A car’s sound system plays a huge role in the overall driving experience. Some manufacturers even partner with renowned audio companies to make sure the sound is perfect.
For example, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class comes with a Burmester sound system that has 17 to 26 speakers. This ensures that you always get the best quality of music no matter where you sit.
Acura
Acura MDX offers a powerful, capable engine and a choice of powertrains that can propel you to where you need to go. You can also add a performance-oriented A-Spec package for a more thrilling driving experience.
ELS Studio Premium Audio system offers crystal-clear sound, no matter where you sit in the vehicle. Multi-Grammy(r)-winning producer and engineer Elliot Scheiner worked with expert automotive engineers to create this advanced sound system. It reproduces music the way it sounds in a recording studio.
The MDX also offers next-generation AcuraLink, which works with the owner’s compatible smartphone and data package to connect the vehicle with media apps and resources, internet-linked content and more. Features like HD Traffic digital surface street and highway traffic information are available, as well as a vehicle health monitoring system, 24/7 roadside assistance and more.
Other high-tech features include a 12.3-inch Precision Cockpit, which is configurable to show the information you want. You can also use the standard or optional surround-view camera system to see what’s around you, which can make parking safer and easier.
Audi
The Danish luxury car brand Audi partners with the high-end speaker and electronics company Bang & Olufsen to offer their drivers an exceptional sound experience. This top-of-the-line sound system is known as the 3D Advanced Sound System and includes 1920 watts of power, Advanced Vehicle Noise Compensation, and tweeters rising out of the dashboard. The sound is rich and crisp without being aggressively bright or bass-heavy. It has excellent large-scale dynamics that help classical tracks like Holst’s Jupiter really grab your attention.
Cadillac is another luxury car manufacturer that offers a top-notch sound system. It uses Bose in many models, but it also partners with AKG on two of its vehicles. This unique sound system is tuned by Grammy-winning producer Elliot Scheiner to feel like a sound studio. The system adjusts your music according to external noise and offers a 3D setting that simulates the effect of speakers built into the A pillars.
Chevrolet
The American automaker Chevrolet, or “Chevy,” as it’s affectionately known by many, has been a mainstay in the automotive market for decades. The company was founded by Louis Chevrolet and ousted GM founder William C. Durant on November 3, 1911. Today, the bowtie brand offers an extensive lineup of vehicles across all segments of the automotive market and is available in nearly every country worldwide.
Whether it’s the iconic Corvette or sleek Impala, Chevrolet is well-known for its innovative designs and affordable price points. Its early four- and six-cylinder engines set the standard for durability, and the introduction of the small-block V-8 in 1955 opened a new chapter in attainable high-performance.
Chevrolet is also committed to helping the communities it serves, from youth sports to support for cancer patients. In addition, it works closely with organizations that honor active service members and their families. The brand’s cars have a long history of being reliable and affordable, and its SUVs offer plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
Fisker
More than 10 years ago, the affable Henrik Fisker introduced his Karma range-extender sports GT to the world. While the car was ahead of its time in many ways, production was halted due to financial issues with its battery supplier. Henrik kept the brand and trademarks and waited for the industry to catch up with his electric vehicle vision. Now, the company is back with its first model, the Ocean SUV.
The Ocean has a premium feel and features a rotating infotainment touchscreen, an available solar roof to boost range, and advanced driver-assistance technology. Its long driving range makes it less likely to run out of juice, and its charging time is relatively quick. The Ocean also has an upscale interior made from sustainably sourced materials.
In Q2 2023, Fisker began initial deliveries of its Ocean One and Extreme vehicles in the US, Austria, and Denmark. These cars have a EPA-rated range of up to 360 miles. In addition, the company opened customer facilities in London, Oslo, and Stockholm. Despite these early-stage sales, the company has not yet been profitable.
Jeep
Car audio equipment is a big deal for any car owner, as it can make the difference between a mediocre commute and an immersive driving experience. Whether you’re cruising down the highway or crawling through the back of your Jeep, you’ll want to listen to music and talk on the phone with ease. Adding Jeep speakers, CB radios, and extended antennas can help you do just that.
Jeep and McIntosh have partnered to offer a premium sound system in their vehicles. The McIntosh MX1375 features 19 speakers and a subwoofer, all backed by 950 watts of amplification. The system is available on Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models, as well as the Fisker Ocean model that will debut this year.
Tint World(r) offers a wide selection of automotive audio systems, including stereos, subwoofers, and amplifiers for cars, trucks, and SUVs. Their team of technicians will install the new stereo for you, or they can show you how to do it yourself. They also have a large selection of accessories, such as mobile video, to keep you connected while driving.
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz offers a premium sound system that can make the difference between a boring drive and an immersive music experience. The manufacturer partners with Burmester to create a high-end sound system that is found in their vehicles. The system features 17 to 26 speakers and up to 1,570 watts of power.
Its MBUX infotainment system with voice-activated digital assistant, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot is standard. It also includes a 12.3-inch instrument cluster display, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging pad, ambient lighting, and more.
The Harman Kardon audio system has up to 14 high-performance speakers that deliver clear dynamics and excellent sound balance. Its leading-edge Logic 7 multi-channel surround-sound technology transforms stereo and discrete 5.1 recordings into an exhilarating listening experience. This system is available in the C-Class sedan and other models of the brand’s luxury line. Moreover, it comes with an integrated auxiliary input for playing music from external devices.
Revel
For 2016, Lincoln has paired up with Revel, one of the best-known high-end speaker systems in the world. The result is a premium system that sounds more tailored to your vehicle than the factory setup in some competing models. The MKX is available with either a 13-speaker or a 19-speaker Revel Ultima Audio System. The upgrade also includes center console tweeters and a subwoofer in the back.
The Revel system is the first to feature Harman’s QuantumLogic Surround technology, which analyzes the incoming music signal and digitally separates instruments before steering them into the surround speakers. This isn’t the same as a Dolby Atmos setup, but it does give the MKX a more immersive soundstage than other premium cars.
When you choose a shop to improve your car stereo, it’s important to look beyond flashy displays and exotic installations. Choosing a retailer that has experience reverse engineering the technologies built into factory-installed systems is critical to reliable, consistent improvements.
Volvo
Volvo is a Swedish car company that has been around for over a century. They are best known for their commitment to safety, and they have pioneered many of the driver-assist technologies that you see in vehicles today. They have also invested a lot of money into safety research, and they work with other organizations to share the results of their studies.
The Volvo EX30 small SUV is the perfect example of a vehicle that pairs cutting-edge technology with thoughtful Scandinavian design. It’s equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins premium surround sound system that is built into the interior of the car.
This system offers a lifelike listening experience with Dirac Unison, which helps to eliminate distortion and deliver true stereo separation. It is a great choice for anyone who loves to listen to music in their car. It also comes with access to Amazon Alexa on compatible models, which allows you to play your favorite songs and check the weather.
AKG
AKG has a long history of creating studio-quality microphones and headphones. Their products are renowned among recording artists for their superior performance and exceptional treble clarity. This makes them a great choice for those who want to listen to music at home, work in a studio, or do audio editing.
The Y23 is an in-ear headphone that delivers a personalized fit and incredible sound quality. Its unique ear-tip technology maximizes the fit between the headphone and your ear, sealing in your music and eliminating exterior noise. It is available in four different sizes of ear-tips to ensure the perfect fit.
The AKG Y23 also comes with a soft carry case and three aux cables (coiled, short straight, and long straight). These are a nice touch, and the cable with the adapter looks like it could plug into a studio monitor. This allows you to use the headphones wired, which improves the fidelity of your listening experience compared to Bluetooth.