wrote:
> Is it a common perception that a great car audio system is or must be
> loud and boomy, i.e. high bass.

That's a common misperception among high school students. They really
have no "feel" for music unless they can physically feel the
bass...but, if it sounds good to them, it sounds good. They *like* the
buzzing of body panels and structural supports (yours and theirs) and
it offers the essentially powerless a small, insignificant and
imaginary feeling of power.

> I don't know if that is an essential
> characteristic of a good car audio system since there will always be
> the engine noise to overcome.

Wind noise is more of a problem unless your engine is especially noisy.

> Are there any car audio systems that can deliver comparable depth and
> richness of a good home audio system, while parked with your top down
> in an open air environment like a scenic outlook or a park? Just for
> your personal enjoyment but not necessarily to get attention.

The largest limitations to be overcome with vehicle sound systems is
the acoustic space, or lack thereof, and the structural materials.
They just aren't conducive to reflecting sound very well.

A junkyard will probably have some Bose systems laying around... maybe
your best sound choice for the money.
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- gpsman