Knowing What Goes Into a Car Stereo System Installation by Edwardo A. Compton

First of all, you want to make sure you find a head unit that is going to match your car. You don't want a pink head unit going into a car with a brown interior, it will just look out of place. If all else fails, just use a silver head unit. Now, the head unit is going to replace the previous stereo you had. You can remove your previous stereo one of two ways, by either opening the spring clips, or undoing the bolts that hold it in place. Either way, you will probably have to remove the dash board around it.

When you are done with your head unit installation, which is generally the easiest part of the entire task, you need to think about three components in the car; the amplifier, the speakers and the subwoofer.

The amplifier, which many people forget about, is what will give the head unit's signal an added bit of power so that it can feed to the speakers, tweeter and subwoofer. You will need an amplifier that is going to be powerful enough to handle going to all your speakers and your subwoofer. If you fail in this task, then you will find the signal quality is quite poor. Typically, people will put the amplifier under a seat if they can to keep it out of the way.

Next, you need to deal with the speakers. This can be very easy or very hard. You may want to have a five-way amp that goes to five speakers. You can connect it to the two in side doors, and then depending on your car's model and year, you may have to add speakers in the dash, on the kick-panel and on the back side doors. Generally, most will choose to have the speakers in the kick-panel and the rear doors. This will involve wiring, changing the structure of the doors interior and more. It may be easier to not have the speakers in the back side doors, and instead have too small speakers on the dash in the corners.

Now we move on to the subwoofer. There are plenty of considerations here. First of which is the enclosure. You can have a sealed enclosure that will give you very precise bass, but not very deep bass. Another option is a ported subwoofer because it allows for much deeper bass due to a small hold that shoots the bass sound out. Both of these are best put under the seats for the top effect. The other option is a free-air subwoofer. This can sit on a board on the kick-panel, or in the trunk. As long as you have the back secured to a surface so that the back sound is not cancelling out the front sound, you should be fine.

When you buy your subwoofer, make sure that it is meant to be a sealed subwoofer, ported subwoofer or free-air subwoofer. Buying the wrong type means your subwoofer sound will suffer.

The most important things to consider when you are putting your car stereo system together is that you take the time to do it right, have the money for what you want and know what you are doing.

You want to turn heads for the right reason (a great system), and not for the wrong systems (a poorly sounding car stereo system).

Cheap Car Stereo Systems - What Will Be Sacrificed? by Edwardo A. Compton

The triangle consumer is effectively what will be sacrificed. In many cases the people will take a greater price for the additional hardware options that they get or will take the lower price for the more simple designs. The third part to this is quality, and this is attributed to a number of factors when one truly is seeking an ideal cheap car stereo.

The first of these factors is the design and the brand that is making the stereo. Some stereos have been shown to be rock bottom in price, yet have a design flaw in them. This has been something that in most cases will not be seen in the short term or possibly in the long term. Sometimes it takes certain cars, trucks, or other machines that will expose the flaw. One of the more common is faulty grounding in the stereo, weak plastic parts, or a design that is not suited for modifications. Small companies have fallen victim to the lack of support and will often show this in ideal cheap car stereo designs that are perfect except in the advances that other brands may offer.

Another factor is stability, as mentioned grounding is one such factor. The suspension in a CD or remote signal feed is another that can cause problems for someone that is going to transverse harsh terrain or spends a large amount of time driving. Sometimes the feeds will be unregulated and this can cause feedbacks to the speakers, hence, creating strain on the sound and hardware.

The last and possibly greatest factor is older and used designs. These are usually cheap car stereos that have been already used or are discontinued. Many of these are in perfect condition and can be easily installed by someone that is knowledgeable in this. A number of these are offered through the manufacturer's website or retail stores (if they have a store), and will be labeled as a number of things. The key thing is that they usually have some small warranty and are not sold "as is" where a number of other places will not offer this.

Some have gone to pawn shops or to used auto part stores for a cheap car stereo, yet these are usually the most risky that someone can get as they are not ensured the be working or that they will not put the rest of the car at risk with any issues that they may have. The one problem that any older car stereo will have is lack of proper documentation that can be offered. This is very common with discontinued stereos.

