Buy Car Stereo Equipment Online

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If you like to hear your favorite tunes on the way to work, you know that a good-quality car stereo sound is a must.  If you decide to wire your own system, you should know specific things about car stereo systems before you start.  Before you buy car stereo equipment, you must learn as much as you can about car stereo systems.

First, you should understand the basics of the car stereo system.  The system consists of four main components and that you will be connecting them when you wire your system.  These components are the main car stereo speaker system, the head unit, the subwoofer and the car stereo amplifier(s).

Your head unit is the heart of the car stereo system.  This is the CD or cassette player in your dash.  All components are connected to the head unit by at least one pair of wires.

You must be knowledgeable of the car stereo speaker system.  The basic speaker system consists of 2 in the front and 2 in the rear.  However, if you can afford them, separates are better.  Spearates are where they separate the tweeter and the mid-range.  In this case the speaker system consists of 2 sets of separates in the frint and 2 in the rear.  As a rule, if you are installing a new head unit, you should install a new car stereo speaker system.

A car stereo amplifier provides extra power to your speakers.  Some amplifiers are designed only to power subwoofers.  In either case, you should choose an amplifier that matches the power needs of your car speaker system.  The amplifier should be placed in the trunk (in the event you have a hatchback, it should be placed in the rear) next to the subwoofers.

Subwoofers are an integral part of a good car stereo system.  They add the bass needed to make the sound more full.  Subwoofers are connected directly to the car stereo amplifier.  This amplifier should be a class d amplifier for the best sound.  It only provides bass and eliminates the voice from the subwoofer for a much cleaner sound.

Next, you should prepare ahead of time for the installation.  This is important so as not to find yourself lacking something in the middle of the installation.  For instance, besides the car stereo wiring harness,  you need a full wiring kit that contains all of the wires you need, except for the speaker wires which come with the speakers.  However, some people prefer a larger gauge wire than what is provided with the speakers, so you may want to purchase extra speaker wire as well.  You also want to check your car’s manual for guidance in removing the dash and door panels.  If this information is not included, you may be able to obtain a guide from the dealer, an automotive store or online.

Before you start the installation, be sure to disconnect the ground cable from your battery.  Never attempt to install the car stereo system with this connected. 

Now it is time to install your stereo system.  After your remove the appropriate part of the dash and door panels, you should mount the subwoofers, speakers and all amps and plug them in.  Test the system by turning on the head unit.  If everything works, mount the head unit and put the dash and the doors back together.  If not, recheck your wiring.  You will find detailed installation instruction in the respective manuals that come with your car stereo equipment.

When installing your car stereo system, never run never run your speaker wires near the power cable of your car stereo amplifier.  This will cause possible alternator wine to come through your speakers.  This is very annoying.

In conclusion, before you buy car stereo equipment and install it yourself, you should learn as much as you can about car stereo systems as possible.  This way, you can match up all the components to create the best sound

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Speaker System, Car Stereo Amplifier, Car Stereo Speaker

Your brand new speakers are blown.  What went wrong?  Most likely the RMS power(power output of your amplifier) is the culprit – probably too high.  This is tricky, since if the RMS is too low your speakers won’t be powered sufficiently. When that happens you tend to turn the volume up, causing the amp, eventually, to distort.  This is also known as clipping.  This, also, can lead to the destruction of the speakers. When you set out to buy your car stereo amplifier, you must match its power to your car stereo speakers.  Otherwise, the speakers may be damaged or blown with the higher power, or you won’t be getting the most out of your system with the lower power.

Now we know that the amplifier’s RMS power is crucial to the proper working of your system.  What else is important when you set out to buy your car stereo amplifier? The power supply, for one.  It comes in two classifications – regulated and unregulated.  An amp’s power supply is converted from your car’s electrical system. When it is regulated, the power stays the same regardless of the changes in voltage to your car’s electrical system.  An unregulated power supply relies strictly on the voltage of your car’s electrical system and all of its changes.  Although an unregulated power supply might save a little money, it is not recommended.  Rather, shop for a regulated power supply to avoid changes in the voltage of the car’s electrical system which alters the quality of your stereo’s output.

We all know what “filters” do for our furnaces and air conditioners – keeps them more efficient.  Well they are just as important for your amplifier – keep it working efficiently.  Your system should have both low-pass and high-pass filters. Low-pass filters keep your bass quality, and high-pass filters keep low frequencies out of your tweeters.

