How To Shop for an Aftermarket Car Audio System

Comments

• audio_man Member Posts: 1

  March 2013

  " Just remember there's no reason to buy a 100-watts-per-channel amplifier if the speakers you like only handle 50 watts."
  
  NOT true. As a MECP certified audio pro, this is the biggest misconception. Amplifier/speaker power ratings are all over the place and are very confusing for the customer. All ratings should be carefully examined, and in the most accurate format: RMS.
  
  This subject needs allot of time to explain properly, but a basic run down will have to do here. Because speakers need different amounts of power to produce different frequencies, an amplifier must also do the same. You NEVER want to under power speakers. This is the main cause for speaker failure. Distortion or poor construction is what "blows" a speaker or renders it damaged. From 20+ years of experience, I can tell you that you always want to source your power amplifier output higher than the speaker rating. This way, there is little chance of distortion from not enough power (the main cause of damaged speakers). Over powering a speaker can cause damage as well, but is greatly reduced when paired properly.
  
  Car audio, is a huge subject to run through in one internet article. I do like your article however. I believe it helps the consumer.

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• sdrtgsdrg Member Posts: 1

  July 2015

  Most newer cars don't have a single or double DIN slot where you can easily swap out the factory radio with something better. Cars today have the factory stereo integrated into a screen with a centralized computer that combines all the other car menu settings and backup camera. Therefore, in most new cars, you're stuck with the factory head unit and there's no way to upgrade it.

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• texases Member Posts: 10,708

  July 2015

  Step 1 - get on the Crutchfield web site, find what fits
  Step 2 - get it, along with the appropriate adaptor.
  Step 3 - ignore advice in column about 100 watts with 50 watt speakers, like audio_man said.

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