A good car audio system is composed of three parts; the radio or “head unit” that generates the audio signal, the amplifier that increases its strength and finally the speakers that reproduce it. The quality of the speaker is determined by their design, enclosure and tuning.
A premium factory audio system can perform quite well. These systems usually include more speakers and more wattage (amplifier power).
Sound Quality
Many car audio enthusiasts prefer the higher power and sound quality that an aftermarket amplifier provides. Factory stereo systems typically only offer 10-25 watts per channel, while aftermarket amplifiers are capable of producing up to 1000 watts or more. This increased power can deliver a much deeper and clearer sound than the standard stereo system, and it can also provide more volume for all passengers in the vehicle.
The speaker configuration and the type of music you listen to can make a big difference in the sound quality you experience in your car. Speakers that are too small or not matched to the size of your vehicle can create muddy, distorted sound. When you listen to your favorite song or even a simple radio broadcast, you want to be able to hear the individual voices and instruments clearly.
When shopping for used car audio equipment, you should be able to find a good deal on a set of high-quality speakers. Some aftermarket manufacturers are known for their premium audio systems, such as Bose, Burmester, and Harman Kardon. These systems are found in luxury cars and often have a surround sound arrangement. Regardless of the brand you choose, you should always audition the system to see if it meets your expectations for sound quality.
The way you connect your mobile device to the receiver can also influence the sound quality of your system. Older technology lets you plug your phone into the receiver using an auxiliary cable, while newer technology uses Bluetooth to transmit audio signals. Auxiliary cables compress the sound you play, while Bluetooth reduces the overall audio resolution.
A new amp can be the quickest and easiest way to improve your audio system’s sound quality. Newer amplifiers feature Class-D circuitry, which makes them more efficient and produces less heat. This type of amplifier can help to reduce distortion and maintain consistent power throughout the entire frequency spectrum. You can also purchase integrated amplifiers that combine an amp and a subwoofer into one unit, making them easier to install in your car. It is important to have a professional install the amplifier because it handles a lot of electrical current. If the installation is not done properly, it can result in damage to your car’s wiring and possibly even a dangerous electrical fire.
Reliability
While it’s possible to find excellent used equipment, there is also the risk of buying a piece that fails or has issues. It is important to research a piece before buying and look at user reviews. The best way to determine the condition of a piece is to inspect it in person. When you go to see a piece of equipment, check the connections and ports to make sure they are clean and that everything is working as it should be. Inspect the speaker enclosure for cracks, mold and rust.
Many people avoid purchasing used high-end car audio equipment because they fear being swindled or having the purchase fail on them in some way. But the truth is, there are honest sellers out there who will provide a quality product that performs as it should. If you know what to look for, it is possible to buy a great system from a private seller at a much lower price than if you bought new.
The most common pieces of car audio equipment are the radio, amplifier and speakers. The radio, also called a “head unit” is the component that controls the entire system and generates an audio signal that is amplified by the amplifier before being sent to the speakers. The amplifier is the heart of the system and it’s critical to choose one that provides the power needed to drive your speakers.
Speakers are the final component of a car audio system that reproduces the sounds produced by the stereo. Speakers can be either a full-range speaker that reproduces all sound frequencies or a subwoofer that produces the lowest tones, commonly known as bass. It is recommended that you choose speakers that match the RMS wattage rating of your amplifier. It is also a good idea to pay close attention to the impedance rating of your speakers, which measures how much resistance they have to electrical current.
Originally, car audio systems were implemented to play music and radio but now most vehicles have them installed for navigation, telematics, hands-free calling, and security purposes. The audio system is also responsible for minimizing road and engine noise, as well as acoustic enhancement of vehicle interiors. Some of the more advanced car audio systems feature active noise cancellation, which is designed to cancel out distracting sounds from the cabin.
Value
There’s a lot to consider when upgrading your car audio system. From what to buy, to how much you’ll get for it later on, value plays a big role in the whole process.
Generally speaking, there are three major components that make up your car audio system: the head unit (radio), amplifiers and speakers. The head unit is the central hub of the system that controls all functions, including music and incoming phone calls. The amplifiers increase the audio signal from the head unit, and then the speakers reproduce the sound that you hear while driving your vehicle.
In recent years, automobile manufacturers have really stepped up their game with their original equipment manufacturer systems. However, a great aftermarket system can easily replace and outperform the original equipment system. One thing that we often see is that automotive manufacturers make the factory systems on base models very difficult to upgrade, as they want to upsell buyers to premium systems that are expensive and complicated to install.
While there are plenty of good aftermarket components available, the most important factor to consider when choosing what to purchase is what you’ll actually use it for. For example, many people who spend a lot of time in their cars want DVD players and other advanced infotainment systems. But if you only listen to music in your car, an inexpensive media receiver that supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto might be more than enough.
On the other hand, some people want to be able to connect external devices like iPods or MP3 players through auxiliary inputs. These devices aren’t always compatible with the system in your car, but an aftermarket adapter can help you overcome this problem.
It’s also worth considering whether or not you want to integrate your device with your voice assistant, like Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa or Apple Siri. These programs can simplify the process of changing songs, sources and more by simply asking your voice. They are quickly becoming standard features on new vehicles and can add a ton of convenience and usability.
Installation
No matter what kind of music you like, having a high-quality car audio system can make the experience much more enjoyable. It will allow you to enjoy your favorite songs, podcasts or radio shows in crystal-clear quality, as if you were listening at a concert.
The most important piece of equipment in any audio system is the head unit, also known as the car stereo. This is where you will find all the controls and display for your audio system, such as the volume control knob and the tuning dial. It is also where you will connect all your devices, such as the MP3 player or CD player, to the system.
Most of the other components are connected to the head unit via a speaker cable, which transmits the signal from the head unit to each speaker. This cable usually features multiple layers of shielding to protect it from external noises and interferences.
Another important component is the amplifier, which increases the power output of the speakers. This can help the speakers play louder and also improve sound quality by reducing distortion. Modern amplifiers are designed to be compact and efficient, using a Class-D design that is more energy-efficient than older models.
The last major component is the subwoofer, which is located in the trunk or rear of the vehicle and emits the lowest tones – called bass – of the music played through the car audio system. The subwoofer can be powered by the main amplifier or it may have its own amplifier.
Adding a subwoofer can dramatically improve the sound of your car audio system. It can bring out the deep tones of a song, making it more dramatic and exciting to listen to. In addition to the bass, the subwoofer can also reproduce mid-range frequencies and high-frequency sounds.
In the past, many car audio systems focused on simply generating sound and supporting various data carriers, such as cassette tapes, CDs or later, MP3 files. Sound quality was often overlooked, although some systems did have impressive selectivity and clarity.
Changing the factory car stereo can be expensive, particularly if you’re going all out with a top-of-the-line system. However, if you take the time to research your options and install your new equipment properly, you can save money and get great sound out of your car audio system.