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GEAR4WHEELS.COM
The Ultimate Car
Audio Checklist
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Radio
Speakers
Tweeters
Crossover
Amplifier
Subwoofer
Enclosure (box)
Optional: Capacitor
Extra: Sound deadening material
Tools
LIST OF MAJOR COMPONENTS
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First thing to upgrade in any setup is the factory stereo, also known as
head unit. Your car will either mount a single DIN or a double DIN radio.
1. Radio (Single or Double DIN)
What you'll also need:
Wiring Harness
Steering Wheel Control Interface
Dash Kit
Optional (if you use a backup camera): Video Bypass
Post 1989 GM, 80's and mid 90's Nissan, post 80's VW:
Antenna Adapter
My Single DIN stereo recommendations
My Double DIN stereo recommendations
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Next are the speakers. There are coaxial, component, 2 way, 3 way, 4
way... the key is to match the RMS with either the radio or the amplifier
output (if you're using one) and getting the right size for your car.
2. Speakers
What you'll also need:
Connector Adaptor
Speaker Wire
My Speaker Recommendations
3.5 Inch
4 Inch
4x6 Inch
4x10 Inch
5.25 Inch
5x7 Inch
6 Inch
6.5 Inch
6.75 Inch
6x8 Inch
6x9 Inch
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This high-tone dedicated speakers are often ignored but that doesn't
mean you should do that. Most car speakers include a tweeter (coaxial
speakers) but for a higher quality system you'll want to get separate
tweeters (component). You'll need a crossover to split frequencies
between the speakers and the tweeters.
3. Tweeters
What you'll also need:
Crossover
Speaker Wire
My Tweeter Recommendations
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If you truly want to enjoy a great car audio experience, amplifying the
signal to higher RMS values will make your brand new speakers,
tweeters and subwoofers sound like they should. Amps come in many
sizes and types ratings, but the key here is to match impedance (ohms)
and RMS (watts) with the rest of your setup (the speakers and subs).
4. Amplifier
What you'll also need:
Remote Bass Control
Speaker Wire, Power Wire
My 4 Channel Amp Recommendations
My 5 Channel Amp Recommendations
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No car audio system is done without a subwoofer. From small 8" subs to
18" monsters, you have plenty of choices according to how much bass
you want. You will a 100% need an amplifier for these.
5. Subwoofer
What you'll also need:
Enclosure (Either Sealed or Ported)
Speaker Wire
8" Subs
My Subwoofer Recommendations
10" Subs
12" Subs
15" Subs
Underseat Subs
Shallow Mount Subs
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Once you know how your system is going to look like and you have all
your components ready, you need to take some panels and frames off,
run some wires here and there... Here are the tools you'll need.
6. Tools and Others
What you'll also need:
Deadening Material
Wiring Diagrams
Ratchet Set (small)
Wire Stripper
Multimeter
Screwdrivers
Pry Tool Kit
Electric Tape
Cable Cutter
Crimper