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Best Aftermarket Car Audio System

Last Updated : 02 Apr, 2024
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From the days of crackling radio systems and cassette players to more sophisticated sound quality sound systems at affordable prices, car audio systems have come a long way. Today’s aftermarket car audio systems offer a variety of features, including navigation systems, Bluetooth connectivity, and satellite radio. In this article, we will take you on a thrilling journey of the best aftermarket car audio systems in the US market. This adventure is filled with all the necessary insights on the top aftermarket car audio systems available today. So, tighten your seatbelts as we gear up.

Best-Aftermarket-Car-Audio-System

Car Audio System

Benefits of Having a Car Audio System

Having a good car audio system can be advantageous on many levels while you drive. Some of them are discussed below.

  • Enhances your driving experience. A clear sound and great bass can make you feel like you are in a concert hall or at your favorite place. This makes your driving experience fun.
  • De-stresses you– It is often said that listening to your favorite music can have a calming effect and even help in reducing stress while driving. So a good car sound system has got you covered whenever you have a long day.
  • Stay informed and connected with tech integration: Modern-day car audio systems come with infotainment features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and smartphone integration to access navigation, weather updates, and hands-free calling.  

Moreover, it also adds value to your car. In case you ever decide to sell your car, a good quality car sound system can increase its value and catch the eyeballs of potential buyers.

Types of Car Audio Systems

Car Audio Systems are of two types: factory-installed systems and aftermarket systems. Each type offers different features and levels of performance. Let’s take a look at them.

  1. Factory-installed audio systems: As the name suggests, these are the standard audio systems installed by the vehicle manufacturer. They have basic features like a radio, CD player, and sometimes Bluetooth connectivity. They are affordable but sometimes lack bass response and overall audio fidelity.
  2. Aftermarket System:  Aftermarket systems are often considered as the replacements for the factory-installed units. They provide a plethora of features including touchscreen displays, smartphone integration, Bluetooth connectivity, navigation systems, and more. The other main types of aftermarket car audio systems include- Component Speaker Systems, Coaxial Speaker Systems, Subwoofer Systems, etc. There are various companies that provide aftermarket car sound system at a good price. We have enlisted them below.

Top Aftermarket Car Audio System

1. JBL

For those who enjoy cars, JBL, a well-known name in the audio sector, has consistently provided exceptional sound quality and cutting-edge features. But JBL goes above and beyond simply having amazing sound quality by offering added capabilities like phone integration, Bluetooth hands-free calling, and voice control, which among other things allow you to use GPS navigation and stream music wirelessly. For instance, the majority of their head units include large touch screens and user-friendly interfaces that make operation simpler and more comfortable for the user. Additionally, they provide a variety of systems that can be customized to fit the needs and preferences of individual customers, so the ideal JBL offering is just ready to enhance your driving experience.

Car Audio Products By JBL

Product Features

Car Speakers

Club 964M
  • 50Hz – 20kHz Frequency response
  • Edge-driven Silk Dome Tweeter
  • Power Handling: 85W RMS, 255W peak
  • Acoustically Damped, UV-resistant Polypropylene Cone
Club 64FSL
  • 55Hz – 20kHz Frequency Response
  • Specified Shallow Design for More Mounting Application
  • Power Handling: 55W RMS, 165W peak
  • Bigger Magnet, Bigger Power Handling
Club 64CSQ
  • 48Hz – 21kHz Frequency response
  • Adjustable Tweeter Output Level
  • Power Handling: 95W RMS, 285W peak
  • Incredibly Y40 Ferrite Magnet for Higher Sensitivity 

Car Subwoofers

ARENA 10
  • Dual Voice Coil Design
  • Power Handling(Peak) 2100 Watts
  • Composite paper full-edge subwoofer dust cap and cone
  • Frequency Response: 24 – 200Hz
Stadium 102SSI
  • Selectable Smart Impedance
  • Aero-cooled voice coil
  • Oversized voice coil
  • Frequency Response: 30Hz – 175Hz
Stage 122 
  • Three sizes for all applications, environments and budgets
  • Highest-grade materials for super reliability
  • Power Handling 1000W
  • Frequency Response: 34Hz – 200Hz

JBL’s expertise extends far beyond car audio excellence. They are an authority in immersive sound; hence they design products for power sports activities like racing bikes, and boats together with home theaters. Moreover, JBL’s passion for innovation extends to the motor vehicle sector where it actively develops ground-breaking driver-assistance systems ensuring road safety and minimizing human errors while driving.

