Tech Advice: A search for Columbia’s best car audio system

by Jonathan Sessions

March 7,2008

Since in the introduction of the car radio in the 1930s, car audio has come a long way. Now with DVD capabilities, iPod integration, Bluetooth and navigation systems, car companies are banking on consumer interest in car audio and technology integration, and it has paid off. For many, the audio system in the car is an important consideration when making a purchase.

Recently, I spent a few days looking at highend car audio systems available in Columbia. I wanted to investigate which car would suit my need for high-quality gadgets. By no means would I ever buy a car based on the greatness of its stereo, but the stereo would be an important aspect, and, most likely, I would invest in a higherquality stereo if one was available.

During my investigation of the best car audio systems in Columbia, the first aspect I looked into was quality. I have a huge music collection— more than 100 days of non-stop music, all managed by computer. Most of the CDs I rip in Lossless, a process that prevents data loss during compression onto the computer. While this works well with a home stereo, it is useless in a car because most car audio systems are too low-quality for the listener to hear any difference. I wanted to see whether any local auto dealers had what it takes.

Integration was next on my list. What can I hook up to the car? Cell phones, iPods, DVD systems, add-ons, accessories… What are the full capabilities of the system, and how far can I push them if I want? Finally, I looked at how usable the system was. I prefer not running into things while driving and would like my car audio system to be easy to use and intuitive.

To test systems, I came prepared. I brought a Bluetooth phone, an iPhone, a couple of iPods and a CD of selected tracks. Most car audio systems are built to handle pop music; they do not expect music outside a couple of basic formulas. The CD was a collection of many different genres— some pop and hiphop but also some key tracks to test the system. Among them was the song “In the End” by Scott Matthews, which features a French horn duet that sounds distorted on most car stereos, and a recording of “Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen” from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, a song featuring notes pop stars just do not sing.

My first stop was Joe Machens BMW, where Scott Calhoun showed me around the car collection. We started by taking a look at the 2008 Z4 Roadster. A convertible two-seater, the Z4 3.0si is a slick little car with all the amenities. The audio quality is great—a THX certified, 10-speaker system (eight speakers, two subwoofers). The sound was crystal clear with no distortion—not the quality I expected from a convertible. The Z4 does have all the standard components with the options to add HD radio, XM Radio, and iPod integration, though it is BMW's older standard, with limited control over the iPod. It also can be upgraded to include a Bluetooth mobile phone interface that downloads the contact info from the phone.

Another car I looked at was the 2008 M5, upgraded to include the new-for-2008 Enhanced Premium Sound System. Built in-house at BMW, it is a custom-designed, 825-watt, 16-speaker, Logic 7 system with a Dual Input Room Acoustics Calculator (or DIRAC), which actively adjusts the sounds to the car and passengers to prevent delay distortion in the sound. This way all the channels get to the listener's ear at the right time.

The quality was much more impressive than the Z4. Amazing sound not only from my CD and iPod but also from the M5's optional HD radio. The audio from 91.3 FM KBIA's HD multicast stations come through at CD quality. I really did challenge the stereo, even at very high volumes. The sound came through without distortion, and at those high volumes, silence was silent—without the hiss typically heard from lower- quality speakers.

The M5 also includes BMW's iDrive system. A very simple four-way knob with select and menu buttons that manage the head-up display. Through the iDrive system, I had complete control over my iPod, my iPhone (phone book syncs to the system), all stereo functions, a multiband EQ, the navigation system, climate controls and hundreds of other car settings. In addition to iDrive, the car has eight buttons (replacing the radio station memory keys) that can be programmed to do anything from tuning to a radio station to dialing a phone number. To top that, the voice command system can be used to navigate through almost all of the same features.

I then visited Legend Automotive, where Terry Moore showed me around. I looked at the Mercedes-Benz S550. Controlled using COMAND a similar iDrive-styled knob system, the S550 also has great audio. Another 5.1 channel Logic 7 system, however, it is made up of only 14 Harmon Kardon speakers and a 600-watt amplifier. Even with the reduction in power the quality was very impressive.

The system did include all the basic features: iPod integration, CD player, navigation system and Bluetooth phone integration. However, it did not have an HD radio option. It also lacked many of the detailed system controls, such as EQ.

One interesting point was the ability to plug in a PCMCIA card (same kind of card for laptops; most people use them for WiFi) right into the dash. This allows for audio to be played from flash memory, eliminating noise from motors and moving parts of CD players and iPods. The S550 also has a rotating head-up display, making it easier to reference navigation and car settings while driving.

One limitation I found to the entire Benz line was with iPod control. It does not allow for the changing of playlists. Once a playlist is selected, the iPod is connected and placed in the glove box. The only control at that point is volume up and down and next or previous track. I found it to be very limiting. However, I did like the track information on the instrument panel in addition to the head-up display.

Lastly I looked at the Cadillac CTS (the car that, commercials claim, “turns on” Kate Walsh from the surprisingly renewed Private Practice). The optional audio 5.1-channel audio system is made up of 10 Bose speakers, and while it sounded excellent, having just listened to the S550, I found it didn't reach the same level of quality. There was less balance of highs and lows; it was clear the subwoofer was toward the back of the car.

However, the system did have a great stereo. Managed by an eight-inch retractable touch screen and a collection of physical buttons, the optional upgrade offers full control of the iPod and playlists, AM/FM/XM radio, CD player and optional Bluetooth phone upgrade. The upgraded system also offers a 40-GB hard drive. The hard drive manages the navigation system but also will rip CDs onto the local drive for playback without the original disc. It can also be use like TiVo for the radio, providing the option to pause and play back live radio as necessary. A really nice addition to a well- designed system.

I did look at several more cars, but those four stood out from the bunch, with their careful blend of quality and function. However, it is a tough call. I know I would like more iPod control than offered in the S550, and the simplicity of function and quality of sound lean me in the direction of the iDrive system with the Enhanced Premium Sound System in the M5. The CTS touch screen is great; however muscle memory when driving comes in handy. Not being able to reach for a physical button or knob in a consistent location means taking eyes off the road—a bad call when driving.

Even with the combination of sound quality and usability in the M5, obviously purchasing a car is not just about the stereo. Look around and research what is out there. Also remember that most of the stereos I surveyed were optional hardware available on different car models at different prices. For example, the Enhanced Premium Sound System is currently only available in the M5 and M6. However, the iDrive system is available in the 3, 5, 6, M5, and M6 series. Work with the dealer to find what features are available for each model car, and then work to strike the balance between function and fun.

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