Some people use more than one car stereo amplifier?  That’s right – one for high frequency and one for low frequency.  Although it is preferable by many, it is not necessary.  Using an amp for the low-frequency, and the head unit’s power to drive the high frequency is adequate.  For people with a penchant for high volume and maximum clarity, more than one amp may be the way to go.

Car stereo amps come in several types, but only one of them is flexible enough to allow growth without a lot of backtracking – 4-channel amps.   They can power up to four speakers and two subwoofers.  Other types are mono – which powers one speaker, and 2-channel, which powers two speakers and a subwoofer.  The 5- and 6-channel amps are usually too much for the average car stereo buff. If you plan to upgrade your car stereo system at a later time, then the bottom line is to look for an amplifier that meets both present and future needs.

Remember…  Match your car stereo amplifier with your car stereo speakers, since the amplifier’s  output depends entirely on your car stereo speakers.  To buy a more powerful amplifier, you must look at replacing speakers accordingly.

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Speaker System, Car Stereo Amplifier, Car Stereo Speaker

When you buy car stereo equipment, keep in mind that DVD players have become part of the car stereo “family” today.  This new luxury for travelers is made to suit most tastes, including in-dash, overhead, portable, or twin video systems as just a few styles available.  Before buying a car stereo DVD player you should do the research, since there are now many brands on the market.

Only a few years ago, DVD players for cars were out of reach of the average car-owner, found only in luxury cars of the well-to-do.  Today, they are available at various price levels and styles so that almost anyone can have one in the car. Car stereo DVD players range from large swivel screens with high resolution to stationary screens with satisfactory resolution.  The prices can range from about $150 to almost $500.

Plus – and this is a BIG plus for families that like to record experiences – on the higher-priced car stereo DVD players, there is a memory card slot and connector so you can show your own experiences to friends and family.  There is a “Smart Car Mount” on some, which makes your car stereo DVD player easy to install. 

The reason for their popularity is obvious.  They can be a boon on a long – or short – trip for children and the entire family.  They make “Are we there yet?” an obsolete whining query, replaced with only electronic sounds from the DVD presentation.  This is much preferred for the driver.  If you, as a driver, would rather not hear even the sound from the DVD player, wireless headphones are available for those watching it. 

Portable “take-along” players are available also.  They don’t need mounting and come fully equipped with the screen, speakers, and DVD drive, and – important for the driver who wants “peace and quiet” while he drives – also include a jack for headphones.  Also, there are headrest DVD players, visor DVD players, and DVD players that work as monitors compatible with all backup cameras.  All styles boast wireless headphones and other features too numerous to mention here.

Many dealers have articles, guides, and manuals to help you get the most out of your car stereo DVD player.  Guides that come with the system are often enhanced by the dealer’s own tip sheets  and instruction sheets.  Often – for the uninitiated – the dealers’ sheets serve to expand the information provided by the manufacturer in terms of the DVD player, LCD screens, car video systems and more.  They see a need to increase your knowledge to insure satisfaction, and some do it well.  Be sure to ask for this dealer-generated information.

So, armed with the knowledge that the car stereo DVD is now within reach for every budget, start researching and begin to enjoy long and short drives – with the youngsters too engrossed to say “Are we there yet?

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Stereo DVD

“Buying blind” is one way of saying you are approaching the market to buy car stereo equipment without any knowledge of costs, and therefore relying on the salesperson’s cost figures.  With all due respect to our salespeople, this could cost you unnecessarily.  The fact is, when you buy car stereo equipment, the salesperson does get a commission on what he/she sells.  Try to at least learn a “range” of cost for each item, since many retailers have a starting and an ending price, which the point-of-sale person is allowed to use to make his/her sale.  (The salesperson is not going to tell you about it if you don’t ask).  The Internet is a good source for finding this type of information.  Here are some price ranges that are designed to help you buy car stereo equipment with an informed approach.  

head unit                                 $300-$400  

4-channel amp for highs            $250-$400               

2-channel amp for lows              $300-$700

subs                                        $150-$450

enclosure for subs – custom                $250

component set                          $200-$500

coaxials for rear fill                    $100-$400

crossover/equalizer                    $100-$500

wiring and accessories                 $ 50-$250

installation (do it yourself)           $0 a little time

installation (basic)                              $100

As you can see, this is no frivolous purchase.  However, listings are for “top-of-the-line” car stereo systems with the cost range from a whopping $1450 to $3950.  Often, prices differ from area to area.  Still, it should take a lot of thought, research, testing, and financial planning before considering the lesser options. These include using coaxials in front instead of the components and powering them off of the head unit with bass blockers on them; finding a bargain head unit (they are out there); and having no bass-related equipment (running component set full range instead).  Depending on which of these you opt for, you could save from $400 to $2300 based on the cost estimates listed above.  In other words, there are many options to explore when you buy car stereo equipment.

