CAR AUDIO QUICK START
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In the past, car audio systems composed of a basic AM (Amplitude modulation) radio. But with the advancement of technology, car audio systems have now become more complex. Nowadays, many automotive companies install OEM (original equipment manufacturer) systems in their cars. So, the complexity of every car audio system may vary. Regardless of that, you can find certain components in all systems.
After understanding how different types of car audio equipment work, you will be able to make a more informed buying decision. That is what we are here to help you out with. And since the world of car audio equipment is vast, our goal here is to empower you with the knowledge necessary to get started.
So, without any further ado, let us get right into it!
HEAD UNITS
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Head units are considered as the brain of the car audio system. Hence, they feature several components and pieces of equipment. In simple terms, the head units allow the users to choose the source of audio, set volume, and to determine the song. At the same time, they also want to pick a radio station.
Typically, head units can either be single-din or double-din. Confused? Well, let us explain. DIN is simply a standard set by the 'Deutsches Institut fur Normung' for car stereo systems. So, systems that fall under the 'DIN' standards are called Din Car stereos. This is recognized as the ISO 7736. The DOUBLE-DIN, as the name might imply, is twice the size of a single DIN (equivalent to two single dins in a stack).
In specific, double din stereo systems have a measurement of 150 x 100 mm. So, they are twice as tall as single dins. However, different car manufacturers feature head units of different depths. As a result of this, finding the right fit for some models is no less than a challenge. However, for as long as you rely on experienced car audio installers such as the 'Top Priority Car Audio' service, you do not have to worry about such technicalities.
You can find the following components on a car's head unit:
AUDIO SOURCE
Disk drives are a major source of non-radio music and audio in modern cars. These are typically capable of playing both DVDs and CDs. With that, modern CD players support many audio formats, including MP3 – the most common format. Many modern disk drives also feature remote control capability and users can easily replace them if they get worn out.
Though, they are slowly become obsolete, as an increasing number of people now rely on sources such as USB flash drives. Almost all head units feature an aux-in jack in which users can plug a simple aux cable. This allows users to plug-in their iPod or phone directly into the head-unit. It is, hence, quite convenient for those who want to play music or sound directly from their music accessory (phone, iPod, MP3 players).
With that, most modern head units also have Bluetooth and WiFi functionality. This allows users to send music data wirelessly via a compatible device. Though, the controls are mostly just basic functions like skip track, forward/back, and play/pause. Furthermore, the head unit also displays the track name and the name of the artist.
AMPLIFIER
Modern head units also feature a small amplifier inside the deck. An amplifier system features two powers. These include a power amplifier, and a preamplifier (or preamp).
The preamp works by taking the data from the CD player or radio tuner and boosts it slightly before delivering it to the amplifier. Once the amplifier receives the data, it further amplifies the signal so that it has enough power to move the voice coils. The amplifier system uses a circuitry called the 'crossover'. It primarily divides the audio signal into varying frequencies.
These frequencies then go into specialized speakers like tweeters, woofers, or SUBWOOFERS where they are separately reproduced.
In the car audio systems, two types of crossover circuits can help achieve this:
* Active crossover
* Passive crossover
The active crossover is a component of the preamp. This part receives the full-range signal and then separates it into line-level signals. These signals then go into separate amplifier channels, that process a certain range of frequencies for specific speakers. In comparison, the passive crossover takes the signal after amplification and then conveys the signals to the specific speakers. However, this type of crossover can result in a loss of power. After all, they attenuate the frequencies.
Hence, amplifiers that feature an active crossover circuitry are more efficient for car audio systems. Though, amplifiers tend to have varying power ratings. Since these pieces of equipment use electronic transistors, they release a lot of heat. Though, smaller amplifiers that can be fit inside a car's head unit typically do not require any heat management. In comparison, outboard amplifier units are more powerful and hence, they produce more heat.
With that, amplifiers usually feature two sound channels – the right and left. And, amplifiers that have a higher watt rating tend to be louder and more powerful in comparison to the ones with a lower rating.
CONTROLS
Apart from the audio source and built-in AMPLIFIER, the head units also feature controls for treble, bass, and a built-in equalizer. This allows the users to tailor the sound based on their liking. Of course, the dash would also feature control for the overall system volume. However, nowadays, you can either use a remote controller or Bluetooth functionality to control the volume directly.
With that, some cars also feature switches voice-control capability on the steering wheels, giving the driver more flexibility and control.
CAPACITORS
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Capacitors (power caps or caps) are passive storage devices that store electrical power. These components often come in cylindrical shapes that are three inches long in diameter. Nevertheless, the shape of the capacitors is not that important. The primary function and working are more or less, the same.
In a car audio system, power capacitors store massive amounts of electrical power. This power can then be used up by the components when required. Typically, they are superior to lead-acid batteries due to lower internal resistance. As a result of this, capacitors can dissipate a high current (power) quickly – usually even faster than the charging system of a car.
This is particularly useful in the car audio systems since the current demands are quite high in this case. It also depends on the music that the amplifier is playing. Typically, the audio system requires only short bursts of current during the transient peaks (notes, drums, etc). However, if the amplifier draws this current from the car's electrical system, a large voltage drop (sag) would occur. And that is what a CAPACITOR can help avoid.
To achieve this, capacitors are usually placed near the amplifier. And distance should be lesser as compared to the distance between the battery and the amplifiers.
SPEAKERS
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Of course, no car audio system would be complete without a speaker. Speakers work by converting amplified signals of electricity into mechanical energy. This then drives the cone of the speaker, which moves in a to-and-fro manner with varying frequencies. This results in air vibrations, which in turn, generate the sound waves. For us to be able to hear these sound waves, they must lie between 20 hertz (low bass) and 20,000 hertz (high pitched notes).
Hence, most speakers cover the full range of frequencies. However, this often results in the higher-pitched sounds becoming dull, and the bass response disappearing completely.
This is where the subwoofers and woofers come in. These are large speakers that by design, focus on the lower-frequency sounds that otherwise tend to remain unnoticeable. With that, some car audio systems may also use mid-bass drivers that enhance the frequencies between midrange and lower bass.
Many car sound systems feature a set of two differently sized speakers enclosed within a single frame. This results in a nearly full-range experience, due to two distinct drivers. Sometimes, higher-end car speakers feature two subwoofers paired with the right and left mid-bass drivers inside SUBWOOFER ENCLOSURES. Though, this combination of woofers and subwoofers varies among different equipment models. subwoofers
CAR AUDIO SUMMARY
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Nowadays, many stock audio systems are deeply integrated within the electronics of the vehicle. Though, you would want to add or remove some components depending on your needs. So, having a basic idea of what you should replace is going to help you a long way. For instance, if you have a very basic head unit and would like to add advanced features, then it is appropriate to replace the entire head unit.
However, if you are completely happy with your head unit but want better sound quality, you should simply increase the amplifier power and possibly replace the speakers. In this regard, you may also need the advice of professionals who understand the car audio system inside out. Among the dozens of companies operating in Dallas and West Texas, 'Top Priority Car Audio' is perhaps your best choice! By getting the right guidance and top-notch service, you can save yourself a significant amount of money and time.
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