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Get
More from Your Factory Stereo System |
by:
ARA |
(ARA)
- As excited consumers buy 2004 model vehicles
in the coming months, one of the first things
they want from their pride-and-joys is better
sound.
And one of the last things they want is
to engage in a complicated overhaul of the
dashboard area of their new cars.
Here's good news -- the days of that trade-off
are long gone. With add-ons such as satellite
radio, a multi-disc CD changer, or mobile
video, even factory stereos are primed for
dramatically improved entertainment options
and sound quality.
"The good news is that you don't have to
dismantle your sound system if you want
more than your in-dash receiver can offer,"
said Dan Hodgson, vice president for business
development at Crutchfield Corporation,
the leading Internet and catalog retailer
of consumer electronics.
"These products are ideal if you want to
keep your factory radio, drive a leased
vehicle, or just don't want the hassle of
a complicated installation," Hodgson said.
Adding satellite radio
One of the most popular additions to factory
systems is satellite radio, and little wonder
why. Once you've had an earful of satellite
radio's 100 channels of crystal-clear music,
news, sports, and entertainment, you'll
find it hard to go back to terrestrial signals.
Delphi and Kenwood have satellite radio
tuners that connect to your existing system
with a cassette adapter and a cigarette
lighter power adapter. The Delphi SKYFi
delivers XM satellite radio signals. Kenwood's
Here2Anywhere offers SIRIUS programming.
"These are great products because you also
can buy a kit to connect them to your home
receiver. That way, you can enjoy satellite
radio at home and in the car," Hodgson said.
Satellite radio requires a small monthly
subscription fee.
Mobile video
Even the most bland factory stereo system
can be spruced up with add-on DVD or VHS
players. The Farenheit DVD-5 plays DVDs
(and CDs), and can be stowed in a hideaway
location. Add a custom Vizualogic headrest
with a built-in monitor that slides into
your factory openings without cutting or
splicing, and you can enjoy movies in your
car without overhauling your vehicle's interior.
Add an amp or a sub
For great clarity and definition, and richer
bass, an amplifier/subwoofer combination
is definitely the way to go. An amp will
add fuller sound to the interior of your
car -- this can make a fantastic difference
in roomy SUVs.
Most of today's amplifiers have inputs that
can be connected directly to the speaker
wires in your existing or factory system.
Power a subwoofer from the amp to hear previously
unrevealed bass notes. Some subwoofers,
like Amplified Bazooka Tubes have a convenient
built-in amp, so you don't need a separate
power source.
Play multiple CDs
Tired of fumbling for single discs on (or
under) the seat to put in your CD receiver?
Then add a multi-disc changer for hours
of listening enjoyment. An FM-modulated
CD changer sends a signal from the changer
to an unused band on your FM dial.
That means any vehicle with an FM radio
is ready for a CD changer upgrade. Some
even play MP3-encoded CDs.
Some manufacturers, like USA SPEC, even
make CD changer/adapter packages for particular
makes and models of vehicles, so that you
don't have to pay dealer mark-up.
For more information, visit www.crutchfield.com
for car stereo add-on products, or visit
www.crutchfieldadvisor.com for tips on improving
your factory system.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Editor's Note: Founded in 1974, Crutchfield
Corporation is the nation's largest direct
integrated marketer (catalog, call center,
and Internet) of consumer electronics products.
It offers a convenient, full-service shopping
destination to buyers of car and home audio/video
products. Providing an unprecedented level
of customer service, Crutchfield is noted
for its high integrity, product expertise,
and technical support. Mailed to approximately
7.5 million households, Crutchfield's catalogs
include comprehensive explanations of product
and technology intended to help consumers
make informed buying decisions. Crutchfield
was the first authorized audio/video retailer
on the Internet, launching its Web site
(www.crutchfield.com) in the summer of 1995.
About the author:
Courtesy of ARA Content
Circulated by Bandoni
Media
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