What do I need to know about audio systems for a car?

Question

I'm getting a scion TC, and I'm going to go with stock audio system and replace it.. but to be honest I know nothing about cars or specifically, audio systems.

so what are all the stuff i need? like sub woofers, main system?? Also umm i listen to rock so does that make a difference?

thanks, will choose best answer

Answer 1

It is composed of a head unit, front and rear speakers, and a subwoofer or subwoofers.  

Most pros or some novices don't have the need for a head unit purchased first or sometimes don't need one at all since they have the experience to create a good soundstage in a vehicle without one.  Beginners like you should have one as the first thing cuz it makes it easier to adjust the soundstage to your liking.  If you get a component sub (in a box, basically, not already powered) then I suggest getting an aftermarket head unit cuz stock ones usually don't have subwoofer volume controls and that's an important feature to have.  I don't know how good the Scion TC deck is though but it sounds good.

There are full range speakers and component speakers.  Full range have the mids and highs in one speaker and components have separate woofers (mids) and tweeters (highs).  Components are usually the best way to go as keeping the woofers and tweets separate allows for better imaging and they are loud enough that you don't need to upgrade the rear speakers at all and that usually messes up the soundstage anyway.  Full range speakers can be powered by the deck's amp (usually very low rms but enough to make them run).  Components you basically HAVE to buy a separate amp.  Either way, speakers always sound their best when you buy a separate amp for them.  

Subs tackle the low notes.  You can get either a component sub, which is a sub that must be placed into a box or enclosure and needs a separate amp for powrer or a powered sub, which already is in a enclosure or box and powered by an internal amp.  Three enclosure are available.  Sealed, which gives clean and tight bass (what I have, good for sound quality), ported which has one or two ports and gives more BOOMY bass adds more bass volume than a sealed (usually not more than 3 decibles though) and a bandpass, which has several ports and is enclosed in a closed box with glass or something to deliver ultimate loudness and boom, if made right.  Most premade enclosures aren't that great so have your enclosure custom made if possible to have the best bass.  Whatever one you want really depends on how much bass you want.  In such a small car, I wouldn't get anything "serious" but this isn't my car.  I will say that the only powered subs worth looking at are the Alpine LAT and the Infinity Basslink or Basslink II.  There are many brands of subs and everyone will have an opinion on which is best.  The Alpine Type R is a great sub for the money as that is what i have.  I will also say that my opinion on which subs are best aren't made by the namebrand companies (Kicker, Alpine Rockford Fosgate, or even JL Audio) trying to sell their name.  Its the companies who no one knows except for in bass cometitions that have the really good stuff.

Answer 2

the stock with scion are really good. It comes with either jbl which are on of the best, or pioneer which is good. If you replace somthing replace the tweeters. You ahve enough bass in that car

Answer 3

ok

basically i kno quite a bit about systems, maybe not cuz idk what a scion TC is

anyways

basically u have highs, mids, and lows

subs = lows

6x9 = mids

tweeters (and such) = highs

subs are for the bass, which makes that hard hitting sound u that u always hear in cars.

6x9s are for the regular sounds, like the singing and what not

tweets are for the very high piched sound.

all of these help the sound of ur system to sound good

first u need to understand what the best brand

personally i think that kicker is the best brand overall, punches could be good too

before my dad took my car away i had 3 12" kickers and 2 punch 6x9s (didnt get a chance to get tweets)

but i listen to rap and rock

if ur gonna have subs then i recommend having an amp because ur car cant produce the power that it needs. some people plug amps up to everything because it actually makes it all sound better

now if u dont want a lot of bass cuz u listen to rock and u just want a good sounding system then i suggest u get 2 10" kickers with 3 kicker 6x9s and plug about a 600 watt JBL amp up to all that

(WIRING UP AN AMP AND SPEAKERS TAKES EXPERIENCE, DONT TRY ON UR OWN, GET AN EXPERIENCE HAND TO TEACH U)

then if u really wanna go all out then u could get a compacitor to make it sound even better, which helps to equal out ur sound cuz the subs will suck out ur battery power, making ur lights flicker at night

now if u like bass then i would try to get 2 15" square kickers and hook up a strong enough amp to them

ur gonna need a box for each of them things

even tho for my 6x9s i took out the industrials in the back and made new holes in the metal to accomidate the bigger size and just screwed them in place. dont sound as good but its louder

u could look up more info online. its ez to learn