How to choose a car stereo system step by step
One of your customers comes to you asking, “How do I know what kind of car stereo to buy?” They obviously want to change things up. But they don’t know where to start.
Never fear; that’s where this car audio guide comes in!
Use our step-by-step guide to educate your customers on basic customization options.
Car Audio Guide Step 1:
Figure out what’s already in the vehicle
The two of you need to go out to the car and take an inventory of what’s there. Be sure to verbalize your findings as you go.
a. Size of head unit and the key features that need to be retained. Is there an aux input or USB port, perhaps in the back where it is not accessible?
b. Check to see if there are steering wheel controls that work with the head unit
c. Location of current speakers, how many, and their sizes. Might there be room for component speakers?
d. While checking things out, scout possible locations, including the trunk and under the seats, for additional speakers, subwoofers, etc.
e. Ask what kind of budget is in play and if you will be doing the installation. This will help both of you keep things in perspective price-wise.
Car Audio Guide Step 2:
Ask what new features they want to add
Sometimes dissatisfaction with a current system can easily be fixed by adding one or two inexpensive items. Other wish lists require a complete or near-complete head unit and speaker overhaul. Therefore, determining what new features they want to have will help you come up with on-target solutions to explore further. Be sure to keep a running cost tally as what’s needed becomes clear.
Common wish list features for the head unit are:
- Bluetooth to answer phone calls and stream music
- Smartphone integration in order to access apps from the head unit’s screen. Find out if they want something that is Apple specific, Android specific, or both. And do they want compatibility with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant?
- Play CDs, DVDs, both—or none because they no longer have discs
- Built-in navigation
- Play back USB drives and/or plug in media players
- Satellite radio
- HD Radio
- Ability to remove face plate for theft resistance
- Add extra head rest monitors or an overhead ceiling-mount head unit so passengers in the back can see a movie or play a video game
Is there an easy fix? Suggest it!
If lack of Bluetooth is the main issue, there are off-the-shelf solutions that run Bluetooth through the car’s stereo system like easy-to-install devices from iSimple.
If they use the map feature on their phone for navigation, but don’t want it built into a head unit, suggest a standalone GPS navigator from Garmin. These devices offer features not found on a phone’s map app. Plus they are brighter and louder, making them more car-friendly.
If the existing head unit has a 3.5 mm input or USB drive but they are inaccessible, adding an extension cable will allow manual playback of files on flash drives and media players.
As for satellite radio, many aftermarket units have part of what’s needed already in place. All that is then needed is the additional purchase of a SiriusXM tuner, a special antenna, and a subscription plan. Or, perhaps, they’d prefer a standalone tuner kit such as the Onyx Plus or Onyx EZR.
Any other wishes or a combination of wishes will require a new head unit that fits into the current space. It’s at that point you can talk about whether illumination effects are important.
A final decision on a head unit will rest on what your customer might have in mind for improved audio playback (see next section). You want to make sure the recommended head unit has adequate RMS and the right number of channels and outputs. If it can’t, you’ll need to figure out workarounds.
Common wish list features for better sound are:
- Add more or bigger speakers, or at least finer quality ones
- Louder or more lifelike sound
- Add more bass response or “thump” in the cabin
- Add one or more subwoofers in the trunk
Is there an easy fix? Probably not.
Fixing sound is more than just running a cable or two or a standalone device.
More or higher-end speakers or component speakers require installation.
Better sound quality can mean choosing a head unit with a fully-featured preamp with lots of EQ options. It can also mean adding an amp, equalizer, or bass enhancer.
More bass in the cabin may require a head unit with adjustable subwoofer outputs. So, an extra subwoofer in the cabin could be a solid choice. Or, a monoblock amplifier to run that subwoofer may be needed.
Subwoofers in the trunk definitely require one or more subwoofers and amplifiers. So, will the choice be a sub already preloaded into an enclosure or purchasing a sub and a separate enclosure? Or what about an active sub that has the amp built-in along with the sub?
Car Audio Guide Step 3:
Time to explore eight add-ons and other upgrades
Now that you’re fully engaged in conversation, and if there’s still room in your customer’s budget, you can talk about other improvements like:
- Sound damping to deaden road and engine noise, squeaks, and rattles
- Remote start and/or security system for added convenience and peace of mind
- Accent lights to add a cool “wow” factor
- Dash cam, including perhaps a multi-angle one, to record what happens while driving, especially for insurance purposes
- Rearview camera for better visibility while backing
- Comfort add-ons to enhance time on the road can include heated seats, travel mugs, travel fridge/warmers, etc.
- Air compressor and jump starter for peace of mind while traveling
- Radar detector to keep a driver aware of his or her surroundings
So, what is the best car stereo system?
Many people may have eyes larger than their wallets. So, after going through this car audio guide with your customer, use your running tally to compare what they want against what they want to spend.
Ultimately, the choice belongs to the customer. If budget dictates using entry-level components instead of high-end to squeeze in an extra feature or two, it’s okay. It’s their car and you want them to be happy. They’ll thank you for listening to them and respecting their wishes. Finally, as satisfied customers, they’ll be back when they are ready for additional improvements. To be sure you get the best automotive bang for the buck, turn to Petra Industries. We are your car audio wholesale distributor. From head units to power supplies, inverters, and more, we carry virtually everything you need to make your car audio customers happy.
To view the complete lineup of automotive, marine, powersports, and GPS accessories, visit petra.com!