Popular Car Music Systems

Explore the best car sound systems in India, including JBL, Sony, Pioneer, and Blaupunkt. Compare features like screen size, audio output, and connectivity to find the perfect upgrade for your car.
Last updated 7 months ago

Performance in the world of automobiles goes beyond acceleration or horsepower. A truly immersive driving experience requires the perfect soundtrack, one that enhances every rev of the engine, every turn of the wheel. That’s where car music systems come in. The right sound system can turn your trip into something remarkable, whether you’re tackling tight curves on a winding mountain road or blazing down the freeway.

From Pioneer and Kenwood to JBL, car music systems have evolved far beyond the basic speakers most cars would demand. Today, we’re discussing the top sound system that you can find in the market that provides immersive surround experiences, earth-shaking bass, and crystal-clear sound. So, buckle up as this guide walks you through the most well-known car music systems that deliver outstanding sound to your journey.

Here is a detailed list of some of the top-selling music sound systems that you can find in the Indian market: 

Name of Sound SystemScreen SizeAudio OutputPrice
JBL Legend 9 Inch (in select models)4×50 WattsRs. 35,991
JBL BassPro SL2 No screen125W RMSRs. 33,241
Blaupunkt Series 900 10.1 Inch 50W x 4Rs. 28,490
Sony XAV-AX5500 6.95 Inch 55W x 4 (Max)Rs. 28,990
Kenwood DMX9720XS 10.1 Inch 50W x 4 RMSRs. 97,990
JVC KW – M785BW 6.8 Inch 50W x 4Rs. 49,990
Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT 9 Inch 50W x 4Rs. 71,990
Pioneer TS-H650C-JM No screen300W peakRs. 13,590

JBL Legend

Looking for a mid-range car audio system that offers true value for money? With a competitive price range, the JBL Legend is integrated with innovative features to make your driving experience all the more appealing! A large touchscreen displays information prominently, while GPS and Wi-Fi ensure seamless connectivity with smartphones and other gadgets and smooth navigation. 

Tuned specifically for the Indian market, this OEM system brings a rich, immersive experience with punchy bass and crisp vocals. What really sets it apart is its well-balanced acoustic tuning, making it ideal for everything from Bollywood beats to indie tracks.

JBL Legend Key Features:

  • Wired Apple CarPlay & Android Auto for easy smartphone integration
  • 9-inch touchscreen with responsive display
  • Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and music streaming
  • 30 station presets with AM/FM tuner
  • Wired connection ensures your phone remains charged with adequate battery backup
  • GPS and Wi-Fi guarantee smooth connectivity and navigation function

JBL Legend Specifications:

  • Compact body size of 2 DIN
  • Powerful output with 4 speakers of 50 watts
  • Smartphone charging supported till 1.5A
  • 10-band equaliser for customizable sound

JBL BassPro SL2

If you’re looking to boost your car’s bass without sacrificing boot space, the JBL BassPro SL2 is a solid pick. One of the main reasons many prefer the BassPro is its size, which lets it be placed conveniently under the car seats, unlike cumbersome subwoofers. Installation is relatively easy and doesn’t require a complete overhaul of your existing system. 

You get line- and speaker-level inputs, adjustable crossover, bass boost, and remote level control, making it a flexible addition to most standard setups. Despite its sleek design, the sound output remains clear and precise. This audio sound system is equipped with the Pure Bass technology, which ensures that low-frequency output is clear and sans without distortion.

JBL BassPro SL2 Key Features:

  • Compact body lets the sound system be installed swiftly under the driver’s or passenger’s seat
  • Built-in Class-D amplifier for potent sound output
  • Sturdy structure with fibreglass-reinforced plastic frames

JBL BassPro SL2 Specifications:

  • 8-inch woofer
  • RMS output of 125 watts
  • Frequency response in the range of 35 Hz – 120 Hz

Blaupunkt Series 900

The Blaupunkt Series 900 is all about sophistication and German engineering. This sound system features a big 10-inch IPS display loaded with preset functionalities. A precision-engineered digital signal processor and equaliser work in tandem to fine-tune the audio for incredible sound quality. It supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, rear camera input, USB video playback function, and more.

Wireless streaming and quick integration with smartphones ensure you can listen to the music of your choice and navigate the car without taking your eyes off the road. A reverse camera is often included with the package. Its highlight is sound staging and clarity, making it an ideal car audio system for audiophiles looking to modernise older cars without compromising on premium features.

