Saturday, September 23, 2006

The Sense of Car Audio Equalizers

In order to answer the above question, one must seek to understand the limits of the human sense of hearing. Most people realize that the human ear fails to hear sounds that many animals can detect. For example, humans do not hear the noise made by a dog whistle, but a dog pricks-up its ears whenever a human blows into such a whistle. Those sound waves have a frequency that goes beyond the limits of what the human ear can hear. Many of the sound waves that remain undetected by the human ear can be detected by a sensitive car audio equalizer.

The frequency of a sound indicates the rate at which the sound making device is moving. A fast moving device makes a high frequency sound; a slow-moving device makes a low frequency sound. The human ear cannot hear the sounds with the lowest and the highest frequencies. The car audio equalizer has the ability to pick-up the signals from those sounds.

The owner of a car audio system wants an equalizer that can sense, that can pick-up or detect the signals from the high and low frequency sounds. Within the car audio system, the electrical signals leave the preamplifier and travel to the equalizer. In the car audio equalizer the signals loop around the processing unit and the frequencies of the signals are adjusted. The adjusted signals then travel back to the preamplifier. The preamplifier sends the adjusted signals to the amplifier.

In the amplifier, the power of the adjusted signals is increased. The high-power signals then cause the speaker to vibrate. The vibrating cone of the speaker causes it to emit sound. Because the signals have been adjusted by the car audio equalizer, all of the sounds coming from the speakers will be heard by the humans riding in the car with that car audio system. (No doubt, dogs in the car would hear those same sounds.)


How To Install Your Car Stereo

What you will need:

1. A Phillips screw driver
2. Panel tools
3. Pick tools
4. Drop light
5. Wire ties
6. Electrical tape
7. Wire cutters
8. Crimpers
9. Drop cloths

Note: Remove the old stereo before you begin!

More Notes:

You will need to disconnect your battery because you do not want to lose power when you are installing the speakers. It can also prevent injury in the process.

Take out all the hardware that came in the box.

You will need to disassemble your factory speakers. Instructions for dissembling your factory speakers should come in the manual that came with your car. If you do not find this manual, I would suggest calling the manufacturing.

Steps:

o To start, you will need the flat head screwdriver. With this tool you can unscrew your old screws that are holding up your old factory speakers.
o You will need to pull the wires from the cigarette lighter. It will help you install the other speakers.
o Connect the wire to the cigarette lighter.
o You will need to turn on the ignition and then select the wire that is underneath the dash.
o Stick the light tester into the ignition source. Light should turn on.
o Now you will need to look for the electrical lead that is coming from the stereo. This lead powers one of the stereos. You will then wrap the lead with a black electric tape so that it does not touch the metal surface.


Why Upgrade Your Car Speaker System?

In the 21st Century, few people remain unaware of the need for seeking the latest upgrade for a personal computer. Yet some people still lack an appreciation of the fact that computers are everywhere. Any car owner who has a car speaker system has a computer inside of that system.

Like the computer programs that control a personal computer, the programs inside of a car speaker system control that device. Those programs are found in the drive. Often an upgrade to the car speaker system provides the car owner with high frequency drivers. That fact represents one of the reasons why one should upgrade a car speaker system.

A full appreciation of the importance of upgrading a car speaker system comes most readily to anyone who understands the role of the transducer. The transducer, i.e. the car speaker in a car audio system, carries out the important energy conversion. The transducer converts the electrical energy in the system wires into the sound energy that the car passengers want to hear.

The conversion of electrical energy into another form of energy requires use of magnets. When a car’s transducer contains strong magnets, then that car speaker system will have a powerful car speaker. The strong magnets easily pick-up all of the electrical signals and convert them into a strong and audible sound. When a car owner upgrades the car speaker system, then the car owner can request stronger magnets in the system’s transducer.

Now review again the role of the car speaker. The transducer converts the electrical energy into sound energy. Using the speaker cone, the car speaker sends that sound energy out into the air. In other words the speaker produces the sound. In light of the importance of the car speaker system, the car owner should hesitate to question the need for a regular upgrading of that car speaker system.

By the same token no car owner should push for a fast and haphazard upgrade of the car speaker system. The speakers need to be paired with either a receiver or an amplifier. Therefore the individual performing the upgrade must make sure that any new speakers have a power rating that matches with either the receiver or the amplifier.


