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Subwoofers are speakers that are used to produce low frequencies. These speakers produce what is commonly called bass. The low, deep notes in music. In car audio, subwoofers are extremely common and are often the main feature of car sound systems. Subwoofers differ from other speakers because they require their own enclosure. Their enclosure is usually a box, made of different types of natural, or engineered woods like medium-density fibreboard (MDF). These enclosures are extremely important and are directly related to subwoofer performance. Subwoofers can range from sound quality speakers designed for clear bass, and others can be made maximum sound pressure level (loudness). Subwoofers come in many sizes usually including 8", 10", 12", 15" and sometimes 18" and 21". They are usually circular but some brands manufacture square shaped subwoofers. These speakers are usually placed in the trunk because their enclosures often require more room than is available inside the cabin of a car; however they can be placed under seats if they are small enough.
Pictured above, on the left, there is a Pioneer subwoofer used in many entry level systems. In the middle there is a square Kicker subwoofer that is considered a very controversial speaker. Many enthusiasts are on the fence about the abilities of this speaker. On the right, there is a very powerful 18" subwoofer. It is an Ascendant Audio SMD subwoofer capable of handling over 2500 watts of continuous power (RMS).
using Alpine Equipement.speakers. There are fibre-glass housing. These types of sound systems are often used for car shows rather than competition because they sacrifice loudness for the clean, sleek appearance.
{Car-Audio-Custom.jpg}
Sources:

About Me
My name is Nick McNally. I'm a first year student in the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. I am studying Commerce, with a specialization in Finance. I was born and raised in Ottawa, and live in Orleans, east of downtown Ottawa. I have been a car enthusiast and a music fanatic my entire life. Just recently, I realized I can combine my love for both of these things, and I developed a strong interest in car audio. The summer after high school, I used some of the money I saved working at a grocery store, to purchase my first car, a 2003 Chevrolet Impala. I needed a large sedan, with enough trunk volume to ensure I can fit whatever audio equipment I may need into it. My original plan was to completely install my car's audio system after fixing up some basic mechanical problems, by the start of my first semester; However, once I finished all the repairs and made my tuition payments, I realized I'd have to postpone purchasing the audio equipment until I can afford it, and still have money to eat. My plans are still clear in my head and I'm extremely anxious to get started.
My Wiki
When it comes to car audio systems, most people are reminded of that kid down the street who drives around all night blasting bass, keeping the neighbourhood from sleeping. Perhaps they just think of the radio in their car that they only use to rid the car of that awkward silence when their passengers aren't engaged in conversation. While this may be true, many people, like myself, treat car audio as a hobby, and love a great sound system that meets and often exceeds their desires. This wiki is focused on the basics of car audio systems and their components.
Below is a video of Steve Meade giving the manager of a car dealership a demo of his Tahoe. Meade is a car enthusiast who is well known on youtube and the car audio world for having an extremely well installed audio system running thousands of watts of power. In the video you can see just how powerful his system is. It's been upgraded several times and now reaches over 155 dB!

RMS
600W
and highs.
The Amplifier
I have not yet made up my mind on which amplifier I will have run my SA-15. I am considering various amps from Hifonics (only the new CEA complaints), Rockford Fosgate, RE Audio, Sundown Audio and more. I won't get into details about each amplifier because I have a list of about 16 amplifiers to narrow down.
When I purchase the coaxial speakers, I will look into an amplifier to increase their power as well.
Other Equipment
I also plan on purchasing a sound deadening kit to layer my trunk with. Sound deadener will reducing rattling from the bass and will also insulate the car better keeping more sound in the car, making my system louder inside the car, and quieter outside of it.
electrical system. Eventually when further upgrades are needed. I will be replacing the stock battery and alternator with an XS Power battery and an Iraggi or MechMan alternator for maximum power supply.
[[include component="comments" page="The Plans I Have for my Car" limit="10"]]
Sources:
http://www.sundownaudio.com/index.php/products/item/sa-series.html?category_id=3
Image Sources:
http://www.lacar.com/images/pages/roy%20nakano/impala2003frontqtrlrs.jpg
http://www.gpsfever.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/JVC-KD-HDR44-HDR70-1.jpg
http://forums.trinituner.com/upload/data/ef/SA%20subs.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51mUFjcZvIL._SL500_AA300_.jpg
http://www.db-r.com/sell/store2/images2/subwoofers/sundown/SA/SA-family-01lg.png

