The term “car audio” is an umbrella term describing the sound system fitted to an automobile. Somewhat different but quite similar is the “stock car audio system,” which refers to a system specified by the manufacturer when the car rolled off the assembly lines. At its extremes, the installation of custom car audio can involve anything from the upgrade of a radio to the radical full-blown customization of a vehicle around its audio equipment to include features such as car stereo CD changers.
A head unit usually consists of a combination of a radio, tape player, or CD/DVD player. Newer head units are now emphasizing on digital music support (MP3, WMA, and AAC formats) and USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
CD players/ CD recorders have become standard inclusions in most modern vehicles, with the option to add a CD changer, which holds multiple CDs either in the main unit or in the trunk or console. The most common types of CD changers are External Cartridge, Internal Cartridge and Carousel CD changers.
Stereophonic sound is commonly referred to as stereo and it is the reproduction of sound wherein two or more independent audio channels are used to create the same effect as hearing natural sound heard from different directions, same as that heard in natural hearing. Car audio stereos usually employ 2-channel sound recording and sound reproduction using data for more than one speaker at the same time.
Before stereo radio, speakers were often located in the middle of the dashboard through perforations pointed at the front windshield. When stereo systems became available, car audio speakers came to be located in doors and in the rear of the vehicle in parcel shelves. In modern cars, kick panel enclosures are used for high-end and competition stereo systems and allow for larger drivers and better driver placement.
To drive the speakers you got to have an amplifier. This gives power to the music you are listening. A good car audio speaker system must have an amplifier, which is its very important component. Be sure that the total handling capacity of the speaker which is connected to the amplifier is greater than the power amplifier.
Car audio is a sound system fitted in a car. The car manufacturer fits the basic system whereas the owner can fit and customized system of minor/major changes including car stereo CD changers installation. Head units refer to radio/tape/CD/DVD Player and with recent developments CD players are provided with WMA/MP3/AAC/USB/Bluetooth/Wi-Fi. CD Changer holds multiple CDs and facilitates continuous viewing. They can be External/Internal Cartridge or Carousel type. Car audio stereos use two channels to reproduce sounds with directional effect. The car audio speakers are positioned in doors/rear parcel shelves. A good car audio speaker system must have an amplifier and the speaker’s capacity should be higher than amplifier.