Audio System Brand Poll 2.0

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What is your preferred audio brand?


  • Total voters
    88
I used to care a lot more about audio systems, what was that you were saying?

Ok, all hearing jokes aside - I have not felt the real need to change out the audio in any new car I have purchased in 25 years - although I did change out the audio in a used car I purchased that was made since then. And honestly, I changed it out more to get wireless carplay than get better sound quality.
Kind of the same boat. Acuras surround system with audio dvd ruined me in early 2000’s and ever since I haven’t heard music sound as good and therefore won’t spend excess money eh. I do think a solid 10-12 speakers is critical though for better sound.
 
Honestly, a vehicle is a bad listening environment in general. Off road capable vehicles are generally a terrible listening environment. The vehicle my current Alpine in is so bad, I have put 2 layers of sound damping in just so I would stop wearing noise canceling headphones on when I drive. An EV will be only marginally better - road noise and wind is worse than engine noise.

I am hoping the Scout has decent sound damping first - if not, a good stereo really does not matter.
 
Glad I could reinvigorate this thread. @Mousehunter is right, a car is a bad listening environment generally, but there are ways to improve it like sound dampening. I would go a step further and say that added sound must be quality too: noise cancelling, additional speakers, and quality audio that adjusts to user preference.

If SM decides to do a two-tier system here’s how I would spec it:
Standard: any system, basic adjustments, good sound damping.
Premium: Klipsch, noise cancelling, additional speakers, advanced tuning, amp & sub.
 
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FWIW I have an LJ and a JLURD Wrangler. There is NO comparison to the 2 for noise level and sound quality. The JLURD came with good damping (including acoustic glass), active noise cancellation, and a decent stereo. The LJ is an old school Jeep - it came with no sound damping and a 1980's era stereo (which was ridiculous for a 2004 vehicle). I have done virtually everything reasonably possible to quiet it (including a layer of dynamat, a layer of acoustic foam insulation and a sound damping hard top). I got it to the point I don't need noise cancelling headphones at highway speed - but unless I get rid of my off road tires - it is a loosing battle. I could just make more sound - but my hearing is bad enough already. As it is, I find myself driving slower just to cut down the noise (it is much more tolerable at 60mph than 70mph).

My hope for the Scout is to have a quieter interior than the JLURD. Every EV should be quieter than any Wrangler.
 
FWIW I have an LJ and a JLURD Wrangler. There is NO comparison to the 2 for noise level and sound quality. The JLURD came with good damping (including acoustic glass), active noise cancellation, and a decent stereo. The LJ is an old school Jeep - it came with no sound damping and a 1980's era stereo (which was ridiculous for a 2004 vehicle). I have done virtually everything reasonably possible to quiet it (including a layer of dynamat, a layer of acoustic foam insulation and a sound damping hard top). I got it to the point I don't need noise cancelling headphones at highway speed - but unless I get rid of my off road tires - it is a loosing battle. I could just make more sound - but my hearing is bad enough already. As it is, I find myself driving slower just to cut down the noise (it is much more tolerable at 60mph than 70mph).

My hope for the Scout is to have a quieter interior than the JLURD. Every EV should be quieter than any Wrangler.
I am 100% positive that my Traveler will be quieter than my Wrengler. Not even a contest. I have so much wind noise from my ClearLidz roof that the people in the back seat practically have to yell for me to be able to hear them.
 
Never heard of DD, but I added it.
My cousin has them in his truck. They sound so good. And they are made right here in the USA.

Im getting ready to get them for my truck. When i finish the carpeting.

If Scout makes the speaker grills and other speaker shrouds come off easily theres no question that these won't be in there with in 3 months of ownership.
 
Dear @Jamie@ScoutMotors... lol

I’m not a professional in audio, but for me a high-quality sound system is non-negotiable. If the audio experience doesn’t meet a certain standard, I simply won’t buy the vehicle. It’s a true dealbreaker.

I know my preference leans toward a stadium-style sound profile: wide, dynamic, immersive, and energetic. That’s what makes music feel alive, especially on longer drives. It’s also why, from the options presented, Klipsch stood out. It aligns closely with that kind of listening experience.

I’m also the type of buyer who actively evaluates audio quality. I keep a dedicated test playlist with tracks designed to expose system strengths and weaknesses. Subtle background elements, instrument separation, and tonal balance that lower-end or poorly tuned systems simply can’t reproduce. I’m not unique in this; there’s a meaningful segment of buyers who care deeply about in-cabin audio and use it as a key decision factor.

Because of that, tuning flexibility matters just as much as hardware. Basic bass and treble controls aren’t enough. What would really stand out is a system that offers well-designed sound profiles (stadium, concert hall, intimate, etc.) and/or deeper EQ customization for users who want to fine-tune their experience. Based on the CES demo Nicole gave, the interface already shows strong potential to support this in a way that’s intuitive and not overwhelming. That’s a real opportunity to differentiate.

I’ll also be direct about priorities: I would absolutely accept a modest tradeoff in range for a properly engineered system with a real subwoofer and amplifier. For some of us that’s added value, not a compromise.

Active noise cancellation would be a welcome addition, particularly for long-distance comfort, but I want to be able to turn it off to preserve audio fidelity when desired.

On a broader note, a great sound system isn’t just a feature, it’s something owners experience every time they drive. It has an outsized impact on perceived quality, daily enjoyment, and long-term satisfaction. Done right, it becomes part of the vehicle’s identity and a reason people advocate for the brand.

And for what it’s worth, I care about this deeply, but I’m not the guy blasting music at stoplights. I just want the experience inside the vehicle to be exceptional.
No vehicle is quiet enough to require a special audio system. Especially one with off road tires.