Customizing Your Car’s Stereo System
How To Choose the Best Car Stereo System Based on Your Favorite Music
There’s nothing more freeing than blasting your favourite music on the open road. The right song can change your entire outlook on the day. Even the most mundane tasks may feel like an adventure.
Every music lover knows the effects music can produce on a person. However, you won’t achieve these effects on a bad stereo.
Imagine listening to a static-filled, grainy rendition of your favourite song. That’s hardly going to improve your mood!
That’s why it’s so crucial to have the best stereo system for your car. The right car stereo system installation can make all of your music sound incredible on the road.
Finding a car stereo system for your musical taste can be a challenge. Fortunately, we’re here to help! Check out our guide below for the best tips on choosing car stereo systems.
The Frequency of Your Car Stereo System
The first thing to establish with your car stereo is its frequency. Physicists define frequency as the amount of waves that end up passing a stable and non-moving point within a specific amount of time. They also define it as the number of vibrations undergone during one unit of time.
In music terms, frequency becomes divided into three ranges:
- Bass (lowest frequency)
- Midrange (middle frequency)
- Treble (highest frequency)
Physicists measure frequency in Hertz, with the human audible range falling anywhere from 20 to 20,000 Hertz. Bass includes any sound between 20 and 250 Hz.
Midrange covers a broad spectrum of sounds, ranging from 250 Hz to 4,000 Hz. Finally, treble includes any sound from 4,000 Hz to 20,000 Hz.
Midrange speakers often encapsulate men’s voices better than bass or treble. However, a treble speaker can amplify a woman’s voice better than a midrange.
Does Speaker Size Matter?
Speaker size matters because it can determine the frequency range of your music. For example, 3.5 inches speakers offer crisp sound quality for midrange and treble frequencies. However, they rarely supply much bass.
Likewise, a 4″ speaker offers a higher range between midrange and treble frequencies. However, bigger speakers often provide more depth. This way, they can generate more bass for your tracks. An excellent example of these speakers is the size of 6.75 inches.
These speakers are often ideal for bass enthusiasts. However, they have more distortion at higher volumes. This feature makes them less suitable for people who want crisp audio quality.
How About the Material?
Your speaker’s material also matters a great deal in your speaker system. Various materials allow a sound cone to project sound through the speaker with different quality levels.
The most common materials for speaker cones include:
- Paper
- Metal
- Plastic
- Aramid fibres
Each of these materials has its benefits. Paper is an excellent material for producing crisp and vibrant sounds from the speakers. However, the paper also becomes susceptible to water and moisture damage.
Another option is aluminum, which offers detailed sound with slight dampening. However, these speakers can also sound a little metallic.
Finally, aramid fibres can produce top-quality sound. They also have excellent durability and bass capacity.
The Bass & Equalization
Most car stereos default to a flat equalization. This equalization allows you to hear all the song elements in an equal balance.
However, stereos also offer other settings to adjust your equalizer. You can also use your equalizer to emphasize your bass or treble levels. This way, you can hear the bass you want.
What Speakers You Should Get For Specific Music?
You may have guessed that different speakers are ideal for varying genres. So, we’ll break down what kinds of speakers to purchase for each genre you listen to!
Rock
Usually, the best car stereo system for rock music is one with a top-quality mid-range accuracy. These speakers should provide sharp sound quality at both high and low volumes. This midrange sound lets you hear the entire song without it becoming distorted by bass.
Rap
Rap lovers will want a stereo that creates resonant bass notes with a robust midrange sound. The best stereo bass levels allow you to feel the beat in a song.
The best stereos for creating that bass are subwoofers. We recommend getting subs that are between 10 inches and 1ft.
Pop
Pop music varies in the elements it emphasizes. However, a lot of pop music uses hip-hop beats. However, some pop songs may also use more midrange or treble instruments also.
So, what’s the best option? We recommend getting a mid-range stereo with an equalizer you can adjust. Many of these devices have preset settings for pop music that you can choose.
Metal
Stereo systems for metal music often need light cones to accommodate the dynamic of this style. Metal also includes several qualities that need an adaptable frequency output. You may also consider using amplifiers for your metal music to get the sharpest and loudest sound possible.
Classic
Classical music differs from the genres we’ve discussed so far. Generally, classical music doesn’t require much bass or high-range frequencies.
Instead, a car stereo should have a robust midrange capacity. We recommend component speakers for this genre of music.
Jazz
Jazz follows some similar patterns to classical music. It’s often best to find speakers specializing in midrange and treble frequencies. A coaxial stereo provides the even sound distribution your cars needs for a jazz session.
EDM
Unlike jazz and classical, EDM heavily relies on bass and beats. That’s why a bass-heavy stereo is best for EDM lovers. However, don’t forget to find a stereo with robust midrange notes.
R’n’B
Like EDM and Rap, R’n’B often uses bass to accentuate its rhythms. So, if you like R’n’B, a set of subwoofers is essential for your vehicle. These stereos can help your car achieve the best sounds possible.
Country
Country music is another diverse music style. However, it usually includes many mid-range instruments like guitars in its composition.
We recommend a midrange system with a speaker cone that produces smooth, crisp sounds. This way, you can catch the vocals and lyrics with little distortion.
Blues
Blues music is famous for its guitar riffs and catchy drumbeats. Generally, a midrange system with a little bass is ideal for your blues music. This system should combine some of the best features of a country or rock car stereo.
But I Like It All! What Now?
Some people have very diverse music tastes. Consider a few features if you like several of the genres described.
First, how much bass do you need? If you only listen to rap or EDM occasionally, you can likely get by on a midrange system. We recommend getting a system whose equalizer has several settings you can adjust.
Testing Your Speakers
The best way to test your speakers is to set their equalizer to flat. This way, you can hear the entire song to ensure it produces the sound quality you want.
From there, find some good songs to test your speakers. These songs exist in several genres.
For example, try listening to “Breathe” by Faith Hill if you like country. This song has very natural vocals, making it an excellent test track. But, “Hotel California” may be more suitable for those inclined to rock music.
The Takeaway
All this article proves is that your stereo system matters. Several factors can affect its quality and performance, including what you listen to. So, take some time to decide what characteristics you want your car stereo systems to include.
What kind of frequency do you need? What materials does your speaker cone need?
Once you know what you want, check out our products! We offer top-notch car stereo system installation for several vehicle types. Contact us today for a free quote!