Top 25 Best High-End Car Audio Systems and Brands

VEHICLE AUDIO is equipment installed in a car or other vehicle to provide in-car entertainment and information for the vehicle occupants. Until the 1950s it consisted of a simple AM radio. Additions since then have included FM radio (1952), CD players (1984), navigation systems, Bluetooth telephone integration, and smartphone controllers like CarPlay and Android Auto. Once controlled from the dashboard with a few buttons, they can now be controlled by steering wheel controls and voice commands.

Initially implemented for listening to music and radio, vehicle audio is now part of car telematics, telecommunication, in-vehicle security, handsfree calling, navigation, and remote diagnostics systems. It is also used to create fake engine noise. For the 2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, an "Active Noise Control" system was developed that amplifies the engine sound through the car speakers. A similar system is used in the F-150 pickup truck. Volkswagen uses a Soundaktor, a special speaker to play sounds in cars such as the Golf GTi and Beetle Turbo. BMW plays a recorded sample of its motors through the car speakers, using a different samples according to the engine’s load and power.

Telematics is an interdisciplinary field that encompasses telecommunications, vehicular technologies, road transportation, road safety, electrical engineering (sensors, instrumentation, wireless communications, etc.), and computer science (multimedia, Internet, etc.).

Car Audio System News, Reviews & Resources

• 5 Best Car Stereo Systems of 2021 - "Pump up the jams in your car with these car stereos."
• Android Auto is getting a major UI update - "Google is adding better support for larger displays, in-car video streaming and more."
• Android Auto is glitchy in Android 11 - "It even forced factory resets in some cases."
• Apple Carplay News & Information - Autoblog.
• Audi’s latest infotainment system is a smarter driving companion - "Testing the tech powering the new A7’s dashboard."
• Best 6.5 Car Speakers 2021 - ProCarReviews.
• best dash cam - "A definitive guide."
• Best In-Car Audio Systems From The Factory - "These are the best in-car audio systems you can find short of going to specialists and spending huge money having one custom built for your car."
• best USB car charger - "A dedicated charger will charge your devices faster than your car's built-in USB port."
• BMW pulls touchscreen features from some models amid chip shortage - "For now, some cars are going back to iDrive controls for the infotainment system."
• BMW to switch Apple CarPlay to subscription service - engadget.
• CAR AUDIO - Wikipedia.
• CAR AUDIO systems at Amazon.com - as of May 13, 2022: over 10,000 results.
• CAR AUDIO Systems: speakers, amplifiers & stereos - Best Buy.
• CarPlay Stops Working for Some Users After the Latest iPhone Update - "iOS 15.2.1 was released earlier this month with some highly anticipated improvements, as this new update finally resolved CarPlay glitches impacting very popular apps, such as Google Maps and Waze."
• Dolby Atmos: what is it? How can you get it? - "Immerse yourself in a bubble of surround sound."
• Elon Musk & Tesla Set Their Sights on a New Industry - "Musk now wants to expand the number of games compatible with Tesla cars. And to do this, he is aiming big. The billionaire wants to include more than 50,000 video games available on the popular platform Steam in the Tesla infotainment system."
• Every car compatible with Apple CarPlay - "Want to smarten up your ride? Here's a list of all the cars with CarPlay support."
• Every car infotainment system available in 2020 - "Here's everything you need to know about touchscreens, infotainment systems, and in-car connectivity options that are available in every new car."
• Google updates Android Auto to better fit all the different sized touchscreens in cars today - "Split-screen displays will now be standard for all users."
• Google’s Android Auto update makes launching and using apps safer - "Navigation info is now everywhere."
• Head unit - sometimes referred to as a deck, is a component of a stereo system either in an automobile or a home which provides a unified hardware interface for the entire system.
• Here’s the Playlist Rolls-Royce Uses to Tune Its Bespoke Audio System - "Rolls-Royce has a certain reputation it has to live up to. It’s not for nothing that the brand’s name is now being used as an adjective, to describe the best of the best in any field. Thus, when developing the new Phantom, the utmost attention had to be paid to every little detail. Since a lot of the customers going to the Goodwood-based manufacturer are musicians, a special task force was created to make sure the best bespoke audio system in the world can be found in the Phantom."