Blaupunkt Series 900 Key Features:

  • 10.1-inch capacitive touchscreen with vibrant display.
  • Hassle-free connectivity for apps and media with built-in Wi-Fi
  • Supports Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Video played directly from USB devices
  • Split-screen support to access two apps at the same time

Blaupunkt Series 900 Specifications:

  • 4 speaker units of 50 watts for clear sound
  • Subwoofer output for improved bass
  • Dual USB ports for multiple device connections
  • 10-band equaliser for a personalised listening experience

Sony XAV-AX5500

Sony’s XAV-AX5500 is one of the cleanest-looking and most responsive systems in the segment. This car audio system operates using a higher voltage that decreases the amount of external noise via the amplifier. This renders premium-quality sound with low sound distortion. Using the Extra Bass clear feature, engine noises can be reduced regardless of the volume level. 

This car audio comes with dual settings: delicate and heavy boost, as per your mood. The sleek infotainment car music system promises great performance and incredible sound quality. It’s a top choice for both aesthetic-focused buyers and those who want reliable performance on a daily drive.

Sony XAV-AX5500 Key Features:

  • Bezel-less design to enhance aesthetic appeal
  • 7-inch capacitive touchscreen for lucid display and convenient control
  • Rear camera input enhances safety for occupants
  • Hands-free calling and music streaming via Bluetooth connectivity
  • Wired connectivity of Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Sony XAV-AX5500 Specifications:

  • Excellent sound output via 4 speakers of 55 watts
  • USB ports on the rear side
  • 10-band equaliser for optimal sound

Kenwood DMX9720XS

If you are a car enthusiast without budget restrictions, this car music system is just what you are looking for, as it costs almost a whopping lakh! Being one of the best sound systems, it offers high-end features such as a huge 10.1-inch touchscreen embedded in a floating panel with three-way positioning. You can use variable tilt, turn it in the forward/backwards direction, or try the up/down angle. You can even utilise the split-screen feature with widgets to operate more than one app at the same time. 

Audio-wise, it delivers 4 x 50W output, with a 13-band EQ, digital time alignment, and support for LDAC and FLAC formats. What sets it apart is Kenwood’s proprietary DSP technology that allows precise tuning for every seat. Connectivity is supported for both Android and Apple gadgets, with a wireless screen mirroring feature. When it comes to sound quality and output, the wireless functionality promises high-resolution audio reproduction.

Kenwood DMX9720XS Key Features:

  • HDMI functionality is integrated within the system
  • Video playback in HD
  • Steering wheel control input for a refined driving experience
  • 10.1-inch capacitive screen with high-definition imagery
  • Built-in GPS for hassle-free navigation
  • Wi-Fi feature supports easy telecommunications
  • Wireless screen mirroring syncs to Android devices for easy screen sharing.

Kenwood DMX9720XS Specifications:

  • Pronounced sound output of 50 watts from 4 speakers
  • High-resolution audio support
  • Parametric equaliser for premium quality output

JVC KW – M785BW

The JVC unit is a feature-rich, compact-sized car music system with a decently sized capacitive touchscreen offering a responsive and distortion-free display. Features include video playback directly from USB devices, wireless connectivity that supports both Apple and Android smartphones, and enhanced security via connection to dual external rear and forward-facing cameras for assistance during parking.

With 4 x 50W max output, 13-band EQ, K2 audio enhancement, and Time Alignment, it’s surprisingly rich in tuning features for its segment. Audiophiles will appreciate its support for FLAC audio files and high-voltage pre-outs, making it suitable for amp-based setups.

JVC KW – M785BW Key Features:

  • 6.8-inch touchscreen with responsive display
  • Built-in Wi-Fi that supports great connectivity
  • Screen mirroring via USB and HDMI functionality so that you can connect and mirror your device’s screen
  • Wireless smartphone integration for both Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
  • Steering wheel control output while listening to podcasts and music
  • Video playback directly from USB devices
  • Bluetooth connectivity supports up to five phones for hands-free calling

JVC KW – M785BW Specifications:

  • 4 speakers producing an output of 50 watts
  • Smartphone charging up to 1.5A
  • 13-band equaliser for unparalleled sound quality
  • Short chassis

Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT

If you wish to steer clear of bulky car audio systems, the Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT’s space-saving design is right up your alley! The floating 9-inch touchscreen piques your interest immediately, with the single DIN chassis making it convenient for both old and new cars. Moreover, the sound system boasts a sophisticated setup that produces high-quality bass with significant volume. It also supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and Bluetooth connectivity.  

