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Many hobbyists prefer "do-it-yourself" modifications on cars and such modifications have a long and colorful history. Similarly car-audio also has a history of similar modifications. Starting from four car audio component speakers all the way up to entire vans hobbyists have constructed systems of varying complexity.

The choices in selecting a car stereo car audio system are many. The one that fits your desires best is dependent upon what type of audiophile are you. Some systems feature a high power output to provide the capability to blast your eardrums. Others focus on a wider frequency range to make sound clearer and crsiper, which is more in line with someone whose tastes run towards the classical, but you are rock fan, then, by all means, go for the system that will rock your car as well !

Most stereos have four car audio component speaker outputs, with more expensive models offering additional outputs. Each output has parameter called "impedance," measured in ohms, and a power rating, measured in watts. While these specifications are actually quite technical, you do not have to understand them to make a savvy choice. Simply ensure that the impedance on the car audio component speakers you select matches that of the stereo output channel exactly, and the speaker's wattage is equal or greater. If the output wattage of the stereo exceeds what the speakers can support, they can be damaged.

If you aren't satisfied with the sound coming from your car's stereo, and you want a louder, high-fidelity system, you'll need to get a separate amplifier. After you install the amplifier into your existing stereo, it will read the stereo's signal, amplify it, and then output this increased signal to your speakers. It's easy to add car audio component speakers with an amplifier - just be sure to use the output specifications of the amplifier and not the specifications of your stereo!

After you have outlined the specifications of the system you want, you must examine the layout of your car. Car audio component speakers come in many standard sizes - six inch diameter, for example - and unless you're looking to do some serious modifications, you obviously need to order speakers of the proper dimensions! Amplifiers can be placed anywhere convenient, but keep in mind you will have to run 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.