Determine Your Needs

• Before embarking on the process of installing a sound system, it is first important to properly plan the system and ensure the proper components are purchased. Important considerations--such as the type of head unit, total watts of power and what size subwoofer will fit in the vehicle--are critical to designing and installing a quality sound system. It may be beneficial to consult a car stereo sales professional to determine your exact needs.
  
  

Install the Head Unit

• The head unit, the electronic receiver that coordinates receiving and playing of music, is the control center of the sound system. Almost all modern vehicles have dedicated space in the console for head unit installation, even if it requires removal of the factory radio unit. Be sure to verify that your new head unit will fit in the allocated space; most vehicles have either a single-din or double-din installation space, with double-din spaces being twice the size of the smaller single-din. To install the head unit, simply remove any existing radio equipment and slide the new unit into the space. Specific removal and installation instructions, and necessity of additional mounting hardware, vary from manufacturer to manufacturer and even from model to model.
  
  

Connect the Head Unit to Stereo Wiring

• With the head unit securely installed and bolted into place, attach the speaker wiring leads to the output ports on the head unit. If the car has existing stereo wiring, this wire should be sufficient to carry the electrical signals from the new head unit to the speakers. Depending on the wiring configuration of your vehicle, a wiring harness may be necessary for connecting the new head unit to your existing stereo wires.
  
  

Install the Tweeter and Midrange Speakers

• Tweeter and mid-range speakers emit the bulk of the sound in a typical car sound system. For this reason, your car likely already has tweeter (the small, round speakers probably located near the front of the car) and mid-range (the larger, round or elliptical speakers usually located behind the rear seats and/or in the front door panels) installed. If you wish to replace these speakers, you may want to consult the owner's manual for your specific make of car. In most stereo installations, however, the factory speakers are sufficient and do not require replacement.
  
  

Install a Powered Subwoofer

• For booming bass, a quality aftermarket subwoofer--or collection of subwoofers--is the epicenter of sound. Depending on your vehicle's configuration, you may be able to install one or more 8-inch, 10-inch, or even 12-inch subwoofers in wooden enclosures for maximum sound. The wooden enclosure boxes create resonance to amplify the subwoofer sound, and the unique ability of bass sound to travel through upholstery makes installation in the trunk ideal.
  
  

Install a Quality Amplifier

• To get the maximum sound out of your stereo system, and especially the subwoofers, you will need a quality amplifier. The amplifier, commonly abbreviated to just "amp," is an electronic signal booster installed inline between the head unit and the subwoofer. To hide it from view, it is generally installed under a front seat in the vehicle, though the amp may also be installed in the trunk for easy access and visibility during car shows. With the amplifier installed and powering a quality, resonant subwoofer configuration with signals received from a quality head unit, your car sound system is ready for demonstration at your favorite local car show.