But let’s zoom in on their core strength: car audio. Millions of vehicles worldwide cruise with the vibrant sound of JBL systems. This extensive adoption demonstrates their range of offerings spanning all budgets, tastes, and genres of music. It does not matter whether you are a casual listener who wants a small upgrade on sound or an intense audiophile yearning for a live concert feel; JBL has carefully engineered its systems to awaken your audio senses.

2. Alpine

Alpine is a well-known Japanese company that offers high-quality aftermarket car audio solutions. It has a varied range of products like head units, speakers, amplifiers, and subwoofers. These products are known for their intuitive interface, compatibility with smartphone connectivity, and exceptional sound quality. Here is a list of some of its top products and features.

Car Audio Products By Alpine

Product Features

Car Speakers

S-S65
  • Coaxial 2-Way speaker
  • Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Cone
  • High Amplitude Multi-Roll surround
  • Strong Speaker Motor
SPJ-691C3
  • Coaxial 3-Way speaker
  • 30Hz to 30kHz frequency response
  • Compatible system solution for entry users
  • Smooth Installation
DP-65C
  • 2-way speaker
  • High rigid carbon fiber 
  • Aluminum magnesium alloy” tweeter unit Bright treble
  • Gold-plated terminals to prevent corrosion

Car Subwoofers

PWE-S800
  • 8-inch Powered Subwoofer Box
  • Aluminum alloy body
  • Wire controller operations
  • Swift Installation
S-W10D4
  • 10-inch (25cm) Subwoofer
  • Custom-stamped steel frame
  • HAMR Surround
  • 26Hz – 200Hz Frequency response
 
  • 12-INCH (30cm) Subwoofer
  • Customer-stamped4-way steel frame
  • HAMR Surround
  • 24Hz – 200Hz Frequency response

3. Kenwood

Founded in 1947, Kenwood is another top aftermarket car audio system provider. It has a rich history of innovation in the car audio sector which is well known by its users. Some of the key reasons that make it desirable are exceptional sound quality, great features, and most importantly, user-friendly designs. Below is the list of its best products.

Car Audio Products By Kenwood

Product Features

Car Speakers

KFC-XS1704
  • 17cm Component Speaker
  • 34Hz-56kHz Frequency response
  • Titanium Dome Tweeter
  • High Rigid Glass Fiber Diaphragm
KFC-XH170
  • 17cm 2-way Speaker
  • 30mm Titanium Dome Tweeter
  • 45Hz-40kHz Frequency response
  • 165mm Glass Fiber Cone
KFC-X694
  • 6 x 9 inch Oval Coaxial Speaker
  • Soft Dome Tweeter
  • 51Hz – 20kHz Frequency response
  • Neodymium tweeter composition

Car Subwoofers

KSC-PSW7EQ
  • Compact Powered Subwoofer
  • MAX Power 160W
  • Remote Control Sound Adjustment
  • Flexible installation
KSC-PSW10ST
  • Spare Tire Powered Subwoofer
  • MAX Power 1200 W
  • Remote Controller
  • Clean Install in 15-16” Tire
PA-W801B
  • Oversized Subwoofer in Ported Enclosure
  • MAX Power 400W
  • D-class Amplifier
  • Detachable DC Connector

4. Pioneer

Pioneer is a multinational electronic corporation that is known for its advanced video and connective technologies in the car industry. It has always evolved and updated its products and has been offering the best aftermarket car audio system that caters to a wide range of customer’s preferences and budgets. If you are intrigued to know its best car audio system and its features, here is the list for you.

