Whether you listen to classical jazz, follow current events on NPR or fantasize about head banging along with Bohemian Rhapsody, a great car audio system can make your drive more enjoyable.
But if you’re on a budget, used car audio equipment may be your best option. Learn about the different components that make up a car stereo and how to find a good deal on used equipment.
Amplifiers
A car amplifier, also known as an amp, takes the low level output signal from the head unit preamp and uses electrical components to increase it to a voltage capable of driving the speakers. The quality of the amplifier determines how loud and distortion-free your music will be. A good amplifier will also provide built-in protection circuits to protect the IC and connected speakers from overcurrent, overvoltage and thermal overload conditions.
When choosing an amplifier, make sure it’s compatible with your head unit and speakers as well as the impedance rating of each speaker in your system. You’ll want to choose an RMS wattage rating that’s close to the power handling capability of your speakers. Overpowering your speakers can damage them, and underpowering them results in a weak and muffled sound.
Amps that come with built-in equalization settings and other tuning options allow you to customize your music listening experience. They can make your vocals and instrument sounds clearer, making hands-free phone calls and in-car conversations more enjoyable. They can even cut through road noise and highway roar to deliver rich, deep bass that you feel as much as hear.
Aside from boosting the volume of your music, an aftermarket amplifier can also improve your vehicle’s sound by adding additional channels for subwoofers and other upgrades. You can also upgrade the power output of your existing factory speakers to handle higher volumes without causing distortion.
When shopping for an amplifier, look for a high-quality supplier that offers competitive pricing. A reputable supplier should offer a warranty on their products to ensure you’re getting the best value for your money.
If you’re planning to install your amplifier yourself, be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions. It’s best to have a professional take care of the wiring as improperly installed amps can introduce safety risks. A professional can also help you determine if the amplifier you’re purchasing has the right amount of power to drive your speakers, and they can verify the correct setup of the signal processor and crossovers. They can also check the quality of the amplifier’s construction and amplification process to make sure it delivers consistent performance over time.
Speakers
The car audio system’s speakers reproduce the sound signal that the head unit generates. There are three main components to a car audio system: the radio or “head unit” that controls everything, an amplifier that increases the strength of the signal and the speakers that make the music come alive.
Upgrading the speakers is the best thing you can do to your car’s audio system. The original factory speakers are cheap and have very low sensitivity ratings that degrade over time. Getting a set of replacements with a much higher sensitivity rating will result in clear, vibrant, and well-sounding music that even the most experienced audiophile would appreciate.
There are many different types of speakers on the market today ranging in price from very inexpensive to high-end. The most important consideration is that they match the power handling of the external amplifiers you intend to run them with. Most head units churn out a usable 50Watts per channel or so, but you may want to consider running them with external amplifiers that have lower gain settings in order to get the most out of them.
Besides the basic one-way full range speakers mentioned above there are also coaxial sets that consist of a midrange and a tweeter, these work very well as they are designed to replace the factory speakers. The next step up from this is a component set, these are like the coaxials but they usually include an upgraded crossover that is matched to the speakers for the highest fidelity. Component systems are more difficult to install and may require modification to the speaker mounting locations in order to provide adequate clearance for proper operation.
There are other ways to upgrade your sound, adding subwoofers and an amplifier will add depth and richness that the factory speakers cannot match. These upgrades will cost more money, but they will improve your enjoyment of your favorite music and can actually add resale value to your car, so they can pay for themselves over time.
Wiring
The wiring used in a car audio system plays a critical role in sound quality, system performance, and safety. Proper system wiring involves attention to detail, adherence to best practices, and the use of proper components. Using the correct wire gauge is essential, and shortcuts like T-taps should be avoided. Proper grounding is also important, and avoiding stray wire strands can help prevent short circuits.
The head unit, sometimes referred to as the radio or stereo, is the brains of the car audio system. It is responsible for sending audio signals to the speakers, allowing the user to select an audio source and set the volume. The head unit can play 8-track tapes, CDs, satellite radio, and other sources. It can even display navigation data or operate climate controls.
Amplifiers are a major component of any car audio system. They take the low-level audio signal and increase its power to drive the speakers. Without an amplifier, the audio signal would be too weak to create sound. Most basic systems include both the head unit and an amp. More advanced systems integrate the head unit and amp into a single component known as an infotainment system.
Speakers are the final piece of equipment that completes a car audio system. They take the electrical signal from an amplifier and convert it to mechanical energy. This movement or vibration displaces air, creating the sound waves we hear. There are different types of speakers, including tweeters, midrange, and subwoofers. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
All the components of a car audio system must be connected by some type of wiring. This is especially true of the amplifier, which can require hundreds of watts of current to produce enough power. Choosing the correct gauge of wire is important, and using a harness with built-in speaker connectors helps keep the connection safe from corrosion.
Another consideration when installing a new car audio system is the size of the vehicle. Larger vehicles will require more space to accommodate the equipment, and smaller vehicles may not have room for a full setup. Additionally, changing a stock vehicle’s head unit or speakers can decrease its value, particularly for classic cars and trucks.
Head Unit
The head unit, also known as a car stereo or receiver, is the central component of a vehicle audio system. A head unit can play AM or FM radio, CDs, DVDs, cassette tapes (although these are rarer in modern cars), USB MP3 players, dashcams, GPS navigation and even some video displays. A head unit provides the user interface for all of these media sources, making it easy to control them.
A head unit usually houses a preamp that takes audio signals from the radio, CD player or other source and prepares them for the power amplifier. The preamp will increase the low-level signal that’s sent to the power amp to create enough electricity to move speakers and produce sound.
Most head units have inputs for aux and/or USB devices, which are useful for connecting portable music players. Many have Bluetooth capabilities that can enable hands-free phone use and support audio streaming from some services. Some even have rear-view camera ports that can be connected to a compatible camera module.
It’s important to choose a head unit with features that will appeal to most people, as well as one that fits in the car’s dashboard and blends in with the rest of the interior. It’s also worth considering whether or not the head unit is easy to use, especially if you plan on using it on a regular basis. If the controls aren’t intuitive or clearly labeled, you may struggle to operate them.
Some head units come with a remote, which makes it easier to access some of the more complex functions, but this feature isn’t always necessary. A good way to test a head unit’s usability is to reach over and try it out while you imagine yourself in the driver’s seat. You can even go to a store that sells the head unit you’re considering and find a display model to try out.
Finally, you’ll want to consider whether or not the head unit is compatible with your other accessories. For example, if you’re planning on adding an amplifier, you’ll need RCA outputs that the head unit can connect to, and most stock decks don’t have them. A new deck with the right connections can help you avoid needing to get a separate amplifier, which can add cost and complexity.