How to - Make Fiberglass Subwoofer Enclosures by Tyler Horvath

Many people spend thousands of dollars on custom made wood speaker boxes. Most of these people do not know that you can make your own custom speaker enclosure for cheap.

First off, you need to draw out a sample of what you are looking to make. Get the demensions of your trunk to make sure that your box will fit correctly. Next you can use your measurements and samples to figure out about how much fiberglass and matting you need to make your box.

We will just assume that we are going to make a one 12 inch subwoofer box that fits into the rear trunk panel. Make sure that you look at the specs on the subwoofer to make sure that the volume of the box will measure out correctly.

Next you can get your fiberglass and matting. Any auto parts store should have what you need. You need to get about a gallon of fiberglass resin and about 5-6 packs of fiberglass mat. Dont forget to make sure that the fiberglass resin comes with hardner.

Now we can set up how we what our box to fit in. Lay down painters tape in your trunk where you want the box to fit into. Make sure you go a little farther than you will actually make it so you don't get any resin on your carpet. Go ahead and mix your resin with your hardner and use a paint brush to paint on the resin over the tape to create the back of the subwoofer box. Cut out your fiberglass mat and lay it down over the resin. Paint another layer of resin over the newly laid down fiberglass mat.

Now you just wait a couple hours until the fiberglass has hardened. Pull out the back of the enclosure you have just made. It should fit snuggly into the trunk panel. Now you need to add 3-4 more layers of fiberglass matting to the inside of the back of the enclosure. This is to reinforce it, so it doesn't crack when the subs hit.

Now that you have made the back of your subwoofer enclosure, we can start to make the front where the sub will go. For this part, you will need some 1/2 inch mdf, some dowel rods, glue, and some panty hose. Lay your sub face down on the mdf and draw a line around it. Cut out the circle with a jigsaw. Now you need to measure the inside of the sub ring, so you will make a ring that the subwoofer will fit into. Usually, subwoofers come with a measure ring you can use to make this.

Now you can position the ring however you want the subwoofer to go. Cut your dowel rods so they keep the ring in place, where you want it to be. Glue the dowel rods to the inside of the back of the sub enclosure that fits into your trunk panel. Glue the other end to the ring. Now you should have a structure of what your sub box should look like.

Now grab the panty hose and stretch them over the ring to the outside of the back of the box. This should make the box become enclosed. Staple or glue the panties hose so it stays in place. Paint a layer of resin over the panty hose and let it dry. You should now have a subwoofer enclosure that fits into your rear trunk panel. Now you need to cut out the inside ring where the subwoofer will go. Layer the inside of the enclosure with about 3-4 more layers of fiberglass mat and resin.

Your sub box should be complete. Now you can drill some small holes in the back of the enclosure for your speaker wires. You can also grab some carpet (color of your choice) and lay the carpet over the front of the box, so it looks like it was suppose to be in your trunk.
This is how to make a custom subwoofer enclosure. You can also lay bondo down over the fiberglass and sand it to down to paint it.

Car Amplifier Basics by Grayson Bell

What are amplifiers really?

Well, amplifiers are devices that increase the voltage, current, or amplitude of the signal produced by a main unit. The main unit can be a stereo or any kind of player that produces signal because usually, amplifiers are for boosting audio and creating a sense-surround quality sound.

The main use of a car amplifier is the make the sound produced by your ordinary player crisper and louder since it increases the signal voltage from milli-voltrange up to 1-4 volts or higher because usually, ordinary players produce extremely low signal. These signals may vary. Some produce 5 hz up to 40 khz, while some systems produce 20 hz to 20 khz. What happens is that the signal is connected from the RCA cables to the inputs of the amplifier. The amplifier then gives this wave very high amplitude.

But then, as we have said earlier, an amplifier eats a lot of voltage thus needing a big amount of voltage from your car battery. This means that having a good car battery is of course better.

