That speakers are the most important link in the audio chain is now trite. Anyone who has done anything audio knows that your speakers are the final determinants in the quality of your audio.

With this exalted position comes a lot of opinions as to what is best and what is not. For me that is a very relative question because the word "best" suggests a relative position.

Therefore, Which speakers are the best for you? Component or full range speakers. Let's define each...

Full range speakers are those speakers that cater for all frequencies in the audio spectrum in just a box. This box contains more than one driver -- usually woofers that handle the lows and mids and then tweeters that handle the highs.

Some have more than two drivers and in this case, a driver can be dedicated to the lows, another to the midrange and the last (usually tweeters) handles the highs. Depending on the quality of the full range speakers, you can find signal processors called crossovers that help ensure that frequency bands go to speaker drivers made specifically to handle them.

Component speakers, on the other hand, are separate speaker boxes devoted to specific frequency bands. For example in a component speaker set up, a subwoofer handles the sub-bass notes and in that box you have a subwoofer and nothing else.

So which do you choose?

It depends...

Are you just looking to upgrade your factory-fitted speakers to something better without radically altering things (And of course, being milder to your purse)? Then, go for full range speakers.

Are you looking for the best in car audio, then you'd have to go for component speakers. And, do know that you pay for what you get. For example upgrading your speakers may necessitate installation of several amplifiers. Yes, even if you don't intend to shake of the rafters of the moving van next to you. This is because certain speakers require special amplification.

So far, you must have looked at some of the basics with regards to choosing and installing your new car stereo. Now, you need to examine some of the more complex pieces that complete the car stereo experience.

Basically, people add subwoofers, amplifiers and crossovers when they are trying to tailor the output sound to suit their personal tastes.

A subwoofer is a kind of loudspeaker that reproduces the lowest bass notes in the music. Typically, its a one-trick pony delivering bass with authority and nothing else. Doing that needs lots of power and a specially designed speaker with some key empirical measurements that should be maximized.

Key points that should be considered when choosing a subwoofer...

# Impedance

# Materials

# Free-air or boxed enclosure

# Sensitivity

# Frequency response

# RMS power range

# Peak power output

# Volume acoustic suspension

Getting the best from your sub

You must have heard about obnoxious car stereos that have way too much bass for our tastes -- that rattle the windows of homes or other cars. For that reason, one may think that a stereo purist might not appreciate the subwoofer, but that is not quite true.

Stereo purists think that the subwoofer ha a place as an accent, not the main course. When it's the focus of the system, the normal result is that the sound produced loses all the nuances and detail present in the original recording.

Here's my take: If you are striving for high-quality, crisp and detailed car stereo sound, then add a subwoofer.

And, please, if you do intend to crank up the volume, go to the countryside or a highway where your fun won't ruin someone else's day.

So far, you must have looked at some of the basics with regards to choosing and installing your new car stereo. Now, you need to examine some of the more complex pieces that complete the car stereo experience.

Basically, people add subwoofers, amplifiers and crossovers when they are trying to tailor the output sound to suit their personal tastes.

A subwoofer is a kind of loudspeaker that reproduces the lowest bass notes in the music. Typically, its a one-trick pony delivering bass with authority and nothing else. Doing that needs lots of power and a specially designed speaker with some key empirical measurements that should be maximized.

Key points that should be considered when choosing a subwoofer...

# Impedance

# Materials

# Free-air or boxed enclosure

# Sensitivity

# Frequency response

# RMS power range

# Peak power output

# Volume acoustic suspension

Getting the best from your sub

You must have heard about obnoxious car stereos that have way too much bass for our tastes -- that rattle the windows of homes or other cars. For that reason, one may think that a stereo purist might not appreciate the subwoofer, but that is not quite true.

Stereo purists think that the subwoofer ha a place as an accent, not the main course. When it's the focus of the system, the normal result is that the sound produced loses all the nuances and detail present in the original recording.

Here's my take: If you are striving for high-quality, crisp and detailed car stereo sound, then add a subwoofer.

And, please, if you do intend to crank up the volume, go to the countryside or a highway where your fun won't ruin someone else's day.

There are several pieces or components of your audio system that you often find lying around. Well even if it's not an audio component or unit, you certainly don't like seating accidentally on any of them. You can hurt some and some can hurt you.

Your ipod or any other mp3 player falls into the category of pieces of gear that get sat on. Your mobile phone is also another. We can keep counting them but that's not my mission here. I want to explore ways you can avoid that as much as possible.

First and very easily, if you intend to play your ipod (or any other portable player -- usually mp3) while driving, it is in your best interest to get an integration kit that has a car holder or car mount.

If you don't intend to go that route or if you already have an integration kit that does not incorporate a car mount, you can easily get a damage free car mounting device.

I'll talk briefly about two here because of their versatility (they can be used to hold virtually anything). Furthermore, they do not leave scars on your car. This is a good thing if you intend to sell the car or if it is leased. Even if none of these apply to you, who likes a car interior that has been marred by several cuts and incisions?

The first is the dashmount bracket. It makes possible a damage free installation of ipod car kit cradles, mobile phone cradles and other portable devices offering easy access while retaining the integrated look with your car's dashboard and interior.

Dashmount brackets are vehicle-specific resulting in optimum design and simple installation for your particular car make and model without the hassle of drilling or gluing.

The second is the Brodit Proclip Bracket. Brodit Proclip brackets offer you a robust mounting solution for your car's dashboard, giving an integrated look. They give you safe and convenient easy access to your ipod, portable MP3 Player, PDA, mobile phone kit or portable device.

The ProClip range is car specific and can be installed in seconds and does not require any DIY experience, special tools, or glue to install. You do not have to dismantle your dash and your interior will not be damaged when installing.

They are made from robust ABS plastic and are finished in stylish black. You also get detailed easy-fit installation instructions for each specific car make and model.

If you've had problems with controlling your kids on those long cross-country drives, you'll certainly appreciate the difference that a car DVD can make on your next trip.

A car DVD ensures that your kids have enough entertainment while yourself and your spouse have some quiet. I don't know if you've had the privilege of being a passenger in a vehicle that's equipped with a good DVD system.

Here's what happens...

You simply forget about time as you're immersed in entertainment. The monotony of counting the milestones changes to watching that movie your busy schedule never allowed.

For most of us, it is killing two birds with a stone. I guess if we, adults, like the entertainment that an incar DVD provides plus the boredom it drives away, then children will certainly love it a lot more.

Try it. Install one before your next trip (And get their favorite DVDs) and you'll see a lot of unruliness disappear.

There's certainly a car DVD player that will fit your tastes and purse. Look around online there are great stores that will give you great deals.

However, I must chip in that you must ensure you install it in a position that does not compromise your safety and your passengers'.

This is a personal opinion: Unless your DVD display doubles as a navigation display, don't install it in the dash. I guess it matters a lot to me because I am a very visual person. I can easily get engrossed in a visual event. And, I guess that's not great when you're the driver.