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Picking Out Your Car Audio Components

When you're putting together a system, the three most important components are going to be your signal source, speakers (including subwoofers), and power source. These three elements work together to determine what your system ultimately sounds like.

The Signal Source
An in-dash player is the heart (or brain) of your sound system-it plays your music and sends signals out to the speakers.

What to look for
Music formats: Most units sold these days play regular CDs, and many will play MP3s that you've burned yourself. Others are satellite radio-ready or have CD changer controls. Think about how you listen to music and get the one that's right for you.

Dedicated amplifier preamp outputs: These plugs on the back of the player send your music directly to an amplifier. If you plan on adding a subwoofer you'll need at least one set of preamp outs, more if you plan on adding multiple amps. Look for 4V or higher outputs-they'll send a cleaner, more powerful signal to your amp.

Subwoofer fader: remortgage loans dedicated fader lets you control the volume of your subwoofer(s) directly from the in-dash player Viagra Informacin en Espaol case you need to take it down (or turn it up) a notch.

Movies and navigation: Some in-dash players let you watch your favorite DVDs, perfect for family vacations. You can even get a unit with built-in GPS navigation, so you never have to stop for directions again.

Accessory inputs: Do you love your iPod or MyFi? Many units have special inputs for portable devices, so you can enjoy your digital music and satellite radio on the road.

Speakers
Speakers take the signal from your in-dash player and turn it into sound.

What to look for
Full-range speakers: These speakers reproduce the full range of sound. Upgrading your flimsy factory speakers to new three-way aftermarket models will improve your sound dramatically, making your music clearer and giving you more bass response. Most cars have four two-way speakers-two in the front and two in the rear. Use our fit guide to see what works for you.

Subwoofers: These large speakers are dedicated to reproducing bass frequencies. Normal full-range speakers aren't capable of reproducing the lowest bass notes. Adding a subwoofer or two will really improve bass performance, making all of your music sound deeper and more alive. You'll hear your music the way it was meant to be heard (and felt).

Subwoofer box: Most subwoofers need to be housed in some type of enclosure to make them sound their best. The size and style of the enclosure will depend on the type and size of the subwoofers you purchase, the amount of space available and the amount of bass you're looking for.
Speakers and subs come in many sizes and varieties. To find out what's best for you car, check out our articles on speakers and subs, or visit your local Circuit City store.

The Power Source
An amplifier takes the signal from your in-dash player and makes it bigger and more powerful, then sends it to your speakers. Adding an amp (or two) will not only make your system louder, but will also make everything sound better at low volumes.

What to look for
Multi-amp system: Some people only use an amplifier to power a subwoofer, letting the full-range speakers run directly off the in-dash player's internal power. This can sound fine, but for the best sound possible, opt for separate amps for all of your speakers. One four-channel amp or a pair of two-channel amps will keep highs and mids clear and detailed.

Power: It takes a lot of power to reproduce low bass frequencies, which most in-dash players are incapable of supplying. By giving your subwoofers clean, dedicated power, they won't have to work as hard to reproduce these frequencies. Get the most powerful amp you can afford for your subwoofer-there's nothing worse than mushy bass caused by a lack of power.

Built-in crossover: A crossover helps to ensure that your sub(s) don't try to reproduce anything but bass frequencies by filtering out mids and highs. A crossover can also help filter out bass frequencies if you decide on a multi-amp system.

Accessories
It's time to put your system together, but before you get started, make sure you have all the proper accessories. Here are a few of the things you may need to get everything hooked up:
Wiring harness: You'll need to purchase a wiring harness to connect your new in-dash player to your car's existing wiring. Harnesses are inexpensive and easy to connect, saving you a lot of hassle.

Installation kit: Your factory player was designed specifically to fit your car's dashboard. An installation kit gives you all the hardware you need to give your new in-dash player a seamless factory look.

Amplifier audio cables: You'll need a separate cable for each amp you're connecting to your in-dash player. They're easy to hook up-one end connects to the preamp outputs on the back of your player, and the other end connects to the amp.

