Car audio enthusiasts enjoy the sound of a high-quality car stereo system. Putting a new car audio system into an existing vehicle can be a daunting task, with many options available. But shoppers who educate themselves about the various options available can make an informed decision when choosing the best car audio system for their needs.
The first step is to check into available product options, including popular car audio systems. Next, learn about the different types of receivers, speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers, as well as which units and options represent the best choice for each. This guide will provide information on all of those areas, plus provide some information on the history of car audio systems as well as discuss ways to purchase a system.
History of Car Audio Systems
Even though the radio was invented at the beginning of the 20th century, the technology didn’t come into its own until the 1920s. The first listing of a car radio was the Airtone 3D in 1925 in “Radio Collector’s Guide.” It wasn’t until 1927 that car radios were mass produced, becoming a common in-car option by the 1930s, with the introduction of the AM radio. It wasn’t until the 1970s that FM radio gained in popularity.
Cassette players and 8-track players also came into widespread use in the 1960s and 70s, with cassette players remaining a mainstay even into the modern day. However, their popularity did wane somewhat with the introduction of CD players in the 1980s.
Beginning in the 1990s and continuing into the present day, car audio systems have offered more and more in the way of features and quality levels. These include DVD players, the ability to play MP3s, satellite radio, and a host of other optional functionality.
Discover Car Audio Systems
A factory-installed car audio system might not meet shoppers’ standards. A custom audio system allows for a deeper range of sound and gives shoppers the ability to add options such as DVD players, satellite radio, and more. Those audio enthusiasts looking to purchase a complete car audio system, or even just parts of one, should utilize the following sections to help them narrow down their choices.
Car Audio Components
A car audio system includes many different subsystems, such as the receiver, speakers, and any subwoofers or amps that might come with a particular system. This section lists these parts and provides brief descriptions and offers information to consider during the product-buying process.
Receivers
The heart of a car audio system, the car audio receiver, sits in the dash of the vehicle and allows operators to interact with the various functions available from that particular system. The table below lists and describes the different types of car audio receivers available.
Receiver Type |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Car Radio ( AM / FM ) |
Offers the current popular songs, classics, and local traffic and weather. The AM band typically has talk radio, as well as sports and religious programming. FM generally broadcasts more mainstream stations, such as music and some talk radio. |
|
CD Player |
Around since the 1980s, CDs offer high-quality music. Most modern music is released on CD as opposed to cassettes. |
|
Cassette Player |
A cassette has a magnetic tape inside it that holds the music medium. Tapes can become stretched or worn over time. Regardless, many people still enjoy this medium today. |
|
MP 3 Player |
MP3 players, such as iPods, offer listeners the ability to play music downloaded from online sources. With the ability to store literally millions of songs on some models, MP3 players are a good choice for listeners on the go. |
|
Satellite Radio |
Satellite radio offers crystal clear listening regardless of a listener’s location. It also offers a wide selection of genres and artists, including talk radio. This type of radio requires a monthly subscription. |
Knowing what type of receiver they want, whether a basic AM/FM car radio or a more modern satellite radio with subscription, will allow shoppers to pick the receiver that best fits their needs.
Recommended Receiver According to Listener Preferences
The table below includes recommendations for car audio receivers based on listeners’ preferences.
Receiver Recommendation |
Listener Preferences |
|---|---|
|
AM/FM Radio |
For those who enjoy local traffic, news, and weather, along with their favorite tunes, including Pop 40, classic rock, easy listening, country, and more. AM/FM radios don’t give listeners much choice of the songs they can listen to, just the genre. This is more for those listeners who just want to drive with the radio on. |
|
CD Player |
With the coming of the CD, music listening took a step up. Not only were favorite songs crisper and of better quality than on the old cassette tapes, but they also offered a deeper range of sound and the ability to skip to favorite songs within the album. Another option that CDs afford over cassettes is the ability to replay a song without lengthy rewinding, as well as the ability to shuffle or even have the CD repeat automatically when finished. |
|
Cassette Player |
The same as the CD player above. The sound is not as deep or of as good a quality, but listeners can listen to old favorites on cassettes they might have from before the advent of CDs. Cassette tapes are still a viable medium for listening to favorite songs from the past. |
|
MP3 Player |
Car receivers that allow an MP3 player to be connected give listeners access to all their favorites from an MP3 player or iPod. Better yet, the MP3 player does not lose any of its functionality, allowing listeners to control what they hear through manipulation of the player’s controls. |
|
Satellite Radio |
Satellite radio offers listeners the ability to listen to their favorite music free of commercials, as well as provides crystal clear sound. Satellite radio users can also listen to the latest in traffic and weather information, and satellite radio works independent of local area events. For example, if an area loses electrical power, most radio stations will be knocked off the air, while satellite radio will continue to function. |
Listeners looking for a specific listening experience can use the advice above to determine which type of receiver they should use.
