Car audio cd players are on the rock. To get the best in the world of music and sound, you need to have a cd player. There are many manufacturers of car audio cd players. They are . . .

• Kenwood

• Pioneer

• Goodmans

• Sony

• Boss

Most decent CD players have a detachable faceplate. I will not recommend buying one that does not have this (They are usually the lowest models offered by any company). The last major item to consider is whether the unit will fit in your dash.

Look for a control layout that you are comfortable with. Generally a simple layout is better for finding buttons quickly. A crowded and busy display looks great in the showroom but can be confusing and dangerous when driving at highway speeds. Beyond these basics, you need only worry about which features you wish to have to in your cd player.

Since the head unit is the most noticeable part of your system, most CD player manufacturers have designed several ways for you to express yourself in the dash. Many receivers or players feature motorized and fully detachable drop-down front panels. They also come with wireless remote controls, front and rear RCA outputs and a dedicated sub woofer output as well.

Features that are usual in a CD player . . .

1. ISO DIN mounting.

2. Multicolor vacuum fluorescent display

3. Fully detachable front panel motorized, slide-down, for easy access.

4. PLL synthesized tuner

5. Station presets

6. Illuminated control buttons

7. Quartz digital clock for you

8. CD changer controls

9. CD Mute and track repeat

10. CD-R and CD-RW compatibility

11. Subwoofer output

12. Anti-skip mechanism

13. Balance and fader controls

14. Dual RCA outputs with loudness control

There are more. You can look around if you need other features. Car audio product manufacturers are going overboard these days. Who knows, you may even find one that allows you to read your emails.

Car audio crossovers are a class of electronic filters designed for use in audio applications such as hi-fi. A dynamic loudspeaker driver that is commonly used is incapable of covering the entire audio spectrum all by itself.

Crossovers split the audio signal into separate frequency bands which can be handled by individual loudspeaker drivers optimized for those frequency bands. Let’s take a closer look at Kenwood’s KE-600 Crossover, KPX-F801 Crossover and Kenwood KPX-L101 Crossover.

Kenwood KE-600 Crossover

Kenwood KE-600, one of the most advanced signal processors, is a 6-Way electronic crossover with built-in parametric equalizer and a DC to DC power supply for high voltage outputs and low noise.

It has input selection, phase switching, variable level controls and the following outputs: subwoofer, low-pass, low-cut, high-cut and high-pass. It is a great component for multi-amp installations and is available for around $370.

Features

● DC to DC converter.

● High-frequency output.

● Input selector.

● Different phase switches.

● Subwoofer output from 30Hz to 800Hz (low-pass).

● 6-way multi-amp configuration.

● Variable level controls.

Kenwood KPX-F801 Crossover Kenwood KPX-F801 Crossover is a 3-way passive crossover network. It is available for around $75.

Features

● Guard circuit that protects against excessive tweeter inputs.

● Special capacitors and inductors for audio purpose.

● Phase inverter switch for midrange and tweeter.

Kenwood KPX-L101 Crossover

Kenwood KPX-L101 Crossover is a low-pass passive crossover network. It is available for $50.

Features

● Special capacitor and inductor for audio purpose.

● 80Hz crossover.

Car audio crossovers are essential units of car audio systems that are often ignored. Crossovers split frequencies so that each speaker receives a certain range of frequencies. This is for the following reasons:

To avoid speaker damage - Speakers are designed to play a certain range of frequencies. A speaker will produce distortion if other frequencies are played. These other frequencies may destroy it.

Total balance - If a sound system with subwoofers and full-range speakers doesn't have a crossover, then it leads to a non-balanced sound. Sub woofers play low frequencies well because that’s what they are designed to do. Tweeters handle the high frequencies excellently. A crossover ensures only the right frequency range goes to a particular speaker.

Crossovers vary in their flexibility. Whereas some only have a few frequencies to choose from, others have a whole range of frequencies to choose from.

Types of Crossovers

There are two types of crossovers – Active and Passive.

Active crossovers need external power to operate and work at low-signal voltage levels. Signal from the head unit is split into low frequencies, mid frequencies and high frequencies. These go to different amplifiers.

