‘Car audio’ is a general term describing the sound system fitted inside an automobile. Similarly, the term ’stock car audio system’ refers to the sound system specified by the manufacturer when the car was built. A custom car audio installation, on the other hand, can involve anything from upgrading of the radio head-unit to a full-scale modification of the car based around its audio equipment - such as subwoofers, stereo CD changers, etc..
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.
A lot of modern cars have at least a CD player or CD recorder and some have the option of installing a car stereo CD changer, that keeps multiple disks either in the head unit or in a separate one usually placed in a trunk / console. The principal kinds of CD changers are External or Internal Cartridges, or 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.
Before stereo radio, speakers were often located in the middle of the dashboard through perforations pointed at the front windshield. When stereo systems became available, car audio speakers came to be located in doors and in the rear of the vehicle in parcel shelves. In modern cars, kick panel enclosures are used for high-end and competition stereo systems and allow for larger drivers and better driver placement.
Amplifiers are used for driving the speakers. They provide the necessary music power that is measured out in watts. An amplifier is a really important part of a good car audio system. You should always be sure that the power handling capacity of the speakers that are connected to the amplifier / head unit is larger than the power of the amplifier or head unit itself.
Custom car audio installation can involve anything from upgrading the radio to a full-blown customization. CD players/ CD recorders are standard in most vehicles. The most common types of car stereo CD changers are External Cartridge, Internal Cartridge and Carousel CD changers. Stereo uses two or more audio channels so that the sound appears to come from various directions. Car audio stereos typically use two channels, each providing data for several speakers at the same time. To drive car audio speakers you got to have an amplifier. Be sure that the total handling capacity of the speaker which is connected to the amplifier is greater than the power amplifier.