Thursday, September 21, 2006

Why Upgrade Your Car Speaker System?

In the 21st Century, few people remain unaware of the need for seeking the latest upgrade for a personal computer. Yet some people still lack an appreciation of the fact that computers are everywhere. Any car owner who has a car speaker system has a computer inside of that system.

Like the computer programs that control a personal computer, the programs inside of a car speaker system control that device. Those programs are found in the drive. Often an upgrade to the car speaker system provides the car owner with high frequency drivers. That fact represents one of the reasons why one should upgrade a car speaker system.

A full appreciation of the importance of upgrading a car speaker system comes most readily to anyone who understands the role of the transducer. The transducer, i.e. the car speaker in a car audio system, carries out the important energy conversion. The transducer converts the electrical energy in the system wires into the sound energy that the car passengers want to hear.

The conversion of electrical energy into another form of energy requires use of magnets. When a car’s transducer contains strong magnets, then that car speaker system will have a powerful car speaker. The strong magnets easily pick-up all of the electrical signals and convert them into a strong and audible sound. When a car owner upgrades the car speaker system, then the car owner can request stronger magnets in the system’s transducer.

Now review again the role of the car speaker. The transducer converts the electrical energy into sound energy. Using the speaker cone, the car speaker sends that sound energy out into the air. In other words the speaker produces the sound. In light of the importance of the car speaker system, the car owner should hesitate to question the need for a regular upgrading of that car speaker system.

By the same token no car owner should push for a fast and haphazard upgrade of the car speaker system. The speakers need to be paired with either a receiver or an amplifier. Therefore the individual performing the upgrade must make sure that any new speakers have a power rating that matches with either the receiver or the amplifier.


Take the Scare out of Auto Repair

1. How to choose a repair shop. What you should look for when choosing a repair shop

Ask for a recommendation from friends, family, and anyone else you really trust. Look for a repair shop before you need one so you are not rushed at the last minute to find one.

Use the telephone, shop around by phone to compare prices and Warranty policies on the repair to find your best deal.

Ask to see their current licenses if local and/or state law requires shops to be licensed or registered. Also your state Attorney General office or local consumer protection agency, BBB and Chamber of Commerce may know if there are a record of complaints against a particular shop.

If you have an Extended Warranty Contract and intend to use it present it to the shop to make sure it will be honored before any work is started.

2. How To Find The Right Automotive Technician. And is one automotive technician better than another.

Look for shops that display various certifications of their technicians, like an ASE certification seal. Certification indicates that some or all of the technicians meet a basic standard of knowledge and experience in a specific technical area, if the certification states the tech is a Master certified tech that means the tech has passed tests and meets the standard for all areas of repair.

Also make sure that the certifications are all current as the mechanics have to be re tested every few years to make sure they stay up to date with changing technology, but remember just because the shop is certified does not always guarantee good or honest work. This is where investigating the shop/techs will pay off.

And make sure you ask the shop/mechanic if they have experience working on the make/model of your vehicle as some shops may not have the experience working on your import if the specialize in domestic cars and vise versa.

3. Unlocking the Mystery of Repair Charges

Before arranging to have any work done to your car, ask what the shops pricing policy is. Some shops charge a flat rate for labor on vehicle repair. The rate is based on an independent or manufacturer estimate of the time required to complete a repair. Some shops will charge actual time the tech works on the vehicle. Most shops use the flat rate system and this is usually the best for the customer as there is no wiggle room for the tech to "make time" on a repair.

If you need an expensive repair or a complicated repair or if you question the required repair, consider getting a second opinion. Just think of it as going to a doctor for major surgery and you want to make sure the doctor is right.

Find out if there is a diagnostic charge if you decide to take the vehicle some where else for the repair. Many shops will charge you for diagnosis time if you have repairs done or not, most will deduct it from repair bill if work done at their shop.

Where ever you get the repairs done, make sure you ask for a written estimate and the written estimate should include the following: It should state what is being repaired, the parts and parts cost needed and the labor cost for the repair. Make sure you get a signed copy before you leave the shop.

