How to Choose a Car Stereo

Your car stereo is the centerpiece of your whole audio system. To make sure the stereo you choose meets all your needs, follow these tips.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Amplifiers
• Car Stereo
• Car Stereo Cables
• Car Stereo Speakers
• Car Stereo Subwoofers
• Car Stereo Wires

Before Visiting the Store

1. Read car audio magazines such as "Car Audio & Electronics" and "Auto Sound & Security." They will tell you which products are available and what features they have.

2. Make a prioritized list of the features you want in a stereo.

3. Write down the make, model and year of your car.

4. Get a cassette or CD of your favorite music.

At the Store

5. Ask a salesperson to suggest stereos based on your prioritized feature list. If the choices bust your budget, eliminate features one by one until you find at least three stereos you can afford.

6. Listen to each stereo, using your own music, and select the one that sounds best.

7. Make sure your choice is easy to operate.

8. Check that everything you need is in the stereo's packing box. The package should include a faceplate, carrying case, sleeve, main plugs (some have one, some have two), one or two metal keys (for removing the stereo), an owner's manual and an installation manual.

Tips & Warnings

• If you choose a radio/cassette as your base unit, make sure it can command a CD changer. (You can add one later.)
• Choose a stereo with a built-in power source.
• A good stereo should have four channels so it can drive four speakers.
• Select a stereo with high-level outputs; if you plan to add an amplifier later, choose a stereo that also has low-level outputs.
• Pick a stereo with a fader so you can adjust the relative volume of the front and rear speakers.

[qawam]

on 10/23/2009 i have purchase a car cd/mp3/usb player(clarion)maximum out put 4*53W and nominal out put 20W.Which type of speaker wattage can i buy to match with this player with out adding any amplifire.Thankyou

on 8/8/2006 As long as you are consistent in your references to other head units, Vmax is just as useful as information to know as Vrms, due to Vrms = Vmax/(the Square root of 2) or (Vmax)(.707). So as long as all the values you are looking at are all Vmax or all Vrms you will be good!

on 11/22/2005 Browse the major makers' websites and look for the kinds of features you think you want. Do NOT pay attention to the price - nobody pays the sticker price. Then, go to the stores and play around with your Internet favorites. Finally, buy the stereo ONLINE. You really can save $100-$200+ with online stores.

on 11/22/2005 Ask if the store you are purchasing the stereo from will install it and how much it will cost. Sometimes, if anyone other than a liscensed installer puts your stereo in, the warranty is voided.

on 11/22/2005 ... Is a very high-quality recording of violin or piano. Listen for "musicality" of highs & lows; "textures." Develop your ear by going to concerts (worth it even if you hate classical) & to top-end stereo stores & listening to systems you can't afford.