Introduction

When buying a radio, cassette player or CD player/changer for your vehicle, there are a number of things that you should consider. Price is probably the most important factor when buying any product, so it's a good idea to shop around. You can purchase stereo systems from electronic or automotive aftermarket stores and there are also catalog companies. Many electronic or automotive aftermarket stores have functional displays in their stores. These displays usually contain different stereo and speaker combinations, try them out and see which system has the right price, appearance and sound to suit your budget and vehicle.

Another important factor to think about when buying a system is, does it contain any type of anti-theft device? Ask the salesperson to show you the different anti-theft options available. Stereo systems today can come with detachable faces, can be of the pull-out type or even have its own security code. On systems equipped with a factory pre-set security code, the code is like a bankcard PIN number. If the stereo is removed from the vehicle without first entering the code, it will not operate again until the code is entered.

Radios

There are many types of AM-FM radio systems on the market today. Most radios sold or in use today are of the digital push button type. Depending on what type of sound quality, how much you want to spend or what type of features the radio has, should determine what type of radio you purchase.

When you purchase your radio, make sure to get the correct mounting hardware and wiring harness for your vehicle. The wiring harness will allow you to plug the new unit into the existing wiring without cutting.

Most radios (except from the factory), contain a cassette player, CD player or both.

Radio/cassette players

If you already have a cassette deck in your home, you'll likely choose one for your vehicle. Radio/cassette prices can vary, with the more expensive units generally offering better tone response, less distortion and greater power output.

The radio/cassette players range from the cheaper basic models, which contain features such as fast forward, rewind and eject with of course the basic radio functions to the more expensive models. The more expensive models include functions such as automatic music search, auto reverse and Dolby noise reduction as well as the basic functions.

If you have limited installation space and want an in-dash radio/cassette player combination, this is the way to go.

A variety of products are available from retailer's and catalog companies. Be sure to get a complete custom installation kit with instructions. This should include any special mounting adapters and a wiring harness. The wiring harness will allow you to plug the new unit into the existing wiring or it will allow you to splice the adapter wiring without cutting the original vehicle harness.

If you are replacing an existing unit, try to pick a unit that fits perfectly in your dashboard. Most radio/cassette players made today are approximately the same size and no cutting of the dashboard or adapters should be required to make it fit. If you are replacing an older, larger system with a new one, most electronic or automotive aftermarket stores sell adapters that will fill the large opening in your dashboard.

When purchasing a radio/cassette player, a system with four-way high-power is one of the keys to great sound. Systems with separate built-in amplifiers for front and rear speakers give you cleaner sound at all volume levels. This is a must if you want to experience the entire range of detail and dynamics your music has to offer. So if you like rolling down the windows or are even thinking about singing along, look for a receiver that offers you at least 8 watts of RMS power x 4 channels.

If you're having a hard time choosing between a new radio/cassette player and an in-dash CD player, then consider a system that gives you the best of both worlds. Many of the radio/cassette players you'll be looking at include controls for an optional CD changer. Mount the changer out of sight in your vehicle, and control it from the driver's seat. You'll be able to enjoy the digital sound quality of multiple CDs, and still listen to all your cassettes, including those mixed tapes you spent years recording.

Caring for tape cartridges

Cassettes will give better sound reproduction and last longer if you take care of them.

• Do not expose the tape cartridge to direct sunlight or extremes of temperature.
• If the cartridge is accidentally exposed to high temperatures, allow the tape to run for several minutes at low volume before playing it normally.
• Remove the cartridge from the tape player when not in use.
• Protect the open end of the cartridge from dust and dirt.
• Store tapes with the open end down.
• Never try to pry the cartridge open or pull the tape out.

Cleaning tape players
See Figure 1

The playback head and capstan accumulate a coating of oxide from the tape. This accumulation can be removed with a cotton swab moistened in denatured alcohol. Hold the cartridge door open and swab the surfaces of the playback head and capstan; dry the parts with a clean cotton swab.

There are also cleaners available in the form of a cassette tape which can be purchased at any music store. Insert the head cleaning tape into player and play the tape as you would any other cassette tape. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations on how long you should allow the cleaning tape to run, then remove the tape.

Radio/CD players

Radio/CD player prices can vary, with the more expensive units generally offering better sound quality, greater power output, and more features.

The digital sound quality allows you to hear exactly what you want to hear in stereo and is highly dependable, offers excellent sound reproduction and a wide range of programming.

NOTE: When buying a radio/CD player, you should find out what products are out on the market, what features are available and what features best suit your needs. A little research into these few things could help you save time and money.

