Are You Interested in High-End Audio Systems? | Carscoops

      Certain vehicles feature over 30 speakers, but we want to know your thoughts on whether high-end audio systems justify the cost.

      20 hours ago

      by Michael Gauthier

      Numerous cars present premium audio systems as optional add-ons or within higher trim levels.

      While some brands emphasize the number of speakers, others focus on the overall sound quality.

      Cadillac, for instance, provides up to 40 speakers in the 2025 Escalade, surpassing the 19 found in the standard model.

      Long before digital displays and larger screens became the norm, car manufacturers attracted buyers with premium audio systems. Although technology has advanced, the appeal of high-quality sound remains strong today, as automakers include speaker counts that might impress a home theater enthusiast.

      There are plenty of instances, like the 2025 Cadillac Escalade, which offers three different configurations, including a base 19-speaker AKG Studio Audio system. If that seems insufficient, there’s a 36-speaker AKG Studio Reference system, and it can reach 40 speakers with the optional Executive Second Row package that includes headrest-mounted speakers in the back.

      Additionally, the Mercedes E 350 features a $1,030 Burmester 4D surround sound system with 17 speakers. The Ford Mustang also offers options with 6, 9, and 12 speakers, the latter being a B&O sound system by Bang & Olufsen.

      While many manufacturers boast about speaker quantities, the team responsible for the 12-speaker Klipsch audio system in the Nissan Armada Platinum Reserve recently highlighted the impressive sound quality achieved with their relatively small speaker count. It wasn’t an easy task, as it took around two to three years to develop the system.

      That leads us to our question of the day: do premium audio systems matter to you? This question might seem overly simplistic because there's a fine distinction between good and bad systems, with plenty of gray areas in between.

      Nobody expects astounding performance from the Sentra’s four-speaker setup, though the six-speaker system should satisfy most users. Additionally, there’s an option for an eight-speaker Bose premium audio system in the model.

      It's akin to wine; there are several decent choices under $20, so you know what to expect. Upgrading to a higher price range should yield better quality, but if you go even higher, does the quality improvement match the cost increase?

      With that said, are you someone who is willing to pay extra for a premium audio system, or do you believe it’s merely marketing exaggeration? Some individuals can't imagine life without exceptional sound, whereas others are indifferent as long as they can hear the GPS. Where do you fit into this spectrum?