Now, placing the amplifier is another thing. You can always place it anywhere as long as your wires are long but there are always better places. Setting up the amplifier near the battery is always a pro since it eats a lot of energy; you dont want to drag a long stretch wire to the back if its not necessary. And since it is nearer to the battery, there is a minimum voltage drop. Thus, it is always recommended to put the amplifier underneath the passengers seat. But amplifiers are a no-no to heat because it uses loads of energy and less air flow, so watch out.

The tip is, the amplifier needs to be close to the battery as much as possible, it needs a considerate amount of breathing room, and it should be safe of course. Another better option is the trunk of the car since it is spacey, but you give up the wiring part and the danger of having it damaged when loading and unloading things from the trunk.

Why You Need Excellent Car Speakers by Jitesh Arora

Every car owner wants to keep his car in best condition. Modern automobile accessories not only enhance the beauty of the car but also increase the comfort. One of the vital parts of car accessories is an audio system. Car audio system cannot do without high quality speakers. They are available in different sizes shapes and finishes. They come with several additional features. A speaker should be selected according to your needs and desire. Car speakers differ in many aspects. They come with different power supply, output, peak power and RMS variance.

Where can I buy high quality automobile accessories? Internet is a good source of automobile accessories. There are several stores which are offering car accessories online. Your job is to opt for the one which offer high quality product at reasonable prices. Online shopping is a nice experience. You can really find a big variety on the internet. You should always look for the pair of speakers which suits your car interior. Some people like to install two speakers and others opt for four speakers. They should be installed according to the space. If you have a small automobile then it is a good idea to install only one pair. Music lovers install both front and rear pair. It is a good idea to add woofers.

Many companies are launching their products online. Internet shopping is becoming more and more popular. There are many reasons for increasing popularity of internet shopping. It is beneficial for both retailer and buyer. Company don`t have spend a lot in launching the product online as well as buyer gets the product on reasonable. Companies are using different methods to promote their products online. Some companies are offering handsome discounts at bulk orders and others are offering additional bonuses. There are many benefits of buying a product online. You can make your order at the comfort of your home and the products will be delivered at your doorstep. Due to increasing competition many stores are offering free shipping with in the country.

How can I find the best speakers for my automobile? This is most common question asked by the people who want to enhance the level of comfort in their automobile. The answer to this question is very simple. There are some blogs which review latest accessories. Your job is to go through these reviews before you decide to buy something. You should have some knowledge about the product before buying it. It is a good idea to discuss all your requirements with a professional before buying any type of accessory. You can also ask for the help of a friend who have recently bought a car audio system. You can easily find high quality speakers by following tips and techniques which I have stated above. Designing the interior of a car is not an easy task and needs lots of commitment and hard work. Never forget to plan a budget before start buying accessories. A proper budget will certainly help you in saving some money.

Learn How to Install a Car Stereo by Noah Glaser

Don't remove all of the wires now. Purchase a car stereo that will fit your car. Attach the antenna wire. Remove and reattach the wires in the following order: the positive wires, then the negative wires, then the ground (black) wire. Remove the front dash panel according to the directions in your owner's manual. Consider putting all of the screws into a small plastic baggie to make sure that they don't get lost during the car stereo installation process. Unscrew and pull out your car stereo unit and look at the back. One of the easiest ways to save money on car stereo systems is to install them yourself.

Disconnect the negative battery cable so that you can work safely. Slide the new car stereo into the mounting bracket. Slide the stereo into place but don't screw it in until you've tested it.For the installation, you'll need your owner's manual, a screwdriver and/or socket wrench set, and wire strippers. For some people, a great-sounding car stereo system is an essential piece of equipment. Then attach the constant and ignition power wires.There's nothing like driving down the street and listening to music with the windows down. You need them as a map to help you attach the new car stereo system. Your manual should show exactly how to do this.When testing the stereo, use the balance features to listen to each car stereo speaker and make sure that it's working properly. You will either see one plug that is attached to all of the wires or a bunch of wires that are individually attached to the stereo. The ground wire should be attached to metal.It's also a good idea to look for a system that is wired specifically for your make and model if you can find one.

