Most of us just buy an audio package for our car or home and don't worry too much about what it includes - as long as it sounds good and is easy to use.

For the more discerning looking for better audio quality, you may look at each component: head unit, quality speakers and amplifier.

And then the superior sound enthusiast may even break it down into dual amps, two sets of speakers for the back with a small subwoofer for that extra bass kick in sound.

Such is the makings of a great sounding car audio system.

Buying good quality audio systems for any location - home, car, boat, aviation is never as easy as it seems. You can waste a whole lost of money on components that doen't sound any better than an average package. And quality does not mean you have to spend a fortune on the best or most expensive components.

A smart audio buyer will invest in a the right pieces and then ensure they are installed correctly. For example, the best amplifier in the world will give an average performance if there is insufficient electrical current running through it.

For technical details on buying car audio systems.

The technical specifications of a car audio system are one aspect of buying well. The other is ensuring that you get the right components, that the equipement is easy to install and that the system is easy to use. This includes :

Power amp -If you are buying a packaged car stereo system, make sure it includes a good quality amplifier. Make sure it is compatiable with your speakers - or you will blow your speakers. To test the power of the amp, turn the volume to half way - you should still get a very clear sound. If the sound begins to distort or sounds not quite right, the amp could be running out of juice.
Tweeters - go for separate tweeters - they generally give a better sound. Also check the positioning of the tweeters and the flexibility you have in housing them in your car. The latest trend is to mount tweeters in the dash. The sound bounces into the windshield and deflects to the rear of the vehicle. This sounds great and looks great, and is useful for connecting to other in-dash media units such as GPS and DVD/Video players.
Subwoofer - most new trucks, SUVs and luxury sedans have a seperate subwoofer. This is the unit that brings the boost to music with a heavy beat, and also enhances the lower audio range.
Automatic volume control - this volume control system automatically adjusts the radio volume, depending on the vehicle's ambient environment noise due to speed, road and wind noise and airconditioning unit fans. If you commute in heavy traffic, with lots of speed changes, this is a good feature.

Volume Limiting - audio signals are easily distorted. Good quality systems have components and cables that provide the minimum possible sound distortion. The higher the volume, the more the sound is distorted, producing low quality sound and risking damaging the speakers. To avoid poor audio input to the speakers, look for a car audio system which limits the sound at a certain volume level. This is referred to as a volume limiter, which is an internal circuit preventing the amp from damaging speakers, regardless how loud you turn up the volume control.
Large, well-spaced buttons - operating a car radio or car stereo needs to be as easy as possible to avoid driver distraction. Large buttons are easier to find and operate. Look for a car stereo with open spacing between the buttons too.

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