home system, but, wanted something pretty highly rated. Most new cars, with integrated head units that control a myriad of things, are poor candidates for upgrades.
I personally was not interested in anything Bose, so that ruled out certain models. I also was only looking for a sedan (which are unfortunately slowly going away it seems). Ford/Lincoln had the Revel systems and I was drawn to it, and ended up with a Lincoln with the Revel 14 speaker (maybe, I cannot recall exactly, there is a 14 and a 19 system) and have been quite pleased. The DAC in the head unit is also quite nice it is a 24 bit DAC by STMicroelectonics (or something to that effect). So when I play off my attached USB drive or via the iPhone connected via USB it comes through crystal clear.
My other car, the sports car (Mustang Convertible - 1983) has all Infinity and Kenwood components but I agree with prior posters, in that car it is more about the air in my face and the sound of the 5.0L V8 that is the music there.
I remember back in the day we used to put 12V to AC converters in our car to run a home stereo receiver, and then put some beat up pair of bookshelf speakers on the rear deck of the car to blast the music ha ha.
I have an m5 with the B&W sound system. Its actually decent. Better to go direct connect instead of airplay it sounds better. with that said, its fairly bright
Trying to accomplish a really decent sounding system in a limited space like the interior of a car is a mug's game. You can get close for a large amount of money, but why bother?
A car is something that you drive home to listen to your sound system. Having some nice background music is soothing and having it come out of a stock factory head unit is reassuring as you know you aren't going to come back to the parking lot you left it in to find the stereo pried out of the dash.
Besides, with the sort of cars I favour, the best sounds of all come out of the exhaust pipe - and I don't mean blatting flatulent V8s, I mean really good sounding straight 6 or V12s. I don't even bother putting a radio in the older sports cars, it would interfere with the wind and exhaust noise!
Hey, need some advice. I have a 7 speaker sound system in my Acura. sounds horrible. I'm thinking of installing 6.5" Focals in 4 doors. Anyone have any experience with theses speakers? I've heard Focal Utopia's and was impressed.
Nakamichi head unit. Genesis amps x 3 Soundstream subwoofer.Audio control Active crossover .van den hull cable . DLS speakers. Bat cap. Sound deadening material. But then I grew up and concentrated on home audio. Now I hardly ever listen to music in the car.
I have a Panamera GTS with a fabulous exhaust note so I listen to that a lot. On long runs the car has a medium quality Bose system which is ok. I use the Bluetooth hookup with my iPhone and play Qobuz hi rez which sounds good in the car. I like most of the writers here will not invest money in upgrading car stereo as it’s not worth it and the money is better spent in home equipment. In my older 911, I use my iPhone, Qobuz and IEMs on long runs. The dash unit is not good sound quality.
Nakamichi head unit. Genesis amps x 3 Soundstream subwoofer.Audio control Active crossover .van den hull cable . DLS speakers. Bat cap. Sound deadening material. But then I grew up and concentrated on home audio. Now I hardly ever listen to music in the car. By the way it sounded awesome . Different to home stereo but awesome in its own right. My car was set up for SQ not db . Impossible to get bass impact like that at home. At my first audition of Meridian system , the dealer swore it had the best bass of the systems he could offer but I was not happy with bass impact. I have yet to hear that kind of bass in a home stereo. I have moved on ; I listen to music differently. Bass impact is not that important . Getting car stereo right is far easier than at home . We listen differently in a car.
For me, the listening experience in a car is different than when I'm home. At home, I try to get into the music and when I'm driving or riding, I use it more to pass the time.
When my wife was looking for a car, she wanted a sun roof. The Ford Fusion she liked had a "moon and tune" package (a moonroof, SONY 14 speakers, upgraded amps, and a 6 player CD). It was around a $1500 add on. I probably wouldn't have ordered it that way, but it was already in the car. It turned out to be a pretty decent sounding system. Over the years, I've enjoyed it quite a bit, so much so, that the next vehicle we get will definitely have it's sound system upgraded. Life is too short!
my truck stereo beats manyyyy home stereos. Focal K speakers. Mosconi Zero amps and DSP. Illusion Audio subs. i stream hi-res from Qobuz. tons of sound dampening. it is delicious.
