Click Here
for more articles |
|
|
Get More from Your Factory Stereo System |
by:
ARA |
(ARA) - As excited consumers buy 2004 model vehicles in the coming months, one of the first things they want from their pride-and-joys is better sound.
And one of the last things they want is to engage in a complicated overhaul of the dashboard area of their new cars.
Here�s good news -- the days of that trade-off are long gone. With add-ons such as satellite radio, a multi-disc CD changer, or mobile video, even factory stereos are primed for dramatically improved entertainment options and sound quality.
�The good news is that you don�t have to dismantle your sound system if you want more than your in-dash receiver can offer,� said Dan Hodgson, vice president for business development at Crutchfield Corporation, the leading Internet and catalog retailer of consumer electronics.
�These products are ideal if you want to keep your factory radio, drive a leased vehicle, or just don�t want the hassle of a complicated installation,� Hodgson said.
Adding satellite radio
One of the most popular additions to factory systems is satellite radio, and little wonder why. Once you�ve had an earful of satellite radio�s 100 channels of crystal-clear music, news, sports, and entertainment, you�ll find it hard to go back to terrestrial signals.
Delphi and Kenwood have satellite radio tuners that connect to your existing system with a cassette adapter and a cigarette lighter power adapter. The Delphi SKYFi delivers XM satellite radio signals. Kenwood�s Here2Anywhere offers SIRIUS programming. �These are great products because you also can buy a kit to connect them to your home receiver. That way, you can enjoy satellite radio at home and in the car,� Hodgson said. Satellite radio requires a small monthly subscription fee.
Mobile video
Even the most bland factory stereo system can be spruced up with add-on DVD or VHS players. The Farenheit DVD-5 plays DVDs (and CDs), and can be stowed in a hideaway location. Add a custom Vizualogic headrest with a built-in monitor that slides into your factory openings without cutting or splicing, and you can enjoy movies in your car without overhauling your vehicle�s interior.
Add an amp or a sub
For great clarity and definition, and richer bass, an amplifier/subwoofer combination is definitely the way to go. An amp will add fuller sound to the interior of your car -- this can make a fantastic difference in roomy SUVs.
Most of today�s amplifiers have inputs that can be connected directly to the speaker wires in your existing or factory system.
Power a subwoofer from the amp to hear previously unrevealed bass notes. Some subwoofers, like Amplified Bazooka Tubes have a convenient built-in amp, so you don�t need a separate power source.
Play multiple CDs
Tired of fumbling for single discs on (or under) the seat to put in your CD receiver? Then add a multi-disc changer for hours of listening enjoyment. An FM-modulated CD changer sends a signal from the changer to an unused band on your FM dial.
That means any vehicle with an FM radio is ready for a CD changer upgrade. Some even play MP3-encoded CDs.
Some manufacturers, like USA SPEC, even make CD changer/adapter packages for particular makes and models of vehicles, so that you don�t have to pay dealer mark-up.
For more information, visit www.crutchfield.com for car stereo add-on products, or visit www.crutchfieldadvisor.com for tips on improving your factory system.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Editor�s Note: Founded in 1974, Crutchfield Corporation is the nation�s largest direct integrated marketer (catalog, call center, and Internet) of consumer electronics products. It offers a convenient, full-service shopping destination to buyers of car and home audio/video products. Providing an unprecedented level of customer service, Crutchfield is noted for its high integrity, product expertise, and technical support. Mailed to approximately 7.5 million households, Crutchfield�s catalogs include comprehensive explanations of product and technology intended to help consumers make informed buying decisions. Crutchfield was the first authorized audio/video retailer on the Internet, launching its Web site (www.crutchfield.com) in the summer of 1995.
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Circulated by Article Emporium
|
|
