If you’re looking for a more visual take, check out this video of one of our senior advisors installing a stereo. When you add one or more amplifiers, you also have the option of adding a subwoofer. These units combine an amp and a subwoofer into one unit, so there isn't any guesswork, and they can be hooked up to any factory or aftermarket head unit. If you’re working on a tight budget, then there are still some things you can do to improve your sound. Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day, The Beginner's Guide to Car Audio Systems, Common Car Amp Problems (And How to Fix Them), Five Ways to Get Better Car Audio Quality, Identifying Aftermarket Car Stereo Wire Colors, Equalizers and Digital Sound Processors for Your Car, Revel's First Car Audio System in the Lincoln MKX, Choosing the Right Amp for Your Car or Truck, What You Need to Know About Car Amp Wiring, Home Audio Systems: A Guide for Beginners, make sure they'll work with your existing head unit. That might sound like a lot of nonsense, but it basically means that the amplifier will be able to sit between your factory head unit and your new speakers and allow you to turn your music up without any distortion. If you are unsure whether your vehicle meets this criteria, please speak to one of our experts. In these instances, an additional fitting appointment will be required at no extra cost. Further details are available in our Privacy Policy. On the other hand, you can also go with a head unit that has preamp outputs and an amplifier that’s capable of fully powering your speakers. Jerrick Leger is a CompTIA-certified IT Specialist with more than 10 years' experience in technical support and IT fields. And that isn't a judgmental statement. Go sit in your car, close the doors, and crank up the windows. Installation and Fabrication services available at all Visions Electronics Store Locations with the exception of the North Vancouver and Calgary South West location. It isn't some byzantine formula that’s used to calculate speaker power levels or optimal speaker placements. You’ll also want to decide on whether you’re going to use the full range or component speakers. That’s great, but the sheer number of choices out there can be paralyzing. If you have a late model car with an integrated infotainment system, it can also be very difficult to upgrade the stereo. When you add a powerful amplifier into a factory sound system, it’s easy to overpower the speakers. If you’re building a system from the ground up, then you can either start with the speakers or the head unit. You’ll probably need an amp with speaker level inputs if you’re leaving the factory stereo in place, but some premium factory head units come with line level outputs. As an essential retailer our stores, garages and mobile experts will remain open with continued safety measures in place. Whether you need Subwoofers, Speakers, Amplifiers, Car Alarms, Remote Start, Bluetooth Receivers, Marine Audio, Video, in-dash navigation, or Professional Installation we have you covered. One good place for budget-conscious newbies to start is the speakers. If you’re a total newbie to the world of car audio systems, then there’s just one key fact that you should be aware of. With a full line-up of aftermarket and custom electronic solutions, we are London Ontarios most versatile and trusted automotive electronics experts. Here’s a test that just about anyone can do: You’re listening for a couple of different things, and you don’t have to be an expert audiophile to pick up on them. This is the absolute easiest way to install a new head unit, and it ensures that you can pop the factory stereo back in any time you want. Audio visual, wipers, batteries, roof racks, baby seats and more. He also ghostwrites articles for numerous major trade publications. Something caught your eye? That alone will typically result in a huge improvement over the factory sound. All you need to do is: At Halfords, we can provide as much free help and advice about in-car technology as you need. How important is your budget? So how can you tell if your factory audio needs a little tender loving care? Our car audio experts have completed hundreds of thousands of installations and are fully certified too, so your car will be in safe hands! This includes air conditioning systems, heaters or air vents. Just ask us and we'll happily explain. Everyone has different opinions on car audio, and some people just love the look of their factory stereo. Jeremy Laukkonen is tech writer and the creator of a popular blog and video game startup. Your browser's JavaScript functionality is turned off. The great thing about car audio is that there’s no right or wrong way to go about it, and the best thing about factory audio systems is that just about any component you replace will represent at least a marginal improvement. If you do decide to drop in new speakers, it's a good idea to make sure they'll work with your existing head unit. A one-stop shop for all your mobile audio and custom fabrication needs. Either way, a subwoofer is the best way to get that bass pounding. If you fancy a new sound system in your car, you can rely on Halfords to get the job done! It doesn't have anything to do with squeezing every last bit out of a car audio capacitor or adding an additional battery. Due to safety reasons, we are currently only able to carry out interior car fitting on vehicles that have an Air Re-circulation System. Premium speakers are made out of higher quality materials, so they sound better and last longer than factory speakers. Find the best Car Stereo Installation near you on Yelp - see all Car Stereo Installation open now. If you're buying your stereo in-store, speak to one of our car audio experts who'll be more than willing to help you out! You'll be on your way with your new stereo within an average of 1 hour. Halfords Car Audio Fitting & Installation Service. Even factory-installed “premium sound systems” usually aren’t up to snuff. If you don’t like your factory stereo, then you probably want to start off with a clean slate. So where do you get started? Either way, you’ll want to end up with a head unit that is capable of fully powering the speakers. Why are we London’s top Car Stereo & Electronics Experts? Factory speakers are typically pretty anemic, so you may notice a pretty big improvement in your sound by simply replacing your front speakers. You can even replace components one at a time, as your budget permits, and eventually, you'll have a completely custom car sound system. Please enable cookies in your web browser to improve your shopping experience, Halfords Car Audio Fitting & Installation Service, *Calls to 03 numbers from private phones (including mobiles) are charged at the local rate and are included as part of any inclusive call minutes provided by your phone operator. This will vary on the purchase price of the stereo itself. With that in mind, you’ll have to upgrade your speakers if you really want to crank up the volume all the way. Sign up to keep up-to-date on everything happening in the world of Halfords. Talk to a Car Audio Sales expert today. For more information and to find a retail location near you … Car stereo installation; satellite navigation, in car entertainment, trackers and parking sensors fitted. If you are going the piecemeal, budget-conscious route, then it’s a good idea to plan out a roadmap for what you want your finished system to look like. You can book an installation when you check out online, or contact your local store. If you’re worried about the resale value of your car, or even if you’re leasing the vehicle, there are a few steps you can take to make sure that nothing gets messed up. Please turn it on so that you experience this site's full capabilities. Car Stereo Fitting. He is also a systems administrator for an IT firm in Texas serving small businesses. If you're buying your stereo online, you can have it fitted by selecting the Click & Collect option.