Amplifier power kit: Amps get power from your car's electrical system, but they need a separate connection to function properly. A power kit provides everything you need to get your amp hooked up properly, including power cables and fuses. Make sure the power rating on the kit you buy is greater than or equal to the wattage of the amplifier(s) you've chosen.
For a complete selection of quality car audio components, please visit www.dominantcaraudio.com/www.DominantCarAudio.com.

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posted by datdk @ 6:54 AM 0 comments

How Many Fingers Am I Holding Up?

It was December, 2005 and I was coaching the first game of our high school basketball season at North Kitsap High School (WA). It was late second quarter and we were playing North Mason at home. A North Mason player was heading on prescription drugs two-on-one fast-break and my point guard Katie was in great position to take a charge. As the offensive player made her move to the basket, Katie stood her ground, feet planted, in perfect position.

BAM!

The collision came and the referee signaled offensive foul. Everyone on our bench and in the stands jumped up and cheered...except for Katie. She lay motionless on the floor.

When I went out to see her it was apparent she had suffered a concussion. Her head hit the floor hard after the impact with the other player. This was her second concussion in a couple of years. Needless to say Katie didn't finish the game and missed two more before she was cleared to play again.

It's not only football coaches that should be worried about head injuries. Concussions are common in most sports, especially basketball, soccer, wrestling, and baseball/fast pitch. Any opportunity for contact with either another player or equipment lends itself to this peril. In fact last winter, the UCLA basketball program was in the news as two of their players were out a significant time due to concussions.

Concussions and other head injuries are tough to prevent. They are part of the game. That being said, as a coach, you can plan for them and how you respond. As you head into a new year, now is the time for you as coaches to start preparing your game plan when it comes to head injuries. What do I mean by that?

Regardless of your sport, make time in your pre-season meeting with players and parents to discuss the inherent dangers of your sport. You need to lead off with a discussion about head injuries. Document your presentation, both with the players and parents. If you can, use video to record the meeting. As I used to tell my players, the video never lies. If you are ever accused of not warning properly, you now have proof. Sorry...it's the world we live in.
Don't take chances. It's easy to say now that you won't put an athlete back in a game after a head injury. It's harder when the game is on the line, the emotions are high, and he/she looks fit to participate. Make a decision now that part of your game plan is to resist that urge and just say no. At North Kitsap, we were fortunate to have a training staff that had to clear an athlete to play. Most high schools don't have that luxury. And, if you think this doesn't happen, think again. The newspapers are filled with stories of kids who received serious injuries after going back in following a head injury. Just say no.
Resist the urge to play them too soon after a concussion. Look, I was one of you. Good sense sometimes flies out the window in the middle of a season. The player wants to play; the homeowners insurance quotes online wants them to play; YOU want them to play. The bottom line is that nothing is as important as your athlete's health...period. Once a player has suffered a concussion, it is easier to get another one. Troy Aikman and Steve Young are perfect examples. Wait to get medical clearance from a doctor before letting them back into play.

There are two important factors you face with this issue. The first is the long-term health of your player. You have a great responsibility as their coach to protect them from undue harm. Take that responsibility seriously. The second is to protect you. You have liability for their care. If you don't use best practices, you may find your name on the front page of the paper instead of the sports page...for all the wrong reasons. If you do everything a prudent and educated coach should do when it comes to head injuries, you will be also protecting your reputation and career.

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Dan Weedin, CIC is a fee-based insurance consultant. In other words, he's a reformed insurance agent! He helps business owners to save time, money, and frustration on your insurance by providing unbiased solutions to the insurance and risk management challenges you face every day. To learn more how Dan can help you, go to www.ToroIc.comhttp://www.ToroIc.com You can also read his blog at blog.toroinsurance.comhttp://blog.toroinsurance.com to get up to date information to help your insurance experience easier and simpler.

posted by datdk @ 6:21 AM 0 comments