Pictured above are two basic, common mid-range speakers.
Coaxials (Mids & Highs)
{mtxspeaks.jpg} {audio_rockfrod_speakers.png}{T1693_1_l.jpg}
Coaxial speakers have multiple different speakers on one frame. In most cases, they consist of a tweeter paired up with a mid-range speaker. Usually, the tweeter is mounted above and in the centre of the mid-range speaker, as seen in the photos above. These speakers are space conserving because only a single mounting location is needed, as opposed to two if the tweeter and mid-range speakers were separate. Also, better sound quality can be produced in certain situations because the sound is being projected from one location. In some audio systems, it is possible to identify the direction in which certain frequencies are coming and this usually decreases sound quality in the system. Coaxial speakers are very common in aftermarket audio systems because of their benefits.
Pictured above are different coaxial speakers made by MTX and Rockford Fosgate.
Subwoofers are speakers that are used to produce low frequencies. These speakers produce what is commonly called bass. The low, deep notes in music. In car audio, subwoofers are extremely common and are often the main feature of car sound systems. Subwoofers differ from other speakers because they require their own enclosure. Their enclosure is usually a box, made of different types of natural, or engineered woods like medium-density fibreboard (MDF). These enclosures are extremely important and are directly related to subwoofer performance. Subwoofers can range from sound quality speakers designed for clear bass, and others can be made maximum sound pressure level (loudness). Subwoofers come in many sizes usually including 8", 10", 12", 15" and sometimes 18" and 21". They are usually circular but some brands manufacture square shaped subwoofers. These speakers are usually placed in the trunk because their enclosures often require more room than is available inside the cabin of a car; however they can be placed under seats if they are small enough.
Pictured above, on the left, there is a Pioneer subwoofer used in many entry level systems. In the middle there is a square Kicker subwoofer that is considered a very controversial speaker. Many enthusiasts are on the fence about the abilities of this speaker. On the right, there is a very powerful 18" subwoofer. It is an Ascendant Audio SMD subwoofer capable of handling over 2500 watts of continuous power (RMS).
Below is a fully installed sound system using Alpine Equipement. There are four 12" Alpine Type-R subwoofers and amplifiers and a capacitor (power storage device) being displayed. The system is enclosed in a painted fibre-glass housing.
{Car-Audio-Custom.jpg}
Sources:
http://hometheater.about.com/cs/loudspeakers/a/aasubwoofera.htm
http://www.crutchfield.com/S-eorSPKrXefW/learn/learningcenter/car/speakers.html
Image Sources:
http://www.bowers-wilkins.com/Images/MediaImages/medium/XJ-Sound--Precise-Positioning.jpg
http://www.drdetailshop.com/CO652andCO552Tweeter7lg.gif
http://withfriendship.com/images/i/40894/Tweeter-wallpaper.jpg
http://www.europe-audio.com/img/Data/HQ/sph-130al.gif
http://www.allinaudio.com/el/LM57.jpg
http://www.imshopping.com/showImageByKey.action?type=tnail&key=15wG0Ldq
http://icedotcomexpress.com/images/T1693_1_l.jpg
http://www.soarerworld.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=10188&stc=1&d=1140710244
http://www.productwiki.com/upload/images/icker_solo_baric_s10l5.jpg
http://www.ascendantaudio.com/products/Ascendant/SMD/15/smd18inchlargeside.jpg
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bEL7GWGyzjM/TT1d4Vx0_vI/AAAAAAAAAeE/ab5HFFXT8A0/s1600/Car-Audio-Custom.jpg
-Custom.jpg

Dene Lepine
Adjusted some fonts on the homepage so that it would be consistent throughout
Tolu Makinde
Formatted some Headings to give a cleaner layout
[[include component="comments" page="home" limit="5"]]
Date

http://www.bcae1.com/headunit.htm
http://www.edmunds.com/car-technology/car-audio/understanding-car-audio-systems-the-head-unit.html
Image Sources:
http://static.trustedreviews.com/94%7c7aff4b%7c77be_4105-9881RBanglesh.jpg
http://www.ecoustics.com/electronics/products/new/613121.jpg

{Car_Audio.gif}
[[rss url="feed://caraudiomag.com/rss" link="true" number="9"]]
Image sources:
http://carsmodification.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/car-audio-systems.jpg
http://www.alarmandstereo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/kenwood-car-audio-system-2.jpg
http://www.pulsecaraudio.org/Car_Audio-logo-C684F06C99-seeklogo.com.gif (edited colour)
Contributions
Contributions I Have Made to Other Wikis:
Feb 6, 2012 12:08 am
{http://c1.wikicdn.com/i/user_none_sm.jpg} dene-lepine dene-lepine
Image sources:
http://carsmodification.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/car-audio-systems.jpg
http://www.alarmandstereo.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/kenwood-car-audio-system-2.jpg
http://www.pulsecaraudio.org/Car_Audio-logo-C684F06C99-seeklogo.com.gif (edited colour)
http://images.kenwood.eu/files/products/product_id_642/category_8/original/KDC-W3537A_AY.jpg (logo)