Archive for January, 2011

Car Audio Systems – Top 5 Factors

January 27th, 2011

When buying car audio systems there are many factors to consider such as the subwoofer quality or the watts output of the speakers. Having a in-dash stereo system for music or general radio is common practice with all cars. This way you can listen to whatever you want when you are stuck in traffic jams behind the steering wheel for hours.

Its an important car part

When purchasing any car part you have a list of factors that you consider which usually involves comparing the cost against the performance of the component. This is no different from buying entertainment equipment. If you are not clued up on buying portable entertainment equipment which aims to mimic the quality of home theater systems then read on for my top 5 factors to consider when buying car audio systems.

Factor 1 – Free ipods and mp3 player

There is no such thing as free bonuses when it comes to buying multiple items at once. What I mean by this is when you buy say a radio for the car and get a free ipod or mp3 player then you need look at the competitive price of the car radio. What I mean by that is the price of the radio might have been increased to allow a free ipod or mp3 player to be added as a bundle.

Factor 2 – Quality of electrical equipment is usually price specific

Usually if something sound to good to be true then you need to research it very well to make sure there are no hidden drawbacks. Car audio systems usually increase in quality as the price increases just like almost any other electrical product on the market. If you do however see a good deal then which might include a complimentary digital photo frame then home theater components then do not be hesitant to take advantage of it.

Factor 3 – Pioneer and Bose are the way to go over no names

Go for the big brands and you will have piece of mind. The big car audio systems brands such as Pioneer and Bose do not release music equipment unless it has been extensively tested and is guaranteed to work to high quality levels for a long period of time. This is the case because they want to protect they’re brand image by always satisfying their customers.

Factor 4 – Audio speakers and subwoofers

The quality of music that is electronically produced is always limited by the speakers or subwoofers and car audio systems are no different from this. For cars it is best to have a surround sound setup with multiple speakers so that all passengers can get a good music experience, not just the driver.

Factor 5 – Modern or old?

How modern your theater in a box is will depend on the brand of the product. Some companies like to update their interfaces which the latest touchscreen technology whereas others concentrate on the fundamentals of high quality audio output via a simple in dash car setup.

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Assemble Your Car Audio System

January 25th, 2011

For passionate car lovers who have an ear for music, getting a good car audio system for the vehicle of their choice is like the best thing under the sun. They can soothe their senses while on the drive and forget the rest of the word. While modern cars nowadays come with sophisticated in-built car stereo systems, most car owners still prefer to go their own way and get the car music systems fitted separately once they have the vehicle with them.

Building or assembling a car stereo system can be quite a challenging job if you are not too much into gadgets and technicalities. This is because audio speakers and stereo system components are designed specifically for a certain type of vehicle. The space constraint inside a car also makes things difficult for anyone at work. So, what you can do is, assemble the entire audio system in stages. Start with the speakers, the most important part of the music system, and then proceed to assemble other parts. Here are some tips on how to go about the whole process:

- Type of speaker, its shape and size, location- where it is to be mounted and power requirements are the topmost considerations for building a car audio system. First, find out which audio system speakers fit best in your car. Consider speakers for all the sides- front, center and rear for a complete stereo system. Then, match the power output of the system amplifiers or head units to the power handling capacity of the audio system speakers.

- Car stereo sub-woofers are more power consuming than other audio speakers and require an enclosure unlike other speakers when installed in a car. So, you can get an enclosure custom made for your car to serve the purpose.

- Most car stereo system head units come with built-in amplifiers, but it is the external amplifiers with more power, that make a better car stereo system accessory, because you can easily adjust the bass level, mid-range and higher frequencies in them- all separately for a balanced stereo system.

- For system head units and car stereo receivers, use your existing in-dash head unit. You can also replace the existing one with a new component for a revamped car music system.

Patience is the most important thing that you need to build a car stereo system. If you have it, go for it, otherwise, opt for a professional to do up your car with a ravishing car audio system.

