What to Turn On to When Shopping for a Car Audio System

For most people, a great sounding car audio system is a stereo or head unit and two good quality speakers and maybe an amplifier. They don’t realize that they also need sometime two amps, two sets of speakers for the back and a superb set for the back and a small subwoofer for an extra kick in sound. That, my friends, has the makings of a great sounding car audio system.

Now, true I make it sound like having a good car audio system is easy but it honestly isn’t. You can spend a lot of money on a system that doesn’t sound any better than stock if you’re not careful. Sometimes getting the best sound out is more than just a matter of buying the best or most expensive components but instead is a combination of choosing the right pieces and then installing them correctly. For example, if you own a powerful amplifier, you better have the ability to send enough electrical current to it or else the end results will be very disappointing.

Here are a few other components you’ll need to think about buying for the best sounds coming from your car audio system:

• Automatic volume control – This feature is often referred to as a few different names depending on the manufacturer, but the overall idea is the same. A volume control system automatically adjusts the radio volume loud or quiet, depending on the vehicle's speed and the sound level of road and wind noise in the cabin. This is a pretty neat feature for anyone who commutes in traffic with lots of speed changes.



• Large, well-spaced buttons – When shopping for a car stereo, pick one with large buttons versus small. The whole idea in operating a radio is to make it as easy as possible, and have it the least amount of distraction on the driver, keeping his attention on the road. Large buttons are easier to find and use than smaller ones. Find a car stereo with open spacing between the buttons too. This makes the stereo easier and safer to use too.



• A juiced up power amp –If you can, buy a system with a good amp included. If not shop around for the best one you can find that is compatible to your system. Amps tend to blow speakers, not vice versa. You can tell a amp has a lot of power by turning the system above half volume and still hearing clear amplification. If the sound begins to distort and sounds funny that means it's running out of steam.



• Separate tweeters – Tweeters are never a guarantee of quality sound, but systems with separate tweeters generally do sound better. Look around for tweeters that are well positioned or at least can be in your vehicle. A new trend is mounting the tweeters into the dash. The sound then fires up into the windshield and reflects into the cabin. It’s a pretty creative approach that sounds great and looks better.



• Separate subwoofer – Normally found in trucks, SUVs and luxury sedans, a separate subwoofer provides a great thump for your buck. A good sounding subwoofer also fills in the lower end other styles of music besides hip hop.



• Volume limiting – Anyone that knows anything about car audio knows that distorted sound is the enemy of speakers. If turned up too high, even top-quality amplifiers can send sloppy signals to the speakers, causing them harm. Avoid this by shopping for a car audio system which limits the sound at a certain volume level. Simply put, a volume limiter let’s you turn the volume up as much as you want but it won't go any louder. This is caused by an internal circuit preventing the amp from damaging speakers.

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.