-
Step 1
Conduct enough research so that you're conversant with the basic terminology of audio systems. Audio and car magazines, knowledgeable friends and the Internet are your best sources.
-
Step 2
Set a budget. Complete systems range from $500 to many thousands of dollars, but you can find choices within any budget.
-
Step 3
Determine what high performance means to you. If you like rock and rap, maximum power output is important. If you like classical music, you want moderate power and exceptional sound quality.
-
Step 4
Avoid buying a system one piece at a time. Every component, regardless of quality, has its own sound characteristics. If you buy everything separately, you won't have a chance to preview the whole system before you own it.
-
Step 5
Understand speaker options. Most speakers are two-way, with a low-range driver (woofer) and a high-range driver (tweeter). Three-way speakers include a midrange driver, which provides precise sound quality. Small car owners may opt to mount individual drivers, with the tweeters up front, and woofers and midrange drivers in back. Such systems require an external crossover device to synchronize the individual drivers. An audio shop will know the speaker limitations for your vehicle.
-
Step 6
Research head units, also called receivers, which typically include a radio, an amplifier, and a CD or tape player. Head units list a power output figure in watts. Find a knowledgeable salesperson willing to explain the true power output. Higher-quality units usually have more power. Expect to pay $200 and up.
-
Step 7
Check the preouts, plugs that allow for additional components on the head unit. If you plan on installing an equalizer (for improved sound tuning) and an additional amplifier (for more volume), be sure enough preouts exist. If you're connecting the head unit to existing components, be sure the preouts are compatible.
-
Step 8
Make sure the head unit is compatible with satellite radio, MP3 and home-recorded CDs. Even if you don't use these now, you might in the future.
-
Step 9
Select speakers and a head unit that are compatible in terms of power. Don't use speakers with a lower power rating than the head unit. In fact, it's a good idea to get speakers with a slightly greater rating, allowing for the addition of an amplifier later. Expect to pay $200 or more for top-quality speakers.









Comments
dazoo said
on 10/22/2009 Hey,
I am looking to put together a high-quality sound system for my 2006 VW Jetta. I have no idea where to start and even really what I should be looking for.
Oh, and my budget is at about $600.
shawntan78 said
on 6/25/2008 hi,i m driving a saab 93.i m looking for a good car audio system but my budget is SGD$10K.Could anyone assist me how to get a good set or a professional shop that could set up for me?tks a lot
milsap14 said
on 1/31/2008 Buying based on max watts is for ignorant people, rms watts are the watts that your speakers can handle consistently or your amp push without exploding. Rms watts are usually around half of the max watts. TAKING YOUR TIME is essential. Theres nothing more frustrating then not measuring and breaking something and having it look like crap!
milsap14 said
on 1/31/2008 Ditto max watts are for ignorant people, rms watts are the watts that your speakers can handle consistently or your amp push without exploding. Rms watts are usually around half of the max watts. TAKING YOUR TIME is essential. Theres nothing more frustrating then not measuring and breaking something and having it look like crap!
milsap14 said
on 1/31/2008 Ditto max watts are for ignorant people, rms watts are the watts that your speakers can handle consistently or your amp push without exploding. Rms watts are usually around half of the max watts. TAKING YOUR TIME is essential. Theres nothing more frustrating then not measuring and breaking something and having it look like crap!