These Are the Best Car Sound Systems — And Why You Should Splurge
I have driven my fair share of cars and one of the first things I look for is yep, you guessed it, a great audio system. If it doesn’t have that crisp, clear sound and can hold the bass a girl needs, then I will pass. Sorry (not sorry). The best car sound systems deliver just that.
Audio has come such a long way from when I grew up. I remember there were only one or two brands that anyone ever really raved over. That is definitely no longer the case. There are a number of brands that make spectacular sound systems, and the best part about it is they come standard in many cars and with upgraded, enhanced versions in higher trims. And virtually every car on the road comes with a good sound system made by a top audio brand.
This story is 100% human-researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience, and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
Not Just Speakers and a Radio, the Best Car Sound Systems are Designed For Each Model
Part of the magic of modern sound systems are the way the systems are designed. The audio companies work with the carmaker to measure and plan each system for the specific interior where they’ll be placed. The audio company takes into account the soft surfaces, the hard surfaces, where the humans will be and how the sound waves will travel throughout the car.
They also take time and attention to incorporate the speaker covers into the interior design of the car, giving them the look of an accessory more than a piece of equipment. Then, they build a control panel that allows passengers and driver to customize the sound the way they want it. The resulting systems deliver sound that spans from good to great; from sing-along crispness to concert hall quality. It’s pretty amazing.
Read: Oh, Yes, You Can Afford a Luxury Car: Best Luxury Cars Under $40,000
Harman Kardon: This Legendary Sound Company is Innovating the Future
There are only a few sound systems that can actually keep me listening to songs that I claim to not like, or that will keep me from going stir crazy while sitting in South Florida traffic, and one of those is the Harman.
When I first had the pleasure of experiencing the Harman Kardon sound, I thought I had died and gone to audio heaven. Their systems are truly extraordinary. This brand sets itself apart from the competition by offering crisp, super clean and harmonious sound, making your listing experience truly incredible.
You can find the Harman Kardon audio system in Kia and BMW to name a few.
BEST FOR: Pick your favorite: Rap, R&B, soul, smooth jazz
Fender: From the Famous Rock Guitar Brand, a Great Sound System
To be completely honest, I had never heard of the Fender brand until a few years ago when I test drove the 2016 VW Beetle Dune. When I initially heard it, my thought was, “Ahhh I have found the rebel.” Why do I call it the rebel? This audio system from a brand famous for rock guitars and making electric music come alive made me feel like I was in the actual studio with Tupac, Gwen Stefani and Nirvana. Talk about an audio system that is not phased by hard core bass and extremely loud guitar runs! Thinking about it gives me LIFE!
The Fender audio system is found in select VW models.
BEST FOR: Rock ‘n’ roll, rap, yacht rock and anything else that you like loud
The Classic Sound System Comes from Bose
The Bose sound is hip and robust, and it sounds good everywhere, in everything. It pleases pretty much everyone including me. Bose sound is exceptional in the car, in the home, and in larger venues like concert halls or arenas. When I am in a car that comes equipped with a Bose system, I find that I really like all genres of music; they all sound excellent.
You can find the Bose audio system in Honda, Nissan, Chevrolet and Hyundai
BEST FOR: Everyone and Everything
The OG: JBL Sound Is the Exclusive Brand For Toyota
Who doesn’t remember a JBL speaker somewhere in your life? A sound system in your best friend’s bedroom, a speaker on the counter in your aunt’s kitchen, headphones that allowed you to block out the rest of the world. JBL is a classic brand that evokes memories and emotions and it’s the one that Toyota wanted to own in its cars. So when you see JBL in a car, you know it’s a Toyota.
JBL works with Toyota to create clever uses for its speakers, too, including Bluetooth speakers in some models, like the Tacoma pickup truck, that you can remove and take with you wherever you go. Isn’t that nice of them to let you take your music along even when you’re not in the car?
You can find the JBL audio system exclusively in Toyota.
Best For: R&B, Rock, Jazz and vocals
Revel: Only the Best in a True Luxury Car
Although there is nothing standard about Lincoln, I felt I would be remiss if I didn’t discuss Revel. I remember it like it was yesterday, I opened my email and there it was, my first invite from Lincoln. Needless to say at that very moment I felt like I have arrived. I also felt like I needed to go out and purchase a pink boa and Diana Ross wig. Yasss girl yasss! However, after I came to my senses, I knew that was way to much and I decided to just buy a new dress. ????
On the day of the event I was ecstatic, and as I walked in I heard this exquisite sound coming from the MKZ. I slowly walked over to the vehicle, stood there and instantly connected with the magical sound. #Thefeelingstays!
Yes, the Revel sound system is STELLAR and yes, it is definitely a force, but it is truly MORE than that! It is intimate, it is warm, it makes you feel alive!! I have yet to come across a system that can compare to the crisp and clear sound that oozes from these speakers.
I am not sure why I was surprised when I originally heard it, considering it was developed by Harman Kardon.
You can find the Revel sound system exclusively in Lincoln.
BEST FOR: Jazz, blues and R&B
McIntosh Raises the Bar In Jeep and Wagoneer
When Jeep brought the Wagoneer back a few years ago they also revived another classic name: McIntosh. The original sound system developed for Wagoneer models in the 1960’s and ’70’s, McIntosh was also known for great home systems and outfitting theaters and other public venues with excellent sound. The brand’s style gives recording studio vibes with lots of dials, meters and gauges so you can see where the sound is over or under-delivering and make adjustments.
You can find the McIntosh sound system in Jeep and Wagoneer models.
BEST FOR: Rock, jazz and classical
Klipsch Brings Professional Grade Sound to Your Car
Another top name in home and professional music is Klilpsch, and its one we’ll see in more cars as time goes on. The brand is making inroads in the auto world creating sound systems for Nissan and Infiniti, and tailoring those systems to each car. The Infiniti system sounds truly amazing, and includes speakers in the front seat head rests that allow the driver to listen to a podcast while the rest of the passengers listen to something else. How clever is that?
You can find Klipsh in the Nissan Armada and Murano and in the Infiniti QX80
Best For: Jazz, vocals, orchestral music
Bang & Olufsen: The Classic Brand That Keeps Innovating
This one is sort of a surprise, but then, not: Bang & Olufsen is one of the most vaunted names in audio known for home theaters and surround sound. A true innovator, if you come across a system that surprises you with clever touches, it’s probably from B&O. The company specializes in creating systems for cars and can be found in some of the best models on the road.
You can find Bang & Olufsen in Audi, Lamborghini, Ford, Genesis, Bentley and Acura
Best For: Any and all discerning tastes
Burmester Brings a New Level Of Luxury To Premium Car Brands
If you see this name in an elegant script on the speakers in a car it’s a sign to find a good playlist and turn it up —when you’re not busy listening to the engine, that is. The system is known for its technical expertise and creating a 3-D sound that fills the cabin and drowns out the outside world and it’s found in cars also known for their technical savvy, especially those with powerful engines that produce a lot of horse power. This is a premium feature that is always worth being added to the package.
You can find Burmester in Mercedes-Benz and Porsche models
Best For: High velocity, technical playlists
No Matter the System, Own Your Style
These sound systems are all available in basic versions but make an argument for upping your game and investing in the premium system. And they bring more than their fair share to the table, enhancing the entire experience in the car. When choosing your sound, all I can say is, own your style.
This is what I love to listen to in the car, and what sounds great on all these sound systems. What do you listen to in the car? Do you have a a sound system you love most? Inquiring minds would love to know!
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