21 December 2017

Car audio – what do you need to know about the options available?

Buying a new car and looking at the audio options available to you? With the range of options available this can get confusing.

These days, a number of well known home entertainment brands are working with car manufacturers to make their systems available – for example, Mark Levinson (Lexus), Bose (Nissan, Mazda and Skoda), Harman Kardon (BMW), Bowers and Wilkins and Bang and Olufsen (Audi), Dynaudio (Volkswagen), Infinity (Hyundai), Meridian (Jaguar), Mcintosh (Subaru) and Bermester (Mercedes-Benz).

But what are the components of these audio systems and what do the various terms mean?

Firstly, the amplifier and channels and speakers – these are the components that amplify or boost the audio and make the output louder. The stronger the speaker signal, to less distortion of the sound through the speaker, and higher the quality of output with clearer sound. There are different types of speakers which handle the different ranges of sound – high frequency sounds are reproduced by tweeters, bass is handled by larger low range speakers and subwoofers, while the mid-range is looked after by mid-range speakers.

The number of channels refers to the number of amplifier outputs and the number of speakers that are attached. The more channels there are, the higher the number of speakers and the greater the range of sound and volume that can be reproduced. Channels are sometimes described by two numbers separated by a decimal point. A 12.2 system has 12 speakers and two subwoofers.

Secondly, watts which refers to the electrical power of a sound system. Simply put, the more watts, the more powerful the output – for example, a basic system in a small car may have 50 watts, while an expensive system in a large car may have 1000 watts.

Surround sound, which is next generation stereo uses speakers placed around the cabin to create a greater degree of depth of sound.

Active noise cancelling is a technique whereby the system plays the exact inverse sound wave of ambient noise caused by tyres and wind, relaying it through the stereo speakers. The two opposite sounds actually cancel each other out.

It might seem strange that playing additional sound through a speaker might help improve cabin ambience but the systems can be very effective.

A higher-end system will provide an equaliser – which will allow you to adjust the balance between base and treble, to allow you to customise the sound for different types of music.

Customising your in-car sound system can range from the modest to the magnificent. The simple addition of an amp can lift your car’s sound profile to a much more enjoyable level. But for some people the bigger and bolder the system, the better – the choice is yours.

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Firstly, understand that getting upset is natural, but taking a deep breath will help you make better decisions. Examine your car thoroughly and document any visible damage, taking multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches or broken parts, and capturing the surrounding area, such as road signs and markings, for context.

Next, see if you can locate the driver responsible. Sometimes, people leave a note with their contact information and insurance details. If there’s no note, look for witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. You can also check for CCTV from nearby businesses, homes or on the street, as some areas have coverage. If you’re unsure, consider contacting the local council to find out whether cameras are in place that might have captured the accident.

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If you’re still having a hard time getting a hold of the at-fault driver and therefore cannot claim directly through their car insurer, it’s time to lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, if you have one. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the police report. From there, your insurer can determine whether your coverage, along with the information you have, will cover the damage to your car.

If your car insurer happens to find information about the at-fault driver and is able to have them lodge a claim so the costs of the damage are recoverable, you can contact Carbiz for a replacement car while your car is being repaired or until it’s been deemed a total loss. This ensures you’re not left without a car during this time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to keep your life moving.

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