If you are the install-it-yourself type I would recommend getting
the Crutchfield catalog-you can request a catalog at 800-955-3000
I've dealt with them and they have low prices, good support, and
best of all, give you a free kit for your make and model of car with
dash plate and wiring harness. They also provide general info
about different facets of car stereo in their catalog.
I still use cassettes in my car rather than CD's because they are
hardier and I don't want to mess up my CD's. Also there is so
much ambient noise in a car that you don't really get the full
benifits of the digital quality. And the added dynamic range of
CD's actually works against you in a noisy environment. I'm
sure, however, lots of people prefer CD's.
Much of the ambient noise in a car is low frequency rumble.
I recommend a sub woofer or 'kicker' box if you want to
be able to hear the bass.
If you are getting a deck without a separate booster amplifier,
get one with as much power as possible to avoid ugly clipping
at higher volumes. I have found these types of decks to be
fine-and I like my music loud.
My favorite brands are Panasonic and JVC. I have been
unable to justify the extra expense of brands like Alpine and
Blaupunkt that brag about being better but don't really seem to
be.
Speakers-don't scrimp and don't buy some unknown brand.
Generally the heavier the magnet, the better. A good rule of
thumb is to get speakers that can handle twice the power
your unit puts out. You can go to
Good Guys or Circuit City and audition them in the demo
area. It is amazing how different they all sound from each
other.
RR
Mike Hicks wrote:
> Is there anyone out there that can help me decide about car sound
> systems? I am in desperate need of help.
>
> Mike
