Car Audio
We spend quite a lot of time in our cars, so if you're not lucky enough to have a V8 engine or similar providing a fine soundtrack instead, then there's always a quality stereo as a back-up.
Car audio and car radio is important as it provides entertainment whilst on the daily commute or road trip. It enhances the drive, creates memories, and makes our cars just that little bit nicer in passing the time, as nobody wants to sit in silence, especially on the likes of the M25.
The thing is, just like our cars, there are okay sound systems, and then there are better, upgraded ones. So, if you enjoy an enhanced audio experience, we've compiled a list of some of our favourite car brands, with the best sounds systems out there.
Contents:
Audi
Newer Audi models, like the Audi A1 from 2019 onwards, feature surprisingly good standard audio, while, if you go up the range, you'll find Bang & Olufsen sound systems in Audi's top models, a Danish brand with nearly a century's worth of high-end audio expertise.
In fact, the Audi A8 was the first car to feature a Bang & Olufsen audio system back in 2005, and in 2018 offered a 23-speaker set-up, which was also in an Audi A8. Their systems offer crisp sound with 3D sound technology, along with height speakers, to ensure a better audio experience.
But, if you're looking at used cars, you'll notice quite a few models feature upgraded Bose sound systems. Bose are an American brand that are famous for their audio equipment, having been around since 1964. Bose speakers first appeared in iconic American cars, like the Cadillac Seville, back in 1983. It was therefore no surprise to see their evolution go hand in hand with Audi models in the 2000s and 2010s.
BMW
Another German car brand offering fine audio systems is Munich icon BMW. Some standard BMW audio systems are okay, and will be fine for most, but if you like music you'll want their Harman Kardon upgraded stereos at the very least, as the company has been applying their enhanced sound to BMW models for over thirty years.
You will also find Bowers & Wilkins audio systems available on flagship BMW models, like the BMW 7 Series. Named the 'Diamond Surround Sound System' it features 16 speakers ensuring that if you're not enjoying the classic sounds many BMW models provide with their characteristic six-cylinder engine notes, the Bowers & Wilkins should help improve your audio experience.
Ford
It can't just be German manufacturers who have all the best car audio options, so if you're looking for a more affordable way into premium sound, then models from Ford, like the beloved Fiesta, can be found with audio from B&O (Bang & Olufsen).
Bang & Olufsen systems come in the Focus, Puma and Explorer too, with usually 10 or 12-speaker set-ups, giving well-defined bass and frequencies which compensate with noise outside the car, to keep the sound quality at the highest level.
Other details of the Bang & Olufsen system include tweeters in the A-Pillars and a clever subwoofer that uses the whole Ford model as the bass enclosure - for a richer car audio experience. Having been around since 1925, the Danish brand know a thing or two about high-end audio.
Land Rover
Looking to get a new or used Land Rover? You'll be pleased to know that when it comes to audio, their Meridian sound systems provide excellent sound, showcasing up to 12 speakers to ensure a fine audio experience.
Meridian systems let you enjoy your music or car radio via the use of Trifield, which is exclusive to Merdian, and seamlessly blends the centre and surround channels, with the left and right channels of the system, ensuring that the audio experience in your Land Rover is concert-like for all occupants.
This goes even further with Trifield 3D which adds in dedicated height channels, giving an extended space in the cabin, for a supreme enhanced scale and definition of your chosen audio.
Mercedes-Benz
With cars like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class usually trailblazing the way for technology, it's a safe guess to think that audio would be a strong point in the rest of their models.
It's of course natural, then, that Mercedes-Benz partnered with high-end German audio experts Burmester for enhancing their car's audio.
Indeed, it was actually 2013 in which they debuted, in you guessed it, the S-Class. It was the world's first 4D sound system in a production car.
Today, Burmester high-end sound systems set the acoustic benchmark in Mercedes-Benz models. And if you're thinking, what actually is a 4D sound system, the Burmester system uses so-called exiters, which are structure-borne sound transducers, which are integrated into the particular Mercedes-Benz model's seats, which then transfer the rhythms of the music to your body, giving Mercedes-Benz customers a brand-new automobile sound system experience.
Find your perfect car, with the perfect stereo system, with Evans Halshaw
No matter what car you have your heart set on, let Evans Halshaw help you find it. Our dedicated teams can help you find a car with upgraded audio too. Check out our latest new car deals, or why not peruse our used offers instead.
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