The sound system fitted in an automobile can be described by the term car audio. A little different is the stock car audio system which refers to one that was specified by the manufacturer when the car was built. On the other hand, custom car audio installation can involve anything from the upgrade of the radio to a full-blown customization of a car based around its audio equipment like car stereo CD changers.
The audio equipment commonly used is the radio, tape player, CD player, DVD Player. These are generically described as a Head unit. The addition of CD players with MP3, WMA, AAC, and USB, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi support are new developments in head unit technology.
CD players/ CD recorders have become standard inclusions in most modern vehicles, with the option to add a CD changer, which holds multiple CDs either in the main unit or in the trunk or console. The most common types of CD changers are External Cartridge, Internal Cartridge and Carousel CD changers.
Stereophonic sound, commonly called stereo, is the reproduction of sound using two or more independent audio channels in way to create a natural impression of sound heard from various directions, similar to that in natural hearing. In popular usage, car audio stereos usually mean 2-channel sound recording and sound reproduction using data for more than one speaker simultaneously.
During the time of mono radio, the most common speaker location was in the middle of the dashboard pointing through perforations towards the front windshield. With the advent of stereo system, car audio speakers are located in doors and rear parcel shelves in modern cars. High-end or competition stereo systems like car stereo CD changers have speakers mounted in kick panel enclosures, allowing for larger drivers and better driver placement.
Amplifiers are there to provide the power for the speakers, and they are rated in watts of power that they provide. Any good system of good car audio speakers requires high-quality amplifiers, and also needs speakers able to handle all of the power that the amplifiers are putting out, or else the amplifiers are largely being wasted.
Car audio stereos have become standard inclusions in most modern vehicles, with the option to choose from a variety of car stereo cd changers, which hold multiple CDs either in the main unit or in the trunk or console. Most common types are External Cartridge, Internal Cartridge and Carousel CD changers. They typically use two channels, each providing data for several speakers. As with natural hearing, sound appears to come from various directions. A good car audio speaker system must have an amplifier. Be sure that the total handling capacity of the car audio speakers connected to the amplifier is greater than the power amplifier.