Car Audio 101

sajidfrm
Jan 14
3 min read

Updated: Jan 21

Words used by Car Audio Experts explained through Water Flow Analogy

Head Unit / Car Stereo / Car Infotainment System
The head unit is like the overhead tank in a water flow system. It's the source from which all audio "flows" to other components.

Car Audio Infotainment System
Speakers
Speakers function like taps in a water flow system where water is released with medium level of output. They convert the audio signal into sound waves, allowing you to experience the music.

Car Speaker
Subwoofer
The subwoofer is comparable to a large outlet that handles low-frequency output, akin to how a drain manages heavy water flow. It ensures that the deep bass notes are delivered powerfully by moving lots of air.

Car Subwoofer
Tweeters
Think of Tweeters as a fine water sprinkler that creates a delicate mist (high frequencies). It handles the crisp, detailed sound notes.

Car Tweeters
Amplifier
The amplifier acts like a pump in the system, increasing the pressure of the audio signal (like water pressure) so it can flow in greater volume to the speakers, thereby releasing more sound into the environment.

Car Audio Amplifier
RMS Power
This is like the sustainable, continuous water flow a pipe can handle. It's the continuous power a speaker can manage safely.
Peak Power
Similar to the maximum water surge a pipe can handle briefly without bursting. It's the maximum short-term power capacity. Usually in Car Audio, when brands advertise power figures like 1000W, they are referring to Peak Power and not RMS Power.
Frequency Response
Like having a water system that can handle everything from a gentle drip to a powerful surge. It represents the range of sounds (from low to high) that can be reproduced.
Distortion
Similar to turbulence in water flow. When the flow becomes too chaotic, you get unwanted noise and disruption in the sound.
Damping / Sound Deadening
Sound deadening materials are like insulation around pipes that reduce noise and vibration. They help to minimize unwanted sound interference, ensuring that the audio flow remains clear and undisturbed, just as insulation keeps water flow quiet and stable.
Crossover
The crossover functions like an automated valve that directs audio frequencies in different bands to different speakers. It divides audio frequencies and ensures that high frequencies flow to tweeters, mid frequencies to speakers and low frequencies to subwoofers.
Equalizer
Equalizer can be seen as a series of adjustable gates that control the flow of different frequencies, allowing the user to fine-tune the audio output. This is like adjusting the flow rate of water in different pipes to achieve the desired pressure and balance.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP)
DSP in a car audio system functions much like a command control station in a water flow system, ensuring high-quality sound delivery. In simple terms, think of DSP like a high-tech Crossover + Equalizer that allows a Car Audio Expert to tweak the input signal and fine tune it to your listening preference of sound.
Impedance
Measured in Ohms - Think of this as pipe resistance. Just as narrower pipes resist water flow more than wider ones, higher ohm ratings mean more electrical resistance.
Wiring Harness
The wiring harness is like the network of pipes that transport water throughout a building. It connects the different components of the audio system, ensuring that the electrical signals flow smoothly from one part to another, similar to how pipes carry water to various outlets.
Installation Kit
The installation kit is analogous to the various fittings and connectors used in water flow. It includes all the necessary components to connect the audio system together, ensuring that everything fits seamlessly and functions properly.