Since everything is done at low voltages, signal is not affected as with passive crossovers. There is much more flexibility, since all that is needed to adjust crossover frequencies is to turn a knob.

However, more amplifier channels are needed to connect speakers.

Passive crossovers receive high signal levels and work after the amplifiers. All the frequency splitting is done after the amplifiers so more speakers can run off an amplifier channel.

However, passive crossovers can get more complex as more capacitors and inductors are added. These capacitors and inductors also dissipate power thereby wasting energy that speakers could be using.

For most of us, a car audio system is nothing more than a device that plays our favorite music. However, our car audio systems are complex mechanisms. They consist of several small units. One unit of a good car audio system is the equalizer. It would be interesting to know more about the equalizer in a car audio system.

Understanding the Equalizer

A car audio equalizer can be defined as a high fidelity audio control. The equalizer enables the user to control different frequency bands in an audio system. The user can also see graphically or digitally (depending on the equalizer design) these sound frequencies with the help of the equalizer.

A regular car audio equalizer includes several audio filters or amplifiers. Each audio filter is centered on a particular frequency in the audio range.

The user can then decide which frequencies need to be boosted and which need to be turned down. This requires a level of skill. But you can try it out and see what works and what doesn’t.

Now, that you can tweak the frequencies to change the sound doesn’t mean you should do that with every CD you insert. This should actually be done only when you’re setting up, upgrading or tuning/retuning your car audio system.

It is always good to have an equalizer for your car audio system for several reasons. The most important advantage is a great improvement in sound quality. The audio quality is enhanced.

There are several types of equalizers. Most equalizers include both high and low pass filters for all inputs. However, whichever you choose will make a difference in your car audio system if used correctly.

For most of us, a car audio system is nothing more than a device that plays our favorite music. However, our car audio systems are complex mechanisms. They consist of several small units. One unit of a good car audio system is the equalizer. It would be interesting to know more about the equalizer in a car audio system.

Understanding the Equalizer

A car audio equalizer can be defined as a high fidelity audio control. The equalizer enables the user to control different frequency bands in an audio system. The user can also see graphically or digitally (depending on the equalizer design) these sound frequencies with the help of the equalizer.

A regular car audio equalizer includes several audio filters or amplifiers. Each audio filter is centered on a particular frequency in the audio range.

The user can then decide which frequencies need to be boosted and which need to be turned down. This requires a level of skill. But you can try it out and see what works and what doesn’t.

Now, that you can tweak the frequencies to change the sound doesn’t mean you should do that with every CD you insert. This should actually be done only when you’re setting up, upgrading or tuning/retuning your car audio system.

It is always good to have an equalizer for your car audio system for several reasons. The most important advantage is a great improvement in sound quality. The audio quality is enhanced.

There are several types of equalizers. Most equalizers include both high and low pass filters for all inputs. However, whichever you choose will make a difference in your car audio system if used correctly.

A car audio forum. Imagine a place where like-minded car audio enthusiasts come together to share all kinds of information about anything car audio. The Internet has created quite a number of car audio forums which exist solely for the purpose of bringing such people together.

What do car audio forums offer?

Enthusiasts get to share and increase their knowledge about the latest gadgets, systems, upgrades, uses, installation and prices of car audio.

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A great number of photographs on such forums help members to know about product features without actually taking the trouble of visiting a supplier’s shop or outlet. Most manufacturers and suppliers encourage such forums as they can inform people about their brands and distribution channels

Likely Discussions in Car Audio Forums

• Features of car audio components

• Prices of car audio gadgets

• Availability in different places

• Reviews and ratings

• Opinions and polls for finding the best among the rest

• Information on the latest gizmos

• Issues of compatibility

• Discussion about car audio competitions

• Expert advice from experts in the forum

Open discussions in forums enable users to seek each other for information, analysis, ratings and reviews. It helps them keep updated with the latest news. These car audio forums also help those who seek expert opinion on how to use, install and repair their car audio units. They also talk about discounts and bargains available with different suppliers.

