Buying a head unit that packs a thump

A common question asked by many audio enthusiasts is how to select a head unit for a car-stereo system since the factory-fitted unit fails to reproduce sound as per their expectations.

Published on April 25, 2008

wijit boonchoo

Due to various attributes, styles and functions, many factors should be considered while spending your money on a stereo head unit. While I cannot select a stereo for you, I can give a few pointers on making that purchase.

Most decent head units are made in Japan or by OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in Thailand or China with strict adherence to quality control from the mother company in Japan. This is because a head unit is equipped with advanced technology and sophisticated circuitry - a technology in which Japan is known to be a world leader. Do not buy a cheap product or an unknown brand name.

Inputs: If you want to add another sound source to your head unit such as a CD changer or a portable DVD player with screen monitor, make sure your head unit has the proper connections. In general, select a CD player without a tape deck as a head unit as finding a spare part for tape decks is not easy.

If you are just looking for better sound, select a head unit without a DVD player as, trust me, it will sound better without a DVD player.

Tuner: You have to make sure that the head unit receives clear signal of FM/AM bands. In other words, the head unit should be capable of dealing with weak signals in remote areas. It is sometimes better listening to the radio broadcasts than CD-audio on long-distance journeys.

Ease of Use: This is something many people overlook while shopping for a stereo. They get swept off their feet with redundant features and too many buttons that they may never use. If you want gadgets that only have bling value, make sure you are prepared to deal with them on a day-to-day basis. Otherwise, look for a system that concentrates on friendliness and simplicity. Also, a remote control is on most occasions, of no use, as it is not that difficult to navigate functions on the front panel.

Preamp outputs (Pre-out): If you plan to add amplifiers, you will definitely want these. Your best bet for expandability is to purchase a head unit that has at least two sets of outputs.

However, most head units have amplification built in the head unit. If you are not adding amplifiers you will want to make sure the head unit you buy has enough power to drive the speakers. Amplification with 40-50 watt per channel at 4-Ohm impedance is considered powerful enough. Make sure you match your speakers and head unit as closely as possible.

Look for a head unit with the same size as the factory head unit to avoid modifications to your car's front console. Otherwise, improper modification of the front console by an inexperienced installer can damage your car.