I need a starting point for car audio

[Tao1]

Hello everyone,

I don't intend to invest in a car audio system anytime soon, but I have been interested in looking into what technologies are out there. Also I did some looking around and really only found a lot of subjective user reviews, and recommendations for systems without some specs listed.

For example I haven't been able to find any systems that list what kind of DAC they have, let alone if any have a 24bit DAC. Also most systems will play .mp3, but I have never seen .flac compatibility listed. It seems at first glace that most of the technology is still stuck in the 90s.

It seems to me that a large part of the market caters to kids who like to serenade neighborhoods as they drive by. Personally I would look for sound quality/clarity over raw power.

That being said can anyone point me in the direction of any articles which would be a good starting point to read up on this? Also any systems I should check out or thoughts/experiences which would be helpful?

Thanks!

 

[slipperybidness]

This is really more of a home theater forum, you would be better off finding a car audio forum.

I find that Crutchfield does have some decent articles on car audio.

 

[highfigh]

Hello everyone,

I don't intend to invest in a car audio system anytime soon, but I have been interested in looking into what technologies are out there. Also I did some looking around and really only found a lot of subjective user reviews, and recommendations for systems without some specs listed.

For example I haven't been able to find any systems that list what kind of DAC they have, let alone if any have a 24bit DAC. Also most systems will play .mp3, but I have never seen .flac compatibility listed. It seems at first glace that most of the technology is still stuck in the 90s.

It seems to me that a large part of the market caters to kids who like to serenade neighborhoods as they drive by. Personally I would look for sound quality/clarity over raw power.

That being said can anyone point me in the direction of any articles which would be a good starting point to read up on this? Also any systems I should check out or thoughts/experiences which would be helpful?

Thanks!

If the car is under warranty, changing any wiring may end that. What make/model is the car?

 

[slipperybidness]

If the car is under warranty, changing any wiring may end that. What make/model is the car?

Yeah, good point!

Newest cars are a royal pain to swap the head unit due to all the added features. Also, the newer cars are tending to come with pretty good factory systems, so the benefits of custom installs are nowhere near where they used to be.

 

[Tao1]

This is really more of a home theater forum, you would be better off finding a car audio forum.

I find that Crutchfield does have some decent articles on car audio.

Ok thanks I didn't realize that.

 

[Tao1]

If the car is under warranty, changing any wiring may end that. What make/model is the car?

I would be looking to get a new Rav 4 (essentially a vehicle that is harder to get stuck in the snow).

Yeah, good point!

Newest cars are a royal pain to swap the head unit due to all the added features. Also, the newer cars are tending to come with pretty good factory systems, so the benefits of custom installs are nowhere near where they used to be.

Yeah this is what I thought, then I saw the JBL system offered as an upgrade in most Toyota vehicles for about $1000 more. Reviews seemed to be all over the place on how decent it was, so I figured I would look into the custom market.

 

[JohnnieB]

The biggest gains in car audio can be had with sound treatment such as dyno mat. Just as in home audio, the environment is just as important as the speakers. Each type of interior, make and model will have its own challenges. Getting rid of panel resonance in doors and roof panels will help even factory units sound better. That being said, I really like Memphis Audio. For a mid price system, Boston Acoustic, JBL, Infinity and Pioneer can be worth a look.

 

[Tao1]

The biggest gains in car audio can be had with sound treatment such as dyno mat. Just as in home audio, the environment is just as important as the speakers. Each type of interior, make and model will have its own challenges. Getting rid of panel resonance in doors and roof panels will help even factory units sound better. That being said, I really like Memphis Audio. For a mid price system, Boston Acoustic, JBL, Infinity and Pioneer can be worth a look.

Thanks for the info. Are environment calibrations usually done by a specialist, or inherently by a quality system?

