[rocksterraghu]

I spend on ICE expensive equipment not to make it louder but to make it sound better. I think it is much more than a thin line of difference.

I play my music at moderate volume and I know for sure that my system wouldn't have sounded as good as it does, had I not spent on the system. Whether it is 10% or 50% of the max volume, my system sounds better because of the quality of the equipment, not just wattage. So, IMO, it is totally worth spending on it.

[prince_pervez]

We have a thread on this ?
My answer: No.
I'm keeping my ears till old age.

[general_neo]

My setup
Kicker S15L7 Solo Baric
Kicker ZX1500.1
Kicker RS65 Component
Kicker DS6930 Rear Fill Coaxials
Kicker ZX650.4

Yes the system is pretty loud for a small hatchback car. Sometimes i listen to music at 70% with the Bass reduced. Very little i listen to with the bass at 50%, let say 1 minute or so.
So basically and logically its a waste of resources to buy such equipments.

But its like having a sports car and enjoying its low end torque.
Having the acceleration at a tap.

I can listen to the system at 25% volume and enjoy the music forever

[xingamazon]

Originally Posted by rocksterraghu

I spend on ICE expensive equipment not to make it louder but to make it sound better. I think it is much more than a thin line of difference.

I play my music at moderate volume and I know for sure that my system wouldn't have sounded as good as it does, had I not spent on the system. Whether it is 10% or 50% of the max volume, my system sounds better because of the quality of the equipment, not just wattage. So, IMO, it is totally worth spending on it.

Sir,
There are two points we are discussing, for those high volume ones next part is to the ones who spend on clarity.
My other question was do you actually feel the level of clarity with the NVH levels of Indian cars and the traffic, which keeps honking more than other developed countries.

[dhanushs]

In my opinion I would definitely spend to improve the clarity of my output. And yes, the difference can be "seen" or heard even if this is India(traffic) also in cars with low NVH.

Take my example. I have a Kenwood KDC-U5046(the manual says so) head unit, Kicker 5.25" coaxial speakers(not sure about the model number) up front, and JBL GTO 937 coaxials at the back. I consider this as a strictly average ICE and use my system only at 50% sound levels. Reason? - Increasing the volume affects the clarity of sound.
Now why would I spend more on my system???...

1. I need more bass. I find it inadequate at times when outside noise is too much or the windows are rolled down. So I would go for a subwoofer/mono amp.
2. I need more clarity in high volumes - I would again go for amplifiers to power my speakers.
3. Also I would consider upgrading my current front speakers to components so that I can get that clear 'tweet' and more bass upfront.
4. If the amp works out to be too good, i would also consider upgrading my JBL GTO's too.

In a layman's(my wife's) point of view I have a pretty decent sound system and she too would ask, you never increase the volume beyond '16', it also sounds better than our neighbor's car, so whats the point??... But then, I would absolutely love to spend these upgrades to improve the quality of sound.

It's definitely worth it, even if I don't increase the volume. I can have much better music at vol '16'(as per my wife).

[blueraven316]

I have played the Car at 90% volume some two times maybe at a stretch for few hours, only thing is I was not in the car then, and along with me a lot of others were kind of having a party off it, some 25 people.

Otherwise I am fine with 50% to sometimes 70% when I am in the car, depends on the mood

And yeah money spent well, and the setup sounds clear through out, so there is no 30% threshold of clarity fortunately

[Visaster]

Well basically music is completely a personal choice. How you like it can be understood only by you. Your mood changes with time and place. The idea is to have the best of the system and use it as needed. Pump up the music with friends around if that's what all of you love. chill it down when in traffic and family.
I used to blast off music way back in college, while driving down brigade road or when tripping out with friends, but things have changed soo much, i dont find the need to pump up the volume but definitely need quality sound even now and forever.
I can never do with company music system and those small round soo called speakers which comes with the car. Just cannot understand how people can own a car without a decent ICE ( that's me, no hard feelings to any). somehow just not impressed with the new in-dash music system these new generation cars come with ( only good thing is the steering control)
Completely No room for personalization.

[Zombie69]

You know what wakes me up completely? MUSIC! Especially Monday mornings while I'm driving to work.
I prefer to listen to music at 50% volumes (windows rolled up), sometimes when I'm happy, I'll turn it up a notch , not while driving through a residential area.

Best thing ever invented "component speakers"

Cheers!
-Z

[xingamazon]

I recently had the chance to turn almost full volume for my car (must be 90%). During my recent trip to Mysore, had been to a place where the there was not much crowd and just our relatives. Of course, we were seated near the car, not inside the car.

God bless Pioneer audio, not sure what the stock speaker of my car is.

But had nice time listening to Rahman hits this way.

[gavinimurthy]

Even the best audio set up can deliver optimum performance only when your source is good. When we listen to MP3/MP4 music most of the time, (which most of us do), it is futile to expect the 'live'experience , however sophisticated your system may be.

If you have the best music system, go for the best CDs. Really good audio CD's cost around Rs 300/- each, even in these days. Contrary to popular belief, the best music system is the one which gives you clarity and that 'live' experience even at low volumes.

Loud sound doesn't automatically mean better clarity.

Murthy

[fink_ployd]

My setup:
alpine cda 9887
image dynamics chameleons
image dynamics idQ 12
rainbow kraftwerk 4 channel

hell yeah, i play at 100% volume all the time, thats when metal sounds the way it should!

Moreover, an expensive ICE setup would sound better at any volume..10% or 100%, better hardware always pays

[arvind71181]

I play the music in car at maybe 50% of its max volume. If I do any more, then the clarity completely goes off. I tried once to increase the volume to its max and I could not stand it at all. So in effect, I actually do not know what is the max volume in my car

On my brother's Ford, I keep some more volume as I feel that the OE provided by Ford on the Figo is excellent (at least for me)

[Mpower]

Played full volume for about 4-5 mins at full bass and the system promptly cut out due to over heating.

Went back and checked the amp and it was hotttt. (its a baby Alpine MRP-300). Waited for about 5 mins and it came back to life.