Introduction to Car AudioMake the drive more fun and entertaining!
Enjoy your ride with the latest in-vehicle technology. There are a number of names for in-dash car stereos: head unit, tuner, controller, and receiver. These names are often used interchangeably, which creates confusion and can be incorrect. • Head Unit is the universal name for any in-dash stereo, including tuners, controllers, and receivers. • Controllers are head units that lack an AM/FM tuner. • Tuners are head units without built-in amplification. • Receivers are head units with built-in amplification (for example, 4 channels x 50 watts). While in-dash factory or OEM stereos vary widely, most aftermarket head units are receivers with built-in amplification. Thus, for simplicity and consistency with manufacturer product descriptions, the Car Electronics Resource Center refers to in-dash factory head units as stereos and in-dash aftermarket stereos as receivers. Wattage (or Power) – Receivers have either preamp outputs or built-in power. The preamp section of a receiver has an audio output that connects to an external amplifier that provides the wattage to drive the speakers. If a receiver has built-in power, there is an integrated on-board amplifier that connects directly to the speakers. |
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Single-DIN and Double-DIN – The term DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) is an acronym that describes German industrial standard stereo sizes. Aftermarket receivers come in two standard sizes: Single-DIN and Double-DIN. The width of all receivers are the same but the heights differ. Fun Fact: DIN stereos began with early Porsche and Mercedes-Benz and aftermarket soon followed in the 1980s.
Single-DIN – 2” height x 7” width
Double-DIN – 4” height x 7” width
Single-DIN – 2” height x 7” width
Double-DIN – 4” height x 7” width
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The first consideration in choosing either a Single-DIN or Double-DIN receiver is the vehicle’s dashboard space. In addition, the feature set of a receiver may influence the decision to purchase a Single-DIN or Double-DIN receiver. For example, receivers with video screens are typically Double-DIN and if a dash panel kit is required to install this product in a particular vehicle, then the panel must have a Double-DIN opening as well.
Features – Receivers may include include the following features: Multiple Source Formats Analog AM/FM Digital AM/FM (HD Radio) Satellite Radio Compressed Media Playback (MP3, WMA, AAC files) CD, CD-R or DVD-Video Disc Playback iPod/iPhone/iPad Connectivity and Control Android Phone Connectivity and Control USB and AUX input Capability (for Portable Devices) Added Safety Bluetooth Hands-Free Calling Rear View Camera Inputs GPS Navigation |
Wireless Connectivity
Streaming Bluetooth Audio Pandora Radio Control (built-in) Internet Radio Services (such as TuneIn, MOG, Spotify, IHeartRadio) Sound Enhancement Built-in Equalization Built-in Crossovers Built-in Time Correction Built-in Dolby Digital/DTS Decoding RCA Preamp Outputs Convenience Touch Screen Removable Front Panel Selectable Illumination Colors Customizable Display |
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When to Upgrade Your Stereo – Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) stereos typically include up-to-date features. Older vehicles, however, may lack new receiver technologies and multimedia functionality. Here are some questions to help you decide if you should upgrade your receiver:
Is It Better to Keep the Factory (OEM) Stereo? If your stereo features in-dash navigation, Bluetooth, or iPod connectivity, consider keeping it and upgrading other elements of your sound system. For example, Digital Signal Processors (DSP) and other integration devices often add an input for a new media source, allow for the addition of amplifiers and add sound processing and equalization that improve sound quality and the performance of the vehicle's existing audio system.
Do I Need a New Receiver? If your vehicle lacks in-dash navigation, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, USB or media card slots and DVD-Video playback, consider upgrading to a new receiver. Aftermarket receivers can be installed to look ‘factory-installed’ and retain unique features such as steering wheel controls and safety systems like OnStar.
Is It Better to Keep the Factory (OEM) Stereo? If your stereo features in-dash navigation, Bluetooth, or iPod connectivity, consider keeping it and upgrading other elements of your sound system. For example, Digital Signal Processors (DSP) and other integration devices often add an input for a new media source, allow for the addition of amplifiers and add sound processing and equalization that improve sound quality and the performance of the vehicle's existing audio system.
Do I Need a New Receiver? If your vehicle lacks in-dash navigation, Bluetooth, iPod connectivity, USB or media card slots and DVD-Video playback, consider upgrading to a new receiver. Aftermarket receivers can be installed to look ‘factory-installed’ and retain unique features such as steering wheel controls and safety systems like OnStar.
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Speakers: From Replacements to UpgradesQuality speakers come in many shapes, sizes and configurations.
Coaxial Replacement Speakers - ‘Direct-fit’ speakers make it easy to improve sound quality. Coaxial (2-way) speakers are considered in any upgrade because the 2-way design adds a small high frequency tweeter as a part of the speaker’s construction, which the factory speakers may not have included. Simply switch out factory speakers with coaxial speakers that fit in the existing speaker location. Aftermarket coaxial speakers are made with higher quality materials and come in sizes from 3.5” to 8” round, and in oval shapes of 4x6”, 6x8”, 6x9”and 7x10”. |
Component Speakers – Component speakers include a mid-range speaker and tweeter (2-way design), similar to a coaxial speaker, except that the elements of a component speaker are mounted in separate locations. Component speakers offer premium sound quality by integrating a passive crossover that routes the frequencies to the proper speakers to optimize sound quality. Component speakers feature tweeters from 3/4” to 2” and mid-range drivers from 4” up to 8” in diameter.
