Car audio review : how to choose the right system

So you got tired of the OEM car sound system did you ? This car audio review will go over the key factors to consider in selecting the car stereo system that will meet your needs. Before discussing the individual components of a car stereo system here is a word of advice ... brought to you by the CarAccessoriesMagazine !! Don't jump on next week's sale, don't rush your car audio review process, take your time, talk to friends, sales people, installers and get a good feel for what you really want. This car audio review will hopefully give you a head start.

In any car audio review, the most common question that people considering a change of car stereo system ask : will an aftermarket radio fit into my vehicle ? And the answer is ... (roll the drums) ... YES, because there are a variety of aftermarket kits available to adapt just about any aftermarket radio to your vehicle.

The next item covered in this car audio review is the amplifiers . They are the backbone of your car stereo system. Weak amplifiers damage good speakers, not the other way around. Amplifiers are providing the musical power and do a great job of eliminating distortion and of upgrading the sound clarity. The size of the amplifiers will be proportionate to the level of power you want. You can tell a good power amp by turning the system above half volume and still hearing clear amplification. Bear in mind that the more power you have the better control you have over your system.

The location of the amplifiers in the vehicle is not critical, as long as they have enough air flow and are mounted on a dry surface. If you install the amps yourself you will need a kit consisting of power wire, ground wire, RCA, remote turn on lead and a fuse. Crimpers and a drill are all the tools required.

Next in our car audio review let's look at the benefits of aftermarket speakers. They have a larger frequency response (more music coming through the speakers), more power handling capabilities, they will brighten your highs and increase your bass.

There are two types of CAR speakers available : the dual cone and the two way. A dual cone has a small paper cone built into a larger paper cone. A two way actually mounts a separate tweeter on the larger paper cone. This allows for more frequency response and better sound quality. You will need to check the fit of your new speakers with your vehicle. You can take off your speaker cover and measure it. Make sure you get the depth if you can. Not all cars can accommodate speakers with a larger magnet.

The next obvious question in this car audio review is : will it be CD or cassette ? The answer really depends on your listening habits and on your budget. Several head units now have both while still fitting into your dash.

You should also consider other important but often overlooked features in going through your car audio review. Many models offer detachable faceplates. This security feature will only work if you actually remove the faceplate. Some models have a plate that rotates when you turn off the vehicle, which makes it look like it�s been removed.

Another feature is an automatic volume control : the system automatically adjusts the radio volume up or down, depending on the vehicle's speed and the varying amount of road and wind noise in the vehicle.

Look for a unit that has large buttons versus small. Large buttons are easier to find and use. The radio should cause a minimum amount of distraction so the driver can keep his eyes and attention on the road. If you want to push this idea to the limit try to find a radio with greater spacing between the buttons. This makes the radio easier and safer to use as well.

The last head unit feature to discuss in our car audio review is the radio display. Large numbers and a clear readout is another reason for an enjoyable listening experience. Also, look for a radio that shows not only the radio station call number but also the time and preset number.

This car audio review would not be complete without covering a few more items. First let's talk about tweeters. Although not a guarantee of quality sound, the use of separate tweeters will generally enhance the sound quality. Then we have separate subwoofers which are usually a good value for the cost because they will enhance the lower end sound on classical styles of music.

Our car audio review should ALSO cover the subject of CD changers. The "remote" changer type can be mounted under some seats, but traditionally they fit the best in the trunk area or rear hatch area. There is also the option of custom mounting the changer in the glove box or a side panel. It can be added to any system through a RF controller unit which interfaces through the existing AM/FM antenna lead. The frequency response thru the RF modulator is as good as with an in-dash CD but it still sounds better than a cassette. The "remote" changer can include up to 12 CDs. The in-dash CD is a cool feature that has begun to appear on more and more vehicles recently. Instead of a single-play CD changer in-dash, many systems now offer a six-disc unit. Bear in mind that the head unit and CD changer must be the same manufacturer and more importandly the same operating system. Some older models will not work with your newer models despite the fact they are the same manufacturer.