Car blog edited the following
Q&A: Where can I learn the basics about car audio?
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I want to put a system in my car, but the problem is I really don’t know too much about car audio. Is there anywhere I can learn the basics of car audio or can someone give me a rundown? Also, I don’t have the money to buy an entire system all at once, so I want to buy it piece by piece. Where do I start?

The following is the answer:

Answer by Ken D
Here is some good information for you also a great place to buy from, with great customer service been a loyal customer with them for 15 years

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Learn/Article/Category.aspx?c=3

I’d start with the factory speakers, then next a good head unit (radio) then figure where you want to go from their.

Answer by Kiro
It would really come under basic preference, whether you’d want a subwoofer first, or splits which are basically speakers. If you’ve already got a stock head-unit and splits that you’re already happy with you can buy an amplifier that is suited to the power of a preferred subwoofer and hook the subwoofers cables up to the black and red cables of the rear speakers, splice them in so they are secure and the subwoofer should work because the speakers send signals to them. You could also go head-unit first, splits then subwoofer for a complete system or even get a full entry-level pack from a certain brand, maybe Fusion or Alpine, that’s if you save up.
In my opinion you should go head-unit first because there are alot more options to increase bass and improve performance of your speakers in your car and then get splits, after the splits you can get your subwoofer amplifier pack.

Answer by Lagunillo
I agree with Ken D. Crutchfield is a great place to learn and buy stuff.

Answer by tom g
befriend someone who knows and learn off them

and be ready to spend some money if you want to learn whats good and whats not

car audio if you actually want a nice set up can easily become a very expensive hobby

Answer by Bill D
the crutchfield link above is great. here are a few more

http://www.the12volt.com/caraudio/caraudio.asp

http://www.caraudiohelp.com/

http://www.bcae1.com/

There’s really no reader’s digest version of car audio. You’ll find most of it is personal preference. More and more things are learned only with experience, but there’s a ton of info & help on those sites that you can pick and choose to get you well on your way. good luck!

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