Car Music

[Andy Clough]

In the early 90s WHF ran several features on installing decent audio systems in contemporary cars, including aftermarket amps, door-speakers, subs, and audio treatment. Back then the front ends were range-topping cassette radios with CD changers, and the odd MD radio. It was a fascinating aspect on the hobby fed by the realisation that enthusiasts were probably spending as much if not more time in their cars listening to music while commuting than sitting in the haloed hot-spot at home, so why shouldn't they have the opportunity to listen in hifi quality. But unfortunately, in WHF at least, that side of the hobby died a death after a few years and they started reviewing bloody tellies instead.

We do still review in-car audio systems - plenty of them. But these days they tend to be factory-fit options from the likes of B&W, Bose, B&O, Dynaudio, Naim, Meridian and the like. With most new cars everything is integrated into the dashboard, so it's difficult to fit aftermarket kit.

http://www.whathifi.com/features/meridian-sound-system-jaguar-xe-hands-review

http://www.whathifi.com/news/meridian-surround-sound-system-review-jaguar-f-type

http://www.whathifi.com/news/dynaudio-excite-sound-system-review-vw-golf-mk-7

http://www.whathifi.com/news/dynaudio-confidence-sound-pack-review-vw-passat

http://www.whathifi.com/news/meridian-signature-reference-system-review-range-rover-sport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGYLiMwrXyo

 

[thewinelake.]

But I'd be interested in whether or not it's worth doing things like upgrading subwoofers, adding extra amplification and, of course, fitting sound-deadening mats into various cavities.

When getting this car, I wondered about just buying base-level system and then upgrading with third party kit, or going for the Canton upgrade - and then thinking about it. Slightly complicated by going for a lease car. So it's good to be able to keep the gear, but then one must return it to original condition.

 

[jjbomber]

But I'd be interested in whether or not it's worth doing things like upgrading subwoofers, adding extra amplification and, of course, fitting sound-deadening mats into various cavities.

Sounds like a job for Russ Andrews Cars.

 

[MajorFubar]

We do still review in-car audio systems - plenty of them. But these days they tend to be factory-fit options from the likes of B&W, Bose, B&O, Dynaudio, Naim, Meridian and the like. With most new cars everything is integrated into the dashboard, so it's difficult to fit aftermarket kit.

http://www.whathifi.com/features/meridian-sound-system-jaguar-xe-hands-review

http://www.whathifi.com/news/meridian-surround-sound-system-review-jaguar-f-type

http://www.whathifi.com/news/dynaudio-excite-sound-system-review-vw-golf-mk-7

http://www.whathifi.com/news/dynaudio-confidence-sound-pack-review-vw-passat

http://www.whathifi.com/news/meridian-signature-reference-system-review-range-rover-sport

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGYLiMwrXyo

 

Fair enough, glad to see it back, but it was one of the occasional features which definitely fell by the wayside when the magazine became WHFS&V, which for a reason largely unrelated to the magazine's shift in focus, was when I stopped buying the mag monthly.

 

[thewinelake.]

That Volvo XC90 thing was quite interesting. Makes me want to go along to a Volvo showroom for a listen!

 

[jjbomber]

That Volvo XC90 thing was quite interesting. Makes me want to go along to a Volvo showroom for a listen!

The first sign of growing old is that you like a Volvo. Try to fight the urge and stay young.

 

[Paul.]

That Volvo XC90 thing was quite interesting. Makes me want to go along to a Volvo showroom for a listen!

The first sign of growing old is that you like a Volvo. Try to fight the urge and stay young.

quite fancied this one when I was young...

 

[jjbomber]

quite fancied this one when I was young...

You cannot be young and fancy a Volvo!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[knaithrover]

I'm talking about listening to the car system while parked on the drive!

I get it now sorry. I don't know what's worse though, sharing the fact that you sit in your car on the drive listening to music or admitting you have a Skoda 'Superb'....

Why? Other than a slightly comical name it's supposed to be a very good car.

Regardless of the reviews Its a horrible looking box with a silly name. And it's a Skoda.

Yes it is a Skoda but this isn't the 1980s anymore, so you may want to update your prejudices...

I'm quite happy with my prejudices/opinions as they are thanks they are bang up to date

Fair enough, it's endlessly fascinating to watch someone glorifying in their own shortcomings.

Nice, all I did was mock Skoda's - fortunately the OP took it in the spirit it was intended....

 

[thewinelake.]

...would just be interested to hear it.

mind you, coming from a Skoda, perhaps the badge-stereotypers would say it's no worse!