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A Custom Car Audio Box is a Good Opportunity to Add Your Personal Touch

January 23rd, 2011

A custom car audio box is necessary in a vehicle to protect the system and to provide a good clean space. You can have boxes for speakers and subwoofers. For the subwoofers there are very many types of box enclosures and they include a sealed enclosure. Here, the subwoofer is completely sealed in a box while isolated from the rear and front woofers. The advantages of this custom car audio box is that they need less space and they are easy to assemble. But, they have a low bass and less efficiency because they require more amplifier power. Ported or vented enclosures are more efficient but, their design is more complex than the sealed enclosures and they are much larger, requiring more space.

The more complex boxes are the reflex pass band enclosures and they are designed to bring more efficiency to the system. Another advantage is that they have a filtering characteristic which enhances its function. Some of its disadvantages are that is is very complex and very large. It also has decreased frequency power and a decreased power handling capacity. When building your own custom car audio box you must refer to the manufacturer to be given the right information about suitable boxes. If boxes are not compatible with the system, the sound will be of poor quality and sometimes one can ruin the functions of the system. You can find easy steps on the various sites to follow while building your own custom car audio box.

Firstly, your box must be very rigid and preferably made out of fiberglass. It might be difficult to work with fiberglass especially because you need some layers since you want it to be firm. Gluing and sealing all joints will make sure that your subwoofer makes the right noise. Leave your glue for at least 24 hours for it to cure well. You need screws to hold the screw joints together and they need to be as firm as possible. A box for each subwoofer may not be always common but it can be necessary. This is just in case one subwoofer collapses, if you have only one box for two, the noises can get out of control. You can get the steps to build ports from your manuals. Follow each step carefully so that you can achieve your desired results.

When you are done bracing, it is good to put a damping material inside the box to increase the efficiency of the subwoofer. While on the finishing touches, you will need to apply paint and do not forget to use primer under the paint. A carpet or padding will be necessary as well as applying adhesive to box and carpet. The volume of a box should be calculated properly and if you need additional help, there are sites that provide that information and more. When you are done, it is time to test the box and if it is okay, you should be pleased with the results of your custom car audio box.

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Choosing A Car Audio System

January 21st, 2011

ar audio system, in modern world, has become more of a symbol of status than of entertainment and utility. Selection of them for your car can be as tough as buying clothes from a sales counter. In this case, at least a working knowledge on basic components of car system shall stand in good stead for the customer.

Deck, amplifiers, speakers and subwoofers are the essential ingredients of a car stereo system. A deck can range from simple cassette deck and CD player to hi-fi MP3 and mini disc gizmo. An amplifier, usually the symbol of power in the audio system, precisely, the power to blast, can have 1 to 7 channels. Fancy speakers will give the user enough mileage to hear and be heard. Subwoofers complement the low frequencies and bring forth the vibrations in a car that sets the rhythm in motion for the user.

Usually, most systems come with the facility of access to FM and AM radio. Different models of stereo can have multi channel mobile sound processors, digital media, navigation, steering wheel audio control adapter, etc. Acoustics must be adopted in the vehicle for maximum output from minimum input of the system. Also, it must be installed in the best possible manner for maximum audibility of the passengers and yet must not impinge on the guidelines set by motor vehicles authority.

Before zeroing in on one option, a user can easily shop via Internet from various service providers and settle for the best price. Here, quality and pricing will be complementary as it is a luxury item.

Also, the music system must be easy to handle and operate. As the user will mostly concentrate on driving while operating the system, cumbersome operations can create confusion and even disaster. Features of the audio system must also be compatible with the vehicle itself. A sleek car can do without a very big gadget, while larger vehicles can have added features in the stereo system.

Fitting the audio system into the car is an important consideration before you buy. Some service providers offer free services. Also, a user has to learn whether his motor insurance covers them as well.

If you are a new user, it is best to go for simple system, instead of the advanced and highly customized ones. Also, it is better to use cheaper systems in the car used especially for children, as they are prone to damage it by their persistent experimentation.

