How does a car stereo system work?

How Does a Car Stereo System Work?

• Answer:

  The head unit, also commonly referred to as a car stereo's "faceplate," is the piece of equipment that controls the entire system. It makes possible the playing of CDs, changing the volume, tuning into radio stations, displaying the time, as well as a number of other completely useful features. The head unit processes any sound information (either from the radio or a CD or cassette tape) and coverts it into an electrical signal to send to the car's speakers. The head unit is the source of power for each of the speakers. A proper head unit should be able to power the speakers adequately to use them to their full potential. The speakers use the electrical signal that they are being provided and turn them into sound information. What we know as "music" is simply the speakers outputting a constantly changing frequency of noise. The volume can be adjusted by using either an appropriate knob or buttons on the head unit. It is also possibly and sometimes completely necessary to adjust to the amount of base and treble. The head unit makes these changes by adjusting the pitch and frequency output for the speakers. If an amplifier has been installed into the car, it can be used to supply a bit of extra power to each of the car's speakers. This can be necessary if your head unit cannot supply enough power to each of the speakers to use them to the best of their ability. This will improve the quality of the audio coming from the speakers--properly powered speakers will sound clearer, louder and stronger overall. If a sub woofer has been installed, it represents extremely low frequencies of sound that regular speakers cannot process. A sub woofer will add exponentially to the amount of base a car stereo is outputting. Both the amplifier and the sub woofer get their electrical signals from the head unit the same way the speakers do. A good head unit is needed to provide adequate amounts of power and information to all these components.