Your Car Stereo Can Do What?!

With the ever-changing advancements in technology, keeping up with the latest and greatest gadgets is sometimes a challenge, as well as a strain on your pockets. With car audio systems, the same concept applies. If you are looking for sound equipment to add-on or to upgrade your current stereo system, below is some basic information about the latest devices to keep up with today’s trends in music.

Back when I was a teen, the ’in’ thing was a detachable-face, car stereo cassette tape player. I remember saving up my weekly paychecks from the donut shop, just to get my hands on one!

The first thing to consider when upgrading your car audio equipment is how you listen to your music. Today, there are a number of ways one can play their music. Some of the popular devices are:

·         iPods

·         Flash memory storage devices

·         MP3 players

·         Bluetooth audio streaming

·         CD’s

·         Pandora Internet radio

·         HD Radio broadcasts

·         Satellite radio

·         FM radio

Another thing to think about is if you want any applications with your audio equipment such as GPS navigation, weather reports or Bluetooth devices.

Once you know your options, choosing the path to the right car stereo will become clearer.

Here’s a good money-saving tip when it comes to your stereo:

If you have an older model or factory car stereo with no ports and don’t have the funds to get something new, then wireless transmitter adaptors are for you.  The adaptors are compatible with different cell phones, iPods and MP3 players and plug right into the car’s cigarette lighter.  They transmit the music from your electronic music device through your car’s speaker’s using your existing car radio!  

Tunecast Auto FM Transmitter photo courtesy of bestbuy.com

For internet, HD and Satellite radio, you would need to purchase the actual device to utilize the additional channels.

If you want to get all the bell and whistles under one device, many new car stereo systems today can do just about everything!

When I finally got my new Panasonic car stereo, I was thrilled to listen to the tape mixes my friends and I made on fancy equipment people envied!

Car audio equipment has evolved quite a bit since I was in my prime; therefore, my best advice: see your local car audio store and ask the experts! There are so many ways to build the ‘perfect’ system and experts can tell you about everything down to the installation.  

Have any question or comments about today’s blog? Let us know!

~ Charlene Marie