Car stereos are labeled as single DIN and double DIN.
The "DIN" label refers to the size of the in-dash stereo unit, or "head" unit. Single-DIN and double-DIN stereos are about 7 inches wide, with 2 and 4 inches of height, respectively.
Stereo depth will vary, so you may need to measure the car-stereo cavity in your dash.
Car stereo components:
Car stereo components:
The performance and quality of car stereo components keep improving, and prices continue to decrease, giving you affordable options for superior car audio.
You can customize your car audio and video system to include whatever you like, including the obvious car radio and CD player, a CD changer, car amplifier, multiple car speakers or even mobile video.
Start with a good car stereo, amplifier and basic car speakers; then build from there.
Car radio:
AM/FM car stereos are car audio basics. The newest car radio option is satellite radio.
CD player:
CD player:
Car CD players are standard equipment in many car stereo systems. CDs provide superior audio quality, and car CD changers give you access to a wider music library without needing to swap discs.
Car amplifier:
Car amplifier:
The car electronics in your custom car stereo system will need more than the average amount of power.
Car amplifiers (or amps) will boost power to your speakers. If your amp is large, you may need to mount it in the trunk of your vehicle.
Car amplifiers can power one, two or four audio channels. There are a few specifications to look at:
Car amplifiers will list RMS power, which is the steady power level the amp will produce, and peak power, which is the maximum power your car amplifier can produce in short bursts. Match the power rating on the amp to your car speakers to prevent damaging the speakers.
Low-pass filters provide better low-frequency bass sounds.
High-pass filters provide better high- and mid-range treble sounds.
A pre-amp is a second car amplifier hooked up in sequence to your car stereo for an even bigger sound.
Speakers:
Car amplifiers will list RMS power, which is the steady power level the amp will produce, and peak power, which is the maximum power your car amplifier can produce in short bursts. Match the power rating on the amp to your car speakers to prevent damaging the speakers.
Low-pass filters provide better low-frequency bass sounds.
High-pass filters provide better high- and mid-range treble sounds.
A pre-amp is a second car amplifier hooked up in sequence to your car stereo for an even bigger sound.
Speakers:
You can decide how powerful, and how numerous, you want your speakers to be.
Car speakers for your car stereo come in two basic types:
Full-range car speakers reproduce the full range of sound frequencies.
Component car speakers reproduce much higher quality sound in specific ranges: Car sub-woofer (lowest frequencies), woofers, mid-range speakers, tweeters and super tweeters (highest frequencies).
Car subwoofers:
Full-range car speakers reproduce the full range of sound frequencies.
Component car speakers reproduce much higher quality sound in specific ranges: Car sub-woofer (lowest frequencies), woofers, mid-range speakers, tweeters and super tweeters (highest frequencies).
Car subwoofers:
Subwoofers need to be big to get those low notes right, so a serious car stereo system includes trunk-mounted subwoofers. The cone material and car subwoofer enclosure will also affect the sound. You also may need to adjust power levels from your amplifier to help reduce excessive vibration in your vehicle.
Car stereo care:
Car stereo care:
Mostly, modern consumer electronics don't need much attention. You can keep your car stereo system and car electronics dust-free with a can of compressed air. Be sure that your car stereo amp levels are set to match your speakers' power levels to prevent speaker blowout.
[Reference: http://www.overstock.com/guides/car-stereo-buying-guide]