Also the Repair Order should state that the shop will contact you before they do any extra repair or time that exceeds the original estimate. State law requires this. In most states shops can only charge up to $25.00 over estimate on repair before contacting you. Most honest shops will contact you first before doing adding any excess charges.

Make sure you know about parts that are to be repaired or replaced, parts are classified as:

New-These parts are made to original manufacturer specification either by the vehicle manufacturer or and independent company, such as NAPA etc. Prices will vary from Original Manufacturer original equipment or an after market manufacturer and you should be informed of what is used or decided which you want replace on your vehicle.

Re-manufactured, rebuilt or reconditioned.-All three of these terms generally mean the same thing. It means the respective part has been restored to original working condition. Most of these parts will have standard warranty on them from 30 days to a lifetime depending or the part and reman. company. Usealy this includes just the part and not labor to replace it.

Salvage-These are used parts taken from another vehicle without any alteration from vehicles in a salvage yard. These parts carry a 30 day guarantee depending on the part and salvage yard. Most electrical parts from a salvage yard is bought as is.

After the repair is completed make sure you get the completed repair order showing work done and parts replaced. It should list the repair , parts used, cost of parts and cost of labor. Make sure you check the odometer from when you brought the vehicle in and when you pick it up, there should not be any difference in the miles unless a road test was needed after the repair to make sure everything was working properly. Ask to see all the replaced parts, you are entitled to take them with you if you want with the exception of a part that was replaced and needs to have the old part returned as a core. The shop is charged a core charge for the old part until it is returned to Parts store, if you want to take this part you can if you pay the core charge. Sometimes these are very high depending on the part as they are sent back to a rebuilder to be reconditioned, large parts (transmissions, engines etc.) and electrical parts are most expensive.

I will be adding additional articles on this and other Automotive subjects, so if you found this interesting and informative go to www.jtcbiz.com and click on the Article button bottom left to read more CarFacts and information. While you are at www.jtcbiz.com check out the other information there.


Thoughts on a Challenging Custom Car Audio Job

Could a car owner have custom car audio added to a vehicle with “lambo doors”? That question has popped into the head of a freelance writer in California. The writer has previously witnessed all of the operations involved in the process of adding custom car audio to a Jeep Cherokee. Now she has learned that car owners are being encouraged to get Lamborghini-like doors.

That freelance writer hesitates to imagine what she may next find in her driveway. In November of 2005 the writer found two young adult males using her driveway as the site for the addition of custom car audio. One of those two lads had taken a course on auto mechanics with the former instructor at Culver City High School, a school close to Sony studios. He had agreed to share his knowledge with the writer’s son. Hence, the two of them had commenced the long process required to complete a custom car audio job.

At one point the writer’s son called to his mother and invited her to come outside and to see for herself what her son and his friend were doing. What that writer saw was two car doors with the “stuffing” pulled out of them. The quest for a custom car audio system had led those two young men to place speakers in the doors of the Jeep Cherokee.

The two “stereo specialists” did not show the writer how they had wired the speakers to the power source and to the amplifier. Their failure to grant the writer a look at their wiring operations has caused that writer to now ponder on a particular question: Could a vehicle with car speakers in the doors also have “lambo doors”? In other words, could a car owner who enjoyed the sound delivered by custom car audio logically expect to add “lambo doors” to that same car?

The writer has seen pictures that show how the “lambo doors” swing upward, instead of swinging out. Wiring speakers into such doors would seem to present a real challenge. Could one have custom car audio in a car with such doors? One writer in California wants to know.


Wednesday, September 20, 2006

How to Install Car Speakers

All cars have their own unique type of car speaker installation issues although installing speakers is a relatively simple process. Most speaker installations can be finished in about an hour or less. The intricacy of the installation will vary depending on the vehicle. And again, depending on the vehicle, speakers may be installed in the dash, doors, or rear deck.

Most importantly, remember that safety should be considered when installing speakers. Damage can be caused by not installing speakers properly – this can impose added cost and even possible injury. Protection for hearing/vision should be used as necessary.

Here are fundamental steps to consider for installing speakers. Remember, some vehicles may require extra steps. Although the location of the speakers in your vehicle may vary from the mounting locations noted here, the method should be comparable.

