Some of the best places to go for audio equipment include Best Buy, EBay, Craigslist or any type of local classifieds. Just remember that if you buy second hand, you need to make sure the equipment is in working condition.

One of the best upgrades for people looking to buy a new audio receiver is installing a DVD/CD head unit. Most modern DVD ready receivers include a built-in LCD screen for watching media playback. They often allow users to completely customize the display screen as well, with personal wallpapers, screensavers, or themes. Some good DVD head unit prospects include:

• Pioneer 7000DVD series
• Boss BV head unit models
• Alpine DVD receivers
• XOVision XOD series
• Sony Xplod head units and receivers.

Not everyone is looking to install a DVD receiver in their auto, therefore, a regular CD receiver will make due. Some great CD receiver models include:

• Pioneer DEH-P5100UB
• Sony MEX-BT5700U
• Kenwood Excelon KDC-X991
• JVC KD-HDR50
• XOVision XOD9114

In last week’s article I also mentioned some alternatives for upgrading car audio equipment including AM/FM radio transmitters and similar devices, which allow greater functionality for your stereo, including iPod or MP3 support. The best way possible to connect an iPod or MP3 player is through the AUX input on the receiver unit. This allows higher quality output without a downgrade to FM  radio quality sound. If your receiver unit has no AUX input, then an FM transmitter is the next option. Some great devices or examples include:

• Griffin iTrip
• Belkin Tunecast
• MacAlly FM Cup
• Radian iBlast
• DLO Transpod

Of course, the final audio equipment upgrade involves replacing the stock speakers with custom or aftermarket brands. In many cases this will improve sound quality greatly, as long as the stock or current receiver unit installed outputs high quality sound. In some instances, users won’t benefit from this upgrade if they have a low-end receiver unit. Some great examples of aftermarket speaker models include:

• Sony XPlod Series
• Alpine Type-R Speakers
• Boston Acoustics SX series
• JBL Power Series

Of course, options aren’t limited to what has been noted here. There are plenty more high end audio options available. Keep looking, and don’t settle until you find exactly what you want. Remember to test out the equipment you’re going to install before you find out the hard way that everything you want to upgrade is incompatible.

Sometimes, however, the life of an auto outlasts the life of the audio system or equipment, or in other cases users just have a desire for some form of upgrade in both quality and function. In that case, obviously the only way to go is to upgrade the automotive sound system.

There are several ways that an automotive sound system can be upgraded; some are costly and others not so much. That means users looking to enhance their systems have several different options they can choose from based on total cost and individual preference.

One of the more costly options is upgrading your car CD player or receiver device. Stock CD players and sound equipment can sometimes be worse than aftermarket devices. The reason being that most automotive companies don’t pour their time into creating a decent CD player or receiver unless the auto is the high end version or fully loaded. Many after-market receivers even open new doors when compared to a stock device. For instance most after-market CD players now come with some form of external media device support for players such as iPods or similar MP3 units.

Another option, this one being less costly, involves replacing just the speakers within the automotive. This is a good idea if one of the stock speakers is blown or no long producing clear sound and powerful bass. Keep in mind that a car equipped with a low-end CD player or receiver will sound worse than one with more capabilities. In other words, just replacing speakers will not make your sound system better. The best reason for doing this would be due to the fact that the stock receiver is of good quality, and users are looking for more of a sound boost. Users also can purchase and install an after-market sub-woofer, which will provide a more enhanced bass boost while listening to music.

If the type of upgrade you desire is to allow support for additional content instead of what a CD will supply, then it is also possible to purchase and install media playback plug-ins, which will allow users to connect portable media devices to their current stock system. This is a cheaper method of adding iPod or MP3 playback support without purchasing and installing a new receiver or CD player. Users can purchase an FM transmitter, which will connect to compatible devices and stream the audio through a designated radio channel.

Next week we will explore some great devices and audio equipment that will be plausible upgrades for those who are looking.

Hamann has just released a tune-up/style kit for the 2009 Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Hamann reports that the custom kit gives the, already beautiful, sports car more power, a better aerodynamic frame and better airflow. What exactly is added to the car you ask? Hamann has plastered on a new front lip spoiler with a new front skirt, and some new side skirts. A newly designed spoiler also has been added to match the custom body kit along with a three piece rear defuser. The body kit comes made in two completely different materials: fiber glass or carbon fiber. Not to mention the stylish 21″ glossy black rims, which are wedged between the Vantage sport tires.

The new body kit is nice and all, but it makes the Vantage look more like some street racing car. Personally I think it degrades what Aston Martin was going for, an auto designed to reflect comfort, luxury and power in a very sophisticated manner. The new kit looks almost like some spoiled rich teenager took a $115,000 car and slapped on some cheap body pieces to fit in with the local scene. You be the judge; take a look at this photo of the Vantage before and after the body kit is installed. Then answer the poll and let us know if you think Hamann went too far with its new body kit?

Aston Martin before

Aston Martin after

Looking for some racing helmets? They’ve got them. Maybe some racing suits? You’re covered for them here as well. I was looking through the selections, and I’ve got to say that my personal favorite is the Simpson karting suit with brilliant flames on it. Who could resist? From gloves to seats to shoes to racing undergarments, this site should have exactly what you’re looking for. They might even have something better than what you are looking for.

This is definitely a great online one-stop shop for all types of racing gear. RacingDirect.com has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, but you know what you’re getting because all of the equipment is from top brands like Force, Pilota, and Bell. These products can be for Auto, Off-Road, Street, Kart, and Motorcycle Racing.

Ready…Set…Go to RacingDirect.com today.

My favorite addition to a vehicle is good music. Until a year ago, my car had a standard radio and cd player. At the whim of the local radio stations, I often switched between stations and cds. However, for Christmas I received a plug and play satellite radio. This gift greatly improved my level of satisfaction while driving.

With satellite radio, I can choose the type of music to which I want to listen. Unlike fm radio where there may be only one station that plays the music of my choice, satellite radio easily has 4 selections within that category. So, if one channel in the top 20 music category is playing a song I don’t like, I have 3 more from which to choose.

Beyond the amount of choice within a category, there also are more categories. Whether you like classical, country, Christian, alternate, or anything in between, it is an option. Plus, if you like talk radio, there are a plethora of choices.

Another benefit to satellite radio is not having to find a new station every time you leave the range of broadcast. Being a frequent traveler on the Atlantic coast, it is nice to know that I never have to change stations due to location.

Whether I am driving 5 minutes to run an errand or am embarking on a daylong trip, I am excited to have this great assortment of music with me, as I am out cruising on my tires and wheels.