What makes it truly stand out is its 24-bit True Colour Panel, crisp display quality, and excellent user interface. Audio performance is backed by 4 x 50W MOSFET amplifier, 13-band EQ, time alignment, and FLAC/DSD support. It also includes Wireless Apple CarPlay, Wireless Android Auto, dual Bluetooth, and USB fast charging.

Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT Key Features:

  • 9-inch touchscreen with crystal-clear display embedded in a floating panel
  • Space-saving design due to single DIN chassis
  • Seamless navigation and connectivity via built-in GPS and Wi-Fi
  • Park assist function and rear camera input feature for better safety
  • Access the car audio system without taking your hands off the wheel
  • Hands-free calling via Bluetooth

Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT Specifications:

  • 4 speakers producing 50-watt sound outputs
  • 13-band equaliser for customizable audio settings
  • Subwoofer control to fine-tune bass output

Pioneer TS-H650C-JM

Car enthusiasts looking for a sound system at a reasonable cost that produces incredible audio quality can safely get this first-class component speaker system installed in their vehicle. Designed especially for the Indian market, this 2-way component speaker setup includes a 6.5-inch woofer and a dedicated tweeter, offering an exceptional balance of deep bass and crisp highs.

Built using carbon and mica-reinforced IMPP cones, the speakers are lightweight yet rigid, ensuring accurate sound with minimal distortion. With a rated power of 60W RMS (and 260W peak), the system works brilliantly with both stock and aftermarket head units. Its wide frequency range (38 Hz to 58 kHz) and sensitivity of 91 dB make it ideal for audiophiles seeking immersive sound without changing their full dashboard setup.

Pioneer TS-H650C-JM Key Features:

  • Rich and deep audio notes from high-quality sound sources
  • A large strontium magnet supports clear and precise sound reproduction
  • Durable and long-lasting design due to injection-moulded carbon cones, which minimise distortion too

Pioneer TS-H650C-JM Specifications:

  • 6.3-inch midrange and woofer drivers
  • Power output up to 260 watts
  • Frequency response in the range of 34Hz to 58kHz

Picking the perfect car music system depends on your driving habits, audio expectations, and budget. For instance, if you are looking for a car audio system with a myriad of features, the Kenwood DMX9720XS is what works best, while those preferring powerful sound quality should opt for the Pioneer TS-H650C-JM. On the other hand, if space is an issue for you, install the JBL BassPro SL2 underneath the seats and enjoy premium audio quality. Choosing the right sound system for your car isn’t a quick endeavour, because you can’t randomly go online and pick any model without studying its features in detail. Whether you want immersive surround sound or practical smartphone control on the go, this list covers every type of car music enthusiast. Choose based on your priorities, sound clarity, screen tech, bass response, or overall value.

FAQs

  1. Q. Which car sound system in India is the most affordable?

    The Pioneer TS-H650C-JM is among the most pocket-friendly, priced at just under Rs. 14,000.

  2. Q. Should you opt for portable sound systems in your car?

    Portable units are space-saving and spare you the trouble of getting them installed in vehicles (unless you opt for factory-installed systems). However, their sound quality comes with certain limitations, while the unit can’t reduce the vibrations and noise produced by the car. The overall listening experience isn’t that great when compared to a fully functional audio system.

  3. Q. Which car music system is the best in India?

    JBL Legend, Kenwood DMX9720XS, Pioneer TS-H650C-JM, Blaupunkt Series 900 and Sony XAV-AX5500 are some of the most popular sound systems for cars in India.

  4. Q. Which car music system produces the most powerful audio?

    The JBL Legend and JBL BassPro SL2 produce a more vibrant audio quality, while Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT and Pioneer TS-H650C-JM generate more bass-heavy sounds.

  5. Q. Which car sound system is the costliest from this list?

    The Kenwood DMX9720XS priced at Rs. 97,990, and the Pioneer DMH-ZF8550BT, around Rs. 71,990, are the most expensive car music systems from this list.

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