How to Choose the Right Audio System for Your Car and Budget

San Diego car stereo system installation.

Here’s a fun fact:

The average commuter in San Diego County drives between 25 and 30 minutes each way. That’s approximately 1 hour a day, or 5 hours a week. Although that may not sound like much, it adds up to a hefty 260 hours a year.

Now, depending on your car sound system, those 260 hours can be an annoying burden or a source of great pleasure.

The San Diego Car Audio Experts

At Audio City, we want you enjoy your commute, and we’re pretty sure you do, too. So when you come see us, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure you get what you want in an after-market sound system. To do that, we’ll start by asking you the following questions:

What are your car stereo goals?

Are you hoping to show off a bass-thumping system or are you looking for ultra high-fidelity sound? Or maybe you just want to be able to play your iPod through your car stereo. Knowing this can help us get what you want and possibly save money, too. Depending on your goals, you may not need to change every single component of your car stereo.

What’s your audio budget?

It is possible to get a decent car stereo for under $100, and if that’s your budget, just let us know.  We’ll help you get the best bang for your buck. Or if you’re looking for the best of the best, no matter the cost, we can help you put together a system that fulfills all your car audio desires.

What are your preferred audio sources?

Are you still attached to your book of CDs or do you only listen to music through your MP3 player? Maybe you’re hoping to use satellite radio to keep you connected to your favorite stations while you’re on road trips. The more you can answer about your audio source preferences, the better equipped we are to satisfy you.  If this is your first time buying an aftermarket stereo, you may not yet be familiar with all the possibilities. In that case, we’re happy to help expand your horizons.

What are your app and smartphone integration needs?

If you are (or plan to be) a heavy user of Pandora, iHeart Radio, or other streaming apps, you’ll want a receiver that features controls for them. Easy access to these controls provides more than just convenience – it makes for safer driving, too. For a more closely integrated app experience, we can help you find the right app mirroring system that’s compatible with your smartphone.

What about GPS navigation?

Even if you usually rely on your smartphone for your navigation needs, an in-dash GPS system can give you turn-by-turn directions without interrupting your phone call. It also frees up your phone so your passenger can look up movie times, snap pictures, or read restaurant reviews while you navigate. Also, if you share your car with a teen driver, an in-dash system makes it easier to ban any kind of phone usage while driving. But if you prefer to use your phone, an app mirroring receiver will allow you to make the most of Waze or Scout or another favorite smartphone navigation app.

How far are you willing to go for extras?

If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want a system that goes in without modification. The same is true if you lease your car, because you’ll want to take it with you when your lease ends. If you tell us the make and model of your car, we can tell you the size of the components that fit your vehicle. On the other hand, if you’re willing to make modifications to your car to get the kind of system you want, then the sky’s the limit, really. We can help you find a range of options that fit your needs and wants.

When do you want to get started?

At Audio City, we’re here to enhance your driving experience.  From the convenience of easy access controls to the pleasure of quality sound, we understand the difference a good audio system can make in a San Diego commute.

Car Audio Installation at Car Audio City

Come in and let us know what you’re looking for. Even if you’re not exactly sure, our highly knowledgeable staff can help you find it, and our skilled and professional installers will make sure your new audio system goes in right the first time. If you are interested in getting a new car stereo system, give us a call at (619) 474-8551.