Sound is the new pitch to sell vehicles
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ)
recently reported what car enthusiasts have known for some time: the car’s the latest boom-box.According to the news source, an increasing number of automakers are teaming up with named stereo brands like Mark Levinson or THX (pictured in a Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ) to install their high-end system in many of their lower-end vehicles such as mainstream mid-sedan, trucks, and compact vehicles. The Dodge Caliber, for example, can be optioned with a sound system called MusicGate Power from Boston Acoustics.
The emphasis on music systems, including built-in iPod adapters, is seen as a way for the automakers to differentiate themselves. Interest is also driven by the increasing number of Americans who are confined in their vehicles due to distance or traffic. Says television writer Paul Raff, “I do an exorbitant amount of commuting so why not have the best sound system?”
[Wall Street Journal via Pittsbugh Post Gazette]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James 7:11PM (2/16/2006)
THX is more of an audio clearing house than anything else. Just an FYI
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Jason 7:23PM (2/16/2006)
My wife and I are buying a new car in the spring (likely a Caliber) and we agreed to not even consider vehicles that didn't come with MP3 player uplink and good audio.
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SleighBoy 7:42PM (2/16/2006)
I will be buying a new car in the spring (unlikely a Caliber) and I will not even consider vehicles that don't come with engines, transmissions and good audio.
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RossL 7:53PM (2/16/2006)
My new car has a Bose system and it's pretty darn good. (I say that as someone who thinks most Bose home-audio systems are crap.) But I have to admit that one of the best car audio systems I've experienced was the Infinity system in my '94 Eagle Vision.
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Mike 7:58PM (2/16/2006)
That's a Lincoln LS, not a Zephyr/MKZ.
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G. Snyder 8:00PM (2/16/2006)
#1 - What do you mean by "clearing house"? THX is a certification standard - audio equipement must meet specific guidlines to be able to carry the logo. In addition, there are preffered THX EQ curves that some home theater receivers implement as a THX mode.
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Joe 8:06PM (2/16/2006)
You guys crack me up. Just be the car you want and have a kick butt stereo installed.
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RossL 8:07PM (2/16/2006)
From the WSJ article:
"Rockford says its average aftermarket customer has two 12-inch subwoofers that deliver thousands of watts of power...."
A completely meaningless statement, of course. But there's a sucker born every minute. Too bad the WSJ fell for it.
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UH2L 12:39AM (2/17/2006)
Sound systems are important to a lot of people since we spend so much time in our cars. The satellite radio and MP3 player afficionados need a way to get their music easily, all the time, whether they're in the car or not.
I have an aux in jack on my 2006 9-3 SportCombi and it's great with my XM, or I can use it for that MP3 player I intend to buy. But I had to get the Premium Package for the better sound system. I don't think I'm alone, and up-level sound systems are an area where car companies can make good profit.
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Illan 1:15AM (2/17/2006)
I Will say this. if you are in the market for a new car and if you normally spend more that 2 1/2 hours daily on a car. do yourself a BIG favor and get the Premium Stereo,satellite radio and/or mp3 adapter. chances are you will be hearing more music from your car that from the home Theather you have in your house
(i speak on my personal expirience)
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shooga 2:42AM (2/17/2006)
Look for audio systems with Dolby technology - Dolby Pro Logic II. What better brand can you ask for. Period
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Car-la 8:31AM (2/17/2006)
What I don't like about this trend is that's increasingly difficult to install your own sound system. I am usually not satisfied with the factory stereos, and would like to fit my own stereo systems. Unfortunatley, especially with a lot of luxury manufacturers this is not possible anymore.
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GM-man 9:16AM (2/17/2006)
This could be great for Ford products ... hook up the stereo to the car itself and listen to the rust growing.
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Whydrive 11:59AM (2/17/2006)
You can almost always do better with aftermarket products. Unfortunately, most systems will require splicing the electrical wiring and that will 9 out of 10 times cause huge headaches at the dealership when trying to get any kind of service normally covered by warranty.
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G. Snyder 12:38PM (2/17/2006)
Fact of the matter is that fewer cars are using DIN or double-DIN headunits anymore and audio systems are so integrated these days (steering wheel controls, voice control, secondary intrument panel displays, etc.) that you will most likely loose functionality moving to an aftermarket system. Add to that the fact that most head units look like they were designed by someone on LCD. Once upon a time I would have sided with the aftermarket camp, but factory systems have gotten so good that there is not mucc justification.
By the way - Dolby Pro Logic, THX, etc. are software. They are not products per se. They are also surround sound orriented.
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Larry 3:22PM (2/17/2006)
Man i wanted to punch the sales guy in the face when he kept turning up the volume during a test drive.. i mean who goes along for the test drive anways, let alont shows me how "great" the stereo is...
I find nothing more insulting as a young car buyer then "hey check out the stereo". Do i look like an idiot? Got anymore shiney objects you can show me that will dazzle my young mind? Yes, a $400 option will certainly sway my car buying decision on a car.
Who the heck cares, if i want good sound im doing a custom install anways.. If anythnig show me a damn car with a a head unit i can rip out in 12 seconds... well maybe not, yikes that would be pricey to insure
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All World Automotive 1:04PM (3/15/2006)
Cars with nice stock sound systems are a plus, but i would much rather customize my own sound system. That way you get exactly what you want and not what they think you want.
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