Now this is where I have some experience, back in 1981 I worked for a company called Precision Installations in Blakehurst, Sydney, Australia, their company statement was “Masters of Mobile Fidelity” everything was to the highest standard and they stocked a wide range of brands but with a focus on mid to high end.

These were some of the big brands they provided and installed;

Budget:

Audiosonik

AWA

JVC

Philips

Sound Barrier

Entry Level:

Eurovox

National

Jensen

Phase Linear

Proton

Mid Level:

Blaupunkt

Clarion

Concord

Kenwood

Panasonic

Pioneer

Soundstream

Sony

Upper Mid to High End:

ADS

Alpine

AR

Boston Acoustics

Infinity

Kef

Today things have changed, there are some brands that have gone for good and others quality took a hit, see below today’s brands;

Budget:

Boschmann

Teac

Entry Level:

Blaupunkt

Fusion

JVC

Philips

Mid Level:

Orion

JBL

Pioneer

Rockford Fosgate

Sony

Soundstream

Upper Mid to High End:

Alpine

Digital Designs

Focal

Mac Audio

Infinity

From past experiences we at Abtec have our own mission statement “Sounds Alive”

The brands Abtec stock must meet this statement or at least get very close, that way we know your getting the very best available.

I believe that music can sooth the soul and invigorate our sensors, whether it be from entry level through to high end, amazing sound can be achieved just by having the right advise and experience can be the difference between good or great.

It does not matter who you are or what you listen to it’s all in the name of fun and enjoyment.

Now let me explain how we think when we talk in categories;

Budget: A starting point and where price is the sole objective (Price Range $29-$129)

Entry Level: Cost still important but what something a little better than budget and sound starting to become important (Price Range $130-$299)

Mid Level: Looking for some sound quality and something musically defined (Price Range $300-$499)

Upper Mid to High End: Now this is where sound quality is paramount and attention to detail is at the top of your sound list, best of the best  (Price Range $500+)

I guess after 30+ years in the audio industry the thing that meant the most to me was the sound quality and today nothing has changed. You can really get some amazing sounds in your vehicle if you spend time talking and comparing speakers in demo cars or boards. Bring your own music in tell us what sound you are looking for, speakers are truly the most important decision you will make “Speakers are 90% of the sound” so do remember that when you’re looking at upgrading or just improving your sounds.

If you are wanting to buy a new stereo or just upgrading an old one keep in mind that the speakers will undoubtedly determine how it is all going to sound, brands do differ in sound and quality but that’s where knowledge and experience can help, ask for advice and remember sounds are different for all of us but there is one thing I can share, generally home audio brands do make amazing car audio speakers that’s because there is so much more pressure on them to perform and as homes are not mobile then outside interference’s are less of a concern. So what I’m saying the sound detail at home is hugely noticeable so more resource is put into sound R&D and that’s why myself I have stayed with home audio brands for my car speakers and you can definitely hear the difference.

Like you we at Abtec are car & home audio enthusiasts

Hope this information was helpful

Ashley Madd Bass Burrell