By Leslie Silverman
Factory-installed stereo systems may not be giving your ride the quailty sound you want to groove to on the road. Some drivers simply can’t shift out of park without their favorite tunes filling every airwave of their car’s interior. Not only do these drivers have their favorite car stereo installer (MECP Certified of course) on speed dial, but it’s second nature to factor in the cost of state of the art stereos into their first car payment before even leaving the lot. The sky’s the limit for drivers who equate movement with music!
So what’s the difference between systems? Aftermarket car stereos often give you better equalizing settings and more preset options, along with more power for better sound. But what if you’re more of a middle of the road type of mobile music lover? Factory-installed stereos today sound pretty good to most of us, espeically compared to the days of cassette decks – remember them? Even a good stereo can be improved upon. Want to get better sound without replacing the original, impacting the cosmetics of your car’s interior, or losing storage space? Here are some things you can do to get the best sound on your drive.
get speakers that speak to you.
Replacing factory-installed speakers with higher quality options can make a big difference in sound quality. If you like lots of bass, you’ll want to invest in a subwoofer as well.
amplify your ride.
Like computers, amplifiers are getting smaller. There are models now that easily fit under your front seats for awesome sound. It’s very inexpensive to buy and install an amplifier for your stereo, powering up the signal to your new speakers (see below!) for better sound.
integrate old and new.
Your factory radio may need some special tools to integrate with the new sound equipment you crave: amps, woofers and the like. Line level converters convert the four-channel output of most factory radios into outputs for new, higher-quality front, rear and subwoofer equipment.
get better vibes.
Sound from your speakers creates some vibration, which can interfere with the sound quality of your music. Insulating the car with floor and roof liners and making sure speakers are solidly mounted will help your sound quality. Feeling even more ambitious? Deaden the sound in your car’s doors and trunk, too.
Pump up the volume.
This works better than raising treble and bass settings, which will only distort your sound.
accessorize it.
Your factory-intstalled radio can be modified to hook into your iPod, HD radio, satellite radio, or MP3 player. We carry our favorite music with us in so many devices these days. Why not make it convenient to broadcast it loud and clear in the car, too?
Car Amplifiers FAQ
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-audio-system-sound.htm
How to Use a Car Audio Equalizer
http://www.autos.com/aftermarket-parts/how-to-use-a-car-audio-equalizer-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-stereo
How Stuff Works
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gadgets/automotive/car-audio-system-sound.htm