Choosing
the right stereo for your car
Your car stereo is the centerpiece of the whole audio system.
To make sure the stereo you choose meets all your needs, here
are some steps and tips given. The first four tips would help
before actually visiting the store and the rest would come in
handy at the store.
 |
Stereo
from Kenwood |
| Pioneer make of Car
audio |
 |
 |
Car stereo from Sony
|
Steps:
. Read car audio magazines that give details about
the available products with their features.
. Make a prioritized list of the features you want
in a stereo.
. Write down the make, model and year of your car.
. Get a cassette or CD of your favorite music.
. Ask a salesperson to suggest stereos based on your
prioritized feature list. If the choices bust your budget,
eliminate features one by one until you find at least three
stereos you can afford.
. Listen to each stereo, using your own music, and
select the one that sounds best.
. Make sure your choice is easy to operate.
. Check that everything you need is in the stereo's
packing box. The package should include a faceplate, carrying
case, sleeve, main plugs (some have one, some have two), one
or two metal keys (for removing the stereo), an owner's manual
and an installation manual.
Tips:
. If you choose a radio/cassette as your base unit,
make sure it is compatible to a CD changer. (You can add one
later.)
. Choose a stereo with a built-in power source.
. A good stereo should have four channels so it can
drive four speakers.
. Select a stereo with high-level outputs; if you
plan to add an amplifier later, choose a stereo that also
has low-level outputs.
. The base unit can be either an AM/FM radio/cassette
player or a CD player, according to your preference.
. Select a stereo manufactured by a company you are
familiar with, and buy it from an authorized dealer. This
ensures that the warranty will be valid.
It is equally important to take care of the surroundings (traffic)
while playing the music in your car.
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