Car audio systems typically have 4 main components: head unit, amplifier, speakers, and subwoofer. Upgrading these components, especially with a separate amplifier, can provide better sound quality than a factory system by delivering more clean power to properly drive aftermarket speakers and subwoofers. Using high-quality speaker components, as well as additional accessories like capacitors and power cables, can further optimize a car audio system for best sound reproduction.

1. Good VibrationsWith Gabe Vasquez

2. Basic Car Audio Technology

3. The Car Audiophile

4. No Different From This Audiophile

5. What is an Audiophile?Seeking high quality audio reproduction via quality electronics and speakersLooking to reproduce the dynamics rangeAnd placement of instruments and voices being listened to.

6. Elements of SoundLets first examine components of sound

7. What is Sound?Sound is a mechanical wave which results from the back and forth vibration.Consists of a repeating pattern of high and low pressure movement of air.Think about a tuning fork as it is struck and vibrates

8. Sound is Measured in DecibelsNormal Conversation 40dbLive Rock Band 120dbJet Plane Taking Off 140db

9. Decibels?A Decibel is a measurement of Sound level. You need an increase of 3 dbto notice a moderate change in volume6 decibels is a doubling of volume. Decibel Meter

10. ImagingDepthSoundstageReproducing the Live Event

11. What About Car Stereo?The Car Stereo is the central nervous and brains of any car stereo system.Reproducing the soundstage in a vehicle is a challenge for the noviceMost car audio systems break down tofour central components.How loud can an amp get?

12. What’s The Benefits of Separates?Better Sound: than typical factory systemsNew Sources: like Bluetooth & HD RadioMore Features: Color displays and Dolby Digital and DTS Surround SoundExpandability: Aux Inputs and USB connections to external amplifiers & subsSecurity: Detachable face plates and stealth mode to protect your investment.

13. How Loud Is It?For one amplifier or head unit to be twice as loud as another, you need 10 times more wattage output. An amplifier with 100 WPC is capable of twice (2X) the volume level of a 10 WPC amp.An amplifier with 100 WPC needs to be 1,000 WPC to be twice as loud. Let’s talk about RMS & Peak Power

14. RMS & Peak PowerRMS and Peak Power: are ratings used to determine theperformance of audio productsRMS (root means square) is a measure of continuous power measured in watts Higher RMS power means the receiver is either able to provide or accept (speakers) the specified power over a significant length of time without fail.

15. Pre Amp TunerThe central system where all function and switching and adjustments take place.This includes volume, balance fader, tone adjustments, source selection to equalization, crossovers and eventime correction.

16. SourceAM/FM tuner, CD player, MP3 decoder, satellite radio, USB connections, IPod, DVD and even cassette player’s are routed through the head unit.

17. Signal Processors & CrossoversCar interiors present serious problems to audiophilesGlass and plastic surfaces reflect sound Carpet, seat covers soak it up.Poorly-placed speakers add to a poor soundstage

18. Signal Processors & CrossoversMost receivers have a bass and treble tone control. But an equalizer allows you to shape sound based on interior faults and personal likes.Crossovers will fine tune and smooth out your systemWhen using a sub, use the high-pass filter to remove the low bass from your car's full-range speakers for clean volume.

19. Scotty We Need More Power

20. The AmplifierBoosts the small audio signal coming from the pre-amp section and sends out to the speakers

21. Why Upgrade to a Separate Amp? Amplifiers can bring out the details so your music to be loud (and clear). They gives you a clean power source to drive your speakers without straining, distorting or clippingHigh-quality aftermarket speakers subs or component systems require more power for peak performance than your existing in-dash receiver can provide.

22. My Amp is 200 Watts!There's a big difference between 50 watts peak power per channel and 50 watts RMS from an outboard amplifier.A separate amp will give you more clean power than any car stereo

23. Any Other Reason?Subwoofers need more power than a factory in-dash receiver can provideAdding high-quality aftermarket speakers or component systems to your vehicle may require more power for peaksA factory system or an in-dash receiver may not do justice to your upgraded speakers

24. Speakers Component speaker systems are the best way to get high-quality sound in your vehicle.

25. SpeakersIn most instances, speakers are the last thing a car manufacturer thinks about when building your car.

26. Matching Sound and SystemShould you buy speakers with a high or low sensitivity rating?Sensitivity measures how much sound a speaker makes from the power you supply to itA car's system that is low-powered (15 watts RMS per channel or less), gets better results from speakers with high sensitivity ratings (over 90 dB).

27. What About Capacitors?Subwoofers in mind when they built your car.Why Not?Big bass sucks up a lot of power, and most car electrical systems.Capacitors act as buffers between your amps and your car's battery. It stores power from your battery, then releases when you need it

28. A Garden Hose for a House Fire?Not enough water would get through to keep up with demand. Same analogy when using cheap, undersized power cableYou starve your amp for power when you start pushing up the volume control. Good cables allow current to flow freely so you get all the power you need when you need it

29. Boss Advanced Technology