Loud car stereos are stereos producing very loud music, usually 140 decibels and above. Though loud car stereos are a rage among the younger generation, these are potentially harmful. Prolonged listening to music over 85 decibels can cause permanent noise-induced hearing loss. Loud music in cars can also make you unaware of your surroundings and lead to serious accidents.

Car stereo sound is enhanced with the help of speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers that are available in a number of popular models. Most of the recognized car stereo companies manufacture and sell loud car stereos of various frequency ranges and intensity parameters. Their advertisements and promotion tactics have resulted in a number of young males opting for loud car stereo systems. Loud car stereos have become something trendy among the present generation of youngsters.

Reputed companies such as Blaupunkt, Sony, and Kenwood manufacture car stereo multi-channel amplifiers. These are designed to raise the car stereo system to new levels of loudness with minimal distortion. These can drive a subwoofer or a simple system at even higher volumes. Loud car stereos can be quite expensive, with some stereos costing up to $8000.

The craze for loud stereos in cars has led to the crude "sport" drag racing, which is gaining popularity. Here the participants compete head-to-head for two or three seconds at a time to establish whose sound system is loudest.

Loudness within prescribed sound limits yields good quality music. Beyond that, the music becomes distorted. When installing devices to boost the stereo sound in your car, it is important to check out the laws regarding loud music in cars in your state. There are many states in the U.S. that have strict regulations regarding loud music in cars. Taking into consideration the danger involved with distracted driving, there are provisions for imposing heavy fines as well.

In-car entertainment, especially an audio system, is one of the most customized components in an automobile. Many aficionados opt to replace their stock in-car audio system to add and improve functionality as well as enhance the sound quality for a superb audio experience inside the vehicle. Today, customizing car stereo systems has become a big business. Most enthusiasts want to build an excellent car audio system regardless of the cost. Customizing car stereos can be a very expensive project, but for those who value good acoustics, it is worth every penny.

When customizing a car audio system, the first component you should purchase is the head unit or the deck. The head unit is the main control center of the entire audio system, which usually includes a tuner, CD player, cassette player or a combination of these. Usually, the replacement head unit will not fit into the space where the existing unit rests, so you may have to buy a universal mounting kit. A universal wiring harness is also necessary to ensure easy installation.

Then you need to determine the kind of speakers you want. There are numerous types of speakers you can choose from, making it a bit difficult to make a decision. Be aware of how many speakers your head unit can handle. Two important things to check when buying speakers are power rating and size. Some owners prefer to put speakers in the trunk space.

Another important device in audio systems is the amplifier, which significantly improves the quality of the high volume sound of your system. The amp comes in a variety of sizes and capacities. Choose your amplifier depending on how much power you want for your sound system. Other accessories you can purchase include MP3 integration adapters, multiple CD changers, and bass boosters.

All these devices are available from audio equipment retailers. How much you spend depends on the brand and the quality of the equipment. When it comes to installation, it is better if you get the assistance of a professional to ensure that your custom car stereo is mounted and wired properly for best performance.