• How to choose what your iPhone plays when connecting to your car - "Generally, your iPhone will continue playing whatever you were last listening to, but every so often it will just start a seemingly random playlist, while other times it won’t play anything at all, even when you’d prefer that it did. Sadly, you won’t find any obvious way to control this in your iPhone’s Settings app. But the good news is that there are some tricks you can use to take control of the situation thanks to Apple’s relatively new Shortcuts automation tool. Whether that’s guaranteeing you have a silent commute or automatically queuing up your favorite playlist for each trip, Shortcuts has you covered."
• How to master your equalizer settings for the perfect sound - "EQ settings can now be found in everything from phones and wireless speakers to home theater soundbars and streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music, but often in the form of safe presets such as 'Rock,' 'Hip-Hop,' or 'Bass Booster.' Understanding how exactly an EQ works and using it properly will put the power of sound-sculpting at your fingertips and can get you closer to the sound you want from your gear. But it can be intimidating, so we’re here to help with our top-to-bottom guide to mastering your equalizer for the perfect sound."
• Intellidash Pro is an external CarPlay unit that works with any car - "CarPlay is becoming an essential part of using iOS. What started as something only in high-end aftermarket stereos has turned into the default for new cars. Bring CarPlay to any car with Intellidash Pro, no installation required."
• iOS 15 brings new Announce Notifications feature for Siri, here’s how it works - "iOS 15 expands on the previously available 'Announce Messages' and 'Announce Calls' features with the ability to have Siri 'Announce Notifications' from first- and third-party apps. The functionality works with certain AirPods and Beats headphones as well as CarPlay, and there’s also the ability to customize which apps can use the feature."
• Is Spending Loads Of Cash On A Premium Sound System Worth It? - "We get being an audiophile, but some of these manufacturer systems are outrageously expensive."
• ISO 7736 - International standard ISO 7736 defines a standard size for car audio head units and enclosures.
• List of car audio manufacturers & brands - Wikipedia.
• Mercedes' new touchscreen controls eliminate 27 physical buttons - "The second-gen MBUX infotainment system will arrive in the 2021 S-Class."
• Mercedes-Benz marries 31-speaker Burmester sound system with Dolby Atmos for its top-spec cars - "The option is coming to the Mercedes-Maybach from summer 2022."
• Nothing Less Than The World’s Best Audio System For Rolls-Royce - "When you own a car from a brand that is often used as a superlative term, it would be expected that the quality of musical entertainment within would also be superior. This was clear in the brief for Bespoke Audio for the Rolls-Royce Phantom: to integrate studio quality audio into a motorcar."
• Pioneer debuts three new wireless CarPlay systems - The Verge.
• Porsche Announces Plethora Of Updates To Its Infotainment Tech - "Software is becoming a vital part of the automotive experience as automakers further digitize the automobile, an essential middleman in how we interact with our cars. Car companies big and small are introducing new infotainment software, voice assistants, and smartphone apps. Porsche is no different, today introducing Porsche Communication Management 6.0 - a suite of software goodies designed to help occupants tailor their driving experience."
• Rolls-Royce PHANTOM BESPOKE AUDIO SYSTEM - "The marque had a clear brief when it began designing Bespoke Audio for Phantom: to integrate studio quality audio into a motor car. Indeed, the men and women who created Bespoke Audio for the brand’s flagship benchmarked the system against a recording studio’s playback room rather than systems created for automotive applications."
• Sony's new receiver makes it easy to install a 9-inch display in your car - "Envious of the big display in your friend’s Tesla? Sony has a solution for you."
• Spotify Car Thing gets ‘add to queue’ and call answering features - "The updates will roll out to iOS users automatically."
• Spotify launches a sleek standalone app for Cadillac vehicle - The Verge.
• Telematics - interdisciplinary field that encompasses telecommunications, vehicular technologies, road transportation, road safety, electrical engineering (sensors, instrumentation, wireless communications, etc.), and computer science (multimedia, Internet, etc.).
• Tesla’s in-dash video games can be played even while driving - "More than 3,100 people died in crashes involving distracted drivers in the US in 2019."
• Why is Apple CarPlay still not a great experience? - "It feels that after almost eight years, it should be better. A lot better."
• Your car knows secrets about you. Here's how to protect yourself - "Cars increasingly resemble a smartphone on wheels, storing personal information such as our location, how we drive, who we talk to and how to reach them. Some even hold a way to join our home WiFi network. If you've ever sold an old smartphone or laptop, you probably thought to wipe the hard drive first, to protect your privacy. When we sell a car, or return a rental car, a similar thought may not cross our minds, but cybersecurity experts say it should."
