Audiophile System for Cars

Just wondering what kind of audiophile system do you guys have for your car?


I'm using this Pioneer DEH-PRS80 receiver, which sounds really good, especially when you pair a Sony ZX2 DAP headphone out as transport(it works even if double amping etc). Iphone + Iaudiogate IOS also works extremely well as digital transport:

https://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-DEH-80PRS-Receiver-Crossover-Alignment/dp/B006Y44DAY


There's also this mega expensive Sony ES9018 based unit:
http://www.sony.com/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/rsx-gs9

 

My system consists of Focal's K2 line. I have actually two sets of two-way component systems, one in the front door (with tweeter pots mounted sort of where the dash meets just in front of/next to the door/between the door and windshield, and the other (from the front of my previous car) in my rear doors. Both sets are powered by their FPS 4160 amplifier. I also have a 8" Utopia sub, powered by their 'Solid 1' amp. A I'm using using the JVC Arsenal KD-A95BT deck, but all music is fed into this by my Pono Player. All in all, in sounds really good.

 

Alright, where is Jotunheim in car radio form factor ?
A friend of mine wanted me to build him a r-2r dac into his Volvo, but it's just so much work.

 

I listen to very little music in the car. I prefer silence or conversation. "Stock" is more than good enough for me. but...

Very true, but there is still meh and worse meh!

 

Not in the car audio scene anymore, but when I was I ran an Alpine CDA-9887, Alpine PDX-5 5-channel amp, Infinity two-way components up front (A-pillar tweeter mount), Infinity coaxial 6x9s in the rear faded to inaudibility, and an Ascendant Audio Atlas 12 in a sealed box in my Civic. Used to work at a shop and was active on the main forums at the time. Happy with the upgraded stock Bose system in my new car.

I echo @zerodeefex's comment above. The only way I'd put any money into car audio above a stock system of decent quality would be if the deck has Audyssey IMPRINT or similar auto time alignment and auto EQ functionality to combat the reflection nightmare and different distances from ear to driver.

I also highly recommend further combating road noise by sound deadening (both dampener and closed cell foam or mass loaded vinyl). Deadener and a product like Motor Mat Pro can make a big difference with engine noise. My Civic was comparatively whisper quiet.

My old build thread on DIYmobileaudio. (Edit: corrected URL)

Always preferred a sealed subwoofer. Aim it toward the rear license plate instead of the cabin for optimal phasing and cabin gain. (Source 1, Source 2)

 

Zonto, those pics are impressive. I still rock a '98 Camry as my on-the-road-for-work machine and dream of being able to deaden road noise that well.

But I digress. I agree with the above posts about the car as too imperfect a room. I am also a curmudgeon and get little satisfaction from critical music listening in a car (even one far nicer than my beast). Live conversation or podcasts are more engaging and I don't have to give a shit about SQ.

If I am honest, when I really want a "car audiophile system" I default to: phone > GO450 > leckerton > UERM. Works great, high fidelity, low noise. I don't get the bass that a sub would provide, but subs are tricky to do well in cars and generally time/money consuming. Good advice above if you have the time/money though.