As we've reported on numerous occasions, boutique audio manufacturers are increasingly going after the high-end car audio market with impressive factory systems. As the New York Times puts it, more luxury automakers and esoteric high-end audio companies are offering "specially designed car sound systems to buyers who may not recognize names like Bowers & Wilkins and Naim Audio, but would welcome the option of having a top-notch stereo system." But as the article notes, not every system works in every car.

Take the Subaru Outback— for a while, it had a 200-watt McIntosh Audiophile Sound System "that always seemed like an odd option" in such a utilitarian car. "On the other hand, in a $50,000 luxury coupe, a four-figure stereo doesn't seem like an extravagance."

That's been going on for almost 20 years now—the first instance I can recall is the Mark Levinson system that was offered as an option on the 1989 Lexus LS400, the marque's first car. Today, we're seeing collaborations such as the 1,100 watt Bentley/Naim Audio system, not to mention even some pricey home speakers to go with that fancy sports car.