A car stereo is the main part of any car audio system. It is usually installed in the dashboard and it comes with useful features. It can also be called a radio, receiver, or head unit. Current car stereos carry out many different functions that make them more useful for drivers. To understand these functions, it’s better to think of a car stereo as consisting of three supports:
This is the component that lets you decide what you listen to. Sources can include any regular AM/FM tuner, CD/DVD player, satellite radio, smartphones, Bluetooth, SD card, or a USB port.
This is how you’re able to adjust the sound. The preamp component provides controls to handle the basic volume, balance, fading, source selection and tone changes. Some vehicles have different settings for concert hall-like sound or live music.
The amp parts increase the minute low-voltage audio signals that the preamp component provides to give a boosted high-voltage audio signal that is transmitted to the speakers.
Speakers take an amplified electrical signal and convert it into mechanical energy that moves the speaker cone back and forth to create sound. Sound is essentially vibrations in the air that we hear, and a speaker cone creates these vibrations. The human ear hears these vibrations in a frequency range from about 20 hertz (very low bass) to 20,000 Hz (very high notes).
You may be thinking – if I already have my factory speakers, what’s the point of considering a new car audio system? Well, there are a number of reasons for getting aftermarket car stereos.
Increase the volume of your car’s stereo to a normal level and listen. Do you have to adjust the treble by boosting it to make the audio sound clearer? Does the bass level seem hollow, over-toned or weak? While you’re driving, do you like blasting your favorite song at full volume, but then you have to turn it down just because the sound seems distorted or otherwise wonky?
If you have any of these concerns, it’s pretty obvious that you’re going to need a better quality aftermarket sound system. These tone and volume changes are a good indicator of weak or damaged car audio systems, so it’s better to get a replacement.
Even if the sound quality doesn’t seem weak, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a better system. Your factory car stereo probably isn’t as good as you think it is. One thing to note is that the audio system is one of the areas that many car manufacturers like to cut costs on, so most people don’t know what they’re missing.
If a car system sounds normal to most individuals, OEMs are satisfied and don’t feel obligated to provide the best quality. Even high-grade factory audio systems usually aren’t up to par. That’s where aftermarket audio systems come in.
High-quality power and better circuit designs allow an aftermarket car stereo to not only be louder than the average factory system, but to also provide a clearer, toned, and detailed audio. Improved tone controls in the preamp also help provided better fine-tuning of your audio.
One of the main reasons to buy a new stereo is to improve your car’s music playback and other features. Aftermarket audio sources provide many functions, including:
MP3/WMA/AAC playback
Satellite radio
GPS navigation
iPod, iPhone and Android compatibility
Support for Wi-Fi and apps
Bluetooth
CD/DVD playback
If you’re looking to upgrade your audio, you need to know what size is compatible with your car. You should know that these systems categorized into different types based on their size and features:
Single DIN: The most used size of a car stereo is the single DIN. These systems are usually 7 x 2 inches in dimension and can fit in almost any car or vehicle.
Double DIN: With double the height of the single DIN, double DIN systems have 7 x 4-inch dimensions. The additional height provides a larger surface area of the front section of the stereo, which can then incorporate a useful touchscreen.
OEM Replacement: Some cars inconveniently do not allow a single or double DIN system to replace the OEM system and need an aftermarket stereo that is designed in a size to accommodate your car’s dash like the OEM stereo. These stereos are called OEM replacements.
The stereos come with an external microphone and play the sound with the car speakers. This is a great way to talk while driving. Other Bluetooth stereos also come with A2DP sound streaming to help any audio file or extension from a Bluetooth device to play through the car speakers.
Sound systems that have Bluetooth are made for hands-free use. This allows a driver or passenger to pair their Bluetooth devices like a smartphone to the car stereo to manage calls and music.
Almost any aftermarket car stereo comes with a CD player except for digital media receivers. Some stereos also have DVD playback so that you can use them to watch films or play some music if you have your songs burned on a DVD. Usually, only double DIN stereos have this feature since they have a touchscreen that can actually manage the DVD playback.
Newer products come with USB inputs in their design to provide a better connection with other devices. This allows the user to plug in their USB devices, smartphones, and even portable hard drives.
These devices provide a larger storage capacity for music and movies and don’t take up much room, unlike most CDs.
Many of the popular stereo manufacturers usually work with well-known GPS technology innovators like Garmin to offer the most up to date location details. These stereos can be either double DIN or single DIN devices but double DIN is preferred since the big display allows you to view the maps more easily
Everybody has their own specific needs and requirements when it comes to their car stereos. Some people want better sound, others want Bluetooth functionality, and some don’t care about all that and just want a touchscreen. When you’re looking for a new car stereo, make sure the one you pick has the right inputs. If you want to install a new subwoofer or more speakers, for example, the receiver you pick must come with the right inputs to support them.
Either way, you should know what criteria to focus on so you can pick the right aftermarket car audio for your needs. Here are some things you should look out for in your new car audio system:
The focal point of getting good aftermarket stereos is picking one that can provide the best sound quality. If you want to use your car stereo to power the speakers, you’ll want a device that has a large efficiency rating. This is called the “sensitivity” or “SPL” rating. Look for a sensitivity rating of 90 decibels or more so that you won’t need to use a lot more power.
Car stereos can produce a distorted sound both when they’re underpowered or overpowered. If you’re using an amp, choose high-quality stereos that are made to handle high power. If you’re getting additional component speakers like the woofer and tweeter parts, you’ll get separate amps for them to get even better aftermarket car audio.
Advanced features on new stereos like useful touchscreens can make it easier to manage music, navigation, calls and so much more, either remotely or through other devices. This way of traveling and driving becomes not only more fun but safer and more convenient as well.
Useful sound management options such as digital time correction and parametric equalization are provided by premium-grade receivers for people who want full and precise control of their car’s audio.
That said, even cheaper aftermarket car audio systems can provide a better audio control that a standard factory stereo. The control and precision are things that would make anyone want an aftermarket car audio system.
Aftermarket car stereos have cool displays and stylish designs that can definitely boost the look of your car’s interior. You can choose between full-color animated screens, personalized color themes, and even touchscreen models that generally have customizable backdrops and colors.
AUX inputs, USB ports, and source outputs help you diversify your system by connecting different player devices, backseat video displays, separate amps, and powered subwoofers with your aftermarket stereo. You should get a stereo that has either a USB port or Bluetooth for better music and sound experiences.
Features like removable face plates and passcodes codes can help you protect your sound system from being stolen. Such aftermarket audio options are great investments in the long run.
In the end, it all comes down to the money. While all the above-mentioned features are important, you’ll find that some of these can come with much more money than others. That is why it is important to research and review different brands and products to see which ones offer you the features and styles you need within your budget limit.
You can own high-quality brands without breaking the bank so long as you prioritize the features and requirements that are absolutely necessary instead of spending on extra accessories or specifications.
