Top 10 Car Audio Components

In 2007, the average U.S. worker spent about 46 minutes daily commuting to and from their job [source: Gallup]. Over a standard five-day workweek, this adds up to nearly four hours. Annually, this means the average commuter could spend close to 200 hours on the road. With so much time spent in your vehicle, it’s essential to make the experience enjoyable. This is where a premium car audio system comes into play.

Whether you’re a fan of smooth classical jazz, an avid listener of NPR’s current events, or someone who dreams of rocking out to "Bohemian Rhapsody" like in "Wayne's World," a reliable car audio system is crucial. A complete music setup includes a subwoofer delivering deep basslines and tweeters producing crisp high notes. The world of performance car audio is vast, and even if you’re not planning to spend a fortune on top-tier stereo equipment, understanding the function of each component can help you optimize your car audio experience. Modern advancements have also integrated technologies like Bluetooth and smartphones into car audio systems. Gone are the days of bulky 8-track tapes; now, you can access thousands of songs from a single iPod.

Here are the top 10 car audio components, starting with the most familiar element: the speakers.

10: Speakers

Speakers form the foundation of any car audio setup; without them, you’d only hear the engine’s hum, the rustle of wind, and the noise of traffic. Speakers bring life to your car by converting electrical signals from sources like CDs into vibrations that our ears perceive as sound.

Car speaker systems vary widely. The two main types are coaxial and component. Coaxial speakers are typically found in factory-installed systems, meaning unless you’ve upgraded, your car likely uses them. These combine a woofer for low- and mid-range sounds with a tweeter for high-range sounds, often enhanced with additional tweeters in higher-quality models.

Component speakers consist of separate units for woofers and tweeters, connected by a crossover network that directs sound appropriately, resulting in superior audio quality. This setup allows component speakers to outperform coaxial systems, even with fewer tweeters. While more expensive, component systems offer unmatched sound clarity. Prices range from $20-$40 for budget options to hundreds for premium brands like JL Audio, Alpine, and Infinity.

9: Subwoofers

Next up is our favorite category of speakers: subwoofers. If you’ve ever been to a nightclub and felt the bass reverberate through your body—or dealt with neighbors who blast music too loudly—you understand the impact of powerful bass. Subwoofers specialize in delivering the lowest frequencies, giving music its full-bodied sound. Without a quality subwoofer, audio feels incomplete.

As mentioned earlier, component speaker systems use separate units to accurately reproduce audio from CDs, MP3 players, or radio broadcasts. Component subwoofers integrate into this setup, enhancing the low-end frequencies with robust bass. Like coaxial and component speakers, premium subwoofers can cost hundreds of dollars. Additionally, you’ll need a subwoofer enclosure and an amp (discussed later) to install and power your subwoofer. The enclosure optimizes performance, while the amp provides the necessary power for deep, resonant bass [source: Sonic Electronix].

A word of caution about subwoofers: excessive bass can be overwhelming. Turning it up too high creates vibrations that distort your music. Aim for a balanced setting that enriches your audio without rattling your windows or overpowering the sound.

8: Bluetooth

One of the most versatile and modern advancements in car audio is the wireless communication technology Bluetooth. Most mobile phones, particularly smartphones, are equipped with Bluetooth, enabling them to connect and share data with other devices seamlessly.

To utilize a car’s built-in Bluetooth, simply activate your phone’s Bluetooth feature and pair it with the vehicle. For instance, BMW’s Bluetooth system allows you to navigate contacts using the steering wheel controls and view phone information on the car’s display. During calls, your voice is captured by the car’s microphone, and the caller’s voice is played through the speakers [source: BMW]. In regions with hands-free laws, Bluetooth integration ensures you stay connected without handling your phone.

If your car lacks built-in Bluetooth, it’s an easy upgrade. Bluetooth functionality, along with other advanced features, can be added using a high-quality receiver, often referred to as a head unit or stereo.

7: MP3 Player Connectors

While car CD players aren’t entirely obsolete, they’re gradually fading as MP3 players and smartphones become the go-to devices for music playback. This shift is natural, as these digital devices store far more music than CDs, and 3G/4G networks enable wireless streaming from platforms like Pandora. However, since MP3 players and smartphones are designed for headphones, car audio systems must adapt to interface with these devices effectively.

Fortunately, many contemporary vehicles now come equipped with built-in connectors for modern devices. We’ve already discussed Bluetooth, which can wirelessly connect to devices for music playback or handling calls. Automakers like Toyota provide optional auxiliary audio ports in their car stereos, featuring a mm (1/8-inch) mini stereo jack compatible with any device that has a headphone port [source: Toyota]. Some models also include USB ports, enabling music playback from iPods or similar gadgets.

Don’t own a new car with an auxiliary jack or USB port? No worries—this is where the head unit, our next car audio component, comes into play. This single piece of equipment can significantly enhance your car audio system’s functionality.

6: Car Audio Receivers

Receivers are known by various names: multimedia receivers, car stereos, and head units. Regardless of the term, the receiver is arguably the most critical component of any audio system. While speakers are essential for sound, it’s the stereo that provides control over music and radio, equalizer settings to fine-tune audio, and a way to interact with data from CDs, cassettes, smartphones, MP3 players, or DVDs.

Receivers usually feature displays to show what’s currently playing and buttons for switching inputs and presets. Car stereos follow standardized sizes, making upgrades simple. For example, if you’re still using a basic CD head unit in a 2003 Corolla, consider upgrading to a model with a multi-disc changer and a USB port for iPod connectivity. Some receivers support satellite radio, essential for Sirius XM fans. For wireless functionality, opt for a Bluetooth car stereo.

