We all love to
listen to our favourite music while driving, and while some are happy with a
basic sound, the majority of car owners are looking for a hi-end audio system
in their car, and with that in mind, here are a few aspects of in-car
entertainment to consider.
Major Audio
System Components
The major
components of a top-notch in-car audio system are as follows:
- The
Media Player – Also known
as the head unit, the media player is the device that creates the signal, which
might be via FM radio, CD, DVD or an MP3 file on a memory stick. The best
brands are Kenwood and Pioneer, and all controls are touch-screen, with many
units incorporating DVD output, and the unit has its own built-in amplifier,
although real enthusiasts prefer an external power amp. - Power
Amplifier – If you won’t
settle for anything less than deep pounding bass, you’ll want to acquire a
power amp – 4-channels, ranging from 400W to 1,500W – which is usually fitted
under the front passenger seat. If you are not too bothered about in-car music,
the media player’s built in amplifier would suffice, as long as you have a set
of four high-quality coaxial speakers. - Coaxial
Speakers – One of the best
buys is the JBL Stadium
GTO600 series, bringing you hi-fi clarity that can handle the raw power, with
6.5-inch units that incorporate glass fibre woofers. If you are going to invest
in a quality media player, you simply must have hi-end coaxial speakers, which
deliver the clarity and power without any distortion.
Online Solutions
Most car audio enthusiasts prefer to build their own system from
specific components; media player, power amp and coaxial speakers, and finding
an online supplier is easy enough using Google. The major brands are the
following:
- Kenwood
- Pioneer
- JBL
- JVC
- Sony
- Sanyo
- Kicker
You can order the separate components and they also sell installation
kits that contain everything you need for a professional installation, and with
lower than retail prices, you can’t really go wrong. One thing you should be
aware of is that you should not play around with the controls while driving,
and with that in mind, here are some great gadgets to
reduce the risk of an accident.
Online Reviews
Once you have browsed the many components and made some notes, you can
ask in the car audio forums for recommendations about various components, which
ensures that you get maximum value for money. Prices range from a few hundred
dollars all in, to a system that runs into 4 figures, depending on what you are
looking for, and using Bluetooth technology, you can integrate your smartphone
with your car audio system. Here is a link to the Australian
consumer protection website, which states your rights as an
online consumer.
Professional Installation
Unless you happen to be experienced at installing hi-end sound systems
in cars, this is something for a professional. A wrong wiring could fry that
expensive power amp, and with a significant investment, you are advised to seek
out a car audio expert to install the system. The features on the media player
are many, and the sound system would integrate with GPS mapping and you can play
music from your smartphone with Bluetooth connectivity.
Once you have a budget in mind, shop online for the components and you
will save some money.
