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Buying guides and plain-English answers from people who install this stuff.

Car audio doesn't have to be confusing. These guides are written by our team, people who've installed hundreds of systems, to help you buy right the first time.

Buying guides

Pro audio guides

Quick answers

What do watts actually mean?

Watts measure power. RMS watts = continuous, honest output, the number that matters. Peak watts = short bursts. Match RMS between your amp and speakers for clean, safe volume.

What is impedance (ohms)?

Resistance the speaker presents to the amp. Lower ohms = more power drawn, but only if the amp is rated for it. Check that your amp is stable at your sub's wired impedance (common: 4Ω, 2Ω, 1Ω).

Sealed or ported enclosure?

Sealed = tight, accurate bass in a smaller box. Ported = louder bass that plays lower, in a bigger box. Rock and acoustic lean sealed; hip-hop and EDM lean ported.

Do I need a DSP?

If you're keeping a factory head unit or want serious tuning control (time alignment, per-channel EQ), a DSP is the biggest sound-quality upgrade per dollar after speakers.

Will aftermarket audio drain my battery?

Normal systems, no. Big amps (1500W+ RMS) can, that's when you look at a high-output alternator, an AGM battery, or a capacitor. Ask us and we'll size it for you.

Ask a human

Guides only go so far. Email support@audiowattstore.com or call (408) 620-5173 with what you drive and what you want it to sound like, we'll spec the whole system, free.