Car Stereo &
Electronics
Amplifiers
Subwoofers
Full-Range Speakers
Midrange Speakers
Tweeters
Power Capacitors
Empty Enclosures
Loaded Enclosures
CD/Mp3 Receivers
CD Changers
Bass Packages
Car TV/Video
Satellite Radio
Bluetooth Wireless
GPS Navigation
Neon/LED Lighting
Radar Detectors
Chrome Mufflers
Car Alarms/Security
AUTO PARTS STORE
Auto Wiring &
Accessories
Air Horns
Power Antennas
Antenna Boosters
A/V Controllers
Bass Blockers
Crossovers
Dynamat
Equalizers
Fans (Cooling)
FM Modulators
Interfaces
Line Converters
Noise Filters
Power Inverters
Power Supplies
RCA Cables
RCA Splitters
Remote Controls
Signal Boosters
Vibration Control
Speaker Grills
Wiring Kits

Marine Stereo &
Electronics
Stereo Amplifiers
Stereo Speakers
Stereo Woofers
Woofer Tubes
Enclosed Speakers
Wakeboard Speakers
CD/Mp3 Receivers
TVS & Video
VHF Radios
GPS Navigation
Fish Finders
Depth Finders
Chart Plotters
Accessories

Home Stereo &
Electronics
Flat Screen & HD TVs
Surround Sound
Home Theater
DVD Players/Tivo
DVD Recorders
Blu-Ray Devices
Amplifiers/Tuners
Speaker Systems
Subwoofer Drivers
Midrange Drivers
Tweeter Drivers
Powered Subwoofers
Outdoor Speakers
Stereo Accessories
Digital Photo Frames
Video Game Systems
Game Accessories
Video Games
Home Security/Alarms

Computers &
Related Products
Desktops & Laptops
Add-Ons/Peripherals
Computer Monitors
Computer Software
Computer Games
Printers & Scanners
Ink/Specialty Papers
Parts & Components
Computer Supplies
Security/Tech Support

Personal Stereo
& Electronics
Laptop Computers
Cell Phones & PDAs
Portable TV & Video
Electronic Readers
MP3/Music Players
CD Players/Booms
Earphones/Buds
Digital Cameras
Video Cameras
Personal GPS
Bluetooth
Calculators
Accessories

Technical Help
& Education
Glossary Of Terms
Speakers Main Page
How Speakers Work
Choosing Speakers
What's A Woofer?
What's A Midrange?
What's A Tweeter?
Other Speaker Types
More Speaker Types
What's A Capacitor?
Installing A Capacitor
What's A Crossover?
What's An Equalizer?
Speaker Enclosures
Theile/Small Param.
About Power Amps
Installing An Amp
Installation Tips
Power Ratings
Installing/Replacing
Head Units/Receivers
Installing Neon/LED
Eliminating Noise
Use The Right Tools
Manufacturer's Links
Home Stereo
Tech Information
FAQ
Glossary
Home Speakers

 

WELCOME
TO THE AUDIO/STEREO
TECHNINCAL EDUCATION
AND INFORMATION CENTER

Our goal here at STI is make you into a fully armed and dangerous audio/stereo consumer. To attain this exalted condition, you will need to know the terminology, the technology, the schemes and tricks of the automotive stereo trade, and gain some knowledge on the unique aspects of Home Stereo Systems as well.

On this website, you will find more than you ever wanted to know about audio/stereo equipment and systems but were afraid to ask. If you take a look at the navigation bar above, you will see that you can move around in this section quickly to find out what you need to know about speakers, amplifiers, speaker boxes & enclosures, and just about anything else. To help get you started, here's a little preview of exactly what you will find here.

GLOSSARY (Understanding Audio Terminology)
Ever wonder exactly what "MAX Power" means as opposed to "RMS?" Or what about "VAS," "dB," "THD," and all those other terms audiophiles tend to throw around? You will find all these answers and many many more in our Glossary. The Glossary is basically a dictionary of audio terms, with easy-to-understand explanations of what they mean.

Car Power
The first requisite for any car audio system is to make sure your vehicle has the electrical capacity to handle the demands of your dream system.

SPEAKERS
In the Speakers section you will find perhaps the most comprehensive explanation of the what, why, and how-to when it comes to speakers. Starting off with a some clear advice on how to choose the right speaker for your purposes, we follow with an illustrated explanation of exactly how speakers work and why. Next, we explain what the various types of speakers and crossovers are and what they are supposed to do. Then, vital information on correctly calculating impedances. And finally, for the very serious audiophile, we explain the what and wherefore of Theil/Small Parameters, the specifications you need to undersand in order to create the perfect speaker system and enclosure.

SPEAKER BOXES & ENCLOSURES
Whether you are buying or building a speaker box for your car or an enclosure for your home, you will find everything you need to know in this section. From a information on how to determine the perfect interior volume for various types and sizes of speakers, to a program you can download that will calculate all this for you, we offer expert advice on enclosures of all types.

HEAD UNITS / RECEIVERS
In this section, we explain in detail how to install or replace a head unit or receiver in your vehicle. It includes a chart for common wiring color codes. See recommended Tools.

AMPLIFIERS
Finally, we give a comprehensive explanation of amplifiers--what they do, how they do it, and which one would be just right for your needs. For the confusing matter of power, we have a page on, What's a Watt? We also provide plenty of information on general installation issues with tips on wire gauges, dealing with noise, and impedance matching.

HOME STEREO
In our Home Stereo Section, you will find a complimentary Glossary that addresses terminology unique to home stereo systems. In addition, there is a page answering some Frequently Asked Questions and another full of information on Home Stereo Speakers and Drivers.

GOT A QUESTION?
If, after searching through our pile here, you find yourself still uncertain about some aspect of audio technology, or if you find any of our explanations hard to understand, don't worry. You can always get answers to your questions by simply asking us.

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Car Stereo
Technical Help