In closing, here are a couple of precautions you might consider.  If possible, find a store that has equipment like yours before you upgrade.  Keep in mind that amps is the one piece of your equipment that should be from a reputable manufacturer, since a good amp is expensive to build.  The off-brand amps are usually worthless. Remember that salespersons may try to talk you into something you don’t really need, but there is a point where nothing new will make a difference.    And, last but not least, remember, when you buy car stereo equipment, it is for you and no one else.  You spent a lot of money, and you like what you have.  Ignore the dissenters and enjoy!

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Speaker System, Car Stereo Amplifier, Car Stereo Speaker

The speakers were a bargain…. or were they?  Did you think about whether or not it would be compatible with your other components?  “Well,” you say, ” they… they’re speakers, aren’t they?” If you are lucky, they could work.  However, there are definite requirements as you connect one component to the other.  The car speaker system will be the central factor on how your system will sound.  They can’t be just “any” speakers.  If they are too small, you will have frequency problems.  If they are too large, they will require more power than you might have in your system.

So, was your flea market car speaker system a bargain?  Probably not.  Speakers range in size from 1″ tweeters to 18″ subwoofers.  Finding just the right size for your system in a random purchase is unlikely.  You need to “bone up” on speakers and learn how much power you need, and what components join harmoniously together to get the sound you want.  Both front and rear speakers, for example, should each have the ability to handle 30-50 watts.  The subs should have the ability to handle more – say 100-150 watts.

Then there are round speakers and oval speakers.  Which sound better?  Usually the round ones sound better.  Oval speakers were created because of the space limitations in the rear of the car, and have some distortion.  So, if you can fit round speakers in your car, so much the better.  One advantage of the oval speaker though, is that it produces more bass, so if that is the important thing for you, go for the oval ones and tune out the distortion.

If you are having enclosures made for your car speaker system, don’t just assume that the person you hire knows everything.  For example, a “ported box” is popular, but might distort the bass somewhat.  A newer technique, called “bandpass enclosure,”increases the efficiency of the speakers.  A good installer can “listen” to what you want and create the type of response you desire.  Here, word-of-mouth is a good way to go.  Check out a few systems based on “satisfied customers,” and see if one of them is a fit for you.

As for manufacturers’ claims about car stereo speakers, take them with a grain of salt.  Often their claims of high power figures are usually for short high output spurts only.  There are many unbiased organizations with no vested interest in speakers that provide objective reviews.  This is true of many car stereo magazines, also.  In other words, temper the manufacturer’s claims with a bit of personal research on your own.  Your system is not just for next week’s Sunday drive, but for many years of enjoyment.  Don’t be shy about letting the salesperson know that you will check out the facts as presented by the manufacturer and other sources that provide car stereo reviews.  It’s your money.

Finally, if you take the time to find the right car speaker system for your car stereo system, it will bring you enjoyment for a long time.  It will be well worth the effort.  A “flea market” purchase just doesn’t cut it.

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Speaker System, Car Stereo Reviews, Car Stereo Speaker

Car stereo reviews come from a number of sources.  One is the manufacturer itself. For obvious reasons, this is not the most reliable source of information for the car stereo buyer.  Reviews also come from independent sources which have no vested interest in the products.  These are the ones that are your best bet to find answers to some of your questions.  A few that we found may be of interest to you in your search for a car stereo.

CNET Reviews – This review organization offers most of its reviews online.  It also has an online forum where all members can discuss and ask for help on a wide variety of technical equipment and  topics, including car stereo reviews and information. Membership is free, so sign up today and join in on the discussions! CNET.com

Car Audio and Electronics Magazine – This magazine goes beyond the borders of any one country and reviews car stereo equipment from worldwide manufacturers.  You can join the Car Audio & Electronics forums at Car Audio and Electronics Magazine to discuss your favorite Car Audio & Electronics topics, technical issues. forums.caraudiomag.com/ – Cached – Similar

CarREVIEW.com – This website is part of ConsumerREVIEW.com and is a source of user-generated buying advice for consumer electronics. Consumers visit to learn, interact, and buy or sell the products showcased within its network of web communities, including sites like AudioREVIEW.com and MtbREVIEW.com. Users find the products they are interested in, read and write reviews, participate in discussions compare prices, and shop online. ConsumerREVIEW.com business services include e-commerce, Internet advertising, content licensing, and user-to-user classified market listings.  CarREVIEW.com

Consumer Guide – This publication selects different products for review, such as DVD players.  An excerpt on that item from their web site: “When it comes to car video players, your options seem endless. Some players include a TV tuner or combine a back-seat video monitor with an in-dash sound system. Easily compare features and prices on car video systems with a little help from Consumer Guide reviews.”

Head Unit Reviews 2009 – Unbiased car stereo reviews geared toward head units, including Alpine, Pioneer, JVC, Kenwood, Panasonic, Audiobahn, Sony and more. reviews.digitaltrends.com

Acoustics.com – Has  233 head unit reviews aggregated from the most popular technology websites. … Pioneer DEH-2800MP CD Head Unit Crutchfield Advisor, and more. acoustics.com

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Car Audio Forum – In-depth car audio head unit reviews by members. … Includes a Forum where members can respond to questions about audio equipment. : Head Unit Reviews, Forum Tools. Announcements… Views…

AnandTech – Car – This organization specializes in head unit reviews.  Most recently, it had 10 reviews – 8 authors – Sample inquiry: “I’d like to pick up a new head unit for my car, looking at a double din with mp3/ipod controls, satellite ready, and able to be upgraded” www.forums.anandtech.com

These are only a few of the many unbiased organizations that provide car stereo
reviews.  They may be listed as reviewing general stereo equipment, or individual parts of the system such as speakers and amplifiers.  Although such research is often time-consuming, in the end it is sure to save some disappointments or headaches.

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Stereo Reviews, Car Stereo System

Your car speaker system is going to be a big investment.  You should research all aspects of a system before you make your purchase.  Your car speaker system will be the part of your car stereo system that determine sound, so you must explore all types of speakers to find the ones that give you what you are looking for in a car speaker system.  There are many types of speakers.  You should explore the importance of power handling, sensitivity, size and appropriate enclosures.  When buying your car speaker system , you should begin by knowing the basic types of speakers?  They are: 

Coaxials – These are three-way speakers with at least two in the same frame.  Although crossovers are already built into these speakers, they lack flexibility.  However, if cost is a factor for you in building your car stereo system, they are cheaper than separate woofer and tweeters and easier to install.

Separates – These speakers have a tweeter and a woofer.  They are flexible in that the tweeter can be mounted in any of several different places – in the door panel, in the top corner of the dash, or in a factory dash hole.  There are ways to try out these locations before you install your car speaker system.

Horns – These speakers increase the cost of your car stereo system and are not for everyone.  Tweeters are not needed for horns, since they play mids and highs.  However, they need to be professionally customized and may require a top-quality equalizer.  The setup is difficult.

Midbases – This car speaker system produces complications in using crossovers and has a lower frequency.  The best location for these small speakers are in the doors.

Subwoofers – These speakers must have a box to enclose them.  They have lower frequencies for your car stereo system.

Now that you have an idea of the types of speakers available for your car speaker system, let’s look at the other aspects of a good car speaker system – power handling, sensitivity, size and appropriate enclosures.  Be cautious about some manufacturers claiming very high power handling figures, since they may be for short spurts only, not continuous.  Power handling is needed more for woofers than for tweeters and midranges, which use little power for loud play. The bottom line is how much power you an afford.  Sensitivity is important since it tells you how much power is needed to get the sound you want.  Insensitive speakers may affect matching the sound from the speakers.  Also, you must pay attention to the size, which makes a difference for your type of car.  You can check this out in the store by walking around them to see if they would work for you.  Now enclosures for woofers give you a number of choices.  If not installed properly, the bass is most often affected – no bass, distorted bass, etc.  Your best bet is using the woofer manual as a guide for your enclosure.

In closing, remember that there is a lot of equipment out there and finding the right car speaker system may be time-consuming, but it is well worth the effort. Basically, you must balance your desires in a system with cost, your type of car, and your ability to maintain it. 

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Speaker System, Car Stereo Speaker

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Stereo Amplifier

Technorati Tags: Buy Car Stereo, Car Speaker System, Car Stereo Speaker