You’ve just bought a new car, and it’s perfect except for one thing: The sound quality isn’t what you’d hoped it would be. Those stock car speakers lack the ability to give you a full range of tones. This is because car manufacturers balance the budget with quality to provide a sound quality that’s acceptable to the majority of car owners.
But if you’re an audiophile, these stock speakers won’t cut it with their lack of deep bass tones and mellowed-out mid-range sound. The answer is to replace your car stereo system with a component system made by the best brands in the audio industry.
What are some good manufacturers to choose from? If you want to get the best sound possible, consider these brands for your system.
Pioneer
When it comes to upgrading your vehicle’s audio system, Pioneer is one of the leading brands on the market. You can improve both the sound quality and increase the number of features. When you begin to compare audio products, you’ll notice that not only do Pioneer products have more features, but they also come with all of the features that you have on your stock system.
- History
The founder of Pioneer developed the first Hi-Fi dynamic speaker. This led him to form Fukuin Shokai Denki Seisakusho in 1938, which later became the Pioneer Corporation in 1961. Pioneer has continued the founder’s efforts by introducing several firsts. This includes the world’s first component car stereo, car CD player, GPS navigation for consumers, and DVD recorder. Its most recent innovation was the car navigation system with the head-up display to project augmented reality information.
- Products
Pioneer offers a wide selection of products in the United States. This includes electronics for cars, marine, cycling, home entertainment, and DJing. You can outfit your entire vehicle with Pioneer products, including GPS navigation, driver assist, audio systems, speakers, accessories, and amplifiers. The company is most well-known for having the best subwoofers on the market. It has dedicated significant research and development to become a specialist.
Alpine
When it comes to producing audio equipment for everyday lives, Alpine is a market leader. Its products take into account real-world driving conditions to ensure its products perform at peak performance no matter what you’re doing. This includes extensive testing for visibility, vibration, shock, and durability. The company has built a name for itself in the auto industry by developing partnerships with several vehicle manufacturers.
- History
The Alpine Electronics of America company was founded in 1978. The company strives to provide high-quality aftermarket audio equipment to the weekender that loves to crank the music up. Its products combine quality sound production with a rugged design to withstand harsh environments.
- Products
When it comes to the products it offers, you start your search with the make of your vehicle. It offers audio products for Jeep, Toyota, Chevrolet, GMC, Honda, Ford, and Ram. By making vehicle-specific products, you can be sure that your new system will fit perfectly into your vehicle. This gives your aftermarket installation a cleaner look. You can purchase everything you need to create a complete audio system, including the dash kit, head unit, speakers, amplifier, and a wiring harness.
JBL
JBL is a standout in the car audio market for its affordability and high quality. In recent years, the company has expanded its product line to include more compact solutions. This is ideal for those with smaller vehicles. They also have a lot of variety in sound production. You’ll be able to compare different system component options to create your ideal sound.
- History
The JBL brand is owned by Harman, which is a Samsung company. JBL is an American company founded by an engineer that had a reputation in the sound production community for crafting innovative electronics. The company made a name for itself through the movie and concert industries.
- Products
The JBL product line is vast, with car audio only consisting of a small section of their offerings. When it comes to car audio equipment, you’ll find speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, and processors. JBL is well-known for producing some high-quality midrange speakers that give you the sound you’re looking for at an affordable price.
Rockford Fosgate
Rockford Fosgate takes a different approach to music. Through its unique purpose-built approach to audio, the company has developed a cult-like following. Through an unbridled passion, Rockford Fosgate has dedicated its efforts to producing audio equipment that creates a powerful performance.
You’ll often hear the phrase “sound built for speed” because you’ll find audio equipment meant for the UTV, motorcycle, marine, and car owner that likes to get out there and experience their sound. If you love bass, then you’ll love the way this company achieves impressive bass quality while also retaining the fullness in the midrange.
- History
In 1973, Jim Fosgate discovered that the sound produced when making music is different from the sound the human ear hears. The different audio properties prompted him to take a different approach to creating speakers. The solution Fosgate came up with is the PUNCH system, a frequency energizer that filters the music to create a better sound quality.
- Products
The company offers a broad selection of OEM audio equipment. This is perfect for the car owners that want a direct replacement for the stock system components. There is also another line of aftermarket audio equipment for the car owner looking for improved sound. You could purchase a complete system, or create your own with their amplifiers, speakers, subwoofers, processors, enclosures, and accessories.
JVC
JVC is one of the smaller brands on this list, but that shouldn’t discount its ability to compete. When it comes to affordability, you can’t beat JVC. Not only is the car audio equipment affordable, but it’s quality. This makes it a great value purchase without having to sacrifice features. You’ll find speakers that give you the right mix of sound for both high and low frequencies.
- History
JVC began as a television company in 1927. The acronym stands for Japan Victor Company. It produced the first phonograph and records in Japan. In the 1970s, the company was the first to introduce the first VHS recorder. In 2008, JVC and Kenwood merged to become JVCKenwood.
- Products
The company continues to stay true to its roots by offering both audio and visual equipment. This includes televisions, projectors, camcorders, headphones, and speakers. Its car audio lineup includes in-dash receivers, multimedia touchscreen receivers, amplifiers, speakers, and subwoofers. JVC stands out among the rest by providing support for its products. It’s easy to look through the car catalog, locate a dealer, and update the firmware for purchased electronics.
Kenwood
The company that sets the standard in audio equipment in the United States is Kenwood. It continually introduces new products to the market every year. They lead the industry with both individual components and complete sound systems. This makes Kenwood’s product lineup more comprehensive for the car owner that wants everything.
- History
Founded in 1946 in Japan, Kenwood is recognized as a top of the line car audio manufacturer. Car owners can expect improved performance and extended reliability. Kenwood claims several audio firsts, including the first anti-theft cassette deck, automatic noise reduction, polypropylene speaker cones, and 24 preset options.
- Products
Kenwood divides its product line into the individual components. These include navigation, multimedia, cameras, receivers, amplifiers, and speakers. This is ideal for the most hardcore audiophile who wants to create a custom system. Compare the component speakers and pick the perfect set to create a great sound. From high end, through the midrange, to the deepest car subwoofers, you’ll have the most robust sound possible.
Sony
When it comes to producing the best products, Sony has one of the best reputations worldwide for car audio and beyond. The company produces quality speakers for a variety of applications. Its speaker systems get used in vehicles, homes, and personal audio devices.
- History
Founded in 1946 as Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo K.K., the company strived to “do what has never been done before.” In 1958, the name was changed to Sony. Throughout its history, the company has strived to be the first in creating new electronic technologies for both Japan and worldwide. This includes everything from the first radios and televisions to semiconductors and robots.
- Products
The product lines that Sony offers vary and cover every aspect of everyday life. You could outfit your home with a home theater system, or you could make your own movie with their video camera equipment. They also create personal entertainment devices including cell phones, headphones, and MP3 players.
When it comes to your car, they have original OEM equipment for the Ford lineup. This makes replacing your stock setup with an exact replica a breeze. If you’re looking to upgrade or don’t have a Ford, try their aftermarket parts. These include receivers, players, speakers, and amplifiers.
Purchase the Best for Your Car
If you’re ready to upgrade the sound quality in your car, then consider one of these brands. Start by figuring out what you want to improve upon with your current car audio system and sound quality. Then you can look for a brand that offers the features and adjustment options that you desire.
Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with one of these brands. They each offer higher-quality sound capabilities than your stock system. This will help you create music with more depth.
Sources:
- Car Speakers – How Stuff Works
- List of Car Audio Manufactures and Brands – Wikipedia
