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Cars have a long and colorful history when it comes to "do-it-yourself" modifications, and car-audio is no different. Inclined hobbyists have constructed systems of varying complexity, from four car audio component speakers all the way up to entire vans full of them!

Lining up a car stereo car audio system begins with the car stereo. You can find stereos that feature CD changers, fancy displays... or just a radio! Some systems are designed simply to be loud, and feature a high power output rating, but have a limited frequency range. Higher fidelity systems offer a wider frequency range with a smoother response, making it sound clearer and crisper. Essentially, if you like to listen to classical - loudly or not - you probably want a system that focuses on fidelity rather than volume... but classic rock simply needs to be played loud.

Most basic stereos have four car audio component speaker outputs, though more expensive models often offer additional outputs. Every output has specific technical ratings, such as "impedance," which is measured in ohms, and a power rating that is measured in watts; fortunately, while these specifications are quite technical, you don't need an electrical engineering degree to make a savvy choice here. All you need to do is ensure that the impedance on the car audio component speakers selected matches that of the stereo output channel exactly, and that the chosen speaker's wattage is equal or greater. It can damage speakers if the output wattage of the stereo exceeds what the speakers can support.

If you aren't satisfied with the sound coming from your car's stereo, and you want a louder, high-fidelity system, you'll need to get a separate amplifier. After you install the amplifier into your existing stereo, it will read the stereo's signal, amplify it, and then output this increased signal to your speakers. It's easy to add car audio component speakers with an amplifier - just be sure to use the output specifications of the amplifier and not the specifications of your stereo!

After you have outlined the specifications of the system you want, you must examine the layout of your car. Car audio component speakers come in many standard sizes - six inch diameter, for example - and unless you're looking to do some serious modifications, you obviously need to order speakers of the proper dimensions! Amplifiers can be placed anywhere convenient, but keep in mind you will have to run wires to all the speakers, as well as the stereo.

After you have decide on this you would be ready to install your system. The installation varies greatly from car to car but one common thing is to ensure that the car is off and the battery is disconnected at the time of installation. The car and the stereo both have manuals outlining the procedure of installation, and it is finally upto ones determination to install the system. Last but not the least amplifier wires should not be visible inside the car as some people are put off at the sight of it.