Do you want factory or aftermarket? Factory systems, in general, have improved in quality and now offer a lot of different audio-system choices. Some offer branded systems from Bose, Harman-Kardon, Infinity, and other aftermarket companies that are tailored to a vehicle’s interior.

Factory systems provide an integrated look too, with lighting and controls matching the rest of the dashboard. Knobs and dials are often bigger and easier to use, and many systems come with controls on the steering wheel. And they can be covered by your new-car warranty, which can make service easier if problems happen. (more…)

In any car audio system, the subwoofer must absolutely be present. It might not sound important at first, but if you remove the subwoofer component, there’s no bass left. A subwoofer by definition is a loudspeaker dedicated to producing low frequency sounds. Have you ever heard the booming beat screaming from a car? That’s the subwoofer at work. Of course, it’s turned past what the average car owner would have it at.

The top companies you’ll want to look for if you want to upgrade your car subwoofer are JL Audio, MTX Audio, and Kicker. These three are leading the car audio industry, all with early origins. JL Audio’s W7 line is one of the most advanced and most powerful subwoofer lines available on the market (pricey, but well worth it if you care about the quality). MTX Audio has released an amazing 60-inch subwoofer that holds the record for the size. They also have the largest consumer subwoofer that measures at 22 inches. Kicker’s L7 seems to be the best from the Kicker lineup, and there’s no reason why it shouldn’t be. (more…)