The car stereo is the centerpiece of any car audio system. They look great in the dash and are full of useful features. Also known as a radio, receiver, or head unit, today's car stereo performs a variety of complex functions so that we can better enjoy our drive time. To understand these functions, it's helpful to think of a car stereo as having three different sections.
- Source — This is the part that lets us choose what we want to hear. Sources may include a standard AM/FM tuner, CD or DVD player, satellite radio, iPod® or smartphone, or a USB input.
- Preamp — This is where all sound adjustments are made. The preamp section includes controls ranging from simple volume, balance, source selection, and tone adjustments to sophisticated crossovers, equalizers, and time correction.
- Amplifier — The amplifier section boosts the small (low-voltage) audio signal coming from the preamp section into a larger (high-voltage) audio signal that's sent out to the speakers.
Why would I want or need a new car stereo?
A new stereo will give you better sound and more playback options than the typical factory stereo.
Better sound quality
Superior built-in power and better circuit design mean that an aftermarket car stereo isn't just louder than the typical factory stereo, it also produces cleaner, richer, more detailed sound. Enhanced tone controls in the preamp section mean that you can do a better job fine-tuning the music.
New sources for music and added functions
One of the most common reasons to get a new stereo is to expand your system's music playback and other capabilities. Aftermarket stereos offer advanced capabilities, such as:
- iPod® and iPhone® support
- Support for Android™ phones
- Satellite radio
- DVD playback
- Bluetooth® connectivity
- GPS navigation
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