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How Custom Car Audio Pictures Can Influence Your Buying Decision

January 20th, 2011

Pictures do speak a thousand words and with so much said about custom car audio, pictures speak even more. They explore areas where text cannot effectively describe. Every model, techniques of installation and many other things can be clearly illustrated by pictures. Apart from displaying color and style, they show a certain kind of realism that can only be obtained by the custom audio pictures. While exploring sites that talk about custom car audio, you have to admit that the first thing that catches your eyes are the pictures and graphics. They provide that first hand information in its original form, as well as give you the opportunity to choose the object that pleases you. Pictures facilitate that honest interaction between a company and its clients because pictures do not lie.

Custom audio pictures of speakers, subwoofers, amplifiers, audio boxes and all other accessories can all be viewed in clear quality from most car audio web sites. You can be attracted to the quality and display. It is therefore very vital to consider the pictures that please you. Other sites post tiny pictures that cannot be viewed properly. They can be of poor quality and unattractive displays and you do not need any help to move to the next site. A good custom car audio picture must show you the actual features you are looking for. If the pictures are large, they must come with back up pictures for specific key parts and features. Some pictures are easily enlarged as you view them making your view much easier.

Some sites welcome custom car audio pictures from people who are crazy about the gadgets and systems. There are very many people who have found hobbies doing this. The most creative and thoughtful pictures are posted giving the person some publicity for the job well done. By giving such an opportunity to people, custom car audio companies get a chance to communicate with potential clients. They talk on the various items they have to offer and advise on the best car audio models to purchase. Some companies use these creative pictures to raise funds for the less fortunate and the sick. There is nothing better than having fun while raising money for charitable organizations. Others use celebrity custom car audio pictures to sensitize on the latest car audio models.

The most important use of these pictures is just to show the customer what is available in the market. Another reason is to attract a customer to consider buying a certain model. Many people buy on impulse because of the picture attraction. You have to keep your emotions in check and acquire a product in the right way. If you know you are going to regret buying a certain product, do not be deceived by the eyes. If you have no problem buying on speculation, the colorful and beautiful displays are for you. Make sure that the product you order is the one you viewed. Sometimes, some shady companies display flashy pictures of items that do not exist in their stores. It is very easy to be defrauded this way. Buy from a reputable store and avoid this. Custom car audio pictures will continue to play the role of inspiring and entertaining people.

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How to Go About Buying Alpine Car Audio Systems

January 20th, 2011

Alpine is a one stop shop for all your car audio systems needs. With very many products to choose from, you are sure to find what you need or want. The products include car AM and Fm radio tuner systems, car audio systems, car cassettes deck systems, car CD MP3 player systems, car CD player, Car DVD player monitor combo, car LCD monitors, car satellite radio receiver, car speakers, car stereo amplifiers, car stereo receivers, car subwoofer systems and in dash DVD player systems. In all these alpine car audio systems, the company has invested in state of the art technology to ensure that you have an experience like no other. Customers are writing positive reviews on these systems and they are worth checking out.

There are 371 items for car speaker systems to choose from. They include the new alpine SPR17C 6.5″. It will bring a whole new experience to the music in your car. Another one is the new alpine SPR-69C that comes with very high quality. All these systems are specially designed to enhance the music in your car. They are easily fitted if you know the size of your car. If you need to consult, there are guides available to ensure you get the right fit. The internet provides a wealth of information about these systems. You can also view them and compare prices. They come in competitive prices so you have to choose a system that best suits your budget. Never order until you have established the major details about the product.

Examples of amplifier systems you can get are PDX digital amplifiers, digital mono amplifiers, power amplifiers, theater amplifiers and many more. Bluetooth makes it safe to use mobile phones in the car. An example of a bluetooth that you can get is the alpine bluetooth KCE 300BT. With this alpine car audio systems, you will listen to your favorite tunes and take your call without lifting a finger from the wheel. Alpine CD changers are available at very competitive prices. On the internet, you will view all the latest versions and get to compare their prices. An example of an alpine CD changer with MP3 playback is the alpine CHA S634. Another one is the alpine CHM S630. You can study the features and decide on the one that will serve you best. More features usually mean more money.

