Some factory-manufactured car stereos aren't bad, but others leave a lot to be desired. For serious music enthusiasts who know and appreciate quality, an upgraded car audio system is essential. Whether the new purchase is a Pioneer or a Sony, a quality in-dash receiver is critical to quality sound.
Car CD Players, iPod Car Adapters, and Radios
The majority of upgraded audio systems include CD players; an increasing percentage support alternative file formats, including CD-R or CD-RW, MP3, or are even compatible with an iPod or satellite radio system. For best results, choose an in-dash receiver equipped with a CD changer or include one with the present car stereo system. Putting in CDs or changing channels and controls during driving greatly increases the risk of a car crash.
Car Audio Speakers
A new set of car speakers or a subwoofer, as well as a car amplifier, will greatly enhance the quality of the car stereo's sound. Speaker quality depends on price, size, and the power of the speaker. Mount speakers on the dash, in the back window, or inside the car's doors.
Decide whether full-range or component car speakers will work best. Full-range car speakers feature different parts, such as a woofer and tweeter, which are contained within that speaker unit. Component speakers, on the other hand, offer a higher quality sound because each speaker part is housed in a different unit.
Which of the car amplifiers is best? The answer depends partly on the quality of the amplifier and the location. Car amplifiers are designed to add volume to speaker sound without distorting it. They can be installed beneath seats, in the trunk, or in the car's back window.
Subwoofers are also driven by the amplifier. They are usually between eight and fifteen inches in size, and can be placed in the trunk, below seats, or in the car's side panel. Most subwoofers are round, although a few are shaped like a square. Size is everything with subwoofers; the bigger the subwoofer, the lower the base sound. Subwoofers are sold by themselves, in an enclosure, or as a component of a multi-speaker car audio package.
Car Audio Installation
Some car speaker manufacturers offer online links to installation instructions. Overall, though, installation is a fairly simple process. First-time installers should consider buying an installation kit, like an amp install kit, that will simplify the sometimes more complicated aspects of installing a car amplifier or subwoofer.
Car Video Systems
Take the family for a ride without leaving the entertainment behind! Add a mobile theater system to the car that even includes surround sound. Let them watch the latest movie release, play video games, or even watch satellite television during the drive. Decide whether to buy an integrated mobile theater system or whether it would be best to purchase the components separately. Good car video systems include a video monitor, a DVD player, an in-dash receiver, an amplifier or speaker system, and of course, one or more sets of wireless headphones. Choose from front-seat or backseat configurations.
A front-seat video system includes a video receiver that can be installed into a standard-sized opening in the dash, as well as a motorized, retractable LCD monitor about 7 inches in height. These systems support DVD play as well as most music file formats, including CD, satellite or standard radio, and MP3 play. The law prohibits drivers to use video screens in the front seat while driving, so these systems will not allow playback unless the car is parked and the emergency brake is activated. These monitors can be connected to GPS navigation systems for use while driving, however.
To allow backseat passengers to watch videos while the car is in motion, install a backseat car video system. These systems feature a monitor that is either suspended from the car roof or attached to the rear of a front seat headrest. While overhead monitors provide better movie viewing, a headrest monitor is easier to install.
Backseat car video systems also include car DVD players. These can be installed either beneath a seat or atop the car's center console. Wireless headphones help to control the audio and ensure that the driver isn't interrupted, and wireless remote controls will allow the backseat passengers to switch channels easily.
Car Video Receivers
Installing in-dash video receivers is nearly as easy as installing standard in-dash stereo receivers. A hideaway box will make these extra connections easy to access without getting in the way. The most challenging part of installing car video equipment is the video monitor. The easiest kind to install are those that are mounted on the headrest of the front seat. Make it even easier by buying custom headrests that include already-installed video monitors. Or, spend a little more time and energy and buy the best - the overhead video monitor.
A couple of other accessories are required in addition to the video monitor. Don't forget to purchase RCA cables as well as speaker wires. This will make installation much easier. The monitors should be connected straight to the media player after they have been installed.
Eradicate the "Are we there yet?" syndrome from family vacations and longer trips. Installing good sound and video in a car requires a little time and energy, but the upgrades are well worth the money. Your passengers will thank you every time you drive!