The head unit acts as the control hub of your audio system; ensure it offers all the features you need. Next, we’ll explore an even more advanced system often integrated into car dashboards: GPS.

5: In-Dash GPS Navigation

GPS, or global positioning system, assists in navigating to your destination by identifying your location and referencing street data. While many smartphones now include built-in GPS, and standalone GPS units are widely available, integrating GPS into your car’s audio system is best achieved with in-dash GPS.

In-dash GPS systems are essentially advanced head units with integrated GPS capabilities. They feature large screens for clear map viewing and often include standard receiver features like Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

A GPS head unit integrated into your car’s audio system can deliver directions directly through your speakers. While many high-end vehicles offer in-dash GPS as an optional upgrade, aftermarket units are also widely available. Like standard head units, in-dash GPS systems come from various manufacturers, but be prepared for a higher price tag—premium models can cost several hundred dollars.

4: Amplifiers

So far, we’ve explored various components that enhance the car audio experience, from speakers that produce sound to subwoofers that deliver deep bass and inputs that improve audio quality. Now, let’s dive into how to make it all sound even better.

Subwoofers rely on amplifiers to produce low-frequency sounds. Amplifiers boost audio signals, making them strong enough for speakers to output. Think of an amp as a high-tech megaphone: your audio source (radio/CD/MP3 player) is the voice, the amplifier is the megaphone, and the amplified sound is what your speakers produce. Every speaker system requires an amplifier, meaning your car already has one, just as it comes with basic speakers.

If you’re upgrading your car audio system with high-quality component speakers and a subwoofer, an aftermarket amplifier is essential. It will breathe new life into your audio, and without it, your system may not function properly. Each speaker requires its own audio channel; a two-channel amplifier suits a two-way component or coaxial setup, but additional speakers demand more channels. A subwoofer also needs its dedicated channel. Amplifiers with four or more channels are ideal for setups involving subwoofers and component speakers [source: ABT].

When selecting an amplifier, focus on two key ratings: RMS and peak power. RMS power measures the continuous power output, ensuring consistent sound quality over time. Peak power, on the other hand, indicates the maximum power the amplifier can deliver during intense moments. Think of RMS as a steady beat and peak power as a sudden burst—both are important, but RMS is more critical for long-term performance [source: Crutchfield]. With the amplifier and speakers in place, the final piece of the puzzle is the crossover.

3: Crossover

Tweeters, woofers, and subwoofers each have distinct roles in an audio system. A subwoofer isn’t meant to handle Robert Plant’s high notes, just as a tweeter can’t manage the deep tones of an upright bass. Ensuring each speaker performs its role correctly is the job of the crossover.

A crossover ensures audio frequencies are directed to the appropriate speakers, sending high frequencies to tweeters and low frequencies to subwoofers. Basic coaxial systems, like those in factory-installed car audio, include built-in passive crossovers. As discussed in the amplifiers section, these systems don’t require additional components. However, if you’re upgrading to component speakers with an amplifier and subwoofer, a crossover becomes a crucial part of the setup.

Passive crossovers are integrated into the wiring between an amplifier and speakers, filtering out unwanted frequencies. Active or electronic crossovers, on the other hand, are placed between the receiver and amplifier, directing frequencies to the correct speakers before amplification. Active crossovers are more efficient, as they process sound before amplification, and offer greater customization compared to passive crossovers [source: Crutchfield].

2: Car Soundproofing

Imagine your ideal music-listening scenario. Is it at home on a cozy couch with a surround sound system? Or perhaps at a computer with noise-cancelling headphones? Generally, enjoying music without external noise interference is key. Cars, however, generate significant noise, making them less than perfect for audio enjoyment. This is where soundproofing becomes essential.

Unless you’re driving a high-end luxury car with a near-silent interior, adding basic soundproofing can significantly reduce engine noise. Less engine noise translates to a superior listening experience. A common solution is vinyl nitrile foam, a sound-deadening material. Applying it to the car hood minimizes engine rumble, creating a quieter and more serene interior [source: Nash].

Sound can also infiltrate through car doors, but the same principle applies: Use a soundproofing kit to line the inside of the doors and reduce road noise. Soundproofing.org explains how to cut and adhere soundproofing foam to a car hood. Websites like Parts Express offer affordable foam sheets for under $5. Another option is sound dampening spray foam, which, when applied to doors or crevices, reduces vibrations and unwanted noise.

Nine components down, one more to go. What’s left for a complete car audio system? It’s soundproofed, filled with speakers and amplifiers, all connected to a versatile and powerful receiver. The final step? Dive into the world of video.

1: DVD Players and Screens

For the ultimate luxury in car audio systems, consider adding a DVD player. These systems are ideal for families, especially those with children. A key part of the DVD setup is the receiver. Some GPS receivers, as mentioned earlier, also support DVD playback, which is logical since GPS units often come with large screens suitable for DVDs [source: Billmeier].

Backseat DVD systems are usually integrated into the headrests of the driver and passenger seats. If purchasing a new luxury car with a built-in DVD system isn’t an option, consider a headrest-mounted system. Many companies offer detachable headrests with pre-installed screens for added convenience.

While mobile DVD systems offer luxury and come at a premium, their presence in cars may soon decline. Portable devices such as smartphones and tablets now provide personalized screens for movies and games. However, if you opt for an in-dash GPS or DVD receiver, your car audio system will be equipped to handle nearly any form of media you choose.