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Re: Sound Systems and Sports Cars don't mix. Sorr (archive)
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Posted by Greg Smith on May 06, 2001 at 13:26:52:

In Reply to: Sound Systems and Sports Cars don't mix. Sorry. posted by Ben FR on May 06, 2001 at 13:14:16:

Let me say that I spend a lot of time in my car. Probably 8 hours a week, sitting in traffic. Moving very slowly. I will freely admit that I am an audiophile, and I have had a few custom stereos in my cars... I once had a $6000 competition level system that hit 143 decibels (no shit). That was in a hatchback (Corrado) =). I have mellowed considerably since then , and I thought when I upgraded the pathetic horrible stock system in the coupe I demonstrated a lot of restraint. I simply replaced the front speakers with a set of MB Quarts, removed the stock sub (if you can call a 6" paper speaker a subwoofer) and amp enclosure. Added a 4x75 watt amp, and a single 10" jl subwoofer in a box that can be removed easily if I need the space. I think that if someone is musically inclined, a nice sounding system only enhances the enjoyment of the car, not detract. Certainly if I am tearing up some twisties I will probably not be listening to the stereo, but the grim reality is that 90% of the time I spend in the car is moving very slowly on I-405, when the exhaust sound as you describe is just not terribly interesting.


Before you read this message, take in mind that I respect the opinion of others and am just verbalizing my own opinion.

I do not understand why a lot of people insist on upgrading their stereo systems in their cars. Additionally, I have no idea why people consider upgrading their stereo systems in sports cars.

When I drive a sports car (i.e. M coupe), the only thing I want to listen to is the sound of the car. If I do want to listen to music in the case of being in traffic, I listen to the stereo system. Now, I am not a musical connosieur and can't tell the difference between a g-flat and an f-sharp (hehe) or an oboe and a flute.

What I do know is spending upwards of $1,000 or more to upgrade a stereo system really must mean you are an auditory virtuoso. You listen to music all the time, you respect music, and any discrepancies in rhythms due to a poor (mind you in the case of the M coupe- 'Harmon-Kardon') sound system make you very very mad.

Ok, so I can understand why someone would upgrade their stereo system. Sure, I can force myself to accept someones' desire to upgrade their system. But truthfully, for the majority of us, is it really worth it? Do speaker systems make the music that we listen to THAT much better?

Fine, maybe they do.

But, why for a sports car? Why spend so much on a great-sounding sports car, even more on a great-sounding exhaust system, and then clogging up trunk space, shutting out that great engine noise, with a speaker system that can break the windows of everyone's house in the neighborhood?

I'm sorry. I will not upgrade my stereo system, ever. The stock system is fine with me.

-Ben FR




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