• Your car may be recording more data than you know - "Information from vehicles has been used to solve crimes, and for more nefarious purposes."

Car Audio Systems Store

Top 25 High-End Car Audio Systems & Brands

• Alpine - since 1967. "Our premium in-car entertainment systems have helped people enjoy their drives since 1978." Offers innovative in-car multimedia, headunits, amplifiers, speakers, tweeters, subwoofers and signal processing equipment.
• BANG & OLUFSEN - since 1925. "The Speed of Sound." Transform the ordinary drive into a symphony for all senses. All partners.
• BANG & OLUFSEN Aston Martin - "Both companies were founded by a pair of pioneering engineers at the start of the 20th century, and through a commitment to manufacturing skills and design values, each has grown into an iconic global brand. Together, Aston Martin and Bang & Olufsen present a partnership of two innovative companies with a proud tradition in technology and design. Both Aston Martin & Bang & Olufsen blend an unrelenting quest for technical excellence with an uncompromising commitment to quality and style, and both have the courage to go far beyond the conventional."
• BANG & OLUFSEN Audi - "Partners in motion." Bang & Olufsen entered the hi-fi automotive sector in 2005 together with Audi and defined its ambition to combine superb in-car sound integration and outstanding visual design. Audi and Bang & Olufsen are partners in technology. And in much more. Sharing a never failing focus on technological innovations, pioneering and emotional design – whether it be in your car or in your living room. This partnership has led to the development of one of the most sophisticated car sound systems in the world.
• BANG & OLUFSEN Bentley Motors - "There are many roads to perfection. But getting there takes passion, performance, craftmanship and obsessive attention to detail. The collaboration between Bentley and Bang & Olufsen is a union between two specialist makers driven by the extraordinary - To create the ultimate in automotive design and sound performance that turns every trip into an unforgettable journey."
• BANG & OLUFSEN Ford - "Turns rides into explorations." Driven to create. The partnership between Ford and B&O is a powerful meeting of minds based on unconstrained thinking and inspired innovation. Our bold pursuit of distinctive design and visionary engineering consistently breaks new ground and enriches people’s lives with new experiences. But where does one experience end and another begin? They do not exist in isolation, but intertwine and influence each other to create something new and unique. By understanding it, we are engaging that energy to re-imagine how premium sound shapes the driving experience in the modern world.
• BANG & OLUFSEN Lamborghini - "Iconic Sound Performance." Driven by innovation and the pursuit of excellence, the Bang & Olufsen Sound System in the Lamborghini Urus brings together two of the world's most iconic brands - in a unique and superior audio performance unlike any other. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System in the all-new Lamborghini Urus delivers unmatched listening experience and a powerful, superior-quality audio performance precisely designed and crafted for the world's fasted SUV.
• BLAUPUNKT Car Stereo - since 1923. "Car Radios & Multimedia." All models & products at Amazon.com.
• BLAUPUNKT DASH CAMERAS - "Record your drives with the Blaupunkt Video HD DashCam. The automatic starting and looped recording makes sure you never miss a moment. Night Vision keeps recording at night bright and clear."
• BLAUPUNKT Speakers - all models.
• BOWERS & WILKINS - since 1966. "Car Audio." All partners.
• BOWERS & WILKINS BMW - "Performance engineering." The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System is the first of its kind: an audio system featuring advanced acoustic technologies, including Diamond Dome tweeters, never before seen in a car. From the outset, engineering teams from BMW and Bowers & Wilkins joined forces to create an audio system that works in harmony with the car’s luxurious interior architecture. Their goal was to produce an experience that feels as though you are there with the artist in the studio. BMW 5, 6 Series GT, 7 & 8 Series.
• BOWERS & WILKINS MASERATI - "Passion for performance." For each of our Maserati car systems, speaker placement has been carefully designed with the car’s unique cabin architecture in mind - all to ensure an immersive audio experience. Tuning an audio system to suit a car environment is a fine art, requiring expert ears and hours of listening. Our Maserati systems have been tuned by the same engineers responsible for our hi-fi products. Maserati Levante.
• BOWERS & WILKINS McLaren - "Uncompromising sound." The McLaren Sports Series audio system features Tweeter-on-Top: an audio design feature usually found only in high-end loudspeakers, including Bowers & Wilkins award-winning 800 Series Diamond. All our McLaren audio systems the speaker cones use advanced materials such as aramid fibre and Rohacell - materials originally developed by Bowers & Wilkins for its award winning hi-fi loudspeakers.