For installation of dash and door speakers, you will need to ascertain if the vehicle has speaker grilles that are removable. If they can be removed, take the grilles off utilizing the appropriate tools, remove the screws holding the speaker in, disconnect the speaker harness that was attached to the speaker, connect the speaker harness to the new speaker, plug the speaker harness which is connected to the new speaker to the harness in the car, set the speaker in the opening and reinstall it using the screws for mounting, replace the grille and repeat with the other speaker. If installing speakers in the door, make certain the depth of the speaker will not interfere with the window operation after installation.

If the grilles cannot be removed, the dash pads or possibly the door panel will have to be removed. Be sure to keep an eye on any screws/clips removed should this be the case. Next follow the same steps shown above except you will need to reinstall the dash pads/door panel. If removing the door panel, be aware that screws can be mounted in the armrest or inside the door latch space and may be behind the trim panels. After all the screws are removed from the panel, raise it up so you can disconnect any wiring harnesses.

If installing rear deck speakers, you must determine if the speakers are top-mounted or bottom-mounted as this will determine your steps. If top-mounted, remove the grilles, remove the screws holding the speaker in, disconnect the speaker harness, connect the harness to the new speaker, plug in the harness connected to the speaker to the vehicle side of the harness, place the new speaker in the opening and mount with the screws, replace the grille and repeat with the other speaker.

If the speakers are bottom-mounted, reach in the trunk and remove the screws mounting the speaker. Then follow the same basic steps as above.

Eventually, you’d have to turn on the radio and check the operation of the new speakers.


Should I Buy Used Car Audio?

Thanks to modern electronics, we now have, more than ever, multiple options for buying an audio system for our car. We only need to go to an electronics store like Best Buy or Circuit City and find tons of options. Or check the web. There are so many brands to choose from that it may drive you nuts.

So, today it isn’t about what should you buy, but how much money do you have to invest in my car audio. It’s a complex balance between what do you want and what can you really afford, especially if you are an enthusiast of these babies.

Let’s say that you have five hundred dollars. That let’s you buy a decent receiver, an amplifier and a nice set of 4-way speakers. But reality says that you want more. Ok, you may buy this basic kit and save some more money until you have enough dollars to go for a subwoofer or a couple of tweeters with a dedicated amp. The thing is that you may not want to wait one or two years for it.

In that case, you should consider buying an used car audio system. For some men it may be considered as a sacrilege. After all, an audio system is considered by many of us as a physical manifestation of ourselves. It is the mean to make the world know what kind of music we hear.

But relax. You don’t need to be such an extremist with used car audio. First things first. Look for some prices. One of the first places to look on is Ebay. You may find a good price on a complete used car audio kit. Another option is retail stores. Some years ago I found a complete kit: receiver, speakers and amplifiers for 60% of the price. Why? Because the guy who bought it didn’t like how it sounded and spent more money on a more sophisticated system. But for me it was more than enough. This guy’s bad choice was my bliss.

You can also check the classified ads in the newspaper. You will find lot’s of local sellers looking for buyers for their used car audio. Electronics advances very quickly and consumers are so eager to use new technologies, that you will not find a shortage of them.

Finally, try your friends. Maybe they were already considering selling their system but needed a final push to do it. Ask those that have a good sounding system and check how much the same equipment would cost at a store.

At the end, it doesn’t matter which source of used car audio you use, the thing is that you find yourself comfortable with the deal you have made. Not only on the bucks you have saved, but also feeling that your second hand system does sound good after all.


Car Audio - What To Know Before You Buy Used Car Audio Systems

If you are looking for a car audio system and would love to save a little money when purchasing, you should consider buying a used system. Many people think you can only get quality sound from new equipment, but that is not true. You can find great packages that are sold directly from another consumer if you know what you are looking for. There are a few things to remember before making a purchase however. If you are considering buying a used system, think about these things before you throw down any cash.

The first thing to consider is what you need. You should always be aware of what your automobile can handle before purchasing a used system. When you go to a store to purchase new equipment, the salesperson usually assists you on knowing what you need. When you are purchasing from a consumer however, you may not be getting correct information. Since most consumers won’t offer a refund policy, you will need to know that the equipment will work on your car before buying it.