There is a variety of radio cassettes. They include the alpine TDM 150 1R, alpine TDM 1501RM and others to choose from. Alpine has invested in a state of the art audio fitting center to cater for their customers. Alpine car audio systems have clearly surpassed many expectations and provided systems that meet the needs of their customers. One can always inquire about products they are not sure of. Know well the terms under which you are buying the products.

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You Should Be Able to Do Custom Car Audio Installs on Your Own

January 19th, 2011

Custom car audio installs can prove to be hectic at times and it is for this reason that many seek expert advise and sometimes experts to install for us our custom car audio. But when you are familiar with the guidelines, you are at a better place to master the process and eventually grasp what it takes to achieve a good custom car audio install. Firstly, a good workman must have the tools and equipment necessary. They include pliers, wire strippers, screwdrivers, wire clipper, electrical tapes and wire nuts. It is also wise to be in the proper protective clothing like work gowns and rubber gloves to make sure you are protected from all the hazards that involve the process. You can also wear goggles to protect your eyes from dust and other airborne particles.

To escape any costs that may come from removing your old system in a hurry, take your time and disconnect the wires systemically and methodically. Your new car audio will go in the same space and you need to prepare it for the new audio. Be very keen about the connectors and wires because they need to be in oder and after you are through, you can install your speaker. Connect the speakers using cables and make sure every positive and negative connections are in their right place. Follow manuals and other guides to the letter. If you are the kind of person that gets bored by too much text, there is no need to conduct a custom car audio install for yourself. Your undivided attention is the only way to produce good results.

It is wise to compare guides from one source to another. This is because you cannot be totally content with one angle. Bring variety and spice up your learning. You will discover both complex and simple steps and if something goes wrong, you know you can have different opinions to help you. Among the most asked questions in custom car audio installs are whether you have to cut wires while installing because it can easily affect your car warranty. The answer to this concern is that when you have a wiring harness with ISO connection, you can install your system directly into the wiring connector. You can also get a harness adapter to facilitate the process. An ISO connection simply means an international standard connection.

Other questions that you can get answers for are on how to fit a CD changer properly. If you have a question or even a suggestion, you can find friendly sites that will give you that information and more. To have excellent custom car audio installs really determines the quality of your car stereo sound. It is therefore a very important process to ensure you get your music the exact way you want it to be. An important aspect to read about is the caution segment.

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Thoughts on a Challenging Custom Car Audio Job

January 16th, 2011

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.

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Custom Car Audio

January 15th, 2011

Cars are always considered as a sign of luxury. This is a general belief that cars reflect our social status, our way of living and preferences. This status is reflected by a number of factors. There are people who firmly believe that exterior and interior decorations of the car reflects this status. On the other hand there are a people who believe that the items like custom car audio and other similar gadgets that can be installed in the machine to upgrade the performance, makes it unique in nature and reflects the standards easily.

Among all other additional accessories and gadgets that can be installed in a car, custom audio has its own value. There are lots of people who love music more than anything else and this love for music is also there when they are on road. This is why they always make sure that the custom car audio system that is installed inside the car is of the best quality so that it can ensure best performance.

Selecting a best quality custom car audio system is not always easy and takes a lot of time of the owner. To get this, we should have the best idea of our requirement and should know about the pros and cons of the installed system. We should also have clear idea about the price range of different parts and budget for the entire custom car audio system. Following are some of the important parts of a custom car audio system that can make it a memorable experience.

HEAD UNIT:- A custom audio system depends a lot on the Head Unit. This unit is responsible for sound re-production. So that we should ensure that this unit is manufactured by a reputed manufacturer and comes with proper warranty. Depending on the requirement and future plans, one can select from CD-changer, MP3 compatible, VCD or a DVD receiver (display unit attached) and units with RCA outputs.

SPEAKERS: – This is another important part of a custom audio system because the entire electronic signals are converted into sound waves through these parts. Speakers for car audio are available in different types like coaxial, component, mid-bases, horns, tweeters, sub-woofers and so on. Before buying a speaker we should always make sure about the Root Mean Square rating of it because this rating provides us with the clear idea about the speaker power. Installation of these speakers also affects the performance of the custom car audio system.

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