Car Audio Products By Pioneer

Product Features

Car Speakers

TS-A942FH
  • Coaxial 4-way
  • 29Hz to 33kHz frequency response
  • Max Power 100W
  • Carbon & MICA Reinforced IMPP
     
TS-V170C
 
  • High-resolution response fidelity sound
  • Dual-layer Carbon Fiber Cone
  • HSDOM Diaphragm
  • Wide range to 64,000[Hz]
     
TS-C602IN
 
  • High rigid IMPPâ„¢ cone
  • Tweeter mounting option
  • Max Power 390W
  • 30Hz~30000Hz Frequency response
     

Car Subwoofers

TS-W1212S4
  • 20Hz ~ 1.6kHz Frequency response
  • Max power 1600W
  • Light & Rigid honeycomb design seamless cone
  • Firmly enclosed bottom basket
     
TS-W1212D4
  • 20Hz ~ 1.6kHz Frequency response
  • Max power
  • 1600W
  • Dual Layer Fiber Reinforced Elastic Polymer Surround
  • Enclosure type
     
TS-W1202D4
  • 22Hz ~ 1.6kHz Frequency response
  • Max power
  • 1500W
  • Durable rubber surround
  • Light & Rigid honeycomb design seamless cone
     

5. Sony

Passion and delivering immersive audio experience-centric Sony has established itself as a strong leader in the aftermarket automotive sound system. It is known for its high-quality aftermarket car audio systems that meet the listener’s demand for ultimate listening pleasure while driving. We have gathered information on its best automotive audio products for cars to help you choose the one that fits your checklist.

Car Audio Products By Sony

Product Features

Car Speakers

XS-160ES
  • 2-way Coaxial Speakers
  • Soft dome tweeter
  • Dynamic Air Diffuser
  • Five-beam Frame design 
XS-FB163G
  • 3-way speakers
  • Super tweeter 
  • HOP Aramid Carbon Fiber Matrix cone
  • Max Power 270 W
XS-XB6941
  • 4-Way Coaxial Speaker
  • PEI Tweeter
  • 2nd generation HOP aramid carbon fiber 
  • Super tweeter

Car Subwoofer

XS-NW12002
  • Dimpled pentagon design
  • 32 Hz–1000 Hz frequency response
  • Max Power 1800 W
  • Durable rubber surround
XS-GTX122LT
  • Subwoofer with Enclosure
  • Max Power 1,350 W
  • PP Mica reinforcement cap
  • Heat-resistant voice coil
XS-NW1202S
  • Shallow Enclosure
  • Dimpled pentagon diaphragm
  • Max Power 1800W
  • Durable rubber surround

Conclusion

Car audio systems play a great role in defining your driving experience. That’s why, if not factory-installed, aftermarket car sound systems can meet your demand for high-quality sound and cutting-edge features. There are myriad aftermarket car audio system providers in the market for every preference and budget. However, you also need to take care of which audio system is the best for your car. Here, we have listed some of the top aftermarket car sound systems of the top companies in the market. Their specifications along with the features can help you make wise decisions and your driving experience fun. Happy Shopping!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What are the top aftermarket car audio brands?

Ans. The top aftermarket car audio brands include JBL, Alpine,  Pioneer, and more.

Q2. Can I install an aftermarket car audio system myself, or do I need a professional?

Ans. It is advised to seek professional help while installing the aftermarket car sound system. But many skilled or experienced enthusiasts often do it on their own.

Q3. What should I consider when choosing an aftermarket car audio system?

Ans. There are a few factors to mind while selecting an aftermarket car audio system like your budget, desired features such as touchscreen displays, Bluetooth connectivity, smartphone integration, sound quality, brand, and product reviews.

Q4. What is the difference between single DIN and double DIN head units?

Ans. Single Din systems are car audio setups with a single slot for the head unit while Double Din systems come with larger touchscreen displays with many more features like built-in navigation systems and video playback.



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