If you don't have a plug, you'll need to wire it manually. It will save you a lot of time and effort. If you have a plug, all you need to do is remove it and plug in the new one.If everything's working right, go ahead and screw in your new stereo, put on some music, and enjoy!

What You Need For a Great Car Audio System by April Kerr

Listening to music in the car is one of these things that we tend to take for granted. However it wasn't always the case that we had access to sound as we drove around in our cars. Some people are more than happy with the audio system that comes included with whatever car they buy but for others it just isn't good enough. Which is why there are companies who produce a wide range of car audio systems designed to suit all levels of the market. However it's important that you have a bit of knowledge before you go buying anything.

There are many things that you will need for your car's audio system however when it comes to amplifiers, the reason you need one is so that you can actually hear the music via the speakers. As with all the items in your audio system, the amplifier can come in a range of sizes and it will have to fit in with all the other items you either already own or are going to buy.

Of course, no audio system is complete without speakers and if you don't get a good set of speakers you'll not get anywhere near the sound you are looking for. However if you need to understand that the sound you get will also be dependent on the other items of equipment. You will need to investigate all the different styles of speaker and what you want from them. You should also look into the placement of speakers as this does have an effect on how you hear the sounds.

If you have never heard of a head unit, don't worry. There isn't anything really complicated about them. You know that piece of equipment you put tapes, CDs and other media into? Well, that's what a head unit is. They allow you to control the volume, tune the radio and change the equalizer settings.

Some people put a high price on quality, clear and loud music in a car which is why they read up masses of articles on the subject to ensure they know what they're getting and that they're only getting the best. However there are car audio systems available at all price ranges so you don't need to spend more than you have.

Some people like to buy their car audio system from specialist audio or auto stores whilst others aren't that bothered. You can easily buy them if you search on the internet because this is where you often find the best prices. However if you go into an actual store, they may well install it all for no extra charge.

Choosing The Right Sound System For Your Car by Brenda Williams

If you are looking to update the sound system in your vehicle, it's important to consider a few factors and ask yourself a few questions before you invest a lot of money into a sound system. The first thing that you will have to consider is whether or not the aftermarket kit that you are considering will fit into your car. You will also want to take some time and think carefully about what sizes amplifiers and speakers that you would like and what type of head unit you want.

Many people aren't sure whether or not an upgraded, after market, radio system will be able to fit into their car. However, this shouldn't be a worry because there are a number of different sound system kits that will work in just about any vehicle. Car manufacturers realize that many people will be considering upgrading their cars and have made their cars very adaptable.

Another very important consideration is what type and size of amplifiers that you want. If you have weak amplifiers, then they can be damaging to your speakers. Amplifiers are responsible for decreasing the distortion of the musical sound and will also ensure that the music sounds clear. The amplifier size that you choose will be dependent upon how powerful you want your music to sound. If you are planning on installing the amplifiers yourself, be sure that you have ground wire, power wire, RCA, remote turn on lead and a fuse. You will also need a drill and crimpers. However, you probably won't have to worry about going out and finding all of these things separately because most of these items can be found in a kit.

Getting new speakers for your car can provide it with an instant upgrade. High-quality speakers will make the sound more powerful and will help you experience more bass. You can either go with a two way speaker or a dual cone speaker. Two way speakers generally provide for better sound. To make sure that you have enough room to insert the type of speakers that you want, you will need to make sure that you measure your car beforehand.

Just a few years ago, deciding what head unit to use may have been a serious consideration. Choosing between a cassette head unit and CD head unit may have been a dilemma. However, today, most people only listen to CDs, so this is a non-issue. You may want to consider whether or not you want a detachable faceplate. The benefit of using one is largely for anti-theft reasons. You can remove your faceplate and keep it with you if you're concerned about someone stealing your system.

Because individuals spend so much time in their cars, having a good sound system is very important to some people. Some individuals spend thousands of dollars updating their systems, adding amplifiers and new speakers. This is a project that can be taken on by a Do-it-yourselfer or can be farmed out to a professional. It will much more expensive to pay someone else to put in your system due to labour costs, however, you are more likely to get it done right the first time around.