Car Decks Guide

By: Jason Petrina


Car decks have gone through a lot of technological advances since its first introduction in the late 60’s. With the 8-track cartridge which originate from an even earlier predecessor 4-track cartridge. But the car decks have developed at a slow pace at the beginning with the 8-track days to the cassettes decks. Cassette decks were the most dominant in the late 70’s to through out the entire 80’s and early 90’s. Since then the technology of the car decks have rapidly changed along with the walkmans’ technology. With the CD players decks that are still popular today to the CD/MP3, mini-disc (MD) to even DVD players. Depending on what you want to play, the price for car decks can range from $100 to well over $1500.

The car deck is the head unit of any car stereo system. It is the device that makes everything else in the car stereo system such as the speakers and subwoofer work. Which is why the car deck is usually referred to as the “headquarter” of the entire stereo system. By reading from a CD or DVD (also known as the source), the car decks then controls the sound the car stereo system by sending out the signals to the components. The car decks allow you to change the setting to suit your music. Some car decks may already have presets ready for users such as Jazz, Full Bass and Treble and such. Along with more options and features is the price hike that happens.

There are many brands out in the car deck market. And depending on the brands there are many different types of car decks that have different features on the as well. Such brands include Panasonic, Sony, JVC and Pioneer just to name a few. Car decks can now play either cassette tapes, CDs, DVDs, MDs or even combinations of them. One feature that is usually with the car decks is the AM/FM radio. And with the gaining popularity of Satellite radio, which is radio stations that you pay for so there won’t be commercials car decks are now starting to move into that market as well now. Such satellite station that are currently up and running is Sirius. Also many manufacturers are now including waterproofing and shock resistance features with the car decks.

Car decks are usually equipped with a screen that displays the track number and such for the drivers. Most car deck models use light emitting diode (LED) backlighting for display. Also there are a lot of car decks that uses liquid crystal display (LCD) for their screen to display graphics and animations. LCD screens are usually more expensive than LED screens, and depending on how much you want to spend will also affect the quality of the animations and graphics displayed on your car deck screens. For safety measures now, most car decks come with a handheld controller or steering wheel controller to allow drivers to keep their eyes on the road instead of the car deck.

Car decks all have a minimum of four channel open for speakers, and if you want more channel for speakers there are two options. Option one would be to hand over a bit more cash and get a better car deck that will have more channels for speakers. Or the second option would be to equip your car deck along with an amplifier for a couple of more channels. The car decks also only project out between 45-60 watts/channel without the amplifier. With the amplifier it will provide more power to make the pump your music, and the more powerful your amplifier is the louder the music will be.

A car deck is possibly the next most expensive item in your car other than the car itself. And protecting the car deck has always been one of the top priorities for all who owns an expensive car stereo system. Most criminals will not go through the trouble of stealing a stock car decks but how can one protect their aftermarket car deck? Newer models now include the feature of detachable face. As it will be pointless for thieves to break into your car without knowing what kind of car deck it is. The detached face will allow you to keep it in your glove compartment or bring it with you when you are away from your car.


Jason Petrina is the Editor and Publisher of Article Click. For more FREE articles for your ezine and websites visit - www.articleclick.com