Rules to Follow When Buying a Car Audio System

Ok. You bought the new car and it looks good. There is just one thing missing from it. Its audio system just isn’t cutting it. You need yourself a good sounding car audio system if you want to be taken seriously these days. Do you know how to shop for one?

Buying a car audio system is often times more difficult than buying the car. You’ll run into all sorts of problems like just trying to install it. Some of the instruction manuals come with technical specifications that are unintelligible unless hold a degree in electrical engineering.

Realize that it's difficult task finding all the features you want in a car stereo. The decision needs to be based on features like sound quality and power output. There are so many features that determine how much enjoyment the system can offer, look for what is important for you. Here are a few things to keep in mind once you make the decision to go car audio shopping.

• Do some homework and research so that you're somewhat familiar with much of the basic terminology associated with car audio systems. Try reading some magazines on cars or look around on the Internet for some good sources of knowledge.



• Figure out your price limitation and set a budget. Depending on what you are looking for some complete audio systems can range from the low hundreds to thousands of dollars. Setting a budget can help you narrow down your choices.



• Determine what type of high performance you are interested in. If you are fan of rock or rap music, then you are going to want a system with maximum output. On the other hand, you’ll only need minimal to moderate power from a system if you’re a fan of classical music. Instead of power, buy a system for its sound quality.



• When you do decide on a system that works for you, buy everything at once instead of one piece at a time. You’ll find that each component, regardless of quality, emits it own sound characteristics. You won’t have the chance to listen or preview the system in its entirety with buying everything separately.



• Get to know all of the options available with speakers. A lot of speakers are two-way. This means they have a low-range driver or woofer long with a high-range driver or tweeter. Three-way speakers include an extra midrange driver, providing precise sound quality. If you own a small car then you may want to choose individual drivers, with the tweeters up front, and woofers and midrange drivers in back. Systems like this require an external crossover device synchronizing the individual drivers. A reputable car audio shop can help you with the speaker limitations for your vehicle.



• Shop around for head units or also sometimes referred to as receivers. These typically include a radio, an amplifier, and CD player. The head units give you a power output figure in watts and higher-quality units usually put out more power. Check to be sure that your head unit is compatible with options such as satellite radio, MP3 and home-recorded CDs.



• Check if there are any pre-outs that allow for additional components to be added on to the head unit. If you plan on installing an equalizer or an amplifier, then your head unit better have enough pre-outs. If you already own a head unit then make sure the pre-outs are compatible with any new components.



• Buy speakers and a head unit compatible in terms of power. You’ll instantly regretting purchasing speakers with a lower power rating than the head unit. In fact, it's always a good idea to buy speakers which have a slightly greater rating. This way, if you want, you can add an amplifier.

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About the Author: Electra Warehouse does not only offer mobile electronics, it also carries brand named pro dj equipment and home audio equipment. Electra Warehouse strives to give each customer a great one stop shop for the best bargain mobile, home and pro dj electronics. Visit them at www.electrawarehouse.com.