The best way to figure out what you need is to go your research. Go to a salesperson or a audio specialist and ask them about the specific equipment you are looking at. Ask them if it will work in your car. You may even have to let them inspect your car, but they can likely tell you whether or not it will work over the phone. After you know that the equipment will work for your car, you will need to make sure the equipment works as it should. Ask to test the equipment, if it is not in a car at the time.

If you cannot test the equipment, you might not want to purchase it. Even though someone might tell you it works fine, they may not be as honest as you would like to think. Most sellers are honest, but there are a few who will try to trick you and you don’t want to be their next victim. So, be sure that you know what you need for your current automobile and be sure the car audio system you are looking at is still usable. If you do these two things, you will be able to save yourself a lot of money by purchasing used quality equipment. It is always great to save money, but you only want to purchase used equipment that will work for you. If you don’t, then you really haven’t saved anything at all.


Tuesday, September 19, 2006

In-Car DVD Players are Hot Commodities

One of the hottest consumer commodities at the moment is the DVD. And now the DVD player is set to makes inroads into the automobile accessory market as more and more manufacturers release their new models. It might appear like an unnecessary luxury to many, but for those of us who have children and have experienced a long road trip with them, a DVD player in the car is almost a necessity. There is nothing like a good movie to distract the kids from the boredom of a long journey.

There are quite a few choices in the car DVD category. They range from the budget portable players to high end in-dash models complete with Satellite radio. Your choices will be likely dictated not only by cost, the type of vehicle you own but also how much control you want over the viewing.

The choices for in-car DVD players include:

In-car DVD players can be lifesavers on long trips. As we've all experienced before, on such trips games such as "I spy" can only go for so long before your kids become bored. By adding a DVD player into mix, you give yourself an option to distract the kids on those long journeys and perhaps give you time to relax a little during the journe

Mobile Phones Have Become An Integral Part Of Our Lives

There has been a considerable increase in the use of mobile communication over the past few years. This development is expected to carry on in the near future with the new and different technologies being introduced every day.

Mobile phones have become a vital element of out lives these days. Nowadays, virtually everyone carries a mobile phone, including the young children. We can not even think of living without mobile phones. Mobile technology has altered our lives. It has evolved immensely since its inception days and now provides us with diverse ways of communication along with entertainment. With the latest java games, wallpapers, polyphonic ring tones, Bluetooth mobile technology, picture messaging, you can never feel bored.

Now one can see television programs on mobile phones any time, anywhere. We can also transmit emails, SMS, make plans for meeting, and take snaps all with the help of our mobile phones. In conjunction with the advancement of mobile technologies has come the development of mobile contents.

Mobile phones have evolved as an all rounded tools that provide us an easy, uninterrupted access to information, entertainment, communication etc. and that too when, where and how we want it, no matter what the device, service, network of location is.

Mobiles can today be used for not only making phone calls, but also for taking and sharing photos and video, playing music, and sending text messages. Today, mobile phone is a telecommunication and multimedia device.


Car Stereo Installations

The installation kits and guides for car stereo systems are handy and helpful not only for beginners but also for those who want to try their hand in doing small repairs or remodeling.

Installation may mean adding new features or replacing the stock audio system. You can customize the stock audio system of your car by replacing the stereo, speakers and amplifier with those of your choice.

Before actually starting the installation task, double-check that you are in ready possession of the needed tools, like screwdrivers, wire stripper, crimper, wiring ties, butt splices, the dash bit, etc. In some cases, you may require an antenna adapter. These are readily available with your stereo retailer.

The best way to install your car speakers, stereos, amplifiers etc is to follow the instructions given in the instruction manual. Every car has a specific model of audio system. So, plan what best you can install in your vehicle.

In most cars, the front speakers are preferably round, while the rear speakers are oval. It is better if you choose to retain same stock location for speakers, to avoid breaking the door panel or the retaining dips in case of removing speakers installed in doors.

Basically, car stereo installation includes radio installation, front speaker, rear end speaker installation and the selection of equipment.

You can upgrade your car stereo system and install equipment with better features. For example, you can choose a head unit with remote control and a rigid face.

The head unit is the mostly likely part that is upgraded whenever there is any new arrival in the market. After all, the speakers and stereos determine the quality of sound produced.

Some of the other components which are upgraded in a high-end car stereo are amplifiers, alternators, cables, audio processors, woofer enclosure, equalizers, DVD, navigation etc.