Volvo are reknowned for comfy seats - is that "old" or merely "sensible" (or are they the same?)

 

[BigH]

I'm talking about listening to the car system while parked on the drive!

You never mentioned it.

I hope you are not near any neighbours then because cars do not insulate the sound very well, I can always hear the neighbours music when they go out in their car.

 

[BigH]

I'm talking about listening to the car system while parked on the drive!

I get it now sorry. I don't know what's worse though, sharing the fact that you sit in your car on the drive listening to music or admitting you have a Skoda 'Superb'....

Why? Other than a slightly comical name it's supposed to be a very good car.

Regardless of the reviews Its a horrible looking box with a silly name. And it's a Skoda.

Yes it is a Skoda but this isn't the 1980s anymore, so you may want to update your prejudices...

I'm quite happy with my prejudices/opinions as they are thanks they are bang up to date

There are lots of jokes about BMWs also.

Which model do you have?

 

[knaithrover]

I'm talking about listening to the car system while parked on the drive!

I get it now sorry. I don't know what's worse though, sharing the fact that you sit in your car on the drive listening to music or admitting you have a Skoda 'Superb'....

Why? Other than a slightly comical name it's supposed to be a very good car.

Regardless of the reviews Its a horrible looking box with a silly name. And it's a Skoda.

Yes it is a Skoda but this isn't the 1980s anymore, so you may want to update your prejudices...

I'm quite happy with my prejudices/opinions as they are thanks they are bang up to date

There are lots of jokes about BMWs also.

Which model do you have?

Ha I know and I fall into many of the stereotypical behavioural traits of BMW drivers unfortunately - terrible parking, driving too fast, not using indicators, selfishness blah blah blah although to be fair I used to do all of those things when I drove Saabs, Fords, Mercedes etc

320d Sport btw

 

[Paul.]

quite fancied this one when I was young...

You cannot be young and fancy a Volvo!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ive always loved a good sleeper car and the 850R was the poster child.

I do agree with you about normal volvos though!

 

[The_Lhc]

I'm talking about listening to the car system while parked on the drive!

I get it now sorry. I don't know what's worse though, sharing the fact that you sit in your car on the drive  listening to music or admitting you have a Skoda 'Superb'....

Why? Other than a slightly comical name it's supposed to be a very good car.

Regardless of the reviews Its a horrible looking box with a silly name. And it's a Skoda.

Yes it is a Skoda but this isn't the 1980s anymore, so you may want to update your prejudices...

I'm quite happy with my prejudices/opinions as they are thanks they are bang up to date

Fair enough, it's endlessly fascinating to watch someone glorifying in their own shortcomings.

Nice, all I did was mock Skoda's

That's kind of the point though isn't it? Skoda jokes are TWENTY YEARS out of date, it's just laziness, can't you do any better than that?

And there's no apostrophe in "Skodas" there.

 

[jjbomber]

Ha I know and I fall into many of the stereotypical behavioural traits of BMW drivers unfortunately - not using indicators,

BMW drivers always use indicators. They use all 4 of them when ever they are parked on double yellow lines or in a disabled parking zone.

 

[knaithrover]

I'm talking about listening to the car system while parked on the drive!

I get it now sorry. I don't know what's worse though, sharing the fact that you sit in your car on the drive listening to music or admitting you have a Skoda 'Superb'....

Why? Other than a slightly comical name it's supposed to be a very good car.

Regardless of the reviews Its a horrible looking box with a silly name. And it's a Skoda.

Yes it is a Skoda but this isn't the 1980s anymore, so you may want to update your prejudices...

I'm quite happy with my prejudices/opinions as they are thanks they are bang up to date

Fair enough, it's endlessly fascinating to watch someone glorifying in their own shortcomings.

Nice, all I did was mock Skoda's

That's kind of the point though isn't it? Skoda jokes are TWENTY YEARS out of date, it's just laziness, can't you do any better than that?

And there's no apostrophe in "Skodas" there.

Ouch. I seem to have upset you, lighten up I didn't mean any harm and like I said earlier the op took it in the spirit it was intended....

 

[knaithrover]

Ha I know and I fall into many of the stereotypical behavioural traits of BMW drivers unfortunately - not using indicators,

BMW drivers always use indicators. They use all 4 of them when ever they are parked on double yellow lines or in a disabled parking zone.

Ha, hmm guilty

 

[thewinelake.]

http://www.whathifi.com/features/how-tesla-developed-in-car-audio-system-model-s-saloon