Car Audio For Dummies

Thinking about a knockout audio system for your car? Not sure what you need, want, or can afford? Car Audio For Dummies is a great place to find some answers! But wait — what if speakers that vibrate your floorboards don’t turn you on? What if you’re thinking more about hands-free phone access and a DVD player to entertain the kids? Surprise! Car Audio For Dummies can give you a hand there, too. Whether you want to feel as if your favorite band is performing right on top of your dashboard or you want to keep the soccer team entertained on the way to the tournament, this friendly guide can help. From planning your system and buying components to getting them installed and protecting your investment, you’ll find plenty of wise advice. Get the scoop on: Figuring out what kind of equipment you need to do what you want Identifying good sound quality when you hear it Adding components to a factory system Choosing a video player, hands-free phone system, amplifiers, speakers, and more Finding a reliable installer (today’s automotive electronics systems are so complex that you probably won’t want to go it alone) Understanding warranties and returns Protecting and insuring your system Car Audio For Dummies is sort of like that knowledgeable friend you want to take along when you tackle a project like this. Sounds like a good idea, doesn’t it?

Foreword xxi Introduction 1 Part I: Starting with Sound Advice 5 Chapter 1: Exploring the World of Car Audio 7 Chapter 2: Considering Stock Systems 17 Chapter 3: Knowing What Sounds Good 23 Part II: Shopping for a Great System 33 Chapter 4: Finding the Right Retail Experience 35 Chapter 5: Installing Your System: Going Pro or Going Solo 45 Part III: Selecting the Best Components 55 Chapter 6: Starting with the Head 57 Chapter 7: Carrying All Your Tunes 63 Chapter 8: The Golden Age of Wireless 75 Chapter 9: Moving Pictures 83 Chapter 10: Considering Head Unit Features 97 Chapter 11: Pumping Up the Volume 111 Chapter 12: Choosing the Right Amplifier 121 Chapter 13: Installing an Amplifier 135 Chapter 14: Sounding Off with Speakers 145 Chapter 15: Installing Speakers 159 Chapter 16: Going Low with Subwoofers 173 Chapter 17: Equalizing, Processing, and Crossing Over 199 Part IV: Tying It All Together 211 Chapter 18: Wiring Your Car Audio System 213 Chapter 19: Gearing Up with Accessories 227 Chapter 20: Tuning Your System 241 Part V: Protecting Your System and Yourself 253 Chapter 21: Securing and Insuring Your System 255 Chapter 22: Keeping Safe and Legal 265 Part VI: The Part of Tens 269 Chapter 23: Ten Steps to Great Sound 271 Chapter 24: Ten Questions to Ask Your Salesperson or Installer 277 Chapter 25: Ten Steps to Maintaining Your System 281 Glossary 285 Index 293