The overwhelming number of audio choices from Car Audio Fort Lauderdale FL can make the average consumer’s head spin. This five-part series, “Understanding Car Audio Systems,” will give you a grasp on the basics of today’s multifaceted “infotainment” systems.
In recent years, automakers have really stepped up their game with their original equipment manufacturer (OEM) systems. But no matter how complex it is, every car audio system consists of three main components. The first is the radio or “head unit” that controls the entire system and generates the audio signal. The second is an amplifier that increases the strength of the audio signal so that it can drive the third component, and the speakers that reproduce the sound.
Figuring out what you need from Car Audio Fort Lauderdale FL
The “ideal” car audio system is not necessarily the loudest one, or the most expensive one. It’s the one that best meets your needs. So, the first step is to figure out what your needs are. Start off by asking yourself: what is the one thing you want your new car stereo to do for you? If you don’t come up with an answer right away, then start by taking a look at your current system.
What type of car stereo system do you have now?
How does the sound of your current system make you feel? Do you find yourself tapping your foot or drumming your fingers on the steering wheel? Does a funky rhythm section get you smiling? Does a blues guitar solo send shivers down your back?
No? Then is the sound flat, dull, tinny, or wimpy? You’re probably listening to a car radio that’s struggling to drive flimsy, old factory speakers. The good news is that you have a lot of options to choose from Car Audio Fort Lauderdale FL when replacing the various components in your audio system.
Car Audio Amplifiers
The purpose of a car audio amplifier is to take a low level signal from the source unit (head unit, radio, etc.) and change it into a high level signal for driving the loudspeakers. Amplifiers range in power from about twenty watts per channel to over one thousand watts per channel. The price range can be anywhere from fifty dollars to several thousand dollars depending on features, power output and quality. An amplifier may have as little as one channel of output to as many as eight channels of outputs. The most common amplifiers are two and four channel models although mono subwoofer amplifiers are also very popular, especially the class D type.
Building a car stereo system can be a challenging project because speakers and components are designed for specific vehicles. Working in tight spaces can also be difficult. You can rebuild the entire system or replace components in stages starting with speakers, the most important part of a good system.
• Car Stereo Speakers
Like home audio, speakers are the most important part of a car audio system. Speaker type, size and shape, mounting location and power requirements are important considerations for a car audio system. First, find out which speakers will fit in your car. Consider front, center and rear speakers for a complete system. With some speakers, an enclosure will be needed.
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).
The most basic automotive speakers are designed to be “full range” to cover the entire frequency range. But by trying to cover the entire frequency spectrum, bass response is generally nonexistent and higher frequencies are dull. You can get more accurate sound reproduction by using an assortment of speakers dedicated to reproducing a smaller range of sound.
Car Audio Fort Lauderdale FL has various Audio Systems which includes – Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood, JVC, JBL, Powerbase, Infinity and more.