You need to constantly upgrade the alternators according to your vehicle’s current capability in terms of the electrical system. If you want to install very large audio systems in your car, then you may need loads of batteries to control fluctuations in current flow and thereby enjoy your favorite music for longer periods. You would not run out of power.

In the US, to assist you in high-end or custom car stereo installations, there are a couple of learning centers, namely The Syntec Technical School and Mobile Dynamics.

If music is your passion, then install an audio system perfectly suited to your car and listen to your favorite music endlessly.


Monday, September 18, 2006

How To Ipod Your Car

If you like to ipod your car - pump music on your ipod through your car stereo system - apart from changing to a brand new car that has ipod integration such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan and Volvo - there are other options available to you.

If your car does not have the ipod connectivity, the solution to ipod your car is to install an ipod adaptor.

An ipod adaptor retailed by companies such as Peripheral and Monster can be installed within the cavern of wires behind your car dashboard, with one prong from adaptor going to the back of your stereo while another prong goes to a ipod holder near the front seats of the car.

The ipod adaptor works like an emulator and tricks the stereo to think it is a CD changer, so that you can use the track buttons on the stereo faceplate to select songs of your choice.

Installing an ipod changer might be difficult for the non-mechanical inclined, and the services of a trained mechanic might be easier.

If your car is too old, the factory installed stereo might not be suitable for ipod integration. For such cars, it is advisable to install a new player from manufacturers such as Alpine, Kenwood and Pioneer.

If sound quality is important to you, the use of ipod cassete adaptors is not recommended as the sound quality is not good enough, and more importantly they do not recharge the ipod's battery.

Yet another solution is to use a FM modulator that can produce better sound, and can recharge the batteries, but cannot be directly controlled from the radio.

With these drawbacks, the ipod cassete adaptor and the FM modulator are not the best options, and it is still the ipod adaptor that is recommended.

To facilitate your personal research and to find out what ipod integration is necessary for the model of your car, there are online catalogues from car audio online websites such as that from Crutchfield.com

So your first step is to determine the ipod integration requirements for your car and get the suitable adaptor. Before long, you can be pumping your ipod tracks through your car stereo and enjoying your favorite songs.


GPS System Reviews

When we say “GPS system review”, we are basically dealing with a wide range of topics. This is for the fact that there are so many GPS system reviews online and most of those GPS system reviews not only tackled one specific subject of interest but ranges from the GPS handheld receivers to in car navigation GPS system reviews and other notable GPS systems or devices that the people used today.

So to tackle that matter, I would rather present the general nature of the noted GPS system reviews online with a general focus on the overall concept of the GPS receivers since the GPS receivers are the best purchased and widely used today.

In some of the GPS system reviews many noted that the use of a GPS system will lead you to a right place. Of course we all know that knowing where you are and where you are going is one of the important things in life and as such, the use of GPS system is necessary to make you identify easily and quickly your destination.

For that fact, many of the GPS system reviews considered that a GPS receiver, for that matter, is just a simple tool that will need the company of a map and a compass. The GPS system reviews well-noted the simple act of purchasing a GPS unit and head for the unfamiliar country for some adventures is not a good action without the aid of the map and a compass. With such claims in most of the GPS system reviews, the GPS companies were encouraged to design their advanced GPS receivers with the accompaniment of map and with the ability of a compass.

In line with that matter, among the many topics discussed in most GPS system reviews are the GPS receivers such as the Lowrance GlobalMap/-E 100, Magellan Pioneer, Magellan 2000XL, Magellan tracker, and the Eagle Explorer. With such topics, the GPS system reviews mainly tackled some of the issues surrounding those certain receivers. And also the GPS system reviews handled some answers to the questions regarding the effectiveness of those GPS receivers that are mostly mentioned in most of the GPS system reviews.

Lastly, some of those GPS system reviews that tackled those above mentioned GPS receivers usually discuss the main functions and compositions of those GPS receivers. Also, as a GPS system review, just like some of the reviews, generally present both sides of the argument, whether those GPS receivers that are commonly mentioned in GPS system reviews are effective or not. With that alone, the GPS system reviews aid the people in their decisions and choices.