The radio/CD player gives you the option of listening to the radio or enjoying one of your favorite CDs.

The less expensive C/D player will have basic functions such as play, skip or next and will display which track on the disc is currently being played.

The more expensive CD players have the same functions as the basic models as well as features such as intro scan, this feature lets you hear the first few seconds of each track on a tape or a CD. Hit the button again when you hear the song you're looking for and it will play that song. Another available feature is random, which permits the playing of the tracks from the CD in a random order. On some models the digital display can show you the name of the CD's artist, track number and the elapsed time of the track playing.

Multi-CD changers
See Figures 2 thru 8

Are you finding it tricky deciding between cassette and compact disc for your vehicle?

Maybe you're in need of hours of continuous music for your road trips, or simply looking for a way to enjoy CDs in your vehicle while keeping your factory radio. All of these are terrific reasons to install a CD changer.

Because these changers install in your trunk or, in many cases, under your seat or even in your glove box, your changer will be safely out of sight and pose no temptation to would-be thieves.

If you're driving a leased vehicle or cruising in a classic, you may be hesitant to swap out the factory radio for a new in-dash controller. Fortunately, that doesn't mean you have to give up the many advantages of a CD changer. With a hideaway FM modulator, you can get terrific-sounding results playing an add-on changer through your existing FM radio. That means you'll enjoy the sound of digital recordings while keeping your factory receiver and preserving your vehicle's stock appearance.

Speakers are one of the most neglected components of a vehicle stereo system. You can have the best radio or tape player made, but without good speakers, it won't make a bit of difference, because poor-quality speakers create their own distortion and static.

Automotive speakers come in two basic types-flush mount or surface mount. Flush mount (also known as recessed) work best installed in doors, kick panels or rear decks, where they produce best sound and are out of the way. The large, open areas in doors and under the rear deck (behind the speakers) serve as acoustic enclosures, reinforcing the bass tones. Flush-mount speakers come in many different sizes.

Surface-mount (wedge or hang-on) speakers come with their own enclosures made of high-strength ABS plastic. They feature quick and easy installation on almost any flat surface, and can even be installed beneath the dash if they are attached to a flat board. However, the bass tones are not as good because of the reduced baffle space behind the speaker.

Whichever type you choose, a good rule of thumb is, "the heavier the magnet, the better the speaker." A good speaker will have a magnet weighing at least 3-5 ounces (85-141 grams), often as much as 20 ounces (566 grams). In addition, larger speakers (diameter) are more effective, especially for low (bass) tones.

Stereo radios and tape players require the use of at least two speakers to achieve the proper stereo effect, though you can use four or even six. No matter how many speakers you use, remember stereo separation must be side-to-side. The mounting location you pick will usually determine whether flush-or surface-mount speakers are used. Surface-mounted speakers are the easiest to install because they simply bolt in place. Flush-mount speakers produce a better bass response because they use the larger area behind them as a baffle. However, flush mounts are more complex to install.

Before you start cutting holes for them, its smart to make a couple of checks. Will the speaker's location affect the operation of the window crank, convertible top mechanism or removal of the spare tire? If yes, find another location. Also, be sure there's enough room to fit the speaker where you want it. Use a template to help you position the speakers exactly where you want them, and use a hole saw to cut the hole.

Antennas

Like the speakers, the antenna deserves some consideration if optimum performance is expected.

For best reception on AM, the antenna should be extended as high as possible. On FM, the optimum antenna height is approximately 31 inch (787mm); it also happens to work well on AM.

There are several types of antennas. The traditional extendible antenna is seldom seen anymore, giving way to the one-piece stainless steel antenna. These are probably the best compromise, because they are tuned for FM reception and offer the most resistance to casual vandals, who like to break the antennas off parked vehicles.

The windshield antenna supplied with some new vehicles works fine on AM, but leaves something to be desired on FM.

For those to whom price is not important, or who desire the latest in technology, electronic antennas are the thing. These incorporate an amplifier in the base of the antenna to boost the radio signal. Some of the signal in any antenna is lost through the cable before it reaches the receiver. If the signal can be amplified before it enters the cable, a stronger signal will eventually reach the receiver, allowing reception of stations that would normally go unheard.

A retractable antenna is also good idea. This type of antenna allows you to lower or raise your antenna from inside the vehicle. The antenna can be raised or lowered at the push of a button or by turning on and off your radio, depending how the power is supplied to the antenna, through a button or through the radio on/off switch.

Continue to page 2 of Radios, cassettes and CD players

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