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Audio

All cars nowadays come fitted with an audio system as standard whether it be a case cassette player, CD player, DVD player or a sat nav. A lot of manufactures will fit a basic stereo set up in all the models that they produce. This usually consists of a single CD player and radio options. The stereo is powered by the same 12V supply that the whole car is powered by and once a function is selected, e.g. play CD track 1 or radio then the stereo sends a signal to the speakers that are fitting in the car to produce the output.

A normal stereo will also have function such as programming up to six radio stations in the memory, and there are options where you can adjust the type of sound you get from the speakers by adjusting the bass and the treble.

When you by a new car many manufacturers will offer you an option to upgrade the stereo/ audio equipment, although upgrades often cost more money depending on what you get. Some companies will offer you the choice of having a built in CD player which allows you to have up to six CDs in the stereo at one time, making it easier, quicker and safer to change over to another CD. Another upgrade may be to have a digital display; this is purely for aesthetics to make it more enjoyable to look at. Some companies also offer audio equipment with a built in Satellite Navigation (SAT NAV) this can cost up to an extra £500-£2000 depending on which car company it is.

Aftermarket stereos are often the first choice for people who buy second hand cars as they don’t feel the need to go back to the manufacture. There are many aftermarket audio shops which you can go to, to get makes such as JVC, Kenwood, and Pioneer. And like everything else you pay for what you get. Therefore prices can range from £50 - £400+. With aftermarket stereos you can still get all the different types of functions depending on what brand you go for, it also depends on what sort of price you are willing to pay. Functions can consist of:

CD player- to play CDs through the speakers in the car

USB- plug in a memory stick with MP3 tracks on and then they will play like a CD

AUX- to attach a portable MP3 player in

SD Card – this will enable you to play tracks that you have stored on the memory card  

Bluetooth – make calls from your mobile (hands free)

SAT NAV – use the sat nav function and see maps on the display screen

DVD – watch DVDs on the screen of the stereo.