At Speed of Sound, we love a good audio system as much as the next. With an ear for high-quality sound and equipment we’re here to help you design a stereo sound system that enhances your listening experience without breaking the budget.
Whether you’re looking for car audio installation or an improved experience on your boat or motorcycle, Speed of Sound can bring your listening desires to life.
Common Car Head Unit Sizes
Created in the mid 1980’s by European automobile manufacturers the DIN standard (Duetch Industri Nomen) was established to classify car stereo opening sizes. After 1988 there are basically two standard sizes for aftermarket sizing with some very rare exceptions.
- Single DIN (or DIN)- the opening for the receiver is roughly 7 ⅛”W x 2”H.
- Double DIN – has an opening of 7 ⅛:W x 4”H and is common in newer vehicles.
Single DIN Head Unit
Double DIN Head Unit
You have your heart set on a larger screen head unit but you only have a single DIN opening? No problem, there are several manufacturers out there who make a flip out touch screen in a single DIN configuration.
Using Your Smartphone To Control Your Stereo
Remember the old days, arguing who had control of the sound system, who’s music were we going to listen to and lastly who gets to ride shotgun for easy access to the stereo?
Many of todays manufacturers have taken this into consideration and made it possible to control the car’s stereo from a smartphone. You can stream music, have your text messages read back to you, control the radio, access navigation, make and receive phone calls, control the audio and many more features.
Types Of Car Audio Systems
Car audio systems can do more than just play music. Many of todays systems will let you listen to the radio, play a CD or DVD, connect to your smartphone and run their apps, or even integrate with your vehicle’s factory infotainment and vehicle information, such as performance information. Depending on what type of control you require will directly affect the type of car stereo that you choose.
CD (Only) Receiver: Gives you the ability to play CD’s and most of these units offer bluetooth/wireless or USB connections, allowing you to use your smartphone for additional entertainment and convenience.
CD/DVD Receiver: Has all the features of a CD receiver but with the added ability to play DVDs. You will need have a rear seat entertainment system to take full advantage of this system.
Digital Media Player/Receiver: These systems do not contain a disc mechanism and lack the ability to play CDs or DVDs. They still contain a radio receiver and can connect to a smart device, USB or SD Card inputs, bringing the majority of your entertainment from your smart phone or a digital storage device..
GPS/Navigation Receiver: This feature adds the ability to use a navigation system that employs satellite GPS tracking giving you a wider coverage area over phones that rely on land based cell towers. Some of these models have the ability to play CDs or DVDs and some are Mech-less.
Additional Features For GPS/Navigation Receivers:
- Guidance by Garmin: Garmin navigation software, offering a variety of display options to make your driving easy, such as Photo Real Junction View and Lane Assist.
- Lane Assist: Lane Assist guides you to the correct lane for an approaching turn or exit, making unfamiliar intersections and exits a breeze to navigate.
- Lane Information: Pioneer’s proprietary app that displays the best lane to travel in for the quickest route.