Blindfolded expert sits in different cars to see if paying extra for premium car stereo upgrades is actually worth it

A blindfold test might seem like an unusual way to judge premium car stereo upgrades, but that’s exactly what one audio expert did to get an unbiased listen.

With carmakers offering increasingly tempting hi-fi options, the real question is whether these upgrades justify their often eye-watering price tags.

Most drivers settle for the standard system, happily cruising along with radio chatter or a podcast, but what if you’re missing out on better sound?

To find out, Auto Express gathered some of the UK’s most popular cars and put them through a rigorous, ears-only evaluation.

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The blindfold test was done in a systematic manner

The test brought together two versions each of a Volkswagen Golf, Kia Sportage, and BMW i4.

One was fitted with the basic audio setup, while the other was equipped with optional Harman Kardon upgrades.

Shaun O’Connor, project manager for hi-fi giant Richer Sounds, served as the adjudicator.

With experience designing high-end home cinemas and serious audiophile systems, he was the perfect candidate to judge what separates a good car audio setup from a great one.

Blindfolded to avoid any preconceived bias, he listened to three tracks: Led Zeppelin’s ‘Kashmir’. RY X’s atmospheric ‘Clasp’, and Bicep’s dance hit ‘GLUE’.

To make the blindfold test even more comprehensive, he listened to the tracks both while parked, and on the move.

A premium car stereo isn’t always needed

Now that the test’s parameters are clear, what are the results?

Well, it’s actually not as straigthtforward as you may think.

O’Connor found the Kia Sportage’s upgrade to offer a clear and noticeable improvement, but not enough to justify spending thousands more just to access a higher trim level.

In the BMW i4, he felt the standard system was ‘well rounded’ and perfectly adequate for 90 percent of drivers, who will mostly be using their audio system for everyday playlists and the radio.

The Harman Kardon upgrade, he said, makes sense mainly for those who really enjoy cranking up their music.

Meanwhile, the Volkswagen Golf surprised him: the standard system packs such punchy, visceral bass that it might actually be the better choice for bass lovers.

The upgraded system offers more detail, but the regular setup will satisfy most drivers.

In the end, the verdict is simple: try before you buy.

If your daily soundtrack is FM radio or podcasts, the standard setup is likely enough, especially if you’re driving Huawei’s latest car with a 43-speaker in-car audio setup.

But if you love high-bit-rate streaming, rich detail, and immersive sound, a premium car stereo might be worth it, although you might still want to check the price tag.

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