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Cars have a long and colorful history when it comes to "do-it-yourself" modifications, and car-audio is no different. Inclined hobbyists have constructed systems of varying complexity, from four car audio component speakers all the way up to entire vans full of them!

When planning a new car stereo car audio system, you have to begin with the car stereo. Models can be found featuring CD changers, sophisticated displays, or even just a simple radio. Many systems are designed simply with volume in mind, featuring a high power output rating that also has a very limited frequency range. For a wider frequency range with smoother response, consider higher fidelity systems that make the sound clearer and crisper, albeit without the overpowering bass "thud." If you listen to classical, loudly or not, you probably want a system focused more on fidelity than sheer volume. On the other hand, classic rock demands to be played loud! Your choice in car audio should be in part decided by your musical tastes.

Selecting the right car audio speakers is not rocket science. Most stereo systems have four component speaker outputs, whose output has two measurements, impedance and power. Impedance is measured in ohms, and the power is measured in watts. These specifications can be quite technically complicated, but for the normal user, it is a simple matter to match exactly the impedance of the speakers with the stereo output channel, and that the wattage of the speaker is equal to or greater than the stereo channel. If you do at least that, then you can enjoy your music !

Majority of the customers are satisfied with the internal amplifier of the car stereo, but for a louder higher-fidelity system one has to purchase a separate amplifier. The amplifier receives the signal from the stereo, amplifies it further and then takes it to the speakers. Those who want to purchase a separate amplifier should follow this rule for selecting car audio component speakers, i.e. select using the output specifications of the amplifier and not that of the stereo!

Lay out of the car needs to be examined after outlining the specifications of the system that one wants. If one doesn't want do do some big modifications then one needs to order speakers of the proper dimensions suitable to the audio car component which are available in many standad sizes - six inch diameter for example. Amplifiers can be placed at a convenient place anywhere so that it can be connected with wires to all the speakers as well as the stereo.

Once you've worked all this out, you're pretty much ready to install your system. This varies greatly between cars, but one point is the same across the board: make sure your car is off, and the battery disconnected, when you work on it! The car and the stereo should both come with manuals outlining how to install them, and beyond that it's up to your determination and sweat. A final piece of advice - don't run amplifier wires inside the car cab. It makes people nervous.

The car-audio systems are just the same in that hobbyists have constructed a dizzying array of systems from car audio component speakers to systems requiring vans to carry. Lining up a car stereo car audio system begins with the car stereo. You can find stereos that feature CD changers, fancy displays... or just a radio! Some systems are designed simply to be loud, and feature a high power output rating, but have a limited frequency range. Once you've worked all this out, you're pretty much ready to install your system. It makes people nervous.