A good sound system can make even the longest trips more enjoyable. If you love your music and want to enjoy the best sound systems that money can buy, the following are just a few suggestions to help make the most of your drive.

An aftermarket sound system is a flexible way to customize your driving experience. Many different stereos are available on the market today, all of which support various media depending on the driver’s needs. Some accommodate iPods, while others feature auxiliary jacks, USB inputs, or just CDs or cassettes.

Older cars typically only have CD/cassette inputs, so in this case a modification would be required. In some cases you might only need to connect your device through a cable, or you might have to replace the entire stereo. Auxiliary jacks come as standard features in many newer car models. If your car does not have an auxiliary jack, however, an alternative is to purchase an FM transmitter, which uses a free FM frequency to play your own device. Just tune to a clear station, connect to your mp3 player, and you can enjoy your own music.

As far as sound is concerned, most basic aftermarket sound systems consist of a basic head unit which you can install on your own or have installed for a small fee. These devices start at about £50 and can go all the way up to £1,000, depending on the features that you want. The least expensive ones feature basic button and knob controls, whereas more advanced ones feature multi-colored touch screens. For added security, some versions feature removable plates (the part with the controls) so that thieves are deterred from breaking in and stealing the stereo.

If you want to take your music experience a step further, you can also upgrade the speakers in your car and even add subwoofers for optimum bass response and clarity. A basic, small 20cm subwoofer can run about £60 while a top-of-the line 38cm subwoofer can cost ten times as much.

Whether you’re currently in the market for a car, or you simply want to upgrade the sound system in your own vehicle, these are just a few of many options for getting the best sound experience possible.