If you like improved sound and features, the answer is a definite YES! Aftermarket car audio systems generally have more powerful amplifiers and improved sound controls over factory stereos. Additionally, aftermarket systems provide lots of options for things like Bluetooth and smartphone compatibility, satellite radio, navigation, USB and aux input features and touchscreen controls. Of course, this depends on which type and model you buy, but the options are plenty!

That’s entirely up to what you want to get out of your new stereo. There are basically four primary types of car stereos available on the market.

• CD receivers are the “norm”. Obviously, they play CDs, but most will also have USB and aux input, plus a radio tuner (of course!).
• DVD receivers play both DVDs and CDs, but offer touchscreen displays that allow you to watch videos or display album art, audio controls and smartphone integration.
• Digital Media receivers don’t have the CD (or DVD) option but are perfect for streaming music.
• Navigation receivers will have the built-in screen (like the DVD receiver) and will include GPS navigation, so you don’t have to use your smartphone to find your way.

Most new stereos integrate with smartphones.  Many even offer Apple and Android interface options that replicate the operation of many smartphone features. Almost all new models will also provide Bluetooth and USB connection to your phone.

Yes, but in most cases a special adapter will need to be installed.

If this is important to you, we’ll help you find a model that lets you adjust the color for different parts of the receiver. There are even models that let you adjust specific RGB colors for just the right match.  You’ll love the way your new car stereo actually looks like it belongs in your dash!

Probably, but there may be limits to their performance, including distortion.  We recommend adding aftermarket speakers to take advantage of the full scope of sound your new receiver will deliver.  Your new system will likely sound best and perform optimally with a new car stereo and speakers.

You need marine rated equipment that is designed to stand up to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, pouring rain and downright abuse. Failure to have the proper equipment can cause big trouble for your boat’s electrical components. Your audio gear needs to be able to handle an open climate so that you can enjoy the water, salt and sun that makes boating so much fun! We have great options for marine tested audio equipment.

There are a lot of variables. Your speakers have an impact on the overall performance of your system.  If your speakers are efficient (sensitivity of 90 dB or higher), then you should have good luck with powering them to your in-dash receiver.  High performance component speakers with an outboard amp will generate top performance. Subwoofers require a lot of power, so you’ll need an outboard amplifier to accompany them.  High quality wiring (which we carry) is also an important ingredient in getting the optimum performance from your new sound system.

Sure!  Most new systems provide enough increased power to dial up the bass, but if you’re looking for a substantial “thump”, then consider adding a subwoofer with an outboard amp.

Speakers with a lower RMS (root mean square: peak power handling value) range are suitable for factory and most aftermarket stereos without an external amplifier, but the higher RMS range speakers will work better with an external amp. Either way, you’ll get the best results toward the upper end of that RMS range.

Yep! You’ll find that upgrading your speakers are the most cost-effective stereo enhancement you can make….and the music will be much clearer and crisper than coming from your old factory speakers. Even if you have newer factory installed speakers, they generally aren’t built to last as long as a great pair of aftermarket speakers.  Pair your speakers with an amp that has a power rating in the upper end of your speaker’s power range, and you’ll be enjoying that sweet, sweet music for years to come!

Probably.  You might get better sound with a more powerful receiver, but most of the speakers we carry will sound just fine with a factory radio.  There are exceptions to this and we’ll be happy to cover those with you when we know more about your current system.

We can help you with loud! If you want a sub that delivers maximum noise, we’ll work with you to consider the sensitivity, enclosure type (ported or bandpass), available power and amp that will give you the sound power you’re looking for.

If really low bass is your thing, we can match you up with a large woofer and the right sealed enclosure. A low frequency response on your woofer can deliver very deep tones, so we’ll work with you to consider the right wattage to achieve those low notes you love so much!

You’ll get a clearer sound from an aftermarket system, but there are ways to hook up an amp and sub to a factory stereo and we’d be happy to discuss those options with you.

You bet! We offer a great selection of subwoofers that will fit in pickups. We can also provide just the right enclosure designed to fit and blend in with your truck’s interior.

That depends entirely on your preference to music and bass sounds.

• A sealed enclosure is compact and can fit in more places. It can provide a precise, clean sound, but requires more power for loud volumes. A sealed box will provide the deepest bass.
• A ported subwoofer enclosure will provide for louder, more booming music and requires less power than a sealed enclosure. It may require a subsonic filter on the amp for clearer tones. You’ll get more output than you would from a sealed box at any given output. Ported boxes can deliver a lot of bass, but they need to be larger than sealed enclosures to get to that point.
• Bandpass enclosures mount the woofer inside of a dual-chamber box (one chamber sealed and one ported) with the sound waves coming from the ported side. They tend to be very aggressive and can get really loud, but the boxes are often big. Not all subwoofers work well in bandpass enclosures and we’ll be happy to go over all of that with you.