How to pick out a sound system thats right for you
Disclaimer: To avoid causing arguments on what should be a simple matter, no brand names will be discussed in this thread. Everyone has their own personal opinions- ask for someones you respect.
All systems depend on a good head unit
Head Unit is the generic term for the CD player, tape deck, XM radio receiver; nav system driver- whatever it is you have that drives your system. It is the most important part of your system- more important than subs, more important than speakers, more important than amps and more important than EQs. This is where your sound information originates from- its quality determines the quality of your ENTIRE sound system; sound can only be degraded as it comes from your HU; it cant get any better (An EQ modifies sound- if the signal coming into the EQ is poor; the EQ cant make it any better).
Because its the head of your audio system, the head unit should be the first thing replaced in your car- the reasons for this are plentiful. An aftermarket head unit will provide more power to your speakers, a cleaner signal, pre-outs for your amplifiers (which negates more power to your speakers- but well get into that), allow you to play Mp3 CDs, accept an auxiliary input (from your PS2, Xbox, iPod, laptop, whatever), and a better sounding sound system- even when using stock speakers.
The worst mistake you can make is to buy aftermarket speakers, but not an aftermarket head unit. This is because the stock head unit that comes in our cars (some of our cars have stock amps in them too) simply do not deliver enough power for all aftermarket speakers. When a speaker isnt getting enough power, it cannot be turned up as loud, replicate low frequencies (bass) and the quality of sound degrades.
Not every aftermarket head unit has all the features listed above- nor do you need one that lists all the features above. A head unit should be bought with YOU in mind. Do you NEED a head unit that plays Mp3s? If not, dont waste the money on the feature. Do you plan on hooking up your PS2 into the car (its not an easy project) ? If not, the aux input isnt important anymore. Are you going to get aftermarket amps? If you are, you need enough pre-outs to support them; and you dont need to worry about how much power the head unit can put out.
Lets go over a sample head unit.
JVC KD-S5050 CD Receiver
>
Disclaimer: To avoid causing arguments on what should be a simple matter, no brand names will be discussed in this thread. Everyone has their own personal opinions- ask for someones you respect.
All systems depend on a good head unit
Head Unit is the generic term for the CD player, tape deck, XM radio receiver; nav system driver- whatever it is you have that drives your system. It is the most important part of your system- more important than subs, more important than speakers, more important than amps and more important than EQs. This is where your sound information originates from- its quality determines the quality of your ENTIRE sound system; sound can only be degraded as it comes from your HU; it cant get any better (An EQ modifies sound- if the signal coming into the EQ is poor; the EQ cant make it any better).
Because its the head of your audio system, the head unit should be the first thing replaced in your car- the reasons for this are plentiful. An aftermarket head unit will provide more power to your speakers, a cleaner signal, pre-outs for your amplifiers (which negates more power to your speakers- but well get into that), allow you to play Mp3 CDs, accept an auxiliary input (from your PS2, Xbox, iPod, laptop, whatever), and a better sounding sound system- even when using stock speakers.
The worst mistake you can make is to buy aftermarket speakers, but not an aftermarket head unit. This is because the stock head unit that comes in our cars (some of our cars have stock amps in them too) simply do not deliver enough power for all aftermarket speakers. When a speaker isnt getting enough power, it cannot be turned up as loud, replicate low frequencies (bass) and the quality of sound degrades.
Not every aftermarket head unit has all the features listed above- nor do you need one that lists all the features above. A head unit should be bought with YOU in mind. Do you NEED a head unit that plays Mp3s? If not, dont waste the money on the feature. Do you plan on hooking up your PS2 into the car (its not an easy project) ? If not, the aux input isnt important anymore. Are you going to get aftermarket amps? If you are, you need enough pre-outs to support them; and you dont need to worry about how much power the head unit can put out.
Lets go over a sample head unit.
JVC KD-S5050 CD Receiver
>