Basic Knowledge of Car Audio Modification – Sources, Speakers, Amplifiers, DSP
1. Car Audio Sources (Head Unit)Most car audio systems in China use CD, DVD, MD, MP3, etc. as the source, which we commonly refer to as the head unit.As the origin of sound, its installation location is generally on the car’s dashboard, serving as the core of the entire audio system and an important component within it.The sound quality of a CD player is relatively pure, while the capacity of MP3 and MD players is relatively large, and DVD players have more diverse functions.In short, different head units have their own strengths.2. Car Audio AmplifiersAn amplifier, also known as a power amplifier, is responsible for amplifying the front-end audio signal to drive the speakers.The output power of most built-in amplifiers in head units is quite small, and their sound quality cannot be compared to external amplifiers.If you want better sound quality or to drive larger speakers, adding an external amplifier is essential.Amplifiers can be classified into Class A, Class AB, and Class B based on their structure, and by channel count, they can be single-channel, two-channel, three-channel, four-channel, or five-channel amplifiers.3. Car Audio DSP ProcessorsThe DSP amplifier, also known as a DSP digital amplifier, uses a DSP chip and can adjust the parameters of each channel through a computer. The biggest difference from traditional amplifiers is that DSP amplifiers can be better managed through a computer, which traditional amplifiers cannot do. DSP amplifiers have the functions of other amplifiers while also attenuating overlapping frequencies caused by the car’s interior environment. The attenuated frequencies can be added back, and the distance between the speakers and the listener can be adjusted. DSP amplifiers primarily offer delay processing, EQ adjustment, and crossover functionality, allowing adjustments to defects that cannot be physically altered in the car, thoroughly improving the complex audio environment within the vehicle and making the sound quality clear and layered.4. Car Audio SpeakersProfessionally known as loudspeakers, speakers are just a colloquial term. In car audio systems, they serve as reproduction devices, restoring sound channels, and are the most crucial components affecting and determining the performance and sound quality of the car audio system. Car speakers can be classified based on frequency response into tweeters, mid-range speakers, and woofers; by type, they can be divided into component speakers and coaxial speakers. Coaxial speakers are full-range speakers that can respond to the entire frequency range, with high, mid, and low frequencies on the same axis; while component speakers are designed as separate units with crossovers, allowing for better full-range response and sound field distribution design.5. Car Audio SubwoofersA subwoofer is the part responsible for deep bass, used to compensate for low frequencies and reproduce ultra-low frequencies, divided into active and passive subwoofers. A complete audio system cannot do without a subwoofer, which enhances the low-frequency output of the entire audio system, making the music fuller. However, one downside is that subwoofers consume a lot of power, which may reduce the lifespan of the battery!6. Car Audio WiringWhen it comes to wiring, many modifiers treat it as ordinary accessories, but this is not the case. A good audio system is inseparable from quality wiring. No matter how good the audio equipment is, if the wiring is not up to par, the sound quality will suffer significantly. Wiring can be divided into three main parts: power wires, speaker wires, and signal wires. When choosing wiring, it’s essential to ensure high quality and compatibility with speakers, amplifiers, and other equipment, as wiring also determines the final sound quality.Common Knowledge for Car Audio Modification1. The power of the amplifier should be more than 1.5 times the power of the speaker.2. The distribution of speakers should be balanced according to the overall sound field frequency configuration.3. The current supplied by the power source should be more than twice the total current required for power.4. The bass should be thick and powerful, the mid-bass should be full and round, the mid-high should be bright and pleasant, the treble should be rich in detail, and the overall music should be layered and distinct.5. To determine if a speaker is difficult to drive, check its sensitivity; higher sensitivity is better.
