Pioneer recently launched the DEX-P99RS – a high-end music system for cars in the Indian consumer space. This CD tuner is a first for India, and features an in-built high-precision digital signal processor, offering audiophiles sound quality equal to if you were at a live concert.

The DEX-P99RS, is definitely one of the best in-car audio systems around, and recently won the ‘European in-car high-end component 2009-2010’ award by the European Imaging and Sound Association. The DEX-P99RS doesn’t just sound good, but looks sleek too. The head-unit comprises of a high-quality plexiglass on the front panel along with a black brushed aluminium finish and two large dials that are placed on either end, with a three-line crisp OEL display. If a gadget could be punished for killing by its looks, this one would be spending a long time in prison. It also features the facility of changing colours to customise button illumination.

In order to provide top quality sound, there is Pioneer’s in-built 4-way Digital Signal Processor (DSP). This allows for high-precision tuning capabilities while maintaining high-levels of digital signal quality. In addition, there are four powerful 24-bit D/A converters, which individually manage the High, Mid, Low and SW channels. This helps in providing an incredibly dynamic range and signal/noise ratio of 120 decibels, which is twice as high as conventional models. And, to ensure the best sound quality, there is also a Sound Master Clock Circuit that helps in eliminating jitters, and thereby replicates sounds just like the ones heard from the original source. To further personalize the system, there is a built-in auto time alignment and equalizer that automatically adjusts the system to suit the car’s acoustic characteristics.

DEX-P99RS also offers a USB slot, and can play formats including WMA, MP3, AAC and WAV, etc. If you’re running an iPod, music can be controlled from the head unit or the portable player itself but through an optional cable. Pioneer also offers a range of high-end audio speakers to support the system.

Each set of speakers is designed and engineered to recreate a dynamic musical performance within the confines of a car by picking up the most acute digital signals with superior precision, accuracy and tonality, without distortion. The attention to detail in the manufacturing process ensures that even the most subtle nuances are replicated correctly and that the clarity is uncontested. With all the bells and whistles in place, the entire configuration will set you back by a hefty Rs 3.84 lakhs – after all, sound quality this good comes at a price.