Contents

Introduction

Head Units

Cassette Receivers
CD Receivers
CD Changers

Speakers

Amps/Crossovers

Terms

Links:

Introduction

If you want to learn about car audio, you've came to the right place. Here I will show you the basics of car audio and it's different components. There will be plenty of examples and terms to help along the way. Many unexplainded terms which are mentioned can be easily found by going to that page.

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Basic Setup

Ok! Lets face it! Driving can be a pretty BORING job without the help of a little music along the way. And, we all know that music is just never the same unless it's live, so why should it not sound live? Well, that's what I'm here for.

The basic setup of any car audio system has to include at least the head unit(or receiver) and the speaker(s). If all you want is a basic system then you're in the wrong place.

My personal theory is "if you like music, share it with EVERYONE." That means the louder the better. However, the "ideal" car stereo system is one that pleases you. There are tons of factors which go into selecting the right system, so here are just a few:

• How much room you have
• Your driving and listening habits
• All of your music prefrences
• What kind of appearance you're looking for
  
  
  

If you have plenty of room or don't mind spending a fortune on cutting, drilling, and welding then you can skip this part. But for the rest of us with normal vehicles and little cash to play with, we'll worry about getting it right the first time. Today, you are looking at four different size/types of recievers and truncks can only hold so many speakers and still sound decent. Amplifiers, equilizers, CD changers, crossovers, and all those goodies also have to be placed somewhere and I can assure you that it won't all fit in the dash with your receiver. So finding out how much you can handle is the first step. That, however, is entirely up to you. Every type car, truck, van or whatever you have is different in size. Any automotive audio dealer can tell you if something can or can not fit in your vehicle.

The way you drive can greatly change your needs in your system. For instance if you drive really fast with your windows down, your sunroof open, or your top off for that matter then you will definitly need more power just to hear your music. If you live on a bumpy road or drive off road offen then the same applies. However, if you are timid and like to leave your windows up and stay on the smooth highway, then you have many options. Those of you who want to compete at car shows must be very careful which brands and what components you use. Again, there is not a set standard. You have to talk you the specific dealers to find out what is compatible with what.

Simply put, if you like it loud with lots of bass and treble, then you'll need the works: a good receiver, an amplifier, woofers, tweeters, and any other goodies to correct the sound. If you just listen to it to keep away the background noise or the dead silence, then the standard factory installed radio systems will work wonders. Different people like different sounds. Bass and treble can be filtered out with the use of many components. The same goes for the quality of the music.

Some people go all out for sound and nothing but sound, but there are others who realize that the systems itself will not only be heard but also seen by other people. If you are one who cares about the appearance of your system, then nearly half of all components are crossed out at this point. That don't mean quality is crossed out, but there are MANY components which are just plain UGLY! Those you have to avoid and believe me, you'll know them when you see them.