Car audio equipment for sale can be expensive. But if you want to listen to music in your car the way it should sound, then you need good quality speakers.
A stereo system has three basic components: the radio or “head unit” that controls everything and generates the audio signal; a preamp that increases the strength of this signal; and speakers that reproduce the sound.
Speakers
One of the best things you can do to improve your car audio sound is to replace the factory speakers. Even without adding an amplifier or subwoofer, new speakers will make music clearer and more vibrant. They will also allow you to hear aspects of your favorite songs that you were previously missing.
When choosing speakers, look at their power handling and sensitivity ratings. Power handling refers to how much power the speakers can handle; higher ratings means they can play louder and provide more musical detail. Sensitivity is how well the speakers respond to the power they receive; the higher the sensitivity, the better.
There are 2 basic types of speakers: component and full range coaxial. Both use different driver technologies to create the sounds you hear. These drivers are what convert electrical energy into sound waves. They can be divided into 3 different categories according to their frequency: Tweeters produce high frequencies (such as cymbals and whistles); mid-range drivers reproduce middle frequencies; and woofers produce low frequencies.
In component speaker systems, the woofer and tweeter are separated by an external crossover. This allows the tweeter to be placed higher up in the vehicle and provides a more detailed sound. In addition, the external crossover helps to delineate the components of an electronic signal into those that are best suited for the woofer and tweeter.
Another thing to consider when buying a set of speakers is their size. Larger speakers can fill the space in your doors more easily, which will give you a deeper sound. However, they can overpower your music with too much bass and may rattle your windows. If you’re not sure what size to choose, talk with a car audio expert and they can recommend the right set for your vehicle.
Head units
Also known as a radio or car stereo, head units are the main control center and user interface for an automobile’s information and entertainment systems. They are commonly found in the dashboard and often feature FM/AM or digital radio tuners, CD or DVD playback, audio cassette players, MP3 player inputs, Bluetooth cellphone integration, auxiliary input and output ports and navigation modules.
The most basic head unit features include volume, mute and channel select controls. Many models also have a clock display and an alarm clock. Many are designed to fit into either single or double DIN dash receptacles. Some head units have a built-in hard-disk drive that lets consumers store music files for playback, and others can control remotely mounted CD changers.
Some modern head units have built-in GPS navigation and allow for streaming of music from smartphones via Bluetooth. Some also have a rear view camera for driving safety. Other options include a USB port that allows users to connect MP3 players or tablets, and some have a jack for a wired external microphone for hands-free phone calls.
Many head units have a preamp that takes the low-level audio signal from a radio, CD player or other source and significantly boosts it. This improves the strength of the signal and makes it more resistant to interference from other electronics in the vehicle. The head unit then sends the boosted signal to a power amplifier that drives the speakers.
Aesthetics are important for some people when shopping for a head unit. A good-looking unit that complements the interior will make a more appealing overall system. Those with more advanced needs should consider a model with an EQ (equalizer) that offers time alignment and multiple EQ bands. This gives the listener more control over the sound quality, but it can be challenging to tune correctly.
Amplifiers
Car amplifiers boost the signal to your speakers and bring out the quality and detail of your music. Adding an amp is a good way to upgrade the sound of your vehicle, especially if you plan on using larger aftermarket speakers that require more power for peak performance than what the factory stereo’s built-in amplifier can provide.
A single-channel amp can power two speakers for the front of your system, or a two-channel amplifier can power four speakers in your vehicle. In addition, a single mono amp can be used to power your subwoofer. Choosing the right size and type of amplifier for your car audio upgrade is crucial to getting the best performance.
Most car amplifiers have power connections on one end and audio inputs on the other. Some have controls to enable adjustable crossover dials that allow you to choose the point at which sound frequencies are blocked, called cutoff frequency. Others have fixed crossover frequencies that are set and can’t be adjusted.
An amp’s internal circuit board contains a variety of other small electronic components to do things like provide gain control, make bridging for more power possible, and block ground loop noise. It also has a capacitor bank that stores large quantities of electrical current in short bursts to help it deliver the high levels of power required for audio playback.
When shopping for an amplifier, pay attention to the CONTINUOUS RMS power ratings rather than the PEAK or MAX power ratings. Companies that advertise a high peak power rating are often not being truthful about the actual amount of wattage they can produce, which can lead to distortion at higher volumes. Manufacturers that follow industry standards are usually more honest about how much power they can produce.
Subwoofers
A subwoofer is a speaker designed to reproduce low-frequency ranges that your car stereo system’s main speakers are not capable of. They work by vibrating the air inside a specially designed enclosure (sometimes called a “cabinet”) to generate powerful sound waves. These waves are then perceived by your ears as bass. Subwoofers complement your stereo system by delivering rich, deep bass that enhances music and movie sounds.
The key component of a subwoofer is its driver, which is typically housed in a cabinet made from non-resonant materials. It is larger than the drivers of regular speakers to allow it to move more air and create bigger vibrations that generate bass sounds. The driver is wrapped in a cone of treated paper, polypropylene or aluminum and mounted to a basket and spider, which holds it securely in place and keeps dust out.
When the woofer’s voice coil receives an electronic audio signal from the amplifier, it becomes charged up during the positive parts of the wave and down during the negative parts. This changes the magnetic field of the magnet, which moves the voice coil up and down through the gap between the two plates. When the voice coil is moving up and down, it causes the cone to vibrate synchronously with it, creating the air pressure waves we perceive as bass.
There are many different types of subwoofers available on the market, including passive and active models. Passive subwoofers require an external amplifier to power them, while active subwoofers have a built-in amp inside the speaker. Whether you choose a passive or active subwoofer, we offer a wide selection of preloaded bass packages that include the speaker and an all-in-one amplifier that’s power-matched to the speaker.
Wiring
When selecting speaker wire, look for a manufacturer with a reputation for producing high-quality products. Consider the variety of options that the company offers in terms of insulation types, conductor materials, and gauge sizes. Tinsel lead wire, for example, is widely used in loudspeakers because of its flexibility and durability. It can withstand the vibrations and movement associated with car audio systems without breaking or disrupting the electrical signal that powers a speaker’s voice coil. It is also favored by professional audio equipment for its consistent performance.
A quality speaker cable consists of a pair of insulated wires with two conductors, one positive and one negative. These wires connect to the corresponding terminals on the amplifier and speakers, transmitting the audio signals accurately with minimal interference or loss of quality. Proper selection and installation of these wires can significantly impact the sound quality of your automotive audio setup. Several considerations must be taken into account, including wire gauge, insulation material, length and routing, and connectors. These factors can affect the quality of your audio setup, ranging from signal integrity and noise reduction to physical damage. Taking these factors into consideration can help ensure that your system delivers exceptional audio quality with optimal performance and reliability.