This page contains sections & articles related to car stereos (automotive head units).
Sections
What is an automotive head unit?
An automotive head unit, often called simply a car stereo, a “radio”, or head unit, is an in-dash central audio or infotainment system that provide volume control and audio source selection. Car/vehicle head units typically provide outputs to drive car speakers directly or can be connected to a car audio power amplifier for additional power & volume.
Modern systems provide FM/AM or digital radio tuners, CD or DVD playback, audio cassette playback, wireless audio smartphone interfacing such as Bluetooth, and even video playback features. More complex units provide sound quality benefits such as equalization, speaker controls of various types, and expansion with other compatible add-on equipment.
Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) car stereos are considered head units as well, but generally the name is used for aftermarket consumer electronics.
Article categories
Installation and wiring topics
10 Great Reasons Why You Should Install Your Own Car Stereo System
Way back in the day before I ever worked in the car audio field as a professional, I tinkered with audio in the used cars I…
How To Hook Up A Car Stereo To AC Power – You CAN Do It!
Want to use your car stereo at home? Great news – it’s actually not that hard…if you know what you’ll need. In this article, I’ll…
How To Test A Car Stereo – Steps, Diagrams, And More!
As an installer, I saw a lot of used car stereos that customers brought in for installation but ended up being bad. In fact, it…
General advice
Advice On Finding The Best Place To Buy A Car Stereo
Everyone – whether it’s the average car owner who just wants a simple upgrade or the person looking to build a sweet sounding, multi-channel system…