Top 10 Car Music Systems

1: Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System

In: Audi 

It's one thing to garner a favourable review of a system for an enthusiast publication, but winning an international award is quite another matter. The impressive setup consists of 14 speakers (including a 12-inch subwoofer), each with its own amplifier. Altogether, the remarkable system produces nearly 1,100 Watts. The car's cool character and the system's strengths play well with Dave Brubeck's Time Out, here sounding as fresh as ever.

2: Mark Levinson Reference Surround Sound Audio System

In: Lexus 

With total harmonic distortion (THD) of less than 0.1%, the 19-speaker, 450-Watt Mark Levinson Reference (7.1-channel) Surround Sound Audio System is a compelling reason to let someone else drive while you experience the best quality music. You’re not likely to miss a single note because the system has a range of 20 to 20,000 Hz -- beyond the hearing range of some people.

3: Bowers & Wilkins System

In: Jaguar XF

Jaguar is offering a Bowers & Wilkins 440 Watt, surround sound system with 13 speakers, plus a subwoofer. Since B&W speakers are the reference-quality choice of serious audiophiles, and even recording studios, you'd best not waste them on any old soundtrack.

4: Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 Digital Surround Sound System

In: Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

For the privileged few who will pilot these $100,000-plus machines, Beethoven's beautiful, inspiring Symphony  sounds its best on an nice drive while played through the CL's Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 Digital Surround Sound System. The precision-tuned package delivers 600 Watts and features 14, perfectly placed speakers. It produces some of the most realistic, dynamic range you've experienced in a car.

5: Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound System

In: Cadillac CTS

Cadillac has gone from being the punching bag of the luxury car industry to a force that's reclaiming a healthy share of its former glory. We'll concentrate on the Bose 5.1 Cabin Surround Sound System. Its 10 speakers may come up short of other systems in quantity, but don't equate that to the quality. Unlike some Bose-labeled factory systems that have disappointed, this is worthy of the name, delivering the accurate fullness and range associated with the brand. It matches nicely with the diverse collection of well-mastered tracks on Synchronicity from

6: Dynaudio Audio System

In: Volvo 

 The Volvo S80 features a setup built in collaboration with Danish firm Dynaudio for an impressive package of 12 speakers -- each with its own filter -- and 650 Watts .You can't help but be impressed by the reproduction, regardless of where you're sitting.It's an improvement over past systems, but still uncharacteristically complicated.

7: THX II  Audio System

In: Lincoln 

The theater experience in the Lincoln MKX crossover is based on more than just the rear-seat DVD player. It  handles bass as efficiently as other ranges and requires little to no fiddling to get it right; it's why the 14-speaker, 600 Watt system is best experienced with a soundtrack like Kanye West's Graduation.

8: Rockford Fosgate Audio System

In: Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

Mitsubishi's Lancer and Rockford Fosgate have each been dismissed as being more exuberant performers than precision players in their respective fields.The 650 Watt, nine-speaker system includes an enclosed 10-inch subwoofer in the trunk and is surprisingly adept at handling crisp highs without sounding hollow. Unlike some other factory systems, the speed-sensitive volume and equalization work very well also.

9: Boston Acoustics/Kicker SRT

Available in: Chrysler 

Chrysler recognizes the broad appeal of the 300C and wisely offers systems to satisfy multiple generations. Rarely do 368 Watts, seven speakers and a subwoofer produce such full sound If you don't roll that way, but still like the car, go for the hotter 300C SRT8.The 13-speaker, 322-Watt Kicker surround sound system with a 100-Watt subwoofer.

10: Bose Media System

In: Ferrari 

Some sports car purists insist a Ferrari's sound system begins and ends with its engine. Ferrari has even hidden audio systems behind retractable covers in some cars. It may not be pretty, but it does centralize the infotainment features and was developed with the car's interior in mind. Because they were born in the same area and will forever be known for the notes they hit, it's only right to enjoy this car and system with Pavarotti’s final work.