Car audio has always been an imperative accompaniment to any self-respecting vehicle. In the olden days, most cars merely had an AM/FM radio, and that in itself was a status symbol for many. Technology has been developing quickly, and current car audio systems have become far more advanced. Now, you find vehicles that are equipped with some of the most advanced coaxial or component speakers that provide you with high-quality music aside from the usual radio channels that the old versions had.
While most new car stereo systems are now far more advanced than their age-old predecessors—and can even look a bit intimidating due to their high-tech designs, these newer models are still similar in function to their older counterparts. As it happens, a car audio system has three primary components—the head unit, the amplifier, and the speakers.
To help you understand each of these three major parts of your car audio system, we provided a brief discussion for each. Read on and get to know the essential components that provide you with the capability of enjoying your favorite playlists.
Car Stereo System Components
Below are the basic components of an ideal car stereo system.
Head Unit
Your car audio system’s head unit is its stereo receiver. While home studio systems are typically made up of various components, including an amplifier, a preamp, a CD player, and a radio tuner which are all connected through different wires, your car audio system’s head unit is already a miniature all-in-one device that has all these things crammed into it. Since space is a significant priority for most car audio system manufacturers, the need to make a powerful but small stereo receiver is a must. Thus, your car’s head unit offers you multiple audio functions, although its two main capabilities are to manage your car’s various audio sources and to control the whole car sound system volume.
While older models started with only an AM satellite radio as their only audio source, they gradually evolved into units that offered FM stations, as well. Then, they were further developed to include 8-tracks and cassette tapes. Next, they were restructured to include CD players. Now, they also have added features such as satellite radios via XM or Sirius subscriptions. In fact, HD radio has become a fast-climbing trend as it provides far better audio quality and more radio channels than the usual AM/FM radios.
Current head units also have the ability to play the content of USB sticks and iPods. You can even connect them to your mobile phone via Bluetooth, permitting you to stream music directly from your device’s playlist or preferred online streaming platform.
Many head units are integrated with the capacity to control bass and treble responses. A lot of versions are equipped with a signal processing capability that permits automatic volume adjustments to the car speakers. A few of these head units even have incorporated woofer and subwoofer controls as well.
Amplifier
Your car audio system requires an efficient amplifier that can provide it with the needed power to produce audio output effectively. It does this by causing the speakers to move, thereby making them create sound. Such amplification is a two-step process that involves both your system’s preamp and amp.
Typically incorporated inside your system’s head unit, the preamp obtains data from your preferred audio source. It can derive audio from various sources, including your CD player and your radio. It also makes your audio ready for amplification. It does this preparation by slightly boosting your audio signal to become compatible with your power amp’s input. It further enhances that signal to become resistant to the different noises and interferences found in your car’s electronic environment. After that, your system’s amplifier takes that slightly boosted signal and boosts it significantly to allow the speakers to move and produce sound.
Several head units already have tiny, built-in amps in them. While they are low-powered versions, they permit you to reduce the needed parts of your audio system as you get to require such a head unit and several car speakers simply. Nonetheless, higher-end audio systems are set up with a separate amplifier that must be installed far from the head unit to reduce the chances of overheating and a crammed-up space. Some also upgrade their car stereo amplifier to produce better sound quality.
Speakers
When an amplified electrical signal hits your speakers, it transforms it into its mechanical form. Then, the newly converted signal causes a back and forth motion in your speaker cones, which then produces sound. These vibrations made in the air are the sounds that we, then, hear. While humans can only detect a frequency range of 20 to 20,000 Hertz, some speakers can produce a broader frequency coverage.
There are various types of car speakers including coaxial speakers, full-range speaker, and component speakers. Full-range speakers are noted as the most recommended units for a car audio system. These speakers are able to produce a wide frequency range that quickly covers the same 20-to-20,000-Hertz capacity that we are capable of detecting. Subwoofers and woofers cover the low frequency sounds or bass sounds, while midrange covers the midrange ones. Midbass speakers cover the frequencies found between the midrange and the low bass. Tweeters handle the upper treble sounds.
Conclusion
While the ancient car radio has come a long way in its evolutionary tapestry, its primary function has remained the same. Modern car audio systems offer the same primary function that made such an electrical car device so famous—they produce sound. If you are planning to upgrade or even replace your car audio system with high end systems, you should know the basic parts of your system so that you get to prioritize the three main features discussed above. Make sure, however, that you get the most efficient equipment that allows you to enjoy a most satisfying audio experience.