One regret tried here complete kit is billed 4

Keep your ears wide open, because it is far the good old "stereo tapes" that ate the tapes. Now, travelling to the "CD loader" or even DVD and MP3 player the musical no less than 200 watts power while returned by 10 speakers Eclipse perfectly silent engines... These "cars to live" create new requirements: inadmissible now sign a result cheque for a sedan posh unable to offer a car stereo designed anything to it.

"Recent auditory well-being", explains Philippe Brochard, head of product for Peugeot. "Thus, two engineers in 1995, our acoustic Department is spent fifteen experts chaining not less than 30,000 miles per year on any type of road." Goal Track down parasite, find the "optimal" location of the speakers and give birth to "the best theatre on four wheels." A virtuoso work which escapes no constructor, with prestigious partnerships in the key. Mark Levison Bose passing by Cabasse or JBL, while that account the planet "of acousticians" renowned signs now audio installations of the most prestigious body.

We wanted to listen to them, but impossible, of course, them to all review. The BMW 7-series and the Mercedes class S were unfortunately unavailable on the day of our tests. We in therefore listened five, working in the same category, that "cars with driver" promising the most beautiful sound show. In alphabetical order: the Audi A8, the Citroën C6, the Lexus IS 250, the Peugeot 607 and the Renault Vel Satis. As experts: three journalists the car specialist, "classical" music critic and the pop/rock critic. Verdict in the form of impressions.

AUDI A8, a crude sound...

In 1989, Audi was the first European manufacturer to develop a hifi system for its high range car. A know-how that perpetuates the current A8 in Avus finish (from 90.890 euros). The German limousine offers serial signed installation Bose with 9 HP sharing the gargantuan power of 350 watts. -Side ease of use: RAS. The car stereo controls intuitively since a "wheel" as a mouse, which falls under the hand of the driver next to the change in speed between the two seats. It allows the use of features displaying on a retractable 16/9 screen; beautiful and contemporary aesthetic like finish, which is the beautiful part to aluminum. Car of former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder for his relative's favourite "discretion", it is also F1 drivers for its handling (system quatro) and a few rap stars, probably for its sono...

The impressions

The high-tech sound of the A8 does not gift: the "song writers" folk sing as loud exonerate, rappers are shaking the glass, the rockers rage the wrath of heaven. If a bit excited at the wheel, this risk does not calm down the spirits! Do not rely on classical music to relax: the violins humming voices disappear, all seems brutal. The solution Choose Setup concocted by Bang & Olufsen. For 6,100 additional EUR, 12 HP render 1,100 watts of "absolute purity" in the words of connoisseurs; Unfortunately unavailable option on our test day.

CITRON C6, the serious

It is the car of the President of the Republic since 14 July. A privilege, to the extent this limousine (from 41.900 euros), heir of the legendary DS, has seen its marketing delayed until this spring. "To ensure quality" said... In any case, few criticisms to to HiFi Setup JBL (serial or 1,150 euros honest fare according to finishes option); not less than 12 HP distributed 240 watts. Attention: the aesthetic "dated" stereo combined (variety of buttons of the Peugeot 607) detonates and its use requires addiction.

The impressions

The ideal compromise A sound impressive, not aggressive and that respects the accuracy of the records. Hip-hop and soul move without colliding, pop drives sur-orchestrés sound subtly, folk songs keep their delicacy, brass remain intact. And the classic sounds clear and true... In short a comfortable sound for a journey similar to that of the 1st class of the TGV: rear passengers are "swipe" their seat to extend!

LEXUS IS, ecumenical

Lexus, it is the world of silence. A cocoon isolated from all outside noise. It is also a flawless finish that has good taste not to copy German designs. Result Sports, resolutely contemporary style (mixing a Deco interior wood and steel), which benefits the hi-fi installation supervised by Mark Levinson, professional renowned across the Atlantic. In short: 14 HP and a CD and DVD drive! A rarity worth of to IS the reputation of "best hi-fi embedded in the world"... Ideal touch screen facilitates the different manipulations. One regret: tried here complete kit is billed 4.000 euros on entry-level models; a little expensive. SI rates start at 31.300 euros.

The impressions

The sound is round, warm, gives a taste of honey at the Julien Clerc book full of emotions his last French song, rounds the corners of the "hyperproduits" pieces (rap, R & B) the last disk of Diam's delivers its share solar and dancing and gives the plush the more hard rock. Combined with the "silence" of the car, it is a travelling music show. For the pop and rock, a must, therefore. For classical music, it is less satisfied: colors, contrasts and nuances of a Symphony are cancelled by a neutrality of all moments; certainly the desire not displeasing to anyone. A typical Japanese posture.

On the side of video: it is bluffé by the quality of the image and sound; It is boarding in this film with sensual mini-home, forget the outside environment. But question: where is watching these films In his garage On a parking area Time for a break on the road of the holidays

PEUGEOT 607, relief

It is the car of the departments, in particular the Matignon. Elegance good complexion but sedan a sexy bit under its false air of sport. Despite his age (six years), the 607 has an Honourable career; the just price (from 31,500 euros) and its equipment, especially hi-fi installation "up to date", are certainly not foreign. Identical, or almost, to the cousin C6, the 607 a hi-fi however received preferential treatment of sochaliens engineers, history of giving "his own musical identity. Technically: 12 HP, 240 watts and the support of JBL. A charged set, according to the definitions, 1,150 euros. Note: handling claims of time; There are really lots of buttons...

The impressions

A lot of relief in the return of the classical recordings which are distinguished without effort each instrument. A good point also for the voice: warm and full of life regardless of gender. Rock and pop admirably retain their primal energy. Conclusion: a sincere and sound similar to the cousin C6 in more festive.

RENAULT VEL SATIS,

without history

It will not extend the career of the great Renault (from 32.400 euros); his physics decried not having earned that believes success... There is no less that all those who have crossed the threshold of its door remember a pleasant interior wheelchair to a plush! In short, a real living room with a "salon" string signed Cabasse. breton specialist in the manufacture of the internationally renowned speakers. The figures The least impressive of the quintet: 6 CD, 4 x 50 watts and 8 HP. Serial or optional to 2,200 euros depending on finishes; It is not nothing.

The impressions

Pop, rock, rap... Sound without history. Equilibré, respectful of the nuances and gender, but almost too neutral we would like to make a difference with a lambda chain; at good speed drives may develop into mundane background music... Applause for the classical repertoire, that rings beautifully true and respects the recordings; great art on the subject.

Of course in all of these cars the basic settings, including the volume and radio stations can be ordered without any hands leave the wheel. However, unless special planning, if the passenger wants to change music he must rely on the driver.