 

[JohnnieB]

Well, quality is quality. If that makes any sense. I would say a specialist. Someone who has the proper equipment and knows what they are doing with it.
Out of all the systems I've installed one of the best was a pure Wal-Mart system. Sony 2 ways and a pair of Fosgate sub's running on Jensen amps. I installed it in a Dodge minivan. It really was a beautiful sounding system. Vans offer a great acoustic space. It sounded good because it was installed correctly and panel resonance was dealt with correctly.
I can't say about response measurements as I've never seen a response graph for car audio. Competition systems get measured one of two ways. Either a quick burst or "burp" of the sub's for db levels or for clarity. The latter is what you would want. I would ask the installer at your local car audio shop, then check his recommendations on a car audio forum.

 

[Tao1]

Thanks a lot for the info!

I really hope there is a decent installer in my area (there are a lot of cars resonating as they drive by which isn't a good sign).

 

[TLS Guy]

Thanks a lot for the info!

I really hope there is a decent installer in my area (there are a lot of cars resonating as they drive by which isn't a good sign).

Don't even think if doing custom sound instals on new cars anymore. Those days are over. If you want to guarantee a voided warranty and a ton of car trouble seek out a custom installer to really wreck your car.

An even bigger issue is that installers do not understand how a cars electrical system has changed and now operates.

The demands on the car's electrical system are now massive, especially since going to electronic steering.

The old analog voltage regulation is long gone. Now the voltage regulator is a powerful digital amplifier basically. The switching frequency of this device in my car is 180 MHz!

This results in high frequency contamination all over the power bus, and the grounds as well.

The upshot is that your new custom installation will not likely perform wall and be very noisy.

We have had a couple of post about this already.

We are basically at the point where the entertainment system in modern cars has to be part of the overall design of the electrical system.

Take my advice and don't even think about doing this ever again.

 

[Tao1]

Im in Saskatoon Saskatchewan, Canada.

There are a couple of locally owned audio stores that will do installation, not sure of anyone else, and taking the car apart isn't something I have done before lol.

 

[JohnnieB]

Where you from Tao?
It all depends on how far you want to go, a simple speaker swap or full blown custom system.
Like TLS stated, new vehicles can be quite complex, CAN bus systems and so on. There are car audio shows every year with new aftermarket products on display installed in new vehicles. Shops up to snuff on new vehicle systems do exist. Just as with any custom shop, there may be a few out there that dont really know what their doing.
Look for a pro installer. I would do some research on any installers. See if you can hear systems they have installed. I've been out of the automotive business for quité some time now, and my installs are done at a nearby shop, people I trust.
Dyno mat is something you can do yourself IF you can remove your vehicles interior and reassemble it. Like I said, properly treating the interior will make even a factory unit sound better.

 

[JohnnieB]

Stupid phone!

I couldnt begin to tell you who to look up in Canada. It sounds like you need to seek a pro either way.
Buy a vehicle with a top end system from the factory.
Good Luck.

 

[Tao1]

Yeah its a bit of a sea to sail through to find a decent place. Most user reviews will be from people who don't know any better

 

[JohnnieB]

Hope you find a good shop you can trust.

 

[slipperybidness]

The biggest gains in car audio can be had with sound treatment such as dyno mat. Just as in home audio, the environment is just as important as the speakers. Each type of interior, make and model will have its own challenges. Getting rid of panel resonance in doors and roof panels will help even factory units sound better. That being said, I really like Memphis Audio. For a mid price system, Boston Acoustic, JBL, Infinity and Pioneer can be worth a look.

+1

And, for crying out loud, if you install a sub, then put some damping material behind your license plates!

When I hear these boomers with the plates rattling, it just screams "amateur"

 

[highfigh]

+1

And, for crying out loud, if you install a sub, then put some damping material behind your license plates!

When I hear these boomers with the plates rattling, it just screams "amateur"

Some car owners like that- they think it makes their car better than someone elses'- more impressive. Seriously. Tried to get them to let me fix the noise and they wouldn't.

 

[slipperybidness]

Some car owners like that- they think it makes their car better than someone elses'- more impressive. Seriously. Tried to get them to let me fix the noise and they wouldn't.

Like I said, "amateurs".

 

[highfigh]

Like I said, "amateurs".

And some who are "paid for their expertise".