The sound system is the most important to me. I have tried many car sound systems. I had never been in any car that said JBL and sounded good, especially Toyotas.
You should really try some older cars with their audio systems to see how they stack up against these new models. You never know if you don't try. A couple of my suggestions are as follows: -2nd Gen (2000-2003) Toyota Avalon (XLS) trim w/8-speaker JBL audio system -7th Gen (1997-2003) Pontiac Grand Prix OR similar (Grand Am, Bonneville, etc.) w/Delco headunit with 7-band Graphic EQ and 8 speakers (no sub; rear deck speakers utilize trunk space for deep bass - 4 woofers, 4 tweeters, no sub). I believe these had the option for a bose system with a powerful window-rattling subwoofer, but the more common delco systems seem to excel most peoples' expectations. -Early 1st Gen Nissan Titan w/Rockford Fosgate system (2004-ish), 5-speaker system (4 midwoofers, 2 tweeters & 1 sub under the driver's seat) -1st Gen Chevy Venture 3-4(?)speaker base OEM Delco system (not sure if they sold these with a bose system, my grandma had a low end trim model for all I know) - x2 Co-axials in the front doors, and 1 or 2 on the trunk door. No sub. Interesting one: 1986-88 Pontiac Fiero with AC Delco headunit, 3(?)-speaker system with bottom-firing 5-¼" ported subwoofer under the passenger glove box - make sure to look for a fiero that has a slider adjustment on the overhead console that reads "Performance Sound" and you'll know it has the factory sub. These may be slightly uncommon so you may need to be a bit patient. Of course I would only recommend reviewing such examples that are all-original (no aftermarket headunit or aftermarket drivers) and properly functional, seeing as I am an OEM/OEM+ guy myself, all the way down to the original audio system.
Hey man, love the channel and all the videos you make, I was wondering if you can test the new lexus Rx 450h 21 speakers Mark Levinson sound system, because I'm interested in possibly buying it and it would be cool to see your opinion on it!
When I used to put audio in cars, polk was WAY more accurate and more depth for less money. I have no idea if that is still true since putting after market amps and speakers is a pain now with the locked head unit. I never see cars with speakers I'd want and I'm not looking for expensive.
Brand is meaningless as most car manufactorers will never spend more money on their speakers than a cheap brand's top offerings. The effort in tuning and incorporate audio engineering earlier in the design phase has way more impact than the selection of the brand.
JBL is absolute garbage. An audio company that could care less how the system sounds and has teamed up with a car company that could care less how the system sounds.
