Many hobbyists prefer “do-it-yourself” modifications on cars and such modifications have a long and colorful history. Similarly car-audio also has a history of similar modifications. Starting from four car audio component speakers all the way up to entire vans hobbyists have constructed systems of varying complexity.
Lining up a car stereo car audio system begins with the car stereo. You can find stereos that feature CD changers, fancy displays… or just a radio! Some systems are designed simply to be loud, and feature a high power output rating, but have a limited frequency range. Higher fidelity systems offer a wider frequency range with a smoother response, making it sound clearer and crisper. Essentially, if you like to listen to classical – loudly or not – you probably want a system that focuses on fidelity rather than volume… but classic rock simply needs to be played loud.
Majority of the car stereos available today in the market come with four component speaker outputs, which tend to increase with the increase in price. The output is measured by parameters called impedance and power rating, measured in ohms and watts respectively. It is not necessary to go into the basics of these parameters to make a good choice. One has to simply take care that the impedance on the car audio component speakers that one selects matches with that of the stereo output channel exactly and that the wattage of the speaker should be either equal to or greater than that of the stereo. The speakers can be damaged if the ouput wattage of the stereo exceeds that of the car speakers.
Majority of the customers are satisfied with the internal amplifier of the car stereo, but for a louder higher-fidelity system one has to purchase a separate amplifier. The amplifier receives the signal from the stereo, amplifies it further and then takes it to the speakers. Those who want to purchase a separate amplifier should follow this rule for selecting car audio component speakers, i.e. select using the output specifications of the amplifier and not that of the stereo!
Once you choose the system configuration and drawn up the specification you should look at the car layout. The speakers of car audio come in various shapes and sizes – six inch diameter, for example – and if you are not considering major modifications you should order speakers of proper dimensions. While placing car audio amplifiers one should keep in mind that you will have to run wires to all the speakers, as well as the stereo.
You will basically be ready to install your system once you have worked through all of this. One point consistently remains the same across the board (though it can vary greatly between cars): always make sure that the ignition is turned off and the battery disconnected when you start work on it. These are important practical and safety precautions. Both the car and stereo will have come with manuals outlining installation instructions, and beyond that it’s up to you. One final piece of advice: do not run amplifier wires inside the car cab; it tends to make people nervous!
The car-audio systems are just the same in that hobbyists have constructed a dizzying array of systems from car audio component speakers to systems requiring vans to carry. Lining up a car stereo car audio system begins with the car stereo. You can find stereos that feature CD changers, fancy displays… or just a radio! Some systems are designed simply to be loud, and feature a high power output rating, but have a limited frequency range. Once you’ve worked all this out, you’re pretty much ready to install your system. It makes people nervous.