• BOWERS & WILKINS VOLVO - "Bound by sound." Hundreds of hours of expert tuning goes into the integration and positioning of our speakers, with each model featuring a unique configuration for the best sound experience. Volvo XC60.
• Burmester Automotive - "Our passion is to create the best sound experiences in all environments. In 2002, we started a journey to bring Burmester and the automotive sector together. Since then, in collaboration with our automotive partners, we have steadily advanced and brought the high-end sound experience to the road."
• Burmester Bugatti EB 16.4 VEYRON - "For the Bugatti EB 16.4 VEYRON Burmester and the Bugatti engineers designed a superior sound system with out-of-the-ordinary car called for out-of-the-ordinary ideas."
• Burmester meets Mercedes-AMG - "With the new Mercedes-AMG GT the sports car brand of Mercedes-Benz aims to set new standards in a highly competitive segment, and here again their motto is: the best or nothing. For this reason the Mercedes-AMG GT & AMG GT 4-door Coupé offers even two optional Burmester Surround Systems to pick from - and thus for the first time Burmester sound in an AMG."
• Burmester meets Mercedes-Benz - "Burmester Soundsystem in the different models of Mercedes-Benz." When two visionary companies that passionately follow their ideas come together, the result is something very special. Together, we have taken the art of engineering to a new level and created a perfect synergy: 'a car sound system with a clear mission - to be the very best there is', Dieter Burmester explained the partnership with Mercedes-Benz.
• Burmester meets Mercedes-Maybach - "The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, Mercedes-Maybach GLS & Mercedes-Maybach Pullmann demonstrates the fusion of the Mercedes-Benz perfection with the exclusivity of Maybach. For this very special luxury limousine Burmester has developed two extraordinary audio systems highlighting the superior character of this outstanding automobile."
• Burmester meets Porsche - "Since the introduction of the Burmester High-End Surround Sound System in the Porsche Panamera, Burmester has been considered a benchmark for factory-integrated car hi-fi systems. The Burmester High-End Surround Sound System was the first car audio system ever to receive the 'Image Hifi Award'. The partnership was continued successfully with the Porsche Cayenne, the 911 Carrera, the Boxster, the Cayman, and 918 Spyder. With the next generation of Porsche Panamera, Burmester entered an entirely new sound dimension of listening quality, which can also be experienced in the Porsche Cayenne and Porsche Taycan."
• Car audio at amazon.com - as of May 13, 2022: 20,000+ results.
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• CarPlay - since 2014. "Car keys and CarPlay. A smarter ride from start to finish." With new digital car keys and the already seamless experience of Apple CarPlay, there are more ways than ever to take your iPhone on the road. With car keys, you can now unlock and start your car with iPhone. And CarPlay gives you the ability to safely use what you love about your iPhone while you drive.
• Dashboard cameras at amazon.com - as of May 13, 2022: 2,000+ results.
• DYNAUDIO - since 1977. "High-end in-car audio systems." A car manufacturer like VOLKSWAGEN leaves nothing to chance, when developing a new generation of its best selling model. So the goal for its designers and engineers was to set new benchmarks and achieve perfection. This included the sound system, and Volkswagen entrusted its delegated sound system supplier, Dynaudio, to deliver a solution. Experience the sound system in: GOLF, GOLF SPORTSVAN, PASSAT B8, SCIROCCO, TIGUAN, TOUAREG, SHARAN & TRANSPORTER.
• FOCAL - since 1979. "The Spirit of Sound." Car Audio Kits & Solutions. You’re very passionate about your beautiful, powerful car and it’s important for you to give it a strong personality. With their assertive, ultra-technical design, the Performance car audio kits will give your car a unique live touch.
• Harman - since 1980. "HARMAN is the market leader in connected car solutions to the world’s automakers." More than 50 million automobiles on the road today are equipped with HARMAN audio and infotainment systems, making up for 35 percent of the world’s cars.
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• Ixoost - since 2012. "The Birth of Sound Dedicated to Lamborghini Cars." Not designed for all, but aimed at those who nurture a real passion for the Lamborghini. It has taken 2 years to produce ESAVOX, our dream come true. We strived to create a unique object that represented our land, our passion and the authentic "Made in Italy" concept.
