Getting the most out of my in car audio

NEW AUDIO ACCESSORIES, OLD CAR

Why is it that car stereo modifications seem to be the preserve of the young?

Indeed, some might venture to say that upgrading your in-car stereo is akin to cheating on your wife. By the same token you don't suddenly stop listening to music after the age of twenty-five.

And even if it's a case of listening to Test Match Special in super high-fidelity, at least you've got the option.

NEW AUDIO ACCESSORIES, OLD CAR

And with owners of certain premium brands complaining on forums about the quality of the equipment fitted to their cars even as a cost option, there's plenty of scope to get a new feel to your car without splashing out on a brand new vehicle.

BRAND NEW VEHICLE

For true audiophiles a correct sound balance is essential. Most in-house audio systems tend to focus on one particular aspect of sound and so miss out on the bigger picture.

If, as a car owner, you are looking to make the most of your car then there are few places you can start if audio is your thing.

Consistently exposing flimsy paper cones and cheap foams to sunshine and ambient dampness can have a seriously deleterious effect on your listening.

ACHEIVING BETTER SOUND

Fitting new speakers therefore can be the easiest and quickest way to achieve better sound. Modern materials like Kevlar and polymers will often provide you with longevity, but it is speakers made of rubber which can provide excellent sound as well as longevity. Foam and cloth units cost still less, yet offer excellent performance.

You might find yourself or your chosen agent modifying the interior of your car to accommodate the various independent tweeters and woofers good quality sound necessitates. But what are all those tools in the garage for? The rewards will be significant.

COMBATTING MOTORWAY ROAD NOISE

The other simple DIY option is to 'sound deaden' your vehicle by using a product like Dynamat, to create a more stable platform for your speaker. Fitting this material will also mean you get less road noise on motorway journeys.

To put your efforts into perspective however, so bear in mind the latest efforts from the undisputed kings of in car audio, Lexus. Having teamed up with audio systems producer Mark Levinson, their latest offering is the 15-speaker Surround Sound system.

LEXUS MARK LEVINSON

This provides 7.1 channel surround sound, featuring a centre channel coaxial speaker, metal mid-range speakers, tweeters and a 100-watt amplified subwoofer.

Even if you don't know what any of those things are, you have to admit that list sounds pretty impressive.