[Wayne A. Pflughaupt]

I’ve been noticing a big change between now and just 2-3 year ago. Back then in my travels in and around Houston, or running errands out here in the ’burbs, I’d encounter those thundering wake-the-dead car stereos on a regular basis, passing me on the street, at stop lights, or cruising past my house.

But lately I’ve noticed that I rarely come across one anymore.

What happened to all of them in such a short time? My speculation was that maybe MP3 players and ear buds are replacing them, providing all the sound quality and better convenience for a mere fraction of the cost.

When I first thought about opening this thread a week or so ago I figured I’d just throw out the question and see what came back from you guys, as to if car stereos are fading away, and if so why. But then I Googled car stereo decline and found some articles confirming that the aftermarket car stereos are indeed losing popularity.

A collection of articles I surveyed from that link showed the aftermarket industry had several years of flat sales prior to 2006. Then in 2006 sales declined a staggering 13%. One article dated May of last year noted that sales of CD head units surged 13% in the first quarter of 2007, after a 24% decline in 2006, and amps and speakers increased 22% and 31%. However, a more recent article dated Feb. 2008 noted that sales had tanked by the end of 2007, dropping 4% for head units, 21% for amps, 18% for subs, and 8% for speakers.

I know we have some car stereo buffs around here. I’d be curious to think what some of you think about this, as well as your thoughts on why this is happening. I have a few of my own, that I’ll probably drop in later on.

Regards,
Wayne