Speakers
To get the best out of a stereo system, shoppers can replace factory installed speakers with a set of aftermarket speakers. Aftermarket speakers improve the audio system’s sound output quality. The table below lists the different types of available speakers.
Speaker Type |
Description |
|---|---|
|
Two – Way Speakers |
Factories usually install two-way speakers. They are called two-way because there are two drivers, or speaker cones, in each speaker. One driver controls the reproduction of the higher frequencies, while the other controls that of the lower frequencies. |
|
Three – Way Speakers |
A three-way speaker has three separate drivers per speaker. Each driver handles a narrow band of frequencies, giving clearer and more powerful sound. Three-way speakers are typically aftermarket speakers. |
When buying speakers separately from a receiver, or when using the receiver already installed in the vehicle, shoppers should make sure to match the speakers with the RMS wattage handling of the receiver’s output. This will prevent damage to the speakers and distortion to the sound output. If unsure, ask a car audio professional before buying.
Speaker Size
When shoppers purchase aftermarket speakers and plan on installing them, they should buy speakers that are the exact size of the speakers currently installed. This saves shoppers the complication of having to cut a bigger size hole in the door or rear speaker panels to accommodate a larger speaker size. If shoppers will have a professional install the speakers after purchase, this is not as big of a concern.
Depth and Shape
Speaker depth and shape is also of prime importance when selecting aftermarket speakers for a car audio system. Determine the shape of the speakers in the door panel before making a purchase, as well as the maximum depth that the door can adequately hold. This is not so much of a concern in the rear panel, as there is typically more room afforded for speaker placement. Shoppers might need to consult a car audio professional if they are not sure of their ability to correctly measure for speaker fit.
Subwoofer
Subwoofers give car audio systems a deeper bass sound, as even the best aftermarket speakers are not able to produce as low a sound. Standalone subwoofer drivers require enclosures in which to be mounted. Car audio retailers sell these enclosures, or the shopper can build them. If built by the shopper, make sure that the speaker dimensions are taken into consideration.
Subwoofer Power
Car stereos cannot typically power subwoofers alone. Usually subwoofers have their own power source or an amplifier can power them. When purchasing subwoofers and the equipment to power them, match up the various RMS ratings between the subwoofer, amplifier, and the car stereo system. If unsure about this step, consult a car audio professional. More about subwoofers …
Amplifiers
Audio enthusiasts can use amplifiers to power both speakers and subwoofers. This keeps power requirements from overloading the car stereo system.
An amplifier is not always necessary, but shoppers need to make sure their stereo system can adequately power the speakers before forgoing the purchase of an amplifier. Subwoofers generally need their own power supply or to be powered by an amplifier. When purchasing an amplifier, shoppers should make sure to match up the RMS rating between all the various components of the car audio system. More about amplifiers …
Wiring
When running the wiring to all the various components of the car audio system, make sure the gauge of wire purchased can handle the requirements placed upon it. Also use insulated speaker wire to make the wiring safe and durable. If unsure as to what type of wiring to use, ask a car audio professional before proceeding.
Signal Processors
Also available for car audio systems are various signal processors, some of which are listed below.
- Bass Enhancer
- Crossover
- Equalizer
- Line Driver
- Signal Processor
There are other options to consider as well.
Other Car Audio Options
The list below includes some of the other options available with a car audio system. Check the stereo’s user manual for more information on whether these functions are available.
- DVD Player
- GPS
- Bluetooth Capability
- Remote Control
- USB Ports
For functionality information, the user manual is the best source of information on these items.
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