I found myself getting interested in car audio installation when I had to make some changes in the existing audio system in my car.

There were hundreds of things I wanted to know about and the little manual that came along with the new units just did not seem to be able to answer most of my questions.

I found out that most experts in this line are those who have learnt more by research and trial and not by attending some regular training classes.

Yet, there are many people like me who would rather get a formal training in the installation of car audio systems. This quest for knowledge led me to the discovery of such training classes in and around the area where I live.

What can you learn in a training class?

Firstly, when you have made up your mind to start attending classes, it is obvious that the teacher would be someone who has handled a great many car audio installations himself. This is rather important because only he would be in a position to answer most of your questions, even the silly ones.

Secondly, you would learn to install a system under the supervision and guidance of an expert which would definitely make the learning a lot easier. Thirdly, you would be encouraged to do the installations by yourself after a certain number of days.

Lessons taught in a car audio installation class
• The best and the most compatible audio system depending upon the make of the car.

• Tips and tricks to install components

• How to achieve more clarity and power for best audio or video.

• Servicing existing systems

• In-depth knowledge about each and every part used in the system

• Get to know the latest gadgets available and their specifications

Are you thinking about buying a new audio system for your car? Car audio dealers are the best people for what you want.

These dealers will give you the best systems at a reasonable price. The best part is, in the manufacturers’ retail price that is decided for the product, the profit ratio is fixed for them. So they cannot even increase the prices of the products above the recommended retail price. They often sell at lower prices.

Car audio dealers also give you these systems at a wholesale price. That is if you are buying the units in bulk. The best dealers are usually online.

These online car audio dealers have less overheard and can (and usually) offer lower prices. Furthermore, because they can have manufacturers or drop shippers ship directly to you, they don't need to keep a huge inventory.

This has several effects. First, they can sell a wider range of products. They can also easily drop manufacturers that offer products that leave their customers dissatisfied. They won't have to look for a way to dispose of in-stock products.

There are a few more...

They can also make more attractive offers. After all they don’t have huge overheads. They can provide better support since the internet gives more options like email and live chat. They can offer a lot more value. However, that is if they choose to. They can also choose to look after their own interests alone and try to squeeze the most bucks for the least value. You’ve got to look well and do smart comparisons before placing an order.

A basic understanding of units of a car audio system is a good starting point for those who are new to car audio. Let's do a walk through . . .

Head Unit
This is a very important component in the music chain. These include your cassette players, car radio, compact disc or CD receivers, etc.

Whatever the rest of your system may include, the sound starts here. Choosing a proper head unit is important. If you use a poor head unit then no matter how good your other equipment is --down the line -- you will be stuck with low quality sound. Your overall sound is equivalent to the weakest link in your audio chain.

Amplifiers
An amplifier’s job is to take a low level signal from the head unit and change it into a high level signal for driving the loudspeakers. If you skimp here, you will not be able to take advantage of your speaker's power handling capability nor get adequate volume and clarity.

Amplifiers range in power from about 20 watts per channel to more than one thousand watts per channel. Amplifiers are in the price range anywhere from $50 to several thousand dollars depending on features, power output and quality.

Speakers
Speakers are the final link and the most important component in the audio chain. If you skimp here, even the best head units and amplifiers will sound bad. A speaker’s job is to convert the electrical signal to an audio signal (a pressure wave that we perceive as sound).

The ultimate goal of the speaker is to do its job without changing the original sound of the recorded audio signal(Sometimes, though, they are built to simulate something else). Speakers have an extreme range in quality and price.

Signal processors
They include equalizers and crossovers among others. Equalizers help to balance sound when used properly while crossovers help to divide up the full range of sound frequencies so that you can use special speakers for each range. This is important because no single speaker can accurately produce the full range of sound humans can hear.

Accessories
Accessories can range from important details to bits that just make installations look good. There are many accessories that are available for your car audio system (some necessary and others optional). Accessories include . . .

• RCA cables

• Speaker cables

• Power distribution blocks

• Capacitors

• Wiring harnesses

This is not an exhaustive list. However, it covers most of what makes up the average car audio system.