Android 13" head unit with coax out to DSP/active crossover to a 4-ch Phoenix Gold (made in US) high-current amp running Morel mids and tweets in the doors, 2-ch Phoenix Gold (same vintage) high-current amp running 9" Morel "midbass" also mounted in the doors. Orion HCCA250G4 (last generation made in US) high-current amp running a pair of 12" Image Dynamics subs in a custom sealed enclosure and abundant noise-dampening (multiple layers). All DIY built & installed by myself - same as I make my own home audio speakers and subs. Some say why... because its another venue for fun in this sound quality hobby. It's just a smaller box.
The days of old are gone. Today’s cars with the upgraded stereo systems are normally an integrated system that includes the navigation package. These systems for the most part are fairly impressive sounding for “stock” systems when compared to those of the 70’s and 80’s. Back then those “radios” were immediately pulled and upgraded within the first week. Back to today, if I’m listening to music it is either XM or even better Tidal from my iPhone through a wired connection. This definitely brings out the best sound my system can produce. I was quite surprised I did not read more here doing the same. GO GATORS!!!
I always end up with a bunch of Porsche racer types...like me. The flat six has a heavenly sound, no need to listen to anything but that, except for the vocalizations that I emit when I instruct a novice driver in Porsche driver's ed at the track. Anyone do club racing here?
I think the title of the thread was what do Audiophiles like to do in their cars. I like having sex in the back seat. Whilst I listen to the B&O system.
@mikelavigne - I currently don’t own any vehicles, the 2020 GMC Sierra I drove from Texas to Washington (when I visited) is a perk.
However, I have some pretty interesting car hifi gear for when I do purchase again, of note is the JBL-MS8 which accepts the outputs from the head unit at speaker levels to integrate my aftermarket system into any existing car without destroying the wiring harness in any way.
I found correct plugs (mostly computer headers) with anything that needed modding.
Yes, destroying factory wiring etc. not something I’d like to be doing in the future, and selling the car afterwards knowing it’s not right anymore. Not my speed.
@googoogjoob - I’d never had that budget for car stereo gear, I do know your brands, and therefore budget. I run with Audison amps, JBL-MS8, Dyns and Vifa, with Tymphany LAT. DSP does wonders in a less than perfect environment like a truck or car..
@mwatsme - I have a couple of pairs of Morel that I’d never used, still in boxes, CDM 88 and Supremo Piccolo tweeters. They reviewed well, I’ve never had an opportunity to use them yet. I moved to the US and haven’t had a buy a vehicle, each employer gives me the keys and I can use it for personal use. My wife doesn’t want hers upgraded either. She does love the home system, and thanks to a trip to millercarbon and mikelavigne she insists we get a TT :-P
😁😊 But i listen one time to a car audio system of very high cost in a car ( Mercedez-Benz top model) very well isolated... It was good.... But no comparison with a well controlled room...It is like good headphone. at best ..
But i dont listen now my 7 pairs of headphones anymore because my audio system is better... And It is a low cost one, BUT in an acoustically well controlled room...
Acoustic reign....And most car are not well isolated at all, people listen at high level to compensate, the rest of the story is lost of hearing capacity...
Most higher end, esp European, cars have such extensive sound deadening and even tuning that greatly diminishes ambient noise - some even have white noise generators built in (e g. Bentley). Somehow they also tune it so you can hear the motor (esp high performance motors). My M-B M500 and, even moreso my VW Touareg, are extremely quiet, even at 90mph down the road, with doors closed and windows up. Which makes matching and the tuning the audio systems easier for the manufacturer. I had "audio package" on the Merc that was like a $2800 option package (! I bought it used) that specifically mentioned more sound deadening and tuning and 400W amp, separate preamp etc. Harmon-Kardon was the supplier. And it's a specific system designed specifically for that model (doubtless from a pool of common components across models, manufacturers, price points).
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