A new in-car audio tuner from McIntosh has just been launched in the US, with the specific aim of bringing CD playing capabilities to classic cars.

For years there have been various head units with CD integration, which are technically compatible with older vehicles. However, these are typically far too plasticy and modern to fit in with the look and feel of a classic car.

McIntosh has sidestepped this issue by modelling its MX406 tuner around a stylistic ethos, which would not be out of place in a well preserved classic auto.

Finished in metal and packed with contemporary components, it performs admirably, whether you are tuned into a radio station or playing a CD with your favourite hits of yesteryear stored on it.

The dials, knobs and buttons have all been styled to look traditional and although there is an LCD display to help you tune the radio, as well as a slim slot into which CDs can be inserted, it certainly lives up to the promise of its intentions.

While some may find it slightly sacrilegious to put a modern piece of kit inside a classic car, no matter how sympathetically it has been designed, for those who want up-to-date audio performance, it could be a sonic boon.