Car Audio For The First Time Buyer

Lots of people go through life happy with their car stereo — they never give it a second thought. But you have doubts about the stereo system in your vehicle. Did they spring to life after you heard the new stereo that your neighbor installed in his truck? Or maybe they started when that new CD that sounded so great on your home system sounded so totally flat in your car? Whatever the reason, your ears are trying to tell you something — there is a better world out there.

Turn up your car's stereo to a healthy level and listen. Do you find yourself turning the treble control way up to make the music sound clear? Do the bass notes sound hollow and exaggerated? When you drive, do you turn up the volume for a song you like, but then turn it down immediately because the sound is a little irritating?

If you're nodding your head, you are a prime candidate for an aftermarket sound system, with components made by companies whose primary focus is sound quality. But, if you're new to car audio, the road to better sound can be a long and winding one. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Replacing your factory system

Your vehicle's factory system consists of a stereo and some speakers. In the vast majority of cases, if you replace these, your music will sound better. Sounds pretty simple. So what's involved?

In most vehicles, it's a relatively easy job to remove the factory stereo from your dash and replace it with an aftermarket stereo (aka "receiver" or "head unit"). In many cars, the stereo pops right out with the aid of simple tools; in other cars, you might have to unscrew a section of the dash.

The great majority of vehicles have a 2" tall (or "DIN-size") stereo; some Chrysler and GM stereos are 3" tall (DIN-and-a-half), and some Japanese vehicles have 4" tall stereos (double-DIN). Many vendors make 3" and 4" tall aftermarket stereos, or you can purchase mounting kits that allow you to mount a standard (DIN-size) stereo in these larger dash openings.