• JL AUDIO - since 1975. "Car Audio: loudspeakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, processors, connection products & more!"
• JVC car entertainment - since 1927. "Multimedia. Vehicle Cameras. In-Dash Receivers."
• Kenwood car entertainment - since 1947. "Live connected. Drive connected." Receivers: all models.
• Kenwood dashboard cameras - "Your Extra Set of Eyes On The Road." The camera records in full HD video capturing every event that occurs on the road ahead, and also provides safety features such as collision avoidance. All models.
• Lexicon - since 1971. "The Grammy award marks Lexicon’s 40+ years of helping make recorded music a reality. We’re happy to get the recognition, but we’re thrilled to keep revolutionizing the art and science of recording for decades to come."
• Lexicon Logic 7 Discrete Surround Sound audio system - "The display was two sided and featured the cut away drawing of the Genesis and the position of the 17 speaker sound system in the vehicle."
• Mark Levinson - since 1972. "In LEXUS Mark Levinson - Custom Designed for Perfection." Experience the pinnacle of acoustic technology on the road. For years, no automaker could provide the superior acoustic environment necessary for premium Mark Levinson audio systems. But LEXUS - scientifically engineered for a quiet and refined ride - was the first who could. And over a decade later, our systems are exclusively designed for every Lexus model.
• MCINTOSH - since 1949. "Legendary Performance in Motion." For over seven decades, McIntosh has arguably been the most legendary name in home audio, with sound systems proudly handcrafted at our factory in Binghamton, New York. Now with McIntosh Automotive, we bring to life the home audio experience inside one of the most acoustically challenging environments: the automobile. The McIntosh MX1375 Reference Entertainment System and MX950 Entertainment System are available as factory installed systems in the following vehicles: 2022 Grand Wagoneer, 2022 Wagoneer, 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L.
• Meridian - since 1977. "In-Car Audio." Meridian is committed to working with partners who share our passion for quality, luxury and innovation. We are dedicated to the recreation of the most authentic and immersive sound possible while on the move. Automotive partners: JAGUAR, LANDROVER, HIPHI, RIVIAN & KIA.
• NAIM FOR BENTLEY - "Exclusive Partnership Since 2008." From the beginning, it was a natural fit for both companies: a relentless quest for the purest sound, alongside a driving experience that is second to none. The Naim for Bentley system offers the power and refinement of a premium home audio set-up, with an accurate and wide frequency response, low distortion and a vast dynamic range. Adjusted and refined over hundreds of hours of listening tests, it brings Bentley owners the pure joy, excitement and emotional impact of listening to music.
• Nakamichi - since 1948. "In-Car Entertainment." Nakamichi Car Audio, Speakers, Subwoofers, Source Units, Receivers, Amplifiers, Dash Cams and everything car and mobile audio related.
• PARROT CAR KITS - since 1994. "Automotive: With the most extensive range of hands-free communication and infotainment systems for vehicles on the market."
• PIONEER - since 2010. "Car Entertainment." CD / DVD / MP3 / iPod / iPhone Head units, Speakers, Subwoofers, Amplifiers, Apple CarPlay compatible Head units, Android Auto compatible Head units, Sat Nav / Navigation / GPS systems.
• Polk Audio - since 1972. "Expect Great Sound." Speakers for Cars, Boats, Motorcycles and ATVs.
• PURE - since 2002. "Upgrade your car to digital with Highway." Get front row seats to everything you love on the move, including digital radio, Spotify, Bluetooth and more. Pure produces award-winning DAB digital radios, internet radios and music streaming devices, including portable, hi-fi and in-car models. The easiest way to enjoy more from digital radio as well as your own music, all with your existing car audio system.
• Rolls-Royce Phantom Music System - "This Lexicon Logic-7 audio system in Rolls-Royce Phantom comes with 9 amplifiers, 13 speakers and a pair of subwoofers mounted in the floor for a true surround sound effect."
• Sonus Faber - since 1983. "Artisan of Sound." Acoustic loudspeakers for high-quality powerful cars. Sonus faber and sports car manufacturer and design atelier Pagani have developed in co-design an exclusive premium high-end audio system for the Pagani Huayra and Maserati.
• SONY - since 1946. "Sound that drives you." In-Car Receivers & Players. Fine audio, video, and wireless options and a range of media formats. Whether you want to crank the volume for a day on the water or simply liven up your daily commute, Sony’s innovative audio systems make it safe and easy to connect and control your music on the go.