Amplifiers: Sound Quality/Speaker Performance and VolumeAmplifiers provide more wattage to drive speakers and increase the sound levels in a car audio system
• Sound Quality – Underpowered speakers cause sound distortion at high volumes. Installing an amplifier drives the speakers more efficiently which provides richer sound quality. • Overcome Outside Noise - The additional power of an amplifier also helps overcome noise from wind, road surfaces, and engine and chassis noise by providing a greater volume range to the audio system. |
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• Efficient Power and Configurations - Amplifiers deliver more power with higher efficiency than the built-in power of a receiver and provide advanced features such as built-in crossovers and flexible channel configurations to suit any system plan.
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Subwoofers and Enclosures: Hear What You Are MissingSubwoofers handle low frequencies that many vehicle audio systems are unable to produce with factory speakers. When a subwoofer is added to an audio system, low frequencies are sent to the subwoofer. This reduces the work load of the other speakers and allows them to focus on mid and high frequencies. Instead of ‘loud’, think of a subwoofer as ‘low’ frequency.
Subwoofers come in two types of voice coil configurations - single and dual - and in sizes from 6” to 18”. Subwoofers require an enclosure to provide the low frequency capability, such as sealed or vented configurations. The subwoofer driver and enclosure combination determines how the subwoofer will sound, from 'punchy' to 'boomy. |
An integration device is a general name for devices that improve the performance of and/or add features to the audio system without replacing the factory stereo or existing receiver. Integration devices are typically divided into three main groups:
• Input Adapters – Input adapters allow for additional media sources such as an iPod, HD radio, satellite radio, DVD-Video player or other portable audio device. Some input adapters can control input source devices such as an iPod or MP3 player and display the text of a song on the factory stereo.
• Output Converters – Output converters allow for the addition of amplifiers to a stereo or receiver. They connect directly to the audio outputs, either at the stereo or receiver output or (if equipped) at the speaker wiring of the factory amplifier output.
• Input Adapters – Input adapters allow for additional media sources such as an iPod, HD radio, satellite radio, DVD-Video player or other portable audio device. Some input adapters can control input source devices such as an iPod or MP3 player and display the text of a song on the factory stereo.
• Output Converters – Output converters allow for the addition of amplifiers to a stereo or receiver. They connect directly to the audio outputs, either at the stereo or receiver output or (if equipped) at the speaker wiring of the factory amplifier output.
> LOC - The most basic output converters are called Line Output Converters (LOC) and only convert speaker signals to preamp level outputs. Depending on the audio system design and how many amplifier channels are used, more than one LOC may be required to properly integrate with all the audio system’s outputs.
> DSP Based Integration – The most feature packed output converter devices are Digital Signal Processor (DSP) devices that handle multiple input channels and may include other attributes such as equalization, time alignment and digital crossovers. Some may also include a small microphone which assists in the automated tuning of the sound system for enhanced sound quality. |
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Connecting It AllAudio and video systems require high-quality cables, connectors, adapters and accessories.
Power Wiring – Because of their high current, amplifiers require power wiring. Low resistance oxygen-free copper wiring is recommended for an amplifier’s power and ground connections. Amplifier wiring kits often contain everything needed to install an amplifier. Preamp Level Audio Cables - Preamp level audio cables connect a receiver to preamp equalizers, active crossovers and amplifiers. Twisted pair RCA audio cables are recommended for connecting receivers and amplifier audio inputs, as they provide superior noise rejection capabilities. Sound Deadening – Sound damping and vibration control materials are a great enhancement to a car audio system's performance. These materials reduce or eliminate vibrations where speakers are installed and rattling and buzzing from plastic interior panels. Dash Kits – Many receivers require a replacement panel called a dash kit. These kits allow the receiver to fit securely into a Single-DIN or Double-DIN opening and provide a factory-like fit and appearance. Wiring Harness Adapters – Wiring harness adapters are required to install a receiver into a vehicle without cutting the factory wires. Each vehicle make/model has a specific harness adapter that can be purchased for any receiver installation. Antenna Adapter – Many vehicles have a non-standard AM/FM antenna plug that requires an adapter to mate with the standardized AM/FM jack of a receiver. Steering Wheel Control (SWC) Adapter – To retain steering wheel control functions, an SWC adapter is required when replacing the factory stereo. |
Installation
Whether you are the Do-It-Yourself type or require the services of a Mobile Electronics Certified Professionnal (MECP) installer, the quality and dependability of an installation is as important as the equipment and accessories you choose.
• Professional Installation – Many independent retail installation shops employ MECP installers and welcome jobs for products purchased at Amazon.com. Installation services can also be purchased on Amazon.com through an InstallerNet Card.
• DIY Installation - Research all of the necessary installation kits, wiring harnesses, and other items needed for your installation. Installation tips are also available in Amazon’s Installation Guides found in the Car Electronics Resource Center.
• Professional Installation – Many independent retail installation shops employ MECP installers and welcome jobs for products purchased at Amazon.com. Installation services can also be purchased on Amazon.com through an InstallerNet Card.
• DIY Installation - Research all of the necessary installation kits, wiring harnesses, and other items needed for your installation. Installation tips are also available in Amazon’s Installation Guides found in the Car Electronics Resource Center.
THANKS: amazon.com
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