The standard Ka 1 radio (1000) is appalling. It does the job as far as FM radio is concerned, but sound quality, power and image are not the best. So it HAD to go. 

I was after something a little different, and when I saw the flip down range from Sony, I decided that was probably going to be the one for me. Its refreshing to not see any buttons on a head unit, and looks a little different.

I have much respect for Sony in general and are a safe bet for most products. I have been extremely pleased with it, good sound, fairly easy to use, once you are used to it, and looks great.

Then comes the front speakers. The standard ones (in the Ka 1 at least) are rubbish. No bass, crap sound quality and generally cheap and nasty. They weren't helped by the standard head unit though! I had my ICE installed by In Car Electronics, and they recommended for my budget (£200 ish) and the fact I wanted quality rather than volume, the Boston Acoustics FS 80s. And, I must agree now I have them! Top sound, clean and crisp. Nice little tweeters mounted next to the wing mirror adjusters. Not much else to say.

I don't know how they sound on there own as all the bass is dealt with by my sub. Being such a small car, and the variety of music I listen to, a 10" sub was decided upon. A JL Audio 10W3 was chosen for its quick, tight bass response and ability to work well in a small enclosure (I didnt want to lose all of my boot space!). Again, I have been suitably impressed, and have no quarrels at all. Simple, but instantly recognisable JL audio!!!

Powering these babies is an MTX Audio Thunder 4244. It is a 4 channel amp, with a relatively lower power rating, but that is massively underrated and MTX are very humble. This amp is powerful, and is not turned up much, with plenty of head space for more powerful subs and components. It can be linked up easily with more MTX amps and will work well, but that may come later. Looks and sounds great.