Choosing a Car Stereo

Choosing a car stereo can be a complicated and difficult task, especially for individuals with little knowledge on the subject. This process requires extensive research in order to determine you are receiving the best deal possible. Before going to a car stereo dealer, you may want to review and understand all the components of a car stereo. This way, you can personally choose which components you would like for your car. The following is a list of the basic components of a car stereo:

1. Decks - Car stereos cannot function without a deck. A deck constitutes any piece of equipment ranging from cassette decks and CD players to MP3s and mini discs. The deck is considered the glue that holds the car stereo together. The deck controls the overall output of the sound and allows you to control the music being played. All car stereo decks have a minimum 4-channel output for your speakers. If you want more power than what your speakers alone can hold, you may want to consider purchasing an amplifier.

2. Amplifiers – Amplifiers provide the power needed to blast the music in your car. The more powerful your amplifier is, the louder the sound system is going to be. An amplifier can have anywhere from 1 to 7 channels. The number of channels in your amplifier is the number of speakers you can hookup in a series circuit.

3. Speakers – Speakers are where the sound from the stereo is emitted. Different types of speakers are designed to produce different frequencies. Higher frequencies provide the capacity for more sound and produce a higher level sound as well. The efficiency of the speakers is what will determine how far the sound will travel. If you want the sound to travel far, you will need speakers with a higher frequency.

4. Subwoofers – Every high-tech car stereo system should have a subwoofer. Subwoofers complete the sound by providing high efficiency of low frequencies, through the bass. In other words, the subwoofer is the piece of equipment which makes the car vibrate. A subwoofer needs to be enclosed in either a box or possibly the trunk of your vehicle. Keep this is mind when budgeting the cost of your stereo system.

Now that you know the basics of how everything operates, you can ask informed questions as to which components you should have in your car.


Wholesale Car Audio

Car audio systems are one of the most wanted luxury items today. And many of us try to look for the cheapest options available. Any product is marketed through a chain of manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and customers. You can get wholesale rates if the retailer is skipped. But in most cases, car audio systems are supplied only through retailers. Getting car audio systems at discounted prices is convenient with online shopping, auctions, dealer discounts and used products. But authentic car audio systems on wholesale basis can be tricky to find.

There are online wholesale clubs which provide people with information on wholesale deals but the authenticity of products can be questionable. A lot of effort and research is required to locate wholesale sources for car audio systems. Some wholesalers sell new audio systems, some market secondhand systems and a few also auction for bulk deals.

Some manufacturers with wholesale units also set up their own retail outlets. This way the customer gets a lower price and the manufacturer enjoys higher profits, as everything is done in-house.

Price is certainly a factor to consider, but source is as important. It is better to verify the source from the manufacturer. Unauthorized dealers may not give a full warranty. Many reputable car audio manufacturers do not allow Internet sales. Nonetheless, we find all brands and models, which may just be gray market items. The seller might not even know that serial numbers have been tampered with, which makes the manufacturer’s warranty void. Such problems are hard to deal with and trace back if needed.

Do an Internet search on wholesale car audio systems, and hundreds of sites appear claiming to be wholesalers. But most reviews say that the prices are at par with retail. So if you think that you have found a good wholesale deal, beware and check it out before making your final payment.


Adding Mobile Video Installations to Your Detail Shop Services

If you own an auto detailing shop and you are looking for additional revenues perhaps you should add mobile video installation, as that is the new hot thing in the market. By adding mobile video installations and XM Radio you will meet new clientele who spend a lot of money on their cars and care about them.

If you can allow one bay of your detail shop to do mobile electronics installations such as mobile video installations you will find that these customers will also be great detailing customers and the kind of people who will refer you by word-of-mouth advertising to increase your referral rate.

Mobile video installations are getting to be very easy because many of the mobile video systems are mounted inside the back of the headrest and it is only a matter of matching the headrest and putting it into place and then wiring the system. It is not difficult to find people who were able to put in video systems in cars because the systems are much like stereo systems and audio systems.

Mobile video installations are good because you can charge a lot of money to do them and the type of clientele, which usually installs the systems has money to spend for other services. It is a good complementary business to add and it therefore makes sense to consider mobile video installations as another service to your auto detailing shop. Please consider this in 2006.


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