MP3 .vs. CD in the car

One of wonders of the modern music scene is the sudden decrease in quality of the listening experience … from tinny ear-buds to mobile phone speakers – yuck!

Dance, electronic(a), well any, music needs to be felt, doesn’t it?  Not just heard, or as musak in the background – feeling it moves it from the brain to the heart, methinks.

Do you download MP3s and burn them to CD?  That really doesn’t work either, the quality is so (very cleverly) mangled to make the file size small, but the quality very top-heavy (tinny, really tinny) – so even on a decent sound system (especially on a decent sound system) it doesn’t do the artist any favours.

And MP3s are everywhere!  Always get the CD, if I were you, and play the tracks through some good bass loudspeakers (woofers, bins) – best place is in your car!

Get Some Bass

Lash out on some a decent woofer – one would do, here are some simple-to-install under-the-seat examples with some good reviews on how people’s lives were massively enhanced! Note that I haven’t tried all of them in my Prius, as that might be a really expensive hobby.  I’ve bunged some here to give you a flavour of what is available.

Pioneer TS-WX210A 8-inch Active Underseat Subwoofer

I’ve always like Pioneer, the sound is always so clear and smooth, in my opinion.  This one has some rave reviews and seems to be easy to install too. One fellow recommends it as it wobbles his wife’s bottom. Oooh missus!

Pros : Easy to install, sounds bigger than it looks, extensive instructions, doesn’t drown the mid/top…
Cons : You’re going to have to spend a few (happy?) hours fitting it – or pay for someone else to do it.
Features : Maximum power 150 W; Frequency response 40 – 150 Hz; Sensitivity (1W/1m) 101 dB; Woofer size 20 cm (8″); IMPP composite cone woofer.
Price : About £156.
Get from : Amazon

Pioneer TS-WX120A 150 W Powerful Amplified Subwoofer System

Another one to look at, this one (um, Pioneer again) is more of a Pro woofer, with a few more complex installation instructions (could cost about fifty quid to get a hard-working, local expert to do it for you!). It’s a nice addition to the sounds in your car, not overpowering, but will add so much depth to any music.

Pros : Uplift your life!
Cons : Uplift your local ICE shop for fitting the thing!
Features : Fully Built In Amplifed Subwoofer; 150 Watts; Ultra Slim Space Saving; Wired Bass Remote Control; Aluminium Cone Woofer;
Price : About £100.

Get from : Amazon

Bass Face POWER12.2 2600W 12 inch Active Twin Subwoofer

Go Maaaad! This is a 5/5 top reviewed product – 1300 Watts, wooooo! Make sure you get on with your neighbours and they like your music, this one will knock your brain cells all about your head. The price is pretty good too, for the sheer bassness you’ll add to your existence. You’ll need to buy an 8-gauge wiring kit to install it (all details on the Amazon page). Awesome!

Pros : Massssive bass for the dosh. Two speakers.
Cons : Needs wiring kit, and enthusiasm or cash for fitting – or there are plenty of YouTube videos!
Features : 1300w RMS; Built in Class-D DB Series Amplifier; Twin SPL12.1 Low Frequency Transducers; Slot Ported Tuned Enclosure; Bass Remote Control Included.
Price : About £160.
Get from :Amazon

I hope you enjoyed looking at these bass bins, let me know in the comments box what your favourite one is – and whether you agree with me about mp3 .vs. CD (one day, we’ll be able to play vinyl in cars …)