Various Articles

The sound systems fitted in automobiles can be described by the term of car-audio. Little difference there is in the stock car audio system which refers to one that was specified by the manufacturer when the car is built. On the other side custom car audio installations can involve everything from the upgrade of the radio to a full customization of a car based around its audio equipments like car stereos and CD changers.

A head unit usually consists of a combination of a radio, tape player, or CD/DVD player. Newer head units are now emphasizing on digital music support (MP3, WMA, and AAC formats) and USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

CD players/ CD recorders have become standard inclusions in most modern vehicles, with the option to add a CD changer, which holds multiple CDs either in the main unit or in the trunk or console. The most common types of CD changers are External Cartridge, Internal Cartridge and Carousel CD changers.

Stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the reproduction of sound using two or more independent audio channels in way to create a natural impression of sound heard from various directions, similar to that in natural hearing. In popular usage, car audio stereos usually mean 2-channel sound recording and sound reproduction using data for more than one speaker simultaneously.

When car audio systems had only one speaker, it was placed in the middle of the dashbaord, with perforation through the front of the dashboard allowing the music to be heard. Now that stereo systems are standard, car audio speakers are placed in less standardized positions, such as in the doors and under the rear shelves. A higher end system should place speakers in kick panel enclosures, to allow the driver more comfort with better sound.

Amplifiers are there to provide the power for the speakers, and they are rated in watts of power that they provide. Any good system of good car audio speakers requires high-quality amplifiers, and also needs speakers able to handle all of the power that the